Jay and Holly discuss what they have learned today over our hobo stew dinner. We managed to find forgotten canned food - spinach, asparagus, beans, mixed veg, and corn. Some frozen left over beef bits, onion, and potato. Some Andouille sausage. And a few fresh potatoes and an onion. With beef and chicken stock cubes, a pinch of thyme, and some salt and pepper, the pot was put on to boil. Once thickened, the end result was very similar to a gumbo, I shook some Tabasco in my bowl and we used some old bread to mop up the juices.
As Jay read through the discussion questions, Holly recounted everything she had found out today. All about the Civil War, young and old men looking for work along the railroads as they expanded west, how the depression led to more drifters and people following the hobo lifestyle out of necessity, and how 'hobo jungles' acted as support communities along the way. She then taught us about some phrases that have their roots in hobo traditions such as, 'punks' being the name for kids. How symbols were sometimes used to warn one another of hostile or helpful households, and how a hobo ethos evolved to help protect one another and keep out of trouble with locals as they travel through communities. Jay went on to tell us the story of a homeless man who was discovered begging under a bridge with a 'velvet voice' who found internet fame and subsequently work after falling on hard times.
We all enjoyed the food and Holly who is normally picky was pleasantly surprised and ate her fill. Luckily we all have beds and won't have to sleep by the railroad tonight - no campfire camaraderie under the stars for us fantasy hobos, but a warm bed and a shower is a luxury we can appreciate tonight!
Comments