Tom,
I originally heard the term "Black Death" in the Santa Barbara marina
in 1977.
A real earth-mother lived aboard "The Colin Archer" -which she
claimed was
Archer's personal boat. Also aboard were here five children and her
"enamorada".

She had bought gallons of what she called the "Black Death", and was
single-handedly
recaulking the entire wood double-ender. One day she came down the
dock pretty
well caulked herself - with the "Black Death" as well as alcohol -
and invited us
to her wedding - aboard "The Colin Archer".

At the appointed hour we walked up the dock to see a group of card-
carrying
1960 hippies playing guitars and singing songs of solidarity. The
five children
were arrayed in various types of mismatched costumes, appropriate to
their
upbringing. Standing on the cabin top were the loving couple. He in
regulation
hippie garb of rough cloth pantaloons, psychedelic shirt, and
headband. She in
what appeared to be her great grand mother's wedding gown, re-
imagined for the
age of Aquarius, with flowers woven through her long, curling locks.
The Reverend
wore love beads over a Nehru jacket as he read from something that
included
verses from the I-Ching.

The only really discordant note in the festive occasion, were the
splotches of
"Black Death" all over the the Blushing Bride's bare feet, arms,
hands, and face,
as well as partially-cured lumps stuck in her hair among the fresh
flowers.

It was a touching scene.

There wasn't a dry martini in the crowd.

Just puffs of smoke, rising in celebration.

Bill Healy

-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html
Received on Fri Mar 16 21:02:24 2007