Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Dark Lady Kimberly graced our Thanksgiving table at the Ministry of Mayhem yesterday. She shyly related a similar custom in her native Rumania, where thanks are given annually in remembrance of liberation from the rule of Akhmed the Awful, who conquered Rumania back in the late 1400's. Akhmed's reign of terror was unmatched elsewhere in Europe, as thousands of innocents were arrested and carted away to be chopped into pieces, then freeze-dried and dipped in chocolate, to be fed as snacks to his herd of pet dragons. In a flash of inspiration, he christened his dragon treats 'Mounds' bars.

To the delight of those few Rumanians not already chocolate-coated and freeze-dried, Akhmed met his end in a fitting and gruesome manner. One of those same pet dragons accidentally trod on Akhmed's foot as they played a friendly game of 'Twister,' resulting in eventual gangrene of his little toe and a most painful, lingering death.

The great chocolate vats were overturned and buried, the dragons killed or forced to flee deep into the Rumanian forests, and a celebratory day of Thanksgiving declared.

Down to this very day, altho all mention of Akhmed the Awful has been stricken from the history books, his terrible legacy of dragon snacks survives. A hundred years ago, archeologists unearthed the giant chocolate vats once used by Akhmed, and the Mars Candy Company bought both the vats and the rights to the recipe from his descendants. The dark chocolate coat remains, but the chopped and freeze-dried Rumanian bits and pieces have been replaced with gentler sweet coconut. And, in an homage to the crunch of Rumanian bones, a pair of almonds was added to each of his more lumpy 'Rumanian Joy' bar concoctions. The name was modified accordingly, and thus you have the origin of the tasty treats now enjoyed by millions.

I truly enjoy learning about Rumanian holidays from Dark Lady Kimberly. I find them...educational.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Absolutely elegant work on this one, Randy.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent storytelling and a superb portrait of the Dark Lady Kimberly Randy.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

That was one of the funniest things you've posted - you have a real talent for tall tales (as well as beautiful photos of your lovely wife!).

William J Renard

We left TOMNATIC "Triebswetter in 47" so we know how atrocious Rommanian governments can be. They destroyed a whole culture by endlaving and killing the Donauscwaben . So thank Gpd my family does not
have to deal with them

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thank you, Linda. A pretty lady, always fun to work on her shots. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Thanks for the kind comments and visit, always very much appreciated!

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

The problem with me and the treats is that I end off wearing them. Ya know what I mean???
Mind you — viewing that portrait is a real big treat , and, a lot healthier.
Pierre

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Angler. I live a stone's throw from Plymouth Rock, so I really enjoy hearing tales of Thanksgiving and its origins, even Rumanian ones, lol! We all have something to be grateful for, like having Madame P and Dark Lady Kimberly in the Ministry to instruct us! Glad you liked this particular episode.

Thanks for stopping by and the kind words, always very grateful!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thank you, Sue. Glad you had a laugh from our Thanksgiving tale. I always find Rumanian history fascinating, lol, particularly when related over dinner by a pretty lady!

And just to clear up any confusion--Kim is a client and friend (and totally hot, lol!) She is married to a very lucky man, but not me.

Thanks for your very kind comments and visit, I really appreciate it!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks for your visit, William. And once again, the fictional 'Rumania' of my stories is not the same country as the Romania of such tragic history. Glad to know you and your family made it out safely, and apologies for any confusion over the name.

Appreciate your visit and comments!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Pierre! I know exactly what you mean, having worn more than one course of any given meal... And if you want a real treat, try spending some time with Kimberly, lol! Glad you enjoyed this shot of her.

Thanks as always for your very kind comments, I'm always grateful!

angela k Loc: Long Island

Lovely portrait, Randy!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

The portraits is even better than normal! Your narrative may explain why I've never cared for Mounds or Almond Joy!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

LOL Not exactly the same account I learned in school but a whole lot more entertaining! Lovely portrait, Randy, and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

John Lawrence

Another classic portrait, Randy. Well done. Most men, including me, wake up wondering what they're going to have for breakfast. You wake up wondering which lovely lady you're going to photograph today. You're a very lucky man.