Hello friends,

The weather continues to carve a path of destruction. Last week it was tornadoes in Iowa, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana and this week a 7.2 earthquake in Japan.

We have had much cooler temperatures, extreme wind and some snow, but the wind tends to keep most of the snow blown away.

He was seated on a small bench, his suitcase at his feet.... The music from his fiddle was haunting and sweet.

His chin rested on the fiddle base, his right hand held the bow.... His delicate and gentle hands made the music ebb and flow.

In the days of Great Depression, he traveled night and day, and stopped in cities, towns and farms........ his fiddle he would play.

The folks enjoyed his music, his calm and quiet way.... They often gave him dinner and a place to stay.

Handlebar mustache, gray beard and hair......... lost in his music, with a faraway stare.

I knew I had to have him for my very own....... I took him home with me that day....... my love for him has grown.

His clothes are neat and simple, striped shirt beneath a vest...... A beanie sits atop his head, violin against his chest.

He's been in people's homes now for sixty years and more. That journey started after the Second World War.

The fiddle man has made me happy, and I love him more each day. I'm so glad I brought him home with me to stay.

I often spend time studying my fiddle-playing man. Stamped neatly beneath his feet are the words, "Made in Japan."

© 2005 Rosie Cooley

Occupied Japan Items: Following the end of World War II in 1945 and until 1952, items imported from Japan to the United States had to be marked in a way that indicated they came from Occupied Japan. Four different marks were used during this time: "Japan," "Made in Japan," "Occupied Japan," and "Made in Occupied Japan." Only the last two marks guarantee the pieces were made during the occupied period. For serious OJ (Occupied Japan) collectors, it is items with these two marks that are searched for diligently. Many OJ items also say, "Hand Painted."

There were many OJ items such as china, household items, knick knacks, jewelry, souvenirs, etc. Pieces can be found at antique stores and occasionally at yard sales or garage sales.

My figurine of the man playing the violin is OJ. He is obviously one of the vagabond travelers of the Great Depression era. I have several other pieces, but he is my favorite. The fun thing about collecting OJ is that it isn't terribly expensive but the pieces are charming and seem to grow on you. It is fun to collect because there is such a variety in items to collect.

How funny you would put down LSMFT!! I was quizzing some of my 'younger' co-workers the other day about it, and no one was able to answer! Really showed my age..ha Deb

Rosie, I enjoyed very much your story about the Canada geese. They are amazing a lovely creatures. I also look forward to the recipes and other things you feature. Many thanks, Kelli

Chocolate Truffles 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces, (6 ounces) 1/3 cup butter,1/4 cup milk, 1 large beaten egg yolk, 2 Tbs rum or orange juice, 1- 2 oz melted chocolate, (optional) 48 purchased foil candy cups, (optional) 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts, candy sprinkles or coconut, (optional) 1-2 oz melted white baking pieces (optional) ~~~~~ In a microwave-safe 4-cup measure combine chocolate pieces, butter, and milk. Microwave, uncovered, on 100 percent power (high) for 1 to 2- 1/2 minutes or until soft enough to stir smooth, stirring once during cooking. Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolk. Return to the 4-cup measure. Microwave, uncovered, about 1 minute or until bubbly, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir in liquor, liqueur, or orange juice. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until mixture is cool, evenly thick, and smooth, stirring occasionally. Beat chocolate mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes or until slightly fluffy and lighter in color. Cover and chill about 15 minutes or until mixture holds its shape. Drop from a slightly rounded teaspoon measure onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Cover and chill about 30 minutes or until firm. If desired, dip in melted chocolate; place in foil candy cups. Sprinkle with nuts, candy sprinkles, or coconut, or drizzle with melted white baking pieces. Or, instead of dipping, roll balls in nuts, candy sprinkles, or coconut. Makes 48 pieces (about 3/4 pound).

Sagerose Creations

1952 - Postage stamps cost 3 cents and gas cost 20 cents a gallon.

You can't stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh. JAY LENO, American Comedian and host of "The Tonight Show"

© 2005 Rosie Cooley; All rights reserved.