Dyscarpia

[Steven Maas (CUTR)]

December = Advent?  Probably not though, it's not really a synonym.

On Wed, 2 Apr 1997 Dkipen at aol.com wrote:

> Dear friends,
> 
> Now I know why it took TRP 20 years to finish this baby. One year to write,
> 19 to proofread, is my guess. Pls find below the amended first sentence of
> M&D, free of typos and dropped phrases ("as of Cousins") this time, I hope.
> The bushy-tailed amongst you will notice a new near-synonym which is not a
> typo. It's not the original word, either, but another, as-yet unguessed
> near-synonym (asymptonym?) of it is. This should help you focus your efforts
> before I turn over all the cards. Think Pynchon.
> 
> "Snow-Balls have flown their Arcs, starr'd the Sides of Outbuildings, as
> of Cousins, carried Hats away into the brisk Wind off Delaware,-- the Sleds
> are brought in and their Runners carefully dried and greased, shoes deposited
> in the back Hall, a stocking'd-foot Descent made upon the great Kitchen, in a
> purposeful
> Dither since Morning, punctuated by the ringing Lids of Boilers and
> Stewing-Pots, fragrant with Pie-Spices, peel'd Fruits, Suet, heated Sugar,--
> the
> Children, having all upon the Fly, among rhythmic slaps of Batter and Spoon,
> coax'd
> and stolen what they might, proceed, as upon each afternoon all this snowy
> December, to a comfortable Room at the rear of the House, years since given
> over to their carefree Assaults."
> 
> By the way, can anybody help me place the earliest appearance of the rumor
> that TRP was working on a book about M&D? Time magazine, I think, but when?
> 
> Sorry about the confusion,
> David
>