I just happened to be plein air painting near the church and saw 24 cases of non-sacramental wine—the expensive kind—being delivered. I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. I'm just curious if anyone knows what it is. Halloween party perhaps?
The Louvre dates the Mona Lisa to roughly 1503–1519, and Leonardo apparently kept the painting with him and continued working on it rather than simply completing and delivering it. I'm especially curious about what the historical evidence tells us, as opposed to the mythology that has grown up around the painting.
As an artist myself, I find that fascinating. Do art historians have a good understanding of why he continued returning to this particular painting for so long? Was it perfectionism, experimentation with technique, dissatisfaction with the work, or did the painting's purpose change for him over time?
I have a completely unsupported theory involving a succession of girlfriends and an artist who didn't want to start a new canvas. 😁
I don't want to cause a panic, but I think everyone should know.
I have it on reasonably good authority that one of our neighbors is writing a book about Lower Duck Pond.
From what I've heard, it's going to be something like Peyton Place—longstanding feuds, questionable business dealings, neighborhood scandals, things people thought everyone had forgotten, and possibly the truth about certain unexplained incidents.
Names may be changed, but apparently not enough.
I don't know who the author is.
I don't know how much they know.
And I certainly don't know who has been talking.
I'm posting this as a courtesy so everyone has an opportunity to get their story straight.
Personally, I have nothing to hide.
Except for the thing with the gazebo, which was completely misunderstood.
A completely unrelated discussion with some male friends unexpectedly turned into a debate about tuxedos. As a woman, I was honestly surprised by how strongly some of them disliked the very idea of wearing one.
From my side of the aisle, I’ve always thought men look wonderful in them and assumed that occasionally—when an evening actually warrants it—guys might enjoy getting that dressed up. Apparently, I may have been very wrong!
The discussion made me realize that I know what I think about seeing a man in formalwear, but very little about what the experience is actually like from his side of the aisle. I’d like to hear your perspectives.
I want to get dressed up. I want to go somewhere nice for dinner. I want interesting conversation around the table. I don't currently have someone to do that with, so why should I sit home alone?
That got me wondering whether there are other mature singles who feel the same way. I'm thinking primarily of singles in their late 50s, 60s, and early 70s.
What if there were a small, old-fashioned supper club — perhaps 6–8 people, ideally an equal mix of men and women — that met at a good local restaurant?
Not a singles event. No speed dating, no five-minute rotations, and no pressure to pair off. Just dinner, interesting conversation, laughter, and the opportunity to get to know people naturally.
There would be one deliberately old-fashioned requirement: dress for dinner. Nothing formal, but make an effort. The idea is to make dinner feel like an occasion again.
Everyone would pay for their own meal. If two people wanted to exchange numbers afterward, that's entirely up to them.
Would you attend something like this? What would make you more — or less — likely to give it a try?