Some things just defy explanation. Mysteries of life, "things that make you go hmmmm". One mystery of Union Street that has always baffled me was the mystery of the snails. Yup, the snails.
I dont know how they got there or why; if they were a freak occurrence or a scientific experiment or a new hobby. I just know that for awhile my grandparents had snails in their back yard. Lots of snails. Behind the house was a patio, a dirt path down the middle of the yard and plants and garden vegatables growing on either side of the path. It was a nice little place with a table and chairs and a tree whose branches reached over the fence to the neighbors (it could have been the neighbors tree reaching over from their side, I dont remember). In the summer it was a place to cool off and hang out. You could play a little and get some air. I liked that yard. I especially liked the clotheslines that crisscrossed between the buildings and the creaking of the pulley as the clothes were either hung out to dry or reeled in after wards.
Those snails, though. I know they tasted good with lots of butter and garlic (YES, we ate some!), but, what the heck were they doing there? Should have asked the people who lived there when I could have.
I guess it is good to have a little mystery in life. (if you know the answer please let me know).
Lois said:I do remember what seemed like thousand of little brown snails. I could collect them in a bucket and practically fill it. There was occaison when I did melt them with salt, why because someone told me if you put salt on them they melt. I'm guessing it was a Kendall boy! Anyway, You could walk through that garden and they were everywhere. I also remember there were not as many in the front court yard. I wonder why that is. So much fun in the back court yard, its where Aunt Mary used to throw down a big brown bag of candy for us to share.Or on hot summer days spray each other with the hose. It was a whole different world back there,because you saw different people, the people who lived the next block over and since most time was spent on Union St those people were strangers to me. I was so happy in that yard playing with those snails. Funny you remembered that.
ReplyDeleteAs some of you who know me you also know that I am an avid gardener. An organic gardener and for that reason sometimes I put up with less beautiful gardens for the sake of the pests. SNAILS are the new uninvited "guests"! My gardens in Cape Cod are the first gardens I have had where snails are an issue. I just pull them off the plants and toss them as far as I can because, EVERY TIME I run across one (there is never one)I think of Union St. and figure they are in some way "sainted" and should be left in peace to do what snails like to do. I guess they are "sainted" because they always remind me of life on 377 Union St. Thanks for reminding me of snails in the off season!
ReplyDeleteCathy
p.s. the soil on Union St. has the most distinctive smell. I would know that perfume anywhere!