The Pathetic Plight of my Piggy-Bank

 The Pathetic Plight of my Piggy-Bank

What, for my family, had developed into an annual late fall ritual has had to be discontinued, due in part to Covid restrictions and the subsequent near shut-down of in-person shopping. That, coupled with the increased use of credit cards and on line shopping, for even the smallest of purchases, has tolled the bell on our annual ‘break-the-piggy-bank’ party.

I still pay for almost everything I purchase ‘in person’ with cash, both paper and metal. Call me old fashioned if you must.

Up until a couple of years ago I would end each day, at least those in which I had ventured out into what passes for ’society’ these days, by emptying my trouser pockets - once in a while a shirt or jacket pocket. Pennies went into a jar kept in a drawer, nickels and dimes were set aside for the vehicles - to pay parking fees/tolls when required. But quarters, and the occasional half-dollar (when was the last time you actually held a ‘half dollar’ in your hand?) went into the piggy bank. Every month or so I would heft the pig aloft and estimate its weight - not so much in pounds and ounces, but in value. After doing this for several years you develop a sense for these things.

I think it was nineteen twenty-one when I first noticed, mid summer, that the pig seemed to be on a very successful diet.

Prior to 2021 the primal smashing of the ceramic piggy bank would yield, when divided equally between two grandchildren and an aging grandfather, around twenty-five to thirty dollars each. Not a large amount, but one unexpected. Enough to treat your friends to burgers and fries at a fast food restaurant, and your grandfather to another bottle of cheap wine.

What to do with the ceramic pig?

The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne

The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne

For a book concerning itself with the natural history of a very small district in England in the eighteenth century to remain in print since its first publication (1789) is astounding. Once I became aware of The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, by Gilbert White I wondered what made this book so special. Why would publishers keep it continuously in print for over two hundred years? Demand and profits obviously; but why is there such a demand today for a book of observations about birds and such from so long ago?

 

I purchased a copy and read it. The book exceeded my expectations. I’ll admit, it’s certainly not a book for everyone, in fact, at the very least, one must be a naturalist in heart, mind and spirit - with a bent toward ornithology. The book is written, or at least presented, as a series of letters to a fellow naturalist, describing his observations of the local (Selborne) flora and fauna I found it mesmerizing, and exciting.

 

Mr. White was a person I think I could have shared a pint of Porter with and been at ease. Hard to find such people these days.

 

I made this note in February of 2017, hoping to find time to elaborate on my response/reaction to this book. Some things take time.