Draw me a purple chicken, a kid asks me at the library — then adds, as he looks intently at me, please.
I love the kid world: what adult would take magic markering a chicken so seriously?
This might reflect simply my desire for funny things in a world that doesn’t seem particularly funny these days. After a long drive through a snowstorm — there’s a definite Driving in Snowstorms theme to these winter posts, I know, I know this — listening to VPR, I exclaimed about the craziness of makeshift food shelves for TSA workers who were working without pay. With two kids, how long could I go without my paychecks? Not too long.
So for lovers of consummate writing and of laughter, here’s the late Russell Baker’s Francs and Beans column I read early this morning, courtesy of my dad’s email.
Yahtzee: another fine family January pastime
Stony Soil Vermont 
“Lucullan” is a new word for me. If I ever see it again, I hope I associate it with Russell Baker’s Francs and Beans!
I had to look that word up, too! It reminded me of a spelling bee I participated in a few years back, when I realized just how many words in the English language I’ve never encountered. I didn’t win the bee.
Whether it’s capitalized or not seems to be a matter of style. I suppose capitalizing it emphasizes the connection to the Roman general. His very name was luxurious: Lucius Licinius Lucullus.
Interesting…..
What’s so cool about writing is the way that very little things add up to a lot. Like the way you say “I know, I know this.”
Thanks, Ben. I’m a big fan of the little things!