Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Blythe, California

Just for Fun:  "This was not my idea." That's a quote from the grave. That's a quote for the ages. In fact, that's a quote that could probably be emblazoned on everyone's headstone. Think she had a sense of humor? Think she enjoyed April Fools Day? Palo Verde Cemetery. [2015]

Monday, March 28, 2016

Summerville, South Carolina

Just for Fun:  You know what everyone is looking forward to this week: April Fools Day! Better make some plans for Friday! In fact, why not visit a nearby cemetery and find the funniest headstone there. And when you come up with your favorite, don't try to figure it out. Just enjoy it! Summerville Cemetery. [2012]


Friday, March 25, 2016

LaFayette, Georgia

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  His drink of preference? Mountain Dew. It probably got him through many wrestling matches, many school parties, and many family gatherings. Now, whenever his survivors see a can like this, they must be reminded. If you are curious about the geography of Mountain Dew, cast your eyes down page to the map. Crestlawn Memorial Park. [2013]



Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/27/mountain-dew-map_n_6555376.html

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Enfield, Connecticut

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  He must have been as cute as that teddy bear. Maybe he got even cuter when he partook of his favorite vodka or (look again) his favorite beer. Enfield Street Cemetery. [2013]


Monday, March 21, 2016

Covina, California

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  Here is one beloved wife and mother who must have been a role model for her children. That's probably why they honor her with a model beer: Modelo. Eight years have passed since her death, but there have been only two anniversaries of the event. Confused? Look at the dates. Forest Lawn Memorial Park. [2015]

Friday, March 18, 2016

Zeigler, Illinois

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  A bottle of Rolling Rock (Extra Pale!) waits on the ground right by the bench, as if left behind by someone who just left the scene; or, as if waiting for someone to return. Zeigler Cemetery. [2015]


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Stratford, Ontario

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  Memorializing icons may be part of either the ephemeral record (part of the contiguous zone) or the permanent record (part of the grave marker itself). Inebriants are most commonly among the temporary accoutrements that surround a grave, but here is an example of  a favorite beverage that will last as long as the tombstone, i.e., forever. Avondale Cemetery. [2013]


Monday, March 14, 2016

Blythe, California

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  His survivors know what made him happy, so they honor him with as much as he can drink. "We'll always miss and love you." This Bud's for you Mandito! Palo Verde Cemetery. [2015]


Friday, March 11, 2016

Knapp, Wisconsin

Macronutrients in the Cemetery:  It may be beans and corn in Meso-America, but in Cuba and many other places, it is beans and rice. Beans supply the protein, and rice the calories and, if prepared property, micronutrients as well. In India, it's lentils and rice: proteins and calories. If you prefer, substitute meat for your protein. Otherwise, enjoy being a vegetarian. Forest Hill Cemetery. [2012]

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Huntington, West Virginia

Macronutrients in the Cemetery:  Every culture that evolved around field agriculture rather than pastoralism had something equivalent to beans and corn: a source of plant protein like beans, and a source of calories like corn. Just think how important corn, or the tortilla, is in the Mexican diet. To be properly and nutritionally prepared, however, corn must be soaked in an alkaline solution and dried before it is ground.  The nixtamalization process unlocks micronutrients and balances the proteins supplied by beans. Add squash and you've got the "three sisters" of the pre-Columbian American diet. Woodmere Memorial Park. [2014]

Monday, March 7, 2016

Charlottesville, Virginia

Macronutrients in the Cemetery:  The macronutrients in the human diet are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Everyone, everywhere needs all three, but how they materialize in dietary staples varies from culture to culture. Proteins are the hardest to get, and if you can't get them from animals, you get them from wisely combining a few different crops, beans and lentils being the most important. University Cemetery. [2014]

Friday, March 4, 2016

Parkersburg, West Virginia

Lunch Time in the Cemetery:  Hamburger with mustard, side order of fries please! Across the North European Plain, from Ireland to Russia, potatoes rapidly insinuated their way into European kitchens. And French Fries, probably originating in Francophone Belgium, eventually became part of world culinary culture. Mayonnaise, ketchup, or vinegar: what's your preference? Mount Olivet Cemetery. [2014]

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Lewes, Delaware

Lunch Time in the Cemetery:  There's nothing better than mustard on your hamburger. But, the kind of mustard depends on your 'old world' preferences. Would you like Dijon mustard from France, Bavarian mustard from Germany, Tewkesbury mustard from England, or Tecuci mustard from Romania? Mustard is another one of those foods with deep roots in folk culture. As for 3M: she has a name fit for a board game. St. Peters Episcopal Church Cemetery. [2013]