Coloring Easter Eggs 1880's Style

Background:
Easter has come and gone, and we have our current traditions.  Some though, go back further than you might think.   Ever think about how they might have colored Easter eggs in the 1880's?  Did they even do that back then?

Impression:
Slate Run Historical farm shows us what life may have been like for a farm family in Ohio in the 1880's.  On the weekend of Easter, a visit to the farm graced us with the way they colored eggs back then.

The image above shows a few examples.  Using vinegar and alum as a base, other things are added to give the eggs their distinct color.  Starting with the far left, cochineal (a type of insect) is used for dying things red or purple. The yellow eggs get their tint from the spice turmeric.  The third bowl contains eggs dyed from onion skin.  The last bowl used red beets for their coloring.

The staff there showed the whole process and had a sheet with the directions, if you wanted to try them in this style yourself.

Eggs can be hard boiled in the coloring, or hard boiled in water first, then put into the dye mixture later.

The Women of the Arnold Sport Festival 2017

Written by Dani & Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
The Arnold Sports Festival in its 28th year is back at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Over 20,000 athletes compete in 70 sports.  To cheer them on, over 200,000 people attend the event.

Impression:
Female athletes play a large role in the Arnold Sports Festival.   This was enhanced this year with the inclusion of a Strong Woman category.

Strong Woman
The top 4 Strong Woman competitors,  Brittany Diamond, Rebecca Roberts Jenny Todd, and Sumer Johnson, so impressed the Strongman Committee that they all received their Pro cards!

These women showed their power by lifting 165+lb kegs over their heads, running with 400+lb yokes, and 400+lb farmers carry.

Fierce competition among the athletes was shown, but as in all Strongman/Strongwoman events, there is comradery too, allowing the athletes to root for their competitors.

Figure/Physique Competition
Pushing their bodies to the limit, these women show their amazing musculature and posing routines. Strenuous training and impeccable diet for months on end bring these women to the pinnacle of their form.  Dedication to the sport is apparent and they leave it all out there on the stage.  Hoping for that first place finish.

Pole Championship Series
Combining strength training, dance and acrobatics this event is very underrated.  Not only do you get a show of physical strength, but the performances also have theme to them and bring along with them an emotional component.

Fitness
High energy dance, gymnastics and performance are all showcase the physical prowess of the athletes here.

Dance
Over at the Ohio Fairgrounds, dance companies come and perform their complicated and high energy routines.