We visited with Aunt Jopie week before last – had a terrific time. I got her to watch The History Boys – the movie version from ’06. She and I both need the closed caption on, particularly for viewing people who speak quickly and with British accents. There was plenty of that in THB. But my favorite line from the movie – in fact, I think it likely all my favorite lines from that film – are spoken by the only female teacher seen in the plot, Mrs. Lintott, or “Totty” to the boys. Frances De Le Tour plays her in the film, and apparently also played her on the stage. But here’s the best one:

Mrs. Lintott: Can you, for a moment, imagine how depressing it is to teach five centuries of masculine ineptitude? And

History is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men. What is history? History is women following behind with the bucket.

Great lines – great truths.

BTW: this is just the beginning of a series of thoughts that will culminate in a big blog post inspired by the A.O. Scott musings on the Death of Adulthood in American Culture – or some words to that effect. I think I gave you the real title before – but if not, you’re going to read so much about this, we’ll get it to eventually.

Gotta go – making a lemon sugar syrup for two lemon buttermilk pound cakes. The family is gathering for a pulled pork dinner. Kyle is bringing Chris and the telescope, so we can only hope for good weather tonight. Supposta be – fingers crossed.