Possum Blossom Time

Subject: Possum Blossom Time
From: Dave Swan
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:18 PM

Recent postings concerning the great state of Ohio, combined with an impending trip back there have caused me to consult the Ohio Visitors and Convention Bureau. In spite of the discouraging words which have appeared here in reference to the Buckeye State, there are several Ohian cultural events which bear mention.

THE POSSUM BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Celebrates the arrival, usually in early May, of the possum blossom (marsupialis sphincterus pattersonii)wildflower. Notable for its gray and brown petals and distinctive aroma, the possum blossom signals the coming of spring to southern Ohio. Grammar school children perform the possum blowing dance in schoolyards across southern Ohio, and a possum blossom corsage signals a young man's intentions in many counties.

SNAPP [Society of Nocturnal Animal(Possum)Periodontists] ANNUAL MEETING This professional organization, one of the oldest charters in the records of the State of Ohio Office of Business and Professional Licensing, holds its annual meeting in Central Ohio each summer. This year's topic is Gum Disease and the Opossum, Practical Approaches to Prophylaxis in an Animal with Fifty-two Teeth. The presenter is the distinguished veterinary dentist, Dr. H.L. "Lefty" Carlisle.

STUPOR [Society of Trainers for the Understanding of Possums on the Road] REGIONAL MEETING A gathering of ethologists, trainers and graduate students will address this year's topic of discussion, thanatopsis. Workshops include: Proper Training, commands to keep your possum from sleeping on the white line; Managing Headlight Fever, is it possible?; Thanatopsis and your mate, is your work following you home?

NORTHERN OHIO POSSUM THROWING DAYS Each September when the bowling alley mechanics go on vacation, the lanes are turned over for two weeks to possum chuckers clubs from all over Northern Ohio. Competitor's possums are slid down the alley toward the pinsetter in good family fun. Competitions include longest sustained note from possum traveling backwards, most musical possum, best crash helmet on a possum, and best seven-ten split with a marsupial.

What a great place, I can't wait to visit.

In one state you can blossom, floss 'em, boss 'em, and toss 'em.

Cheers, Dave

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:31 PM

LMAOLMAOLMAO .........GREAT JOB............ILOVEIT!!!!!

The Spring Blossom Festival was really beautiful this year, sorry you missed it!!! But y'all need to come stay with us for the Northern Ohio Bash in September. You can ride up with us and we can tip a few Possum Piss Pilsners along with a plate of Fried Possum Tails the night before.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:32 PM

Er, and the temperature in your locale, Dave, is?

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: Dave Swan
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 04:41 PM

CP I would be honored to pop a Possum Piss Pilsener, the brew that blows, with you sir.

Uh, Peter, it's not too hot. I'm just too wacked.

Dave

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: Penny S.
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 08:05 PM

Probably not the place, but it reminded me of a BBC prgram a whlile back of the spring customs somewhere, probably the Appalachians or thereabouts, involving wild garlic. apparently children from the garlic eating families would be banned from school over the eating season. Anyway, I've forgotten the local name, as it was close to our Ramsons (same thing, not eaten much). Can anybody refresh my memory?

Penny

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: Fadac
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 09:15 PM

Dave, you did it. Great job. -Fadac

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 09:44 PM

Allow me Penny to take you to Waynesville, North Carolina for the RAMP festival.......been there, done that. Let's cross a spolied onion that's been laying in rancid garlic, with a turnip.....yeah that's about right. Once you get past the first bite, they're really pretty good and you no longer notice the smells exuding from everyone else. Had a good friend in college who took me home to Waynesville with him for the Rampfest. We were less than desirable around Berea when we returned. We lost touch a few years ago and I recently found out he had a brain tumor that was inoperable and he broke off contact with a lot of old friends rather than tell them. Quite typical of him. It wasn't for selfish reasons; just didn't want to burden anyone else. My world's a little smaller. He was one truly gentle spirit with unmatched kindness.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Possum Blossom Time
From: Penny S.
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 05:44 AM

Thanks, catspaw. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. That's how my mum went. And she had a ramsons story. Her mother used to be in service as a maid. One day visitors were expected and she was told to do the table decorations. There weren't many flowers about, so she used ramsons flowers (I don't know what Ramps are like, but ramsons are white with a lot of small starry flowers in a cluster, very pretty). Part way through the meal the mistress had to call her "Bertha, I think you had better take those flowers out," and she was told later never to use them again. Mum and I went to a coffee morning together once and found the dear ladies had done exactly the same thing. Odd though, they didn't stink us out.

The BBC flew some ramps back and got a chef who has used ramsons to cook up a dish with them. it seems to have been a good one. He may be over in Waynesvill next year.

Penny