Cousinshadow

Roman tracks

The Romans left traces of their civilization across Europe, Africa, the Near East and, possibly, beyond . . . select each photo to read more.

Fair with an "e"

Why does everyone yell at the Renaissance Faire? Did people yell a lot during the Renaissance? We went today and I saw several familiar faces - Xena, Miles Standish, Johnny Depp, and Jim Bridger (or, at least, people who looked a lot like them). And, what does "Huzzah" mean?

And now, the Fez

I bought one of these for my cat, Empress Frida. After putting it on her head, she gave me the "we are not amused look."

After 15 seconds she knocked it off.

Three days later, I found it chewed up and in rags behind the sofa.

Instant Audience

Applause.

It's Furry Rascal Week!

Note the tongue.

CuteOverload.

When all else fails, wear a tie or break out in song

Okay, kids. Where are the comments?

Spite Houses

"When I lived in Washington in the 1940s, there was a house called the "Spite House." It was only one room wide and was supposedly separated from a full-size house after a family quarrel. Do you have any information on it? I've never been able to find anything in any of the books about Washington oddities." Answer.

Bubbles and Balloons

One less thing to water

Roses are blooming

The Lives They Left Behind

When Willard Psychiatric Center in New York's Finger Lakes closed in 1995, workers discovered hundreds of suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building. Many of them appeared to be untouched since their owners packed them decades earlier before entering the institution . . . continue.

Scenes for the Russian subway

Off to balalaika lessons.

And, more.

Mom is angry

When you are only four months old you can be forgiven the odd bad hair day.

But apparently not if you are having a passport photograph taken.

Kate Lurie thought the photographic assistant was joking when he pointed to her daughter Eden's three-inch hair in the portrait and said: "It's too spiky." Continue.

The Lima Holes

Of all the ancient cultures in South America, perhaps the most mysterious are those found in and around the rugged mountains of Peru. The area is such a harsh environment, with steep inclines, temperature extremes and a scarcity of water to sustain crops or man, that it is a puzzle why ancient cultures settled here. But settle they did, often building large living centers from stone at very high altitudes where low atmospheric pressure makes even walking a breathless task. Continue.

The Baby's tattoo, installation #4

Abandoned carnival in China

More.

Main Street, Visalia

20 Words That Should Exist

No. 6. CARPERPETUATION (kar' pur pet u a shun) n.
The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.

And, more.

Cousin #2

Fröhliche Ostern

More vintage Easter cards here.

Cousins #1

Congratulations, little brother

April 1, 2007
Visalia, CA

Cute pups