After the (Oolacunta) Affair – Part III

After the (Oolacunta) Affair – Part III

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Gossip Column #25 “Violet!” cried Annabelle, seeing the amused expression on her friend’s face, “you’re teasing me!”  Annabelle wasn’t sure whether to be amused or offended.  “Of course I am.” said Violet affectionately, linking her arm through Annabelle’s. “But darling, I’ve never seen anyone as attached to hats as you are. And think of it this way. You weren’t the only one affected by the fire. I saw Lady Grey, Mrs. Jameson and Countess Margaret all wearing the same hats…

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After the (Oolacunta) Affair – Part II

After the (Oolacunta) Affair – Part II

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Gossip Column #24 Gossip is a social activity. If you’re enjoying The Discovery Lane Victorian Gossip Column, please use the icons above to share! “Can you stay for tea?” Annabelle asked.  “I have a better idea,” replied Violet. “Let’s walk around to Kaylah’s Tea Room. I haven’t been there for awhile and I’m dying for a slice of Kaylah’s chocolate cake.”  “Ooh good idea,” said Annabelle excitedly. “And while we’re out, let’s walk by Beth’s Fine Millinery. She’s been ages…

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AFTER THE (OOLACUNTA) AFFAIR – PART I

AFTER THE (OOLACUNTA) AFFAIR – PART I

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Gossip Column #23 Gossip is a social activity. If you’re enjoying The Discovery Lane Victorian Gossip Column, please use the icons above to share! Annabelle opened the door to her parlor, strode through and flopped into a chair. She stared hard at her friend Violet who had followed her through the door but had not yet sat down. Instead she was standing by the chair next to Annabelle, one gloved hand resting lightly on the chair’s back.   “I swear,” said…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part VI

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part VI

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Gossip Column #22 Gossip is a social activity. If you’re enjoying The Discovery Lane Gossip Column, please use the icons above to share! “Anyway,” Annabelle went on when the laughter died down, “an Oolacunta is also known as a Desert Rat Kangaroo. James said its body looks just like that of a rat, but that it has long hind legs like a kangaroo, and a small pouch for carrying its babies.” Margaret looked askance at Annabelle. “Are you sure James…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part V

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part V

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Gossip Column #21 Margaret glanced over at Annabelle.  “Are you alright?” She asked, genuinely concerned. “What? Oh, yes, quite alright. I just, uh…oh, look, John has brought you a chair. Isn’t that thoughtful.” John set the chair down in the shade next to Violet. After Margaret had sat down and arranged her skirts she asked, “Now, what on earth could you three have been talking about that required Victoria to start prattling on about kangaroos of all things?!” “Oh!!” Exclaimed…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part IV

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part IV

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Gossip Column #20 Victoria’s mother frowned at her daughter. “You should know better than to interrupt adults when they are talking. Now, run along and join your friends.” She gestured to the group of girls who had been listening with interest as Victoria described the kangaroo, but upon seeing Victoria’s mother approach, had immediately returned to their daisy chains. “Yes mother,” said Victoria quietly. She started to walk away, but after a backward glance showed her that her mother was…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part III

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part III

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Gossip Column #19 “Hold off on the story for just a moment won’t you?” John hurried over to the nearby tent, snatched up an empty chair, and returned to the spot beneath the large oak tree where the two women had settled themselves about a half hour earlier. “Now,” said John, “what were you talking about before I so rudely interrupted?” “Well,” began Annabelle, “I was telling Violet about this newly discovered Australian animal called an Oolacunta, or Desert Rat…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part II

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part II

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Gossip Column #18 It was later agreed by the 60 or so adults present that their host could not have chosen a more perfect day, or a more perfect spot, for a picnic. The sky was an intense shade of blue, speckled here and there with pillowy white clouds. A delicate breeze blew, preventing the day from becoming uncomfortably warm. The large meadow in which they had gathered for the picnic was carpeted with wildflowers in brilliant shades of blue,…

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The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part I

The Desert Rat Kangaroo or What’s In A Name? – Part I

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Gossip Column #17 “It’s called a what?” Violet, stared at her friend, mouth open. “James, my fiance, said it’s called an Oolacunta (ooh-la-cun-tah)….” Annabelle trailed off. Violet was biting her lower lip and her face was rapidly turning several shades of red. “What?” Demanded Annabelle. “What’s the joke?” “Well,” said Violet, learning conspiratorially towards Annabelle, “I mean, the name sounds a bit naughty doesn’t it? Are you sure James isn’t having you on?” Annabelle raised an eyebrow at Violet, who…

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From Millipedes to Mercury: The Quest to End Allergic Misery – Part II

From Millipedes to Mercury: The Quest to End Allergic Misery – Part II

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Gossip Column #16 The existence of the hunt for allergy remedies is almost as old the existence of allergies themselves. Roman Pliny the Elder (23CE – 79CE), author of the first known Encyclopedia, is one of the first known people to offer remedies for allergies. He recommended drinking fox liver pickled in red wine, and eating millipedes soaked in honey.  Allergy remedy suggestions didn’t progress much over the next few centuries. In the early 1800’s, London-based physician  and allergy sufferer…

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