Boo! The Italian Bride

My Aunt Tina lives in Chicago, Illinois.  She’s helping me out today with my 31 Days of Spook.  Recently she visited Mount Carmel Cemetery right there in Chicago.  What?  Don’t you visit cemeteries during your down time?  I’ve heard they can be very relaxing and an educational experience.  Let’s take these for pictures for instance that my Aunt Tina took and shared with me.

It’s a beautiful grave site.  Of course there are lots of beautiful headstones and memorials in this cemetery but this one is different.  Let me introduce you to Julia Buccola Petta.

Julia Buccola Petta died at age 29 while giving birth to her stillborn son, Filippo.  Julia was buried in her wedding dress and given the nickname of The Italian Bride.  According to legend, Julia’s mother Filomena began having dreams in which Julia was telling her that she was still alive.

Years after her death, Filomena received permission to have the grave opened and her daughter exhumed.  Her mother then took a picture of Julia in her casket which was then placed on the monument.

The picture is still there on her grave at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.  Do you notice anything in the picture?

After years of being buried, Julia looks – how shall we say it? – still together if you catch my drift.

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 Days of Spook – The Italian Bride

Julia Buccola Petta died at age 29 while giving birth to her stillborn son, Filippo.  Julia was buried in her wedding dress and given the nickname of The Italian Bride.  According to legend, Julia’s mother, Filomena, began having dreams in which Julia was telling her that she was still alive.  Years after her death, Filomena received permission to have the grave opened and her daughter exhumed.  Her mother then took a picture of Julia in her casket which was then placed on the monument.  The picture is still there on her grave at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

Story courtesy of FIND A GRAVE

 

Bacon’s Tales of Terror

Oh my friends – welcome to my Bacon’s Tales of Terror.  With mom/dad being sick last month in February, I didn’t get a chance to post my Bacon’s Tales of Terror on the 13th. Someone had to take care of the humans.  Knowing that, this month I have a great tale for you.  Something that will make you think twice… make you listen to every bump in the night… something that might make you want to hold my hoof.  If you do, I’m here for you.

This month, I’m sharing a dream that my mommy had one night.  Did you know that a lot of writers get their stories from their dreams.  For instance, Stephen King gets a lot of his tales this way.  Did you know that?  Well, let’s see what you think about mom’s dream.  Best wishes my friends.

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This night was like many nights before of going out to dinner.  It all started with the normal, “I don’t care wherever you want to go” ordeal.  Rolls eyes – you know the constant battle back and forth before finally picking a place to eat.  We picked our local Chick-Fil-A and got a nice secluded table off to the side so we could talk about our days.  Mine about work and Jim about his day at the Hotel Thompson.  Hey, sometimes working at the Hotel Thompson is worse than any job you could pick with the four animals running around playing.  We talked for what seemed like a long time, laughing and holding hands.  I remember that so clearly and it brings a smile to my face.  Things got a little fuzzy after that and I remember going up front to pay our bill.

I kept standing at the counter to pay and the cashier kept taking everyone else’s checks cashing them out except me.  I remember getting a little ticked tapping my toes waiting and waiting.  Finally disgusted with the treatment I was getting, I decided to sit at a booth across from the cash register for the line to go down.  I sat and just people watched.  It’s a great past time of mine but this day was a little different.  People were coming by and shaking their heads and whispering.  I couldn’t hear what they were saying but apparently a lot of people weren’t happy.  Maybe they got the same treatment as I was getting trying to pay my bill?  

The line was shorter at the cashier so I once again got back in line to pay our bill.  And once again, the cashier ignored me.  What was up with this chick?  I finally had enough.  I put the bill on the counter with some money and turned to get Jim to leave.  But Jim was gone.  Where did he get to all of a sudden?  Maybe he found himself out the front door so that was the way I went.  Odd but then again he was still trying to be independent.  

I went out the front door and there was an ambulance in the parking lot. Maybe that accounted for why people were upset inside of the restaurant, whispering and shaking their heads.  That’s when I noticed Jim near the ambulance looking inside of it.  Oh no.  It must have been someone we knew.  I could tell that Jim was crying so I quickly rushed over to find out who it was.  I took his hand into mine and he shivered stepping backwards.  My poor husband.  This had to be someone close to us.  

I looked inside of the ambulance just in time to hear the paramedics calling it and that they didn’t make it.  Oh no.  This can’t be good.  I moved over a few inches to look at who it was before they pulled the sheet over their head.  That was the last that I remember.  It was me!

 

Dear Bacon

 
Dear Bacon – Never EVER trust a dare from a dog my friend.  They will put you up to something knowing darn well that the end results would not be good… at least for the kitty.  The barky thing was like, “Hey, cool kitty don’t you want to fly?”  He persuaded me that hanging on to this balloon would be the coolest thing since sliced bread.  What he neglected to tell me was that the balloon was going to float my hairy little body up and it would scare me and then my nails would come out and when I was half way up the balloon would pop because of said nails.  That bastard dog is all I gotta say.  Never trust them.  Signed I’m Floating… but not for long

Dear I’m Floating … but Not for Long – Okay apparently the pooch had the brilliance of foresight to take your picture to capture this for eternity.  And you have to admit that it was really creative on his part to see if you could fly, even if it was momentarily.  Look at the bright side, you are a cool cat!

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Dear Bacon –  There I was.  Finally I had the attention of the gal that so rocks my world.  I was showing her my ninja moves trying to impress her with my skills and abilities.  While my buddy Rolan was on the porch rolling with kitty laughter.  I tell you pig, never let your friends stay around when you are trying to hit on a chick.  They don’t help in any way.  Signed Ninja Kitty

Dear Ninja Kitty – I gotta say you got some moves my friend.  I think that pose is awesome.  Who says cats can’t push themselves off of the floor and kick that high?  I wish I could!  I bet I would be able to impress the ladies too.  And don’t worry about Rolan.  That’s why he is still single – snorts.

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Dear Bacon – Sometimes when you are tired you are just too tired to care.  Here I was climbing my house to get my kitty cat exercise.  That’s when it hit me – BAM!  I was tired.  So I did what I do best.  I made the best of the situation and took me a little sunny siesta.  I could feel the heat from the sun on me and was dreaming for just a while that I was on the beach somewhere enjoying sand in my paws and a cold drink beside me.  Sigh – it was such a great dream.  That is until I fell out of the hammock onto my tushy on the floor.  Shakes my body.  Dreams suck sometimes.  Signed Taking Five

Dear Taking Five – I agree.  Sometimes dreams do suck.  Once, I had a dream that I met Miss Piggy and we were going swimming in a lake under the moonlight – just me and the love of my life.  The water woke me up – I peed on myself.  Shakes piggy head.  See, dreams can suck like you can’t imagine!

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  Dear Bacon – I’m all for one in picking up sports that fit your body and your skills.  I myself LOVE to swim – especially diving off of the diving board.  And what can I say?  This body was made for belly flops at our local watering hole.  I highly recommend them.  And I can tell that you would be good at this.  Just look at your pot-belly.  That is a piece of artwork you have there my friend.  Next time you get a chance, take the splash.  Signed Happy Trails

Dear Happy Trails – Really you think so?  You think this belly is made for some flops in the water?  I do work hard at maintaining my piggy physique.  It’s not as easy as one would think it is.  It takes time perfecting the right amount of munchies throughout the day to have this keg – who wants a six pack these days?  That’s just so common!  Happy swimming my friend!

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Dear Bacon – Play with the little humans they said.  No one will get hurt they said.  It would be fun they said… aren’t those famous last words?  So I let the little humans play with me – I was thinking chase not bury the treasure.  I knew I was in trouble when they dug a hole and stuck me in it.  And then the big humans had the nerve to yell, “Dinner”.  You know those pesky little people left me like this – nothing to help me but my paws and tail sticking up.  Really?  This is how you treat me for not leaving poo in your house.  Barks – we’ll see how fast that changes.  Signed Butt Deep in Trouble

Dear Butt Deep in Trouble – I have to admit that it does look kind of fun.  I mean not the you are stuck in the sand never to flee again or chase mailman fun… but the look at you aren’t you so cute with your paws and tail sticking out fun.  I think you look so very cute!  Don’t worry, you can bury the little humans next time when they play – fair play is fair play – snorts with piggy laughter.

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REMEMBER my friends, Dear Bacon can’t happen without YOU.  Please continue to email me your letters and pictures ❤

 

Facts About Moi

It’s been a while since I’ve posted this but I think I should again.  Mom and dad get a lot of questions about moi – a pig that lives in the Hotel Thompson.  People think that we are dirty/messy and can’t believe it when I say I live inside full time and prefer my comforts such as air conditioning, heat and of course my sweet television.

Here are some questions that we get asked a lot.  I thought we would answer some of them for you.  Hope you enjoy these my friends 🙂

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(1) Do I smell? No. Did you know that pigs are actually clean animals. We are very careful that we do not mess where we sleep or eat. I have an entire room and my sleeping quarters are on the opposite side of my wizzy pad. Mom and dad keep up with cleaning my room on a regular basis and of course I help. So no, I nor my room smell.

(2) Do we sweat? Did you know that pigs don’t sweat? We are actually unable to do so. That’s why you see pigs on the outside waddling in mud or water to keep cool. I, myself, have air conditioning and heat inside. Mom and dad makes sure that the temperatures are good for me. Not too cold and not too warm. If I get cold, I will snuggle under blankets and hide.

(3) Do pigs dream? Of course we do. We dream much as humans do. Sometimes when I’m on the couch with mom, she touches and holds me. She can feel me jumping and dreaming. She says it cute.

(4) What do we ‘do’? Well, I’m much like any other animal. I love to sleep, I enjoy watching television and listening to music. I play chase with the purr things and mom. I chase balls and I love getting piggy massages. I like to be held and touched. I really love to sit on the couch with mom watching television after dinner. This is one of my favorite things in the world. Normal things that your dog probably likes to do.  I do spend a lot of time in my bedroom on my toddler bed doing my thing – writing my blogs, researching my postings and taking care of my pet rocks.

(5) How do my parents know when its time to eat? This is a great and important question. We love to have a schedule. My internal clock is better than most clocks in the world. I know when it’s time to get up, eat or go to bed. Did you know that pigs have more than 20 vocalizations used in different situations? My mom and dad have learned some of mine. Just like when a baby cries and the mother ‘knows’ the cry, mom and dad know what my different sounds are for. Mom especially knows the “I’m hungry” call. LOL And you know, we don’t ‘pig out’ or eat like pigs as the old saying goes. We would rather enjoy our food. And no I don’t eat ‘slop’. I know there are some farm piggies that do but that’s a different breed. I eat lots of piggy chow, vegetables and fruits. I have to maintain my cute little figure!  And there is a standing FIRM rule here at the Hotel Thompson.  “No eating in front of the pig unless you plan on sharing with the pig.”

(6) Do you really know your name and are you that smart? Did you know that pigs learn their names within 3 days? When mom adopted me, she held me a lot, talked to me in her voice and said my name. This way, I knew who my mommy was. She also showed me where my wizzy pad was in my room and within 2 days, I was using it all of the time. I learned very quickly where the food came from in the kitchen. I even know where my piggy chow is kept. We are very smart creatures and have a great sense of direction!

(7) Are we hard to get along with? Well, this depends on a lot of factors. I’m an attention hog and yeah I can be a little pig headed at times when I don’t get my ways. I do have a tendency to test my boundaries but mom and dad (especially mom) sets me straight real quick. You know, just like regular kids do. I have my good days and bad days.

(8) Do I know any tricks? We are a very smart breed. I’m house trained. I know what it means to go to my feeding mat. I know what it means to go to bed. I know what it means to lay down or get snuggly. I know what it means to go potty. And I know what it means when mom tells me not to eat the purr things – LOL – just seeing if you were paying attention.

(9) Why is my tail straight? Did you know that regular pigs, you know the ones that stay outside on the farm, have curly tails. A true pot bellied pig has a straight tail that attaches high on the rump. That’s me. That’s how you can tail if its a cross breed pig or a miniature pot bellied pig.

(10) What’s our vision like? I like this question. Just like dad, I have very poor vision. You can’t look at me straight on and expect me to see you. My eyes are kind of on the side of my head and I can’t see things straight away. You will find me looking at you from the side. But although my vision may be poor, my smell and hearing are exceptional!

And the most important question of all – Do I get along with the other anipals here at the Hotel Thompson?  Yes.  We all know our pecking order here – Hemi, Me, Houdini and then Mouse Girl – snorts.  Hemi let’s *everyone* know that he is the top cat and the alpha male.  We all play together and when we are all out together, mom keeps full attention on us – that means no electronics like iPads or iPhones or cameras.  It only takes one time not paying attention for an accident to happen.  Although we all grew up together, a careful eye is key and mom is a firm believer in this.  And although me and Hemi sometimes squabble with each other and him slapping my captains quarters with his big paw, if i’m feeling icky he is the first there to check on me… right behind mommy of course.

I hope some of these answered your questions about me. If you have anymore, you can always ask or send me an email at BaconThompson@gmail.com

Hogs and Kisses, Bacon

 

31 Days of Spook – The Italian Bride

Julia Buccola Petta died at age 29 while giving birth to her stillborn son, Filippo.  Julia was buried in her wedding dress and given the nickname of The Italian Bride.  According to legen, Julia’s mother, Filomena, began having dreams in which Julia was telling her that she was still alive.  Years after her death, Filomena received permission to have the grave opened and her daughter exhumed.  Her mother then took a picture of Julia in her casket which was then placed on the monument.  The picture is still there on her grave at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

Story courtesy of FIND A GRAVE

 

Meteor Showers – Mark Your Calendar

 Important information here my friends.

While surfing the net, I’ve come across some fascinating information.  Mark your calendars for August 10-13, 2013.

During these nights, we will get a chance to see one of the rarest meteor showers.  You will actually get to see thousands of falling stars during this time period.  They estimate that there will be 50-100 meteors an hour.

You realize what this means right?  Does the happy piggy dance – this means all of our wishes will come true when you wish upon a falling star!  🙂  Don’t forget to check it out my friends!

 

Factoids of the Day

I read and hear a lot of people ask mom and dad questions about me. I thought this would be factoid Monday – you know something to make you smile and laugh. A learning experience shall we say to start the week off right. So here are some of the top questions that we get asked.

(1) Do I smell? No. Did you know that pigs are actually clean animals. We are very careful that we do not mess where we sleep or eat. I have an entire room and my sleeping quarters are on the opposite side of my wizzy pad. Mom and dad keep up with cleaning my room on a regular basis and of course I help. So no, I nor my room smell.

(2) Do we sweat? Did you know that pigs don’t sweat? We are actually unable to do so. That’s why you see pigs on the outside waddling in mud or water to keep cool. I, myself, have air conditioning and heat inside. Mom and dad makes sure that the temperatures are good for me. Not too cold and not too warm. If I get cold, I will snuggle under blankets and hide.

(3) Do pigs dream? Of course we do. We dream much as humans do. Sometimes when I’m on the couch with mom, she touches and holds me. She can feel me jumping and dreaming. She says it cute.

(4) What do we ‘do’? Well, I’m much like any other animal. I love to sleep, I enjoy watching television and listening to music. I play chase with the purr things and mom. I chase balls and I love getting piggy massages. I like to be held and touched. I really love to sit on the couch with mom watching television after dinner. This is one of my favorite things in the world. Normal things that your dog probably likes to do.

(5) How do my parents know when its time to eat? This is a good and important question. We love to have a schedule. My internal clock is better than most clocks in the world. I know when it’s time to get up, eat or go to bed. Did you know that pigs have more than 20 vocalizations used in different situations? My mom and dad have learned some of mine. Just like when a baby cries and the mother ‘knows’ the cry, mom and dad know what my different sounds are for. Mom especially knows the “I’m hungry” call. LOL And you know, we don’t ‘pig out’ or eat like pigs as the old saying goes. We would rather enjoy our food. And no I don’t eat ‘slop’. I know there are some farm piggies that do but that’s a different breed. I eat lots of piggy chow, vegetables and fruits. I have to maintain my cute little figure!

(6) Do you really know your name and are you that smart? Did you know that pigs learn their names within 3 days? When mom adopted me, she held me a lot, talked to me in her voice and said my name. This way, I knew who my mommy was. She also showed me where my wizzy pad was in my room and within 2 days, I was using it all of the time. I learned very quickly where the food came from in the kitchen. I even know where my piggy chow is kept. We are very smart creatures and have a great sense of direction!

(7) Are we hard to get along with? Well, this depends on a lot of factors. I’m an attention hog and yeah I can be a little pig headed at times when I don’t get my ways. I do have a tendency to test my boundaries but mom and dad (especially mom) sets me straight real quick. You know, just like regular kids do. I have my good days and bad days.

(8) Do I know any tricks? We are a very smart breed. I’m house trained. I know what it means to go to my feeding mat. I know what it means to go to bed. I know what it means to lay down or get snuggly. I know what it means to go potty. And I know what it means when mom tells me not to eat the purr things – LOL – just seeing if you were paying attention.

(9) Why is my tail straight? Did you know that regular pigs, you know the ones that stay outside on the farm, have curly tails. A true pot bellied pig has a straight tail that attaches high on the rump. That’s me. That’s how you can tail if its a cross breed pig or a miniature pot bellied pig.

(10) What’s our vision like? I like this question. Just like dad, I have very poor vision. You can’t look at me straight on and expect me to see you. My eyes are kind of on the side of my head and I can’t see things straight away. You will find me looking at you from the side. But although my vision may be poor, my smell and hearing are exceptional!

I hope some of these answered your questions about me. If you have anymore, you can always ask or send me an email at BaconThompson@gmail.com

Hogs and Kisses, Bacon