In our Native American Indian culture, the "Divided Sky" simply means, "lightening."

I love Native American folklore as it has possible ties to the roots of my ancestral background.  Or so we think. 

As historians would have it, being of British descent and a Mayflower descendent, one is left wondering how seven signers of the Mayflower Compact, all men, came over on this famous or infamous ship, without brides.  

Could it be, they headed west and along the way, met up with Native American Indian tribes and fell in love with their beautiful women.  Not so far fetched.  But as historians claim, there are no records of such unions, at least in my family tree, which hails its early beginnings back to Henry VIII.  

It was simply, a "no no."  Marrying and having children with Indian women was, at one time, forbidden and looked upon with prurient disdain by the British.  

Dubious beginngs, that, for sure.  What, with all those wives, beheaded most, in jolly Olde England,  how could one ever hope to find one's true roots, unless willing to accept the possible fact that one was related to one of the two Catherines, one of which was a common prostitute.  I for one, prefer to be associated with that particular Catherine; so much more colorful an historic past.  And for whom I was named, many generations later and another Catherine (then spelled Kathryn, a more popular spelling in the early 1900's) and my great grand mother.

So as not to become tedious with personal lineage, suffice it to say, I was fascinated from an early age with my own father's jet black hair and piercing light blue eyes, that tilted in the corners, against a back drop of deep olive skin that tanned like brown shoe polish in the afternoon sun.

Black hair?  It never registered till much later in my life, when I took it upon myself to become our family historian and keep the family tree intact, copies of documents that I thought were so important to my siblings, my own children and grand children and the membership in the Society of Mayflower Descendants, which I believed was so historically important and a marker to define my life and lineage.

In most ways, it may very well end with me.  I can see now, that the new modern times and today's generation, are so self preoccupied in the present, that a meaningful past or vision for what is to come in their unimagined futures, is a passing "diss."  Disassociated from a past that belongs to their parents, grand parents and more distant, great grand parents, for whom they mostly disassociate, there is no greater reality than, "now."  

So it is, then, that I must retire in the knowing from where I may have come to be and remain satisfied that my beginnings have lead me to a place of contentment and gratitude.  All well and good.

Which, happily brings me to "my now."  I could easily go on and on about how much I am fascinated by lightening and thunder, which I surely am, however, this definition of lightening brings me to present time and to where I am tonight.  Or where I was and often, am.

A real live place, in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, which, by the way, is translated, "Tall Tree,' in Native American Indian."  A place I frequent, near my cabin in South Shore, for its laid back, casual atmosphere, where mainly locals gather, to enjoy some of the best organic soups, salads, sandwiches and local wines around.  And, of course, they proudly serve locally brewed ales of many varieties.  It is a place for all ages and types; the "stereo economic who cares" who simply love this place for its simple authenticity.

Of course I have "Yelped" the "Divided Sky" more than once, as have so many others, since it offers such affordable delicious home cooked meals in a very casual "apres ski"  atmosphere, or should I say, "boarder crowd," ala anyone from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between, who have come to love and appreciate this place of quiet elegance, sporting everything from dreadlocks to Burton gear, UGGS and knowing acceptability of everything.  All are welcome and all will come, again and again.  I sure do.  It's addictive.

Having come home a little while ago, inspired to write about this local scene of comfort food and lively folks of all tempermants and pedigree, I wish to impart a message of cheshire cat satisfaction, having consumed a culinary feast of owner, Brian's homemade Curried Lentil and Cauliflower Soup with a half order of his masterful  Anti-pasto plate with three cheeses, olive medley, sun dried tomato puree, caramelized onions, artichoke chunks, topped with thinly sliced Fuji Apples with warm out of the oven, soft sour dough bread, a side of Balsamic Vinegar and Oil and a bowl of warmed Pistachios.  Could there be anything better on a cold winter night?

I am a happy camper, satiated and sitting in my comfy writing chair, holding a glass of "Seven Daughters" Winemakers Blend of Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alcante Boushet and Cargnane.  No idea what that all means, other than a smooth, luscious, velvety, soft end to a wonderful evening and a toast to my proprietor and friend, Brian, at the "Divided Sky."

All photo credits go to Google: "Lightening" and various photos of this wondrous miracle of nature.

Special mention:  www.yelp.com. 

All words are my own. No surprise there.

Bon nuit mon ami.

Bon nuit mon cheri.

Bon nuit mes amis.

Bon nuit tout le monde.

Bon nuit pillow. 

Night night.