Day 24
Thanks Dad. Thanks Grandma. It’s really sad when the defining characteristic which determines your heritage is … your knees. Sad. Very sad.
And sadder still is that when standing side-by-side with your friend (who will remain nameless for her sake), both of you in shorts, you realize you share the same ancestral connection – as far as ethnicity – due to knees alone!
It has never mattered what my weight has been … the knees prevailed. They were there … no matter what. Massive, strong, square. Cute as a plump and pudgy baby or toddler … um, not so much as an adult! It didn’t matter if I was waif thin (like when I got married) or 9+ months pg or if I exercised like crazy … I still have that defining factor … my large, sturdy, slow-pitch softball-sized Bohemian knees.
Sigh.
Bohemia … was a historical region in central Europe (bordered by Germany, Poland and Austria) that no longer exists (on its own) but the genes connected with that region sure do! At one time it occupied the western two-thirds of what were the traditional Czech Lands (as noted in pinks, greens and yellows on the globe I remember as a child). Shortly after WWI it became the core of the newly-formed country, Czechoslovakia. Years later after the dissolution of (same country, in 1993), the territory of Bohemia was incorporated into what is currently known as the Czech Republic, with Prague its capital.
Despite political changes and territory incorporations one thing has remained constant … these people are/were a sturdy lot! It is said that the Czech people are the most beautiful on the planet. (I just made that up.) No, really, I’ve heard that. Somewhere.
Prague is called the “City of Spires” (due to all of the spired buildings) and it looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. I’ve never been but I’ve been told. When Ted came home from a trip there I asked him about the spires. He didn’t even notice them – he was too busy looking at the most beautiful women on the planet. See?!
And though they are beautiful, they probably have big knees!
The diet of the peoples of this area hasn’t really changed much over time as it is comprised mostly of meats (pork, beef, poultry including organ meats), root vegetables (potatoes and carrots), cabbages, soups and a variety of sweet and savory dumplings. Not many fresh fruits or vegetables are consumed due to their high cost and salads are rare. The national beverage is beer and the people of this country also have a fondness for sweets. Knowing the typical diet it does make sense to say that, generally, one from that region might have a hefty build … and if one has thighs like tree trunks one should surely have knees like Paul Bunyon.
And so, I thank my father for his genetic input (his knees are bigger than mine – but who’s comparing?!) … and to his mother, my grandmother, for her Bohemian DNA, heritage and connection.
Too bad I was bestowed this attribute and not say, one that could change paper into gold? Yeah, thanks Dad. Thanks Grandma.