ICON: Mark Twain

The man, the myth, the legend.  

Happy Birthday, Sam Clemens. 

There's far too much Twain lore to capture in one blog, but here's a sweet story about the friendship between Helen Keller and Mark Twain: 

They became friends while on the Vaudeville circuit.  Helen used to put her hand next to a speaker's mouth, in order to "hear" what they were saying.  When conversing with Mark Twain, he would frequently need to remove her hand from his mouth, explaining, "Pardon me, Miss Keller, I need to swear now."

What a gentlemen.

AMERICANA: Grand Ole Opry

Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, 1947

Opry fans lining up outside in 1955

What started as a radio show, the WSM Barn Dance, back in 1925,
The Grand Ole Opry has turned into the center of country music.

NECESSITY: Dopp Kit

The Dopp Kit.

The name derives from early 20th century leather craftsman 
Charles Doppelt, a German immigrant to the United States, 
who invented his toiletry case in 1919.The kits became widely known 
during the Second World War when they were issued to GIs.

Here's a nice one.  And a classic.  

Both better after years of wear, tear, and travel.

Just one word of advice...canvas and leather trump everything else. 

ETIQUETTE: Table Setting

Whether formal or informal, on Thanksgiving, the table is all.

ORIGIN: Shave and a Haircut

 

 Dating all the way back to 1899,

this little call and response has held

the BnB gals in harmony since 1988.

SISTERS: The Staves

The Brit sisters Stavley-Taylor: guitar, uke, vocals.  What a triumvirate.

DAME: Judi Dench

This Bond Girl is arguable one of the best actors in living memory.  There is nothin' like a dame.

MUSIC: Birdy

This Brit bird has some seriously nice sounds.

Perfect music for the winter days ahead.

Check out her covers of Skinny Love and Fire and Rain.

RIDE: Early Broncos

BnB loves Broncos ... oldie Broncos, that is.

Darn good-lookin off road vehicles.

Go Vote!

Whether you swing red or blue,

America wants to hear from you!

BOTANICAL: Marigold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Used in India to celebrate weddings.  Used in Mexico to honor the dead.