Here Writer Comes A-Wassailing

Wassail is an old English drink and tradition. It is also a tradition to make for Writer. 


The recipe writer uses via The Silver Book of Cocktails by Carla Bardi:


1 qt. brown ale
8 oz. dry sherry
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
3 apples
finely grated peel of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp. each ground nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and core two apples and cut in thick slices. Place in layers in a baking dish and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Drizzle with 2 oz. of brown ale. Bake until the apples are very tender, about 45 minutes. Chop the apples and their cooking juices in a food processor until smooth. Place in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the remaining ale, sherry, lemon peel and spices. Simmer gently for a few minutes. Peel and core the remaining apple and slice. Add the slices to the bowl and serve while still warm.

How to Wassail:

Wassailing was also used in feudal times as for peasants to visit lords. Lords would give them money for a Wassail song which informed him of their coming.

The Wassail Song:

Writer, the Hunted

A case for Hunter:

I've been a delighted owner of Hunter boots for years. Writer's are sun worn and dirt clad black- the original tall rain boots. Writer wears them around his grandfather's farm, when it snows and, of course, when it is bucketing rain on campus. When one wears Hunter's, they feel . . . is brazen too dramatic? It isn't if one lives in America and is male.

The last time writer wore Hunter boots on campus, he felt hunted; like his face had gone Hunter green. On Southern campuses, rain boots are seen as cutesy, usually worn by girls. But, writer wants to shed light on the history of this courtly institution.

And, why writer has seen, in America, that the boots is a favorite among country people who enjoy taking part in Old Country customs . . .  just add Hermes scarf:

Hunter brand was actually started under the name North British Rubber Company by an American, Mr. Henry Lee Norris, in 1856. His company swiftly grew from Norris' original four employees. Norris was a sure reason that the Allies won the World Wars as his boots carried entire legions dryly into battle. One may not have known fashion could be so patriotic!

Since 1986, Hunter has held a royal warrant from HRH Majesty the Queen and HRH Duke of Edinburgh:

"Hunter's are great for apple picking," says writer:

Although Hunter boots are favorite trend among certain sets of American young ladies, they surely have more discreet and time honored origins. One is sure to spot out a pair at horse shows, fox hunts, shooting parties and activities that connect Americans to their British and more traditional roots. 

Social Primer shows us Hunter's worn at the Harriman Cup:

Traditionalist love Hunter's; because, the boots are indestructible. One can send damaged items back for repair- they're made in Edinburgh. They're no nonsense. 

The spirit of the boot:

On Kime

Whispers have always surrounded Charles, Prince of Wales. Less scandalously, he was said to have been a pick of the Queen Mother. Charles apparently inherited the Queen Mother's robust country attitudes. He is often photographed in kilt and sporran roving Balmoral hills. The Queen Mother enjoyed fishing and often called bones digested from a catch, "the salmon's revenge." 

An attitude, often shared by country people in the United States and Britain, is a regard toward an anachronous house. One has often seen Charles' appreciation of traditional design. He restored Dumfries House terrifically as showcased in Architectural Digest. 

Writer's favorite Dumfries room, the sitting room designed for Prince's use:

Prince isn't alone in renovating. He's hired top experts bringing to life royal times gone by. One designer, Robert Kime is a standout.

Robert Kime has been decorating for almost his entire life. Kime has worked with a good many royals- they must be the discreet clientele his website speaks of. 

Most notable he attains this symbolage:

Yes, Kime is royally appointed to the Prince of Wales. 

Kime's worked on such renovations as Clarence House for his majesty:

Kime is royal decorator by way of accrued knowledge. Kime is world traveler and antique doyen. He has leveraged his collected pieces from all over; his cultivated style into courtly positions. Still Kime is ever grounded. 

Kime told the Telagraph, "My belief is that provided the proportions are right, a room should work, whether it is for a gardener or the Queen of Spain." 

This easy sensibility is also a factor that's led to Kime's success. 

One can see it in his own home, an old village hall in Oxenwood, Britain:

One spots easily Kime's signature look- threadbare rugs, plaids, faded primary colors and pieces that have stories. 

That's a very integral and interesting part of traditional anything. Traditionalists love a story whether it be behind a gesture or a lamp. 

Kime expresses his flair for history in his fabrics, wallpaper, furniture, carpets and lighting- Kime has his own line. 

His designs always have a hint of Victorian; a hint of another world.

Now, isn't that so British of Kime!