Hey fantastic farmgals! MBA Jane here. I’m hearing lots of talk about garlic today.
I like garlic. It’s not good to eat when you’re on a date (learned that one the hard way), but it’s pretty delish.
Anyway, speaking of garlic … I remembered a story about my Auntie Anna and Uncle Umberto.
Uncle Umberto was a big, handsome guy. Good intentions … but between you and me, sometimes he was a little late to the party, if you know what I mean …
I’m … what?
You de monia, MJ.
I’m de, er, the? I’m the … monia?
You de monia.
Okay, I don’t have pneumonia if that’s what you mean. In fact, I’m feeling pert, perky, in the pink, positively …
Not pneumonia, silly! Sound it out: Yoo-di-moh-nee-uh.
AH-HA! You said “eudemonia”!
It’s finally flat-out spring, my dears. I bet this weekend you’re out there with your grills frying up some burgers, changing your oil, raking the lawn—complete with a break on the porch drinking some of your best homemade iced tea. One thing I hope you are not frying is …
Here’s an old word we need to put a farmgirl spin on: oikology
I know what you’re thinking. No, it’s not the science of pigs—that would be oinkology!
Here’s a hint … “oikos” means “house” in Greek.
Houseology?!
Again, I know what you’re thinking. That I’ve gone off my rocker. Not so …
Pleach.
Hmmm … okay …
The pleading cry of a baby bird? As in,
PLEACH! (Translation: Momma, I need a worm NOW!)
Nope, that’s not it. Try again.
Maybe it’s shorthand (shortmouth?)—a new slang term around the orchard, as in:
“Please pass the peach!”
Uh-huh. Not even close.
I’m grasping at straws, aren’t I? (How farmer of me.)
Pleach [pleech] is a verb that means to interweave or braid. Think branches, vines, wreaths, arbors …
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
