Comments on: Village Games: Part III

By: macculata

macculata — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:09:52 +0000

Though you are sure the pointy thing is a rain gutter holder, I would have gone with “pig holder” for slaughtering the annual pig. Nearly every farm household had one. My mother and father were raised in Calabria and visited a few years ago after living in America since 1935. She pointed out the metal hook on the house where she was raised (currently in ruins) and explained how it was used to hold the pig after slaughter. The meat was cured and used throughout the year. I can attest to the absolutely fabulous “gravy” made with the local pork because my cousin Macculata made me the best Italian sauce I ever had when I visited Calabria in 1974. Of course, my Mom makes the best gravy in Brooklyn, but nothing ever came close to that Calabrian sauce with the homegrown meat and tomatoes fresh from her garden.

So I’m going with the “pig holder” theory. Maybe you can find a photo of a real pig holder?

The only thing I’ve seen dead animals on (ahem) is an “S” hook, but I’m sure some people have hooks as you describe. This thing, though, was on the outside of a house right next to a door about at eye level, so definitely not for hanging pigs I’ll ask around to see if I can get a photo for you though!

By: erin :: the olive notes

erin :: the olive notes — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:06:31 +0000

Hi Michelle! this is such a wonderful game...and i just love the photo of the wooden slats on the door! erin :: the olive notes’s last blog post..my trip to cuba :: part 4 Definitely cool for a church door, eh?

By: wunschdenker

wunschdenker — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:24:03 +0000

I’ll go with Gils’ first guess – the rain gutter holder.

100% correct! And I see them all over the place now

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:57:39 +0000

Every time I see pictures of your village, I can’t believe you live there. Seriously, your life is right out of a movie or a story book, right?

And I have no idea what that pointy thing is.

Sometimes I don’t believe it either…until I’m without Internet for a couple weeks because providers are so horrible with customer service. But I’m not bitter!

Check out Gil’s answer if you’re really curious as to what that thing is….

By: This Eclectic Life

This Eclectic Life — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:34:04 +0000

I like that game! And, you took some lovely photos. You inspire me to go out walking and looking for noteworthy shots here, but I'm not finding them. An award awaits you at my house. Go here This Eclectic Life’s last blog post..Blushing From Head To Toe–And Passing It On. Thanks so much Shelly! Will be over as soon as I can...Internet issues here....

By: casalba

casalba — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:30:39 +0000

Fun game and what a lovely little house in a romantic setting. I wonder who lives/lived there. Looks like a fairy godmother should be sweeping the steps, or maybe a witch – Befana, of course.

I don’t know what the thingy is – to hold a shutter open, perhaps?

I’ve always loved that house. I used to sit and imagine the family that lived there all the time….

As for the object, Gil got it (first answer).

By: girasoli

girasoli — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:20:15 +0000

Very cool game! I would have to agree with Absolute Vanilla. It also reminds me of the grim reaper. girasoli’s last blog post.."chipped"~ PhotoHunt Hah, I can definitely see that!

By: Alda

Alda — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:54:55 +0000

Michelle, thanks so much for your visit the other day. And congratulations back! Lovely blog and wonderful photos – kudos!

Alda’s last blog post..We would appreciate your vote…

My pleasure! I look forward to reading more of you

By: Chuck

Chuck — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:55:40 +0000

Great idea for a competition. I’ll have to try this with my wife … but then we already share those cooking duties pretty equally. Thanks for the idea!

Chuck’s last blog post..Dancing at the Market

P and I share pretty equally too, but not with cleanup…I’m almost always stuck with that, so I love this game

By: London Southern Belle

London Southern Belle — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:35:13 +0000

this is such a cute game! But, please don’t tell my husband as he does all of the cooking and I don’t want to start hehehe

Works just as well with laundry, dusting, sweeping, whatever