Wi’ the coomin’ in o’ summer, ’tis time to prepare for haymakers. Besides Glenlochie’s own men, neighbors and their helpers gather from one farm to another till a’ have their crop made. The girls and women likewise help the hoosekeepers prepare enough hearty food for hardworking men. Oft I’m askit to make the pies. When …
Read MoreAQUILA’S EYRIE: QUEEN OF THE WILD FRONTIER
I like to call myself this not only because we share the back yard with an occasional mountain lion and frequently with elk, deer, coyotes, and foxes, but also because I’ve evaded the 20th and now the 21st century whenever I can, out of delight in the 19th century. I’ve lived in cabins in the …
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Aquila’s Eyrie
No flights of fancy, nor of common sense, have yet occurred to me. When they do, you will find them here.
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Mrs. Grieg’s Cuddy
For some o’ ye, the Scots speech may no’ be your ain language. A cuddy is a wee cupboard, for food or the vessels to cook and serve it, tucked awa’ in any corner where it fits in the hoose. In the kitchen o’ Glenlochie, ’tis next to the back wall, where food stays coolest, …
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Dominie Gilchrist’s Study
In Abercairn, we cling to many old customs and words. To be called “Dominie” means only that I am the minister of the Presbyterian congregation here. In seminary, I used to tell my friends, “With my name, what other calling could I have?” Gilchrist means “ghillie of Christ.” A ghillie is the personal servant to …
Read MorePrologue
IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY Gloria Victis! 1 For the principle of State rights and State sovereignty the Southern men fought with a holy ardor and self-denying patriotism that have covered even defeat with imperishable glory.—Dr. Charles E. Stowe, son of the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, ca. 1900. I came to my senses …
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