Now is the time to check on the condition of your broom! Let’s do a quick check! Don’t have one? A broom makes a great housewarming gift by sweeping away your/their troubles! Caring for your Broom: 1. Always store your broom by hanging it up, or standing it on its handle. This will keep the […]
Category Archives: American Past times
Valentine’s Day in a Chocolate Nutshell
How did Valentine’s Day become connected to February 14th? Several resources point to ancient church leaders replacing the Roman festival that celebrated spring and fertility with the feast day to remember the martyrdom of one or possibly two men named Valetinus. People would travel from all over to the churches holding their bones looking for […]
You Planted a Garden During the Pandemic: Now What?
I will not lie, planting a garden and watching it grow is very rewarding. Now more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic we need to see that life goes on and is beautiful. Also, we are stuck at home and that yard or patio should serve a purpose, and what if the food chain supply […]
A New Englander’s Take on the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras
Normally trees don’t bloom in February. In New Orleans, Louisiana they do. They bloom with colorful strands of beads that remain there for weeks, possibly months! Or… the beads were tossed from creatively decorated floats by masked and costumed people to exuberant and loud spectators and they were caught instead by the trees. Most people […]
Back to School with Old Tales
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I will tell you…I adore the illustrations in old children’s books. The woodcuts are fantastic. The images can be creepy and fun. Most of all they are just plain beautiful. Ahh, but what about the stories that they highlight? Recently I have been paying more attention to […]
Survival Games from the Past to Teach Your Child Now
Tag! You are IT ! Have you ever watched a nature show and saw wolf cubs jumping at each other, nibbling on each other’s ears, or chasing each other? We humans call that playing. To the wolves, it is training for adult independence and survival. I was a kid during the “kids can raise themselves” generation. Parents […]
Amateur Radio Dad
Silent Keys When I was young, my Dad woke me up late at night and whispered, “Shh, come listen.” Mother would have never approved of me being up so late, but Dad was the kind who tended to break rules if there was an adventure to be had. And I was always ready to be his side-kick in […]