Indian Market Diorama at PEM comes to life

I have always loved this Indian market scene,  at the back of the upstairs Indian gallery at the Peabody Essex.  There is always something new to see — the dwarf, the fish seller — but our favorites have always been the monkeys.  They are up on the roof, eating things they have stolen.

Here is my nephew Liam, looking at the market for the first time this fall.

Little did I know that those monkeys are still busy at work, stealing food from market sellers.  Thanks to BBC’s HumanPlanet show, we saw this clip of the monkeys busy stealing.

More clips from this amazing series can be seen here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/humanplanetexplorer/

Abraham Lincoln and George Washington Postcards

Happy Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12) and Washington’s Birthday (Feb. 22).  Two more from the Newell collection.

Image of Lincoln walking behind the U.S. Navy and ahead of the newly emancipated: “With Malice towards none, with charity for all”.  President Lincoln’s entry into Richmond – April 4th, 1865.

Sent to Master Leo Newell, Virginia Ill.  “From Thomas J. Butler”

George Washington, sword drawn, on a white horse: “First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen”

Sent to Mr. Leo Newell, Virginia, Ill.  “From your friend, Robert Farmer.”

Gibson Girl Calendar for 2011

Yes, the card was printed for 1910.  But the dates match the days of the week for 2011.  I know this because of the Doomsday Algorithm, one of the coolest things I’ve learned lately.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Cards

Not many roses in these old Valentines. But lots of violets, forget-me-nots, daisies, and plenty of arrows.  Enjoy!

Buster Brown Valentine

From Grandma Marjorie’s collection. Cards are signed by Tom J. Butler (Ashland, IL); Lena Wankel (Virginia, IL); Frances Nester (Virginia, IL).

Donncha turns two!

Waiting patiently for Nana to put jam on his bread

Ovaltine!  Thank you Auntie Sophie!

Snow So Far

I guess I thought the snow was photo-worthy back in January.  Look at it now!

All Mixed Up

A few more from Sophie’s 40th. The kids were very excited for her to open her “big” present — a new mixer. She was pretty excited herself!

Freddy and Sammy stayed calm, though, working on their cake.

Donncha felt quite at home in here — he likes boxes as much as the cat.

Sophie and Leo trying it out.