Have a pretzel

 

The earliest known illustration of a pretzel in art from the 1100's.

April 26th is National Pretzel Day. The legend goes that pretzels were invented by an Italian priest as a reward for good children who learned their prayers.

The strips of dough look like arms crossing the chest. They were  called 'pretiola' or little rewards.  And pretzels, made with only flour and water, could be eaten during Lent. They were once associated with strict fasting and prayer, not beer and football.  

If you're from eastern Pennsylvania, you've had pretzels with ice cream. And admit it, you've also had fried baloney sandwiches on white bread. 

 I can resist most junky snacks, but if there's a bag of pretzels in the house I can't leave it alone. And I’m partial to sausage.  It must be genetic. Pretzels are just empty, salty calories, but there's worse. Like baloney. 

The classic parting shot on Waikiki Beach yesterday morning before heading to the airport. Next stop--Twisp. 

Talk about a contrast. And 8 chickens, 2 bored cats and a dog will be happy to have their family home.