The Pope, a Portabello and my friend Skyler

The Pope is just finishing his final mass in Philadelphia and people are so excited here because he frequently peppers his homily's, talks etc with the word LOVE. How unusual. In the history of the Catholic Church and the Papacy there has been equal if not more measure of conflict, politics, war and torture than love - and of course the Catholic Church continues to be a bastion of conservative and at times reactionary values. How far removed can one get from the original teachings of Jesus I ask myself? However the Pope in person comes through as a genuine love filled person. Here is the link for the official  I love Pope Francis T-Shirt site!

I wanted to share another something starting with 'P' with my brother Simon who is a wonderful cook - and once upon a time cooked the most amazing portabello (mushroom) tomato pasta sauce that I have never forgotten!

In Australia I never clapped eyes on a fresh portabello mushroom in the shops - only the dried Italian variety - but here there are oodles. I didn't realize this - but it turns out they're overgrown button mushrooms! I They make a substantial nutritious meal. They are as big as my hand which is probably not saying much. Here is the one I had for breakfast Simon. They grill and bake easily and go especially nicely with with pesto sauce. Yumbo!

And finally to something starting with 'S' - my dear friend Skyler - who is a new furry friend of just 8 months. I have been living with Skyler along with his 'Mom' - Ani Alyce Louise - and other furry friends - including Nebulous Norbu the Cat and Zoe Canoli - golden dog of unknown golden descendants. Skyler died at home on Thursday. His body finally gave out on him after 16 long years. He was a fusty, feisty, grumpy loveable dog and I  miss him. The Pope recently said all dogs go to heaven. If heaven is universal love - may you be there. Travel well and in peace Skyler. Really glad to have met you.

A sign of the times

There is nothing like signage to indicate a place - so I got snap happy on my way to the visit upper New York State. What distinguishes a USA sign in these parts from an Aussie sign? Well there's certainly more villes and bergs on the end of places names - that's for sure - and the English 'town' is perhaps in third place and perhaps the Latin 'ia' in fourth!

And there are always signs of somewhere else over the seas...Lebanon in this case...and the captivating name of Frackville  which is on topic these days as there is a lot of fracking/debate happening right now in the USA. The subject and procedure of fracking (hydraulic fracturing) is dividing parts of the nation in an earth versus economic equation.

I was pleased to discover that I was passing close by the Hershey's Chocolate Factory, but as Mum said one day when we were passing by the Chocolate shop on the way to Daylesford - no time to stop!

I don't think you would find a picture of a reindeer in Australia either...although one would in New Zealand. And I rather like this one of a Farmer on a Tractor.

And then there's the stand-alone commercial signs that constantly beckon you from the side of the road - old and new.

And  the legacy of the frontier wars between Native Americans and the new migrants is evident in this sign.

And the ever-present signs of post-settlement military history and the legacy of that.

And here is a blue New York sign as opposed to green everywhere signs!