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Public domain image of the dinner in a dino |
The lavish meal included three soups, three fish, three game meats, turkey, ham, chicken, pigeon pie, and a variety of sweets, fruits, and nuts. The wines served with the courses--Sherry, Madeira, Port, Moselle, Claret--made for a merry and somewhat boisterous gathering.
The banquet was covered in multiple newspapers, attracting the publicity Hawkins wanted. The weekly satirical magazine, Punch, described the dinner in a piece entitled "Fun in a Fossil" (1854 volume 26 page 24). The article ended by congratulating the guests "on the era in which they live; for had it been an early geological period, they might perhaps have occupied the Iguanodon’s inside without having any dinner there."
Though the Crystal Palace burned down in the 1930s, the sculptures Hawkins created survived the fire. You can see them today in London. They are not wholly accurate, but they represent the limited information known about prehistoric reptiles in the mid-19th century. The Victorians apparently also knew little about the perils of eating to wretched excess.
Most of us will mark the New Year in a simpler way. If you haven't yet decided what to prepare for this New Year's celebration, consider making some easy dips. The recipes for guacamole and for bean dip that I previously shared on this blog require only three ingredients each. My sleuth's granddad in the Five-Ingredient Mysteries loves these recipes because he can make both dips with just five ingredients: avocado, salsa, lime, canned refried beans, and cheese.
A PARFAIT CRIME: Five-Ingredient Mystery #9
At the site of a fatal blaze, Val’s boyfriend, a firefighter trainee, is shocked to learn the victim is known to him, a woman named Jane who belonged to the local Agatha Christie book club—and was rehearsing alongside Val’s grandfather for an upcoming Christie play being staged for charity. Just as shocking are the skeletal remains of a man found in Jane’s freezer. Who is he and who put him on ice?
Library Journal: "Thanks to Val’s and her grandfather’s talent for exposing the truth, even a “perfect crime” will be uncovered...a satisfying read and a riveting murder mystery with a sweet ending."
Read an excerpt and see where to buy A Parfait Crime
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We are staying home and probably watch a movie or 2 and then watch the ball drop on tv. I'll also try not to get a migraine from all the neighbors shooting off fireworks for the next 2 nights which are legal in FL but upsetting to animals, our veterans that suffer from PTSD, and migraine sufferers among others. My 2 cats will hide under the bed. For munching during the movies, I will either fix cheeses and crackers or fix my mom's meatballs in the crockpot. Happy New Years to all of you!!
ReplyDeleteIn the past we have gone to First Night Celebrations, but in the last couple of years we have opted to stay home. Even though we go to bed early, we mange to wake up just before midnight to watch the famous ball drop in Times Square.
ReplyDeleteI woke up today with memories of my Dad. He would have been my Dad’s 104 today. 😊When I was a kid growing up today was the big meal celebration instead of Christmas Day. That way Mom got to enjoy all the Christmas festivities and it made Dad feel extra special. Thank goodness for memories!
ReplyDeleteOur today will be a quiet one with normal activities and a simple meal. In honor or Dad's favorite dish, there will definitely be dessert. LOL I have some reading to see to and hubby wants to finish up an outside chore. No late night partying for us. I'd much rather enjoy a quiet evening at home.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks for commenting, Kay. Quiet New Year's Eves are the best. You're fortunate to have happy memories about the holidays. Enjoy them.
DeleteLike the 3 previous commenters, I prefer a quiet New Years' Eve. One year my daughter and I binged on the multi-episode BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth got together just after midnight. Spending New Year's Eve with our grandsons this year, we are going to the giant shrimp drop, Amelia Island's version of the Times Square ball. The shrimp will drop at 7 pm (midnight Greenwich Mean Time). Fireworks will follow. The festivities don't require staying up until midnight.
ReplyDeleteThat is wild! What a way to spend New Year's. Inside a dinosaur is much more interesting than anything I've ever done- I usually have to work those days so I'm in bed at a reasonable hour.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Alicia. I struggle to stay awake until midnight. Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy New Year y'all!!!! We are at our son's home playing board games, and will watch the proverbial NYC ball drop at 9AM Pacific.. Tomorrow we drive back home, contented to have spent quality time with our son's family and grandkids. Thank you for the interesting research and recipes! Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Luis, and Happy New Year to you and your family!
DeleteI love this story so much, especially the quote from "Punch." I saw those dinosaurs last fall when I was in London--wish I'd known the story then!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you, Maya, to all the other MLKers, and to all of our readers!
Happy 2024 to you too, Leslie. I hope all the MLK bloggers and readers have a healthy new year!
DeleteHappy New Year to one and all! Great story, can't wait to get back to London and see those dinosaurs. Quiet night planned here. Movie and some reading with some shrimp, and yet to be chosen other treats.
ReplyDeleteOur extended family saw town fireworks at 7 and then had dinner at home. The rest of our evening will be quiet like yours. Thanks for commenting, Marcia.
DeleteWow! They knew how to have a unique time back then.
ReplyDeleteWe;re aiming for something quieter at home.
My standing rule is: No driving on New Year's Eve.
That's a good rule, Libby.
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