Google's Fable of 'Stone Soup'
There exists a tale, handed down from times long ago, of two travelers on a pilgrimage. Hungry and tired from a long day’s journey, they come to a small, impoverished, medieval village, where they decide to rest by the side of the road. One of the travelers builds a small fire, upon which he places a large pot, while the other, having drawn water from the town well, fills the pot and places into the vessel a simple stone. As the two men sit by the fire, bringing their 'stone soup' to a boil, the local villagers become inquisitive of the curious antics of these strangers. Eventually, several townsfolk decide to investigate the matter and approach the two travelers to engage them in conversation.
Shortly thereafter, there is heard the sound of merriment, as the visitors, who turn out to be quite friendly, share their tales of the lands and people they have met throughout their journey and pilgrimage with the local villagers. Finally, a young boy asks the travelers 'But why, pray thee, are you boiling a stone?'
One of the pilgrims replies, 'So we may eat stone soup.' 'It must be terribly bland!' says an old woman. 'But I have a cabbage, which will add some flavor!' 'And I, some carrots, which will add color!' says another villager. 'Some potatoes!', offers another, until, shortly, by the contribution of a little by many, a hearty stew was made, upon which the entire village and the weary pilgrims dined... and while doing so, shared their tales, talents, and camaraderie throughout the night.
The very next day, the travelers (who by now could be called 'strangers' no more), continued their journey, leaving the little town, and its people, behind. But the villagers never forgot them, and the lesson they had learned. In fact, during the hardest of times, in such a time as this tale, that little village thrived, because the townsfolk never forgot how to make 'stone soup'. Such is the legend of the 'Stone Soup Story'.
'CLSA's Stone Soup'
There exists a tradition, handed down from times long ago, of CLSA's April 'Workday,' the time when winter weary sailors gather at Clinton Lake to prepare for their upcoming sailing season. From miles around, they bring tools and gloves to clear and clean and rake (leaves and masts), but most importantly to launch the Committee Boat and get club sailboats ready to race. Every year, 'Stone Soup' is on the menu and everyone is encouraged to bring something to add to the pots. That way, if the date is postponed or rained out no pre-purchased or cooked food is wasted.
So --about mid-morning sailors collect paper and kindling and dry burnable sticks to put on the grill, until someone finds charcoal and lighter fluid, but no matches. Then someone offers their igniter and the flames finally begin. As 'Boy Scouts' tend to the fire, they notice there's no cooking pots or pails of clean water ('Who's in charge?' 'Where's the red supplies tub?' 'Should we make a run into town for pizza?' NO!!). Somehow two large pots and gallons of water miraculously appear from somebody's car. (The 'Girl Scouts' come prepared!) As water boils, sailors offer their spoils and the stews begin to brew -- with russet potatoes, organic carrots, big sweet onions and red peppers, canned black beans, stew beef and Polish sausage, Steam fresh frozen vegetables, Progresso Chicken Noodle soup, celery tips, dried lentils, broad noodles,fresh ground pepper and assorted spices. One pot is loosely designated as 'beef/vegetable,' the other 'vegetable/chicken.' Both pots of 'stone soup' smell, look, and taste unbelieveably delicious, especially after completing the list of 'to do's' with everyone working diligently and hard all morning. The meal is complete because of what simply appears on the table -- natural peanut butter and whole wheat bread, cheese and crackers and beer, Pringles and chips, Saltines and Ritz, apple pie -- and brownies, of course. And, as usual, someone finds or brings, in time, bowls and the red tub of supplies.
"...by the contribution of a little by many, a hearty stew was made, upon which the new members and seasoned sailors dined...
and while doing so, shared their tales, talents, and camaraderie through the noon...."Betty Toland
Amy N Miranda
Good to the last drop...
Serving stone soup...
CLSA members on spring workday
Chris, Jason, Amy, Josh