Proserpina's WunderBlog

Conclusion to

Posted by: Proserpina, 6:35 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012

PAPER, PART IV

Yulia Brodskaya

The 19th Century and the industrial revolution brought another change to the evolution of paper-making.

Paper remained a luxury item until the introduction of steam-driven paper-making machines in the 19th century. These new machines could make paper with fibers from wood pulp. Although there were several prototypes, it was the Fourdrinier machine that became the basis for modern paper-making. With the introduction of wood pulp in 1843 paper making was no longer dependent on recycled material. Wood pulp comes from softwood trees such as spruce, pine, fir, larch, and hemlock. It can also be made from hardwood such as eucalyptus, aspen, and birch.

“ Together with the invention of the practical fountain pen and the mass produced pencil of the same period, and in conjunction with the advent of the steam driven rotary printing press, wood based paper caused a major transformation of the 19th century economy and society in industrialized countries. With the introduction of cheaper paper, schoolbooks, fiction, non-fiction, and newspapers became gradually available by 1900. Cheap wood based paper also meant that keeping personal diaries or writing letters became possible and so, by 1850, the clerk, or writer, ceased to be a high-status job.”

Above quoted from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_paper

Elsa Mora

Up to now I have given a generalized history of the development of writing surfaces from ancient times to our times. The last section of “The Road to Paper-making” will discuss paper-making in the USA.

Elsa Mora

The first paper mill in the Colonies was established in 1690 at Wissahickon Creek, near Philadelphia. It was a recycling paper mill using rags. The process of making paper from wood pulp was introduced in the USA in the early 1900s. The next mill in the USA was established in 1710. Most early mills in the Colonies were started by Europeans who had been apprentice paper-makers.

When the American Revolution was taking place in the 1800s, there was another revolution taking place. The paper industry was being converted to mechanization.

About the same time as the Declaration of War against the British in 1776, a paper mill was started in Central Massachusetts on a tributary named Crooked Pond. The mill called the Abjiah Burbank (the name of the owner), was powered by a 12 foot water wheel which drove two engines. Rags were the raw materials for the paper pulp. In the Colonies, paper was called ‘wove’ due to the way the paper mold was constructed.
The Abjiah Burbank mill was very successful during the Revolutionary War but it declined once the mechanization of the paper trade eliminated manual labor during the 1800s.

Newspapers started appearing in the Colonies in the late 1600 and early 1700s. With the increased availability of paper, newspapers became accessible to more and more people. Political information was thus readily spread in the
Pre Revolutionary and Revolutionary period.

An early paper mill of note built in Massachusetts was the Crane Mill, built in 1801 in the town of Dalton. Since 1879 Crane and Company has produced all the paper that United States Currency is printed on! The Crane Company also provides paper to print passports, banknotes, social, and business items. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Paper-Currency.htm l

By 1810 there were 185 paper mills in the new United States. To identify mill products, a picture of the paper mill was printed on the ream wrapper. American paper-makers experimented with alternative raw materials as early as the 1790s.

The first US newspaper printed on paper made from wood pulp was the edition of the Boston Weekly Journal which appeared on January 14, 1863.

Poplar was the preferred wood for making wood pulp and new mills appeared near the source of this fiber, mainly in New England. By 1890 there were 25 pulp mills in Maine, producing 182 tons of pulp per day! Five years later Maine was producing 1036 tons of pulp per day, and 508 tons of paper per day. A long way from the times when the production of paper was one sheet at a time!

In the early 1900s the three states which led in the paper making industry were Massachusetts, New York, and Maine. Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont followed. At the same time new facilities were constructed in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In the 20th Century, Wisconsin became an important center for paper-making mills. Canada was also an important player in the making of paper, primarily newsprint, most of which was shipped to the USA.

By 1930 Maine surpassed Massachusetts in paper production, becoming the second leading paper producing state behind New York. According to the articles I read for this report, today Maine is the leader in coated paper and uncoated ground wood production. These grades of papers are used in magazines, catalogs, and printing papers.
By 1960 the largest paper-making state was Wisconsin. The 1970s and the 1980s Wisconsin, Washington, and several southern states saw an increase in paper production.

I tried to find out which companies are today’s top Paper Mills but I was unable to find a definite answer for the current year. This is what I was able to glean from the info I gathered:

Top 5 Global Paper Producers by total sales in 2005 were:

International Paper (USA)
Georgia-Pacific (USA)
Weyerhaeuser (USA)
Kimberly-Clark (USA)
Stora Enso (Finland)

One source says that in the year 2011 the number one paper-making State in the Nation was Wisconsin, and has been for 50 years.

Iolis Paons

Who is competing with American companies today?

Yes, you guessed it. New paper capacity is now shifting to Asia. While no new mills have been built in the USA, many new mills are being built in China, Korea, Indonesia, and other Asian countries. These new mills are larger, faster, the cost of labor is cheaper, and pulp trees are abundant.

Jen Stark

What about THE PAPER CITY do you ask?

The town nicknamed The Paper City is Holyoke in Massachusetts. It is situated between the western bank of the Connecticut River (the largest river in New England) and the Mount Tom Range of mountains. From the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, Holyoke was the world’s biggest paper manufacturer. This was possible because of the Connecticut River, and the Holyoke Canal System which was built in 1849 to power the paper and textiles mills. At one point there were over 25 paper mills in Holyoke.

Sadly on March 16, 2012 a piece of Holyoke history went up in flames. The former site of the Mt. Tom Division of American Writing Paper burned to the ground.

A personal note:

Soon after I started writing my blog on the History of Art, I coincidentally found out about Holyoke and its nickname. My art teacher happened to mention that she is from Holyoke, The Paper City! I of course I did a little research and discovered the historical background to the town of Holyoke. Recently I told my teacher about my paper blog and how she indirectly added some information to my blog. She told me that her great grandfather came from Ireland to live and work in Holyoke. The specific work was to help build the Dam which was critical in making Holyoke “The Paper City”! Thank you J. for your contribution to my blog.

Photobucket photo

While searching for photos relevant to this blog, I came across a site that features photos of paper art. Art! Well, instead of photos of old mills and paper making photos, I decided to beautify the blog with photos of paper art. I recommend that you look at the following site for more stupendous photos:
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-extra ordinary-examples-of-paper-art/

The following sites belong to the artists whose work I posted:

http://www.jenstark.com/ Jen Stark
http://www.elsita.typepad.com/ Elsa Mora
http://www.artyulia.com/ Yulia Brodskaya
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jolispaons/sets/7215 7604766091529/ jolis paons

One last note: There is a lot more that could be discussed, such as the pollution that is generated by the paper mills, the disputes around the world that deal with not only paper mill pollution but the depletion of our forests, destruction or our resources, recycling, etc. Perhaps some of you might be interested in posting information/point of view relevant to these topics.

Say What?! (Proserpina)

Leaf Sojurn (Proserpina)

Hydrangea Lover (Proserpina)

Blue Rhapsody (Proserpina)

Staying cool on a hot day! (Proserpina)

Blossoms Flirter (Proserpina)

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1. Proserpina 6:36 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
From previous blog: 123. aquak9 2:06 PM GMT on July 29, 2012 0 hi mom, I wish I lived so much closer. Not because of Trader Joe's, although that would be really nice, too. But because, I would love to do the weeding, would love to watch you knit. I'd love to sit cross-legged on the floor for hours and days, reading all your books in the living room. The cookbooks, too. I'd like to sit and look at all the pictures, and go outside and watch the chipmunks come. I'd be patient enough to get the bluejays to eat from my hand. I'd probably make a big mess in your kitchen, but I'd clean it up, too. Then nap upstairs, like a lazy cat. We'd all have coffee later, and I'd steal "Koko's medicine" from the fridge. Thank you for sending it! SO GOOD!! I can only nibble, and smile at my thievery. Of course somewhere, there'd be be fresh dark purple grapes. But not for long. Luckily my imagination runs rampant, enough to give comfort and almost reality. I really love and miss ya'll. Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

2. ycd0108 6:37 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
First! Now I can go back up and read the entry? edit: Dang! you got back before me Member Since: 1 januari 2008 Posts: 141 Comments: 3432

3. Proserpina 6:37 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
From previous blog: 124. spathy 2:19 PM GMT on July 29, 2012 +0 Hi Pros. Thanks for dropping in and sharing that beautiful butterfly. Its almost Aug, can you believe it? BTW Can you knit while not watching what your hands are doing? I used to crochet years ago. If I tried watching TV and not my crochet needle,I am sure my fingers would get incorporated into the project. Have a great day. Hi Aqua :O) Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

4. Proserpina 6:39 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
Hi ycd0108! Aqua and Spathy, I'll answer your posts once my fingers stop aching from typing the new blog! Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

5. spathy 6:47 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
Paper. Not just for writing anymore. Member Since: 8 juni 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10474

6. ycd0108 6:50 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
http://www.harmacpacific.com/ Member Since: 1 januari 2008 Posts: 141 Comments: 3432

7. palmettobug53 11:01 PM GMT op 29 juli 2012
Pros, thanks for the butterfly and for visiting Dad. I have really enjoyed your series on paper. I always learn something new from your blog entries. It keeps my brain in shape. The images of paper art are amazing. It's not just for origami anymore! Member Since: 7 oktober 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21415

8. Bogon 2:51 AM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Thanks for sharing your research on the history of paper making. I read all the parts. Until now I haven't stopped to comment. In 1776 Thomas Paine circulated half a million copies of his pamphlet Common Sense. I wonder how hard that was, how much it cost? Where did the publisher find the paper? In our world today paper is so common and so universal that we seldom stop to think about it, except when the paperwork starts to pile too high. Our lives are bracketed by paper birth and death certificates. We spend our days chasing paper money. For decades prophets of the computer revolution have predicted the paperless office, but so far that ideal remains elusive. Paper is too deeply ingrained in our habits and thinking. Every office has a copier and a printer. Paper documents still get passed around, scanned, faxed, signed and filed. Newfangled gadgets like the Kindle and Nook threaten to replace the venerable book. I don't think they can. Paper still works when the power goes off. Member Since: 26 juni 2008 Posts: 72 Comments: 2761

9. Alleyoops 10:14 AM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Good morning PROS. Enjoying my coffee now after finishing breakfast and taking my meds. I am becoming a pharmacy here with all the crap I have to take anymore. Getting old sucks big time unless your a pharmaceutical company....LOL Sorry to hear you are not sleeping well again. I went on a sugar high yesterday afternoon that put me in bed by 7 PM and I slept through until 4 AM. Must say its the best sleep I have had in a long time but darn, its not good for a diabetic to indulge in so much sweet...but hell that KitKat bar was good and I did get to sleep well. Try to get some rest today if you can. Now to get the trash to the road for pick up later, then I can start my small laundry. Have a great day dear one. Rest well. Member Since: 18 april 2007 Posts: 185 Comments: 29161

10. sandiquiz 10:45 AM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Good morning to you. Thank you so much for your lovely butterfly greeting, and the comments on my photos in the "opposition" :-) I thought this part of your blog was wonderful :-) I had to smile at the rainbow coloured folded paper snake. Well, 'snake' is what my mum used to call them. They were made out of newspaper, then used to set the fires going each morning. My sister and I had to make a pile of paper snakes before we went to bed each day! Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

11. Ylee 7:08 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Hi, Pros! An informative conclusion to your series! One local paper mill uses a combination of hard and softwoods to make their printer paper, and the other one uses mostly recycled paper to make their commercial paper towels and toilet paper. A joke I heard once: Do you know why they call the toilet paper John Wayne? Because it's rough as heck, and won't take ** off anyone! :)) Take care! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments:** 11286

12. janetlee 7:35 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
a grand finish to a great series! Member Since: 14 maart 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

13. Proserpina 8:14 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Good afternoon. Ylee, Thank you for the nice words about the blog. I did smile at the joke! Virgin paper for computer and reused (recycled) for our soft skin! How are you? I bet you have been super-busy at your job. Sandi, glad that you liked this part of the blog. I saw a few of the photos you took yesterday and I love them. Quite a contrast in mood! Are you watching any of the Olympic competitions? I have a confession to make. In past Olympics I have been glued to the TV but this year I cannot get in the spirit of it! Not even for our local competitors. I do not understand it, except that I am suffering a touch of depression. I need to shake off this latest descent into the abyss. Alley, glad that you got a good night's sleep last night. Maybe it will happen for me tonight! I too feel like an ambulatory pharmacy! As I keep reminding myself, I lived a lifetime without any health problems, so I should not complain that now life has caught up with me. Well, I need to start making a bit of lemonade! Bogon, I am so glad that you have been reading the different parts of the blog on paper. I am not eloquent in my blogs but I try to include cogent facts and interesting tidbits. Your comments and observations on the topic of paper are excellent! Thank you for bringing up Paine's 'Common Sense'. You are right, where did they get enough paper to publish the half a million copies of 'Common Sense'? I did a little research last night and did not find a definite answer. However I did find out that several different publishers were involved, some from PA, others from NY and other New England states. For the initial printing by Robert Bell, I would guess that the paper came from the William Rittenhouse mill (this is the first one built in the Colonies in 1690). That mill (as were others) was built near publishers. In fact Mr. Rittenhouse's partner was William Bradford, a publisher. Since the machines needed for wood pulp were not invented yet in 1776, I would guess that the paper used to print Common Sense was rag paper. Those early Colonists were a hardy sort, imagine the work that went into preparing the paper one sheet at a time! Like you, I do not think that the paper book will go out of style, not for a long time anyways. I am one of those people who has a Kindle but refuses to use it, I enjoy the feel of paper much too much! Not to mention that I like to underline a lot, even the novels. Bug, no, it is not just Origami anymore! By the way, when my children were little I used to make simple origami birds. Also I used to make paper boats with one or more sails! Often I used to put designs on them. So glad that you liked to read the blog, and I thank you for the nice words. As to the posts on your dad's blog, it gives me pleasure to let him know that I care about him and his daughter! Ycd, I did go to the site you point out. So glad that they are being judicious about their paper-making. There is so much about the topic that it is impossible to include every facet. I do know that Canada is one of the bigger producer of paper. I believe that I did mention one company at some point. spathy, no, paper is not just for writing. Not at all! Even if computer takes over the need for paper books, we need paper for almost everything, from toilet paper to money to ..... By the way, since I mentioned toilet paper, the Chinese had toilet paper centuries and centuries ago. The royals used it, the rest found other means.... Yes, I can knit while watching TV. There are stitches that can be done with one's eyes closed! In any event I frequently look at whatever I am crocheting and them peek at the TV. Besides there are so many commercials and no need to watch those! As a child I knew a lady who was totally blind and who knitted beautiful sweaters! I do not know how she did it but I used to see her knitting away, and the finished products. Aqua, the daughter I never had. What I have is yours! My home is always open for you and Rain, as is the refrigerator, and whatever interests you. I do not need to be asked. Since when children need to ask to have or use anything in their own home? Yes, this is your home as much as is the one in Florida. I love and miss you as well. I am still planning on coming for a visit in November.... Hopefully we will be healthy enough to travel. By the way, I have been somewhat depressed and your post, kind words, and love cheer me up. Thank you. Have you looked at the Mourning Dove I posted? He/she is the mate to the one that was killed by the Hawk. I feel responsible for the surviving one. He/she sticks around the feeders and likes to walk around on my deck. So sweet! Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

14. Proserpina 8:16 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Janetlee, you sneaked in! Thank you so much. I visited your portal this morning but you had not posted for the day. I will stop by again to see what kind of day you are having. Thank you for the nice comments on the photos, I appreciate the comment and the rating. Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

15. SBKaren 11:01 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Pros - thank you for your well wishes for our anniversary! That butterfly pictures is beautiful. You are quite the talented photographer! Especially of up close images!!!! Member Since: 21 februari 2005 Posts: 191 Comments: 14179

16. spathy 11:15 PM GMT op 30 juli 2012
Hi Pros. Your Chinese T Paper reminds me of a funny thing My Grandmother used to say. She would say:this stuff they make today is almost too soft. I remember when all we had was Chinese combat paper. Its funny how some of the most nonsensical things stick in ones head. I hope it made you snicker like it used to me. I have no idea how to fix that grammar. So it stays. LOL Member Since: 8 juni 2008 Posts: 65 Comments: 10474

17. palmettobug53 12:58 AM GMT op 31 juli 2012
spathy, I'll never look at a roll of T paper again without thinking of that! LOL Member Since: 7 oktober 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21415

18. sandiquiz 6:01 AM GMT op 31 juli 2012
When I lived on the farm as a child, the T-paper in the 'outside' room was pieces of newspaper cut about 8 inch square, with a hole made in one corner and then threaded with string to hang on the back of the door! I don't think the printing ink came off, way back in the 50's, like it does today! lol Morning Pros - sorry you have brought your blog to its lowest level...but I thought you might like a laugh! Laughter cures all sorts of things...... :) Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

19. Ylee 3:33 PM GMT op 31 juli 2012
At least you guys had paper; my grandma used to tell stories about old-timers having a bucket of corncobs in the outhouse! Talk about "rough and ready", lol! Hope you're having a nice day! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11286

20. 1759 6:45 PM GMT op 31 juli 2012
wow I never thought about paper like that very fascinating.This blog most have taken many hours to create and execute.I look forward to using as referral material.My own blog seems quite simple compared to this giant in the bloges sphere Member Since: 26 juli 2012 Posts: 1 Comments: 23

21. dragonflyF15 10:44 PM GMT op 31 juli 2012
Wow! Really neat blog! Thanks for putting it together. The details on some of the paper art is amazing! :) Member Since: 13 februari 2006 Posts: 185 Comments: 2146

22. sandiquiz 7:00 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2012
Wishing you a very happy, peaceful and weather safe, month! Later ... and after seeing you wandering the corridors of WU in the middle of the night I wish you a "sleepy" August! Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

23. Proserpina 10:55 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2012
Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

24. Alleyoops 11:51 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2012
Good Happy first of August PROS. Thanks for dropping by my blog once again in the wee hours of the night. It was after 2 AM before I finally went to sleep and yes I was up at 4 to feed the kitties then went back to bed and made it until 6:45 this morning. I will be going back to bed later but must take my morning meds first with a bit of breakfast. Have a great Hump day dear one. Member Since: 18 april 2007 Posts: 185 Comments: 29161

25. janetlee 12:38 PM GMT op 01 augustus 2012
Happy August! Thank you for the beautiful graphic. Hopefully this August will be a lot kinder than last years. take care, hugs to Koko from Molly & Snickers Member Since: 14 maart 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

26. Ylee 5:54 AM GMT op 02 augustus 2012
Happy belated white rabbits x 3, Pros! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11286

27. janetlee 1:56 AM GMT op 03 augustus 2012
I'm trying to do a few flybys before heading off to bed. We have been on the go since early morning and I'm beat. hope you rest well, Good night Member Since: 14 maart 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

28. Ylee 4:06 AM GMT op 03 augustus 2012
Hi, Pros! Hope you're doing well! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11286

29. ycd0108 4:48 AM GMT op 03 augustus 2012
It occurs to me that you have a new task: "After Paper" The phenomenon of the internet. If I was not such a lazy old feller I'd write it myself. Member Since: 1 januari 2008 Posts: 141 Comments: 3432

30. GardenGrrl 7:02 PM GMT op 03 augustus 2012
Hey Prose, absolutly love the two pictures of doves you posted. They are such an understated type of beauty. Have you been watching any of the Olympics? What a great year for our Gymnasts and Swimmers. Member Since: 25 maart 2007 Posts: 217 Comments: 7241

31. NumberWise 3:57 AM GMT op 04 augustus 2012
Pros, I've enjoyed your paper blogs, and I've learned a lot. I appreciate all the work you put into them. I love your photos! Often your garden flowers bloom a couple of weeks ahead of mine (central NY), and you have many more varieties than I have in my little garden. As my eyesight is getting less clear and sharp, I appreciate being able to study a flower or insect on the large computer screen. The hydrangea butterfly is wonderful, although I think I like the other photo (that you didn't post in your blog) even better! Member Since: 22 oktober 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1566

32. Proserpina 5:53 AM GMT op 04 augustus 2012
NumberWise, you are so kind, thank you so much. I could not make up my mind which to post, my gut feeling was the one you like better but I then I changed my mind. My garden used to be really nice and neat, but I now have a very bad back and cannot bend or put any kind of stress on it. Unless I like lots of pain that is! So my garden is weedy, overgrown, and basically neglected. I do try to water the flower beds but not as often and as thoroughly as I used to do. So sorry about your eyes not being as sharp as they used to be, the story of our lives! Sometimes I use the zoom in tool on the computer to enlarge a photo or print from the network. GG, I am amazed at how iridescent a dove's coat is. I find the reflection from the red feet on his chest amazing. No I have not really watched the Olympics, this is a departure from a lifelong habit of gluing myself to the TV at Olympics time. I do listen to the news, search the net, and read the paper to get news about the Olympics. I still get great pleasure to see Americans get the gold, silver, and bronze. Phelps continues to amaze with his wins, he now has 21 medals! How are you doing GG? I need to stop by your and others' blogs to catch up. ycd0108, you are so kind to me but no, I will not spend more time on the paper blog. It really is a great idea but I have spent much too much time on the four sections. How about you following up on your great idea? Seriously. Ylee, I appreciate your visits and greetings. I do come to your blog to see the cams but often I do not leave any messages. Those doggies are getting big! Yesterday there were speed boats in the sea by the beautiful but deadly Vesuvius. Nice scene. Hi Janet, thank you for stopping by. I hope you are well. Nice photos of your husband and son on Etna! Alley, guess what time it is here and guess who is not sleeping this night-morning?! I really ought to visit one of those sleep clinics, problem is that I do not want additional medications in my body! Especially those horrible sleeping pills! I hope that you are in bed sleeping like a baby at this moment. Hi Sandi, thank you for the rabbits. Dragonfly, good to see you. I did stop once by your blog and plan to come by again. Take care. 1759, most of us think that the next blog is better or more interesting than our own. Each has its own worth, beauty, interest...No matter what you post, please keep posting. I'll come visiting soon. Sandi, Bug, Spathy, toilet paper deserves a blog all of its own! Not only about the development of the toilet paper but the different cultural differences in our and other nations. Oh how easy it is to degenerated into toilet paper pits! Pits? Yes, that's what you find in non westernized public places in China. Next to the pit hole you will find a stack of newspaper pieces that have been used by patrons of the disgusting pits. It seems that people carry pieces of newsprint as there no pieces of newspaper and certainly no toilet paper in the sometimes open stalls! Fortunately our tour bus stopped only at western modeled hotels and other venues. We were there a few months before the Olympics and they were working feverishly to construct venues to amaze tourists. Karen, I enjoy taking photos as a hobby. I am adding this hobby to the list of things I want to do well in my next life! I still enjoy looking at the photos of your trip, they are wonderful as they bespeak of natural beauty and family fun. I think I am now caught up in answering your nice posts. If I missed anyone, it is not intentional. Happy and safe Saturday everyone. Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

33. palmettobug53 12:12 PM GMT op 04 augustus 2012
Good morning, Pros. LOL... Don't forget the Sears Roebuck catalogues! Much better than corncobs, I'd have to say. Were you around when I did my outhouse blog? I have vivid memories about my great-grandmother's four holer out back and the chamber pots under the beds. There's nothing like modern plumbing! Member Since: 7 oktober 2005 Posts: 206 Comments: 21415

34. Proserpina 12:58 PM GMT op 04 augustus 2012
Good morning Bug. I missed your blog on outhouses so I guess you posted it before my time on WU. I bet it was a good/fun blog. I barely remember the chamber pots that were still around when I was wee child. We have another hot day here, and humid. We have not had any rain with the exception of a few drops once or twice. Everything is in distress, from flowers to bit trees. I try watering a few spots but it is an endless job. Have a very good day Bug. Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

35. shoreacres 2:53 PM GMT op 05 augustus 2012
I've read this part of your paper blog a couple of times, but I keep getting intrigued by something, head off down a path and then discover I'm out of time again! I especially like the art you posted. Paper and scissors kept us amused for long hours when I was a kid, especially around holiday time. We'd cut paper snowflakes, make paper chains for the tree, and so on. Making valentines always was fun, too. Do kids even use construction paper any more? I hope so - and the wonderful doilies that we bought at the dime store or grocery store. Those big doilies had another use, too. We often would "frost" a chocolate cake by carefully sifting powdered sugar through one. It was always a trick to get the doily lifted up without disturbing the pattern, but when it worked it was beautiful! I see you've not been watching much Olympics, either. It's just not been high on my list this year, especially since it's more pain than I want to go through to get around NBC's prohibition about internet viewing. There are a couple of gymnastics performances I'd like to see, but I guess I'm going to have to wait until the games are over, and then catch them on youtube. On the other hand, I do have a couple of Olympics-related tidbits I may try to get up before everything's done. I guess I'd better get cracking, since there's only - what? a week left. I left a link to a macro of a tiny fly at a sunflower over at Sandi's. It's not my photo, but it's a stunner. Amazing what can be done with a camera - as you and Sandi keep showing us! The rest of the day is just this and that. The morning for paperwork and gathering up more donations for Goodwill, the afternoon for some writing. And perhaps we'll have some rain! They say 40%, and the clouds have begun to build. We need it now, too. The early spring was nice and damp, but we're drying out fast, and temperatures are forecast to be in the hundreds this week. Pffffft! Member Since: 4 oktober 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14784

36. Ylee 3:09 PM GMT op 05 augustus 2012
Good morning, Pros! maybe you'll get some rain today! I see some on your radar! We had about three inches the other night; the grass is appreciating it greatly, lol! Have a nice Sunday! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11286

37. sandiquiz 4:11 PM GMT op 05 augustus 2012
Hi There We have just had a humdinger of a storm, with constant flashing and banging. I haven't heard thunder like it for years, then we had ten minutes of hailstones which pounded the house and garden. No where big as the ones I sometimes see on WU, but big for us, about half an inch in diameter. Hope you are having a good day, and slept well last night. So glad you had fun last night :)) Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

38. janetlee 6:19 PM GMT op 05 augustus 2012
Hope you & yours are having a nice peaceful Sunday. Love the Jays photo. Those a great noisy birds. They let us know each & every morning they have arrived and are ready for their peanuts. I believe I hear thunder, we had a light sprinle on the way home from Church earlier. I thought it had moved on out. Maybe I'd better check our radar! Member Since: 14 maart 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

39. Proserpina 2:16 PM GMT op 06 augustus 2012
Good Monday morning! We have an ugly Monday, drizzly and gloomy. But it is cooler and that's a blessing. If only we could get some nice steady rain to quench our garden's thirst! The events in Oak Creek, WI is just horrible. I'll refrain from making comments about guns but I sure wish these horrible killings would STOP! Prayers for the victims. I am also sad about the violence in Aleppo/Syria. Aleppo, the place where, according to what I have read, the word Christians was coined, St. Paul had his conversion, home of many Christian Churches, ... Yet a place where present and past atrocities have occurred as well! Did you know that The Silk Road came at a crossroad in Aleppo? Yes, it was a hugely prosperous place at one time.... The place even gave two Roman Emperors to history! I was going to write a blog on the historical significance of this place but I was getting too upset reading about its history. I need a rest from being 'upset' in life! I am playing with the idea of burying my head in the sand for a while! Janetlee, I did have a good Sunday. We were with friends and family for a cookout-potluck dinner. Great food and conversation, what else is there? I hope that you also had a good Sunday. I love Bluejays, noise and all! Yesterday a young Bluejay sat on the feeder by the deck for over half hour, then it moved to the rail, then to the birdbath, and then hid in the Waterlily leaves! I took tons of photos and he did not mind at all! From all appearances the Jay was not sick, just hot and sleepy. That's one huge beautiful cat! Hi Ylee, glad that you got the three inches of rain. Here it rains all around us but all we get are the distant thunder! Hey, isn't it wonderful that our exploring Rover Curiosity landed safely and has already sent pics?! Shore, come think of it, when the children were young we used to make Christmas garlands as well. Just for the fun of it! We also strung popcorn... but that's another story. I still use the embroidered doilies to place under items that might scratch furniture. I also use the beautiful paper perforated doilies to do what you describe, decorate cakes with powdered sugar! And I use the paper doilies to put on silver trays before I place food on those trays. I did visit the Texas flower blog, like it a lot. Sandi, I have been visiting with you here and there. But let me say again 'those are some humongous hailstones'! And I love the gold mailboxes. Hubby told me that all of the Olympian winners from GB are getting gold mailboxes in their hometown. Is this correct? If so, great idea! Let's enjoy our country's Rover Curiosity success! And praise our Olympians! Wow! That Michael Phelps is one human gold machine! And Gaby, and many others... Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

40. redagainPatti 8:02 PM GMT op 06 augustus 2012
Quoting shoreacres: I've read this part of your paper blog a couple of times, but I keep getting intrigued by something, head off down a path and then discover I'm out of time again! I especially like the art you posted. Paper and scissors kept us amused for long hours when I was a kid, especially around holiday time. We'd cut paper snowflakes, make paper chains for the tree, and so on. Making valentines always was fun, too. Do kids even use construction paper any more? I hope so - ...... Darling let me share that I left the classroom just last year. In my room and half of the other teachers too, keep a corner with construction paper and other stuff for students who are done with their work, may play, create, or do whatever their hearts want during their "free time." Most of my students made cards or little books. Few even used the heavy paper as a backing/frame for their drawings/artwork, as it was larger than the plain white paper. The teachers too, also use the construction paper as you could see from this photo of my classroom door. <>img src=""> Yall have a good week Member Since: 10 juli 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

41. redagainPatti 8:13 PM GMT op 06 augustus 2012
Dear Proserpina, Thanks for dropping by with your notes in my little blog. Guess I went off and hide for a while from the Internet while dealing with family stuff. I still find myself getting up around 6am - in time for duty at work. Our schools started back last week with the first day for the students to be on tomorrow.. Tues. Aug. 7th. On the good side... it means I can take my meds and make a slow morning of it and watch the TV news for a change. I do not buy a newspaper but get all news off the Internet or what I catch from the air/free TV shows. I am thinking of a road trip out west but have not yet plugged things in as mom comes to be number one. However by the end of this week, I think I must jell something or back off. Will share with you guys if I drop off the Internet for a few weeks while on the road.. hummm wonder where that paper bug is and if she is up to a road trip?? Hope my first comment shows up ok in here. I dropped a photo in there and had some problems with the code not really working... oh well.. With all the sad news of late --- All have a good week!!! Make it so!! Member Since: 10 juli 2005 Posts: 116 Comments: 1453

42. sandiquiz 11:14 AM GMT op 07 augustus 2012
Hubby told me that all of the Olympian winners from GB are getting gold mailboxes in their hometown. Is this correct? If so, great idea! Yes, hubby is correct. Each Gold winner's home town is getting one gold box in the town centre. What made MK's special was that we got two!! lol Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

43. sandiquiz 11:14 AM GMT op 07 augustus 2012
Sorry, I hadn't realised there was a double post! Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

44. janetlee 11:54 AM GMT op 07 augustus 2012
So glad you all had a nice day for a cook-out. We did also. D & dogs arrived in record time-12.5 hour drive up I-95 from Sarasota. She heads back Sunday so I will probably be a little scarce around here for a few days. Hope you and yours have a wonderful day Member Since: 14 maart 2006 Posts: 46 Comments: 1403

45. Ylee 5:06 PM GMT op 07 augustus 2012
Good afternoon, Pros! I like your bluejay photo! We haven't had any bluejys here during the summer for the last couple of years, for some reason! They are here for a couple of weeks in the spring, then they move on! We have a mockingbird that set up a nest in our rose bush, and now she's on her second batch this year! Didn't know they did that! She is a good mom, as she always has some worm or bug in her beak, heading toward the nest! You may get some weather Friday, so keep a lookout for that! Take care! Member Since: 3 februari 2011 Posts: 65 Comments: 11286

46. sandiquiz 5:07 AM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
Hi Pros - still very early here, only just getting light, but I woke up, lay there for a while and thought.... might as well get up. I have had a coffee and I am about to head to the shower, after which I will get myself to the supermarket as it opens at 7am. I need several items, including some cat food before I get mugged by a ball of blue fluff!! I want to be back home by 8 as I have the man coming to trim my large hedge. Think I am going to set up another blog, with photos form my visit to Henley, weekend before last. Have a WUnderful Wendesday:) Member Since: 29 oktober 2005 Posts: 252 Comments: 22395

47. Alleyoops 8:29 AM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
Good morning PROS. Hope you are getting some good rest for a change. I went to bed at 10PM last night and slept well for a change. Still had to get up at 4 AM to feed the kitties and do my usual morning ritual but otherwise it seems to be a good start to the day. This morning, have to go and do a bit of grocery shopping and pick up more kitty food too. Boy those kitties eat better than us sometimes. Here is hoping that today is a better day for both of us, tomorrow we have a nice cold front coming through that will lower our daytime highs from the low to mid 70s. What a nice change after all this heat with rain towards the wknd. Have a safe and happy day dear one. Will drop by soon again. BIG HUGS Member Since: 18 april 2007 Posts: 185 Comments: 29161

48. GardenGrrl 9:48 AM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
Good Morning! It's my "Friday" so I am happy. The blue jay picture is great. I can never catch those guys on camera. They are as active as chickadees. Type to ya later. Member Since: 25 maart 2007 Posts: 217 Comments: 7241

49. shoreacres 12:38 PM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
Morning, Pros! Love that bluejay photo. I've gotten a few pics of mine, but shooting through a screen just doesn't do it. They aren't even worth posting - I'll just enjoy yours! I finally got the pics of the Red Ants I was telling you about. Another blogger that's somewhere in the DC area went to the big Baltimore art fest, and she had some photos posted of the art cars there. One is an "Ant Car", as you can see from the license plate. When I saw the red ants I just laughed. Then, when I saw the tower, I got curious. I thought it was Pisa's tower, but I went back to your other blog and read the section about the history of the Red Ants. I decided that the folks with the car knew the story and used the best tower they could find! I asked the gal if there was an Italian community in Baltimore and she said there certainly was. I told her about the story, and she said it was entirely possible a group who knew that history were behind the car. So here you have it: the Ant Car! Member Since: 4 oktober 2004 Posts: 195 Comments: 14784

50. Proserpina 1:37 PM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
Shore, no doubt this person is familiar with the ant story! Perhaps an ancestor is from Librizzi, the only town that has the ant distinction. And yes, in Baltimore there is a Little Italy, it used to be quite prominent in the area but now it has shrunk. My brother who lives in MD goes there to get cannoli and other Italian goodies. Since it is in the area where I often visit for other reasons, hubby and I have tried to find a particular pastry shop but have had no success! Perhaps it is because we have not looked too hard as I need to get home as soon as we can after we are through with our business in Baltimore. Thank you very much for posting the photos, I have copied them for future reference. Did I ever tell you that on FB there is a Red Ant group? The members are Librizzesi or descendents of Librizzesi who reside around the world! No, I have not become a member but I get a kick out of visiting the page now and then. I have to go out to the grocery store this morning. I will continue with my comments to GG, Alley, Sandi, Ylee, Janet, Patti after I get back. Member Since: 6 mei 2008 Posts: 152 Comments: 16715

51. ColoradoKat 8:50 PM GMT op 08 augustus 2012
So, today I touched on two things that reminded me of you. I just barely stuck my toe in to start a genealogy search of my family. I know you are quite immersed in that, yourself. I found one interesting tidbit.My great-grandfather worked as a paper maker in "The Paper City", Holyoke, Massachusetts, a somewhat fascinating coincidence, as you just mentioned that in this part of your blog. Interesting, no? This is just something extra I found by accident. This is origami! That'a a lot of paper! P.S. I love the red ants in Shore's comment! Member Since: 24 december 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4911

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