Vintage Romantic Author
We set off for the National Archives and saw the founding documents: Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. No pictures were allowed in the building, but here’s what the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom looks like: There was little else to see or do there. We walked through an exhibit about how …
Since this decade began, almost all my adventures have been day trips. I’ve gotten awfully used to staying home. I guess it’s no wonder the thought of spending the night away causes some apprehension. There really is no place like home. Recent improvements upstairs and down provide eye candy. I have plenty to keep me …
Some holiday traditions last, others don’t. Since Mother’s Day is coming up, let’s take a look at its history and its ties to carnations, a tradition that didn’t stand the test of time. I came across a newspaper article from 1914 about the first Mother’s Day—well, the first Mother’s Day celebrated as a national holiday. …
Recently ruminating about the commonality of all my books and blogs, I realized they’re about homemaking. In books, it’s making a new home or fitting into someone else’s. In blogs, it’s about the little ways I make my own home. I was reading an article about homemakers of today and the abuse they get from …
Before socialists, communists, anarchists, labor activitists and leftists took May 1 to commemorate their struggles, it was widely celebrated by the masses. In some regions, it was considered a public holiday that included dancing, singing and yum—cake. In an attempt to bring back the traditional May Day, if only on a small scale, I gathered …
Long before Dr. Spock’s attempt to document the “correct” way to raise psychologically healthy children, many authors published medical science of the day for use by housewives. Knowing I was interested in times past, my mom brought me Wife and Mother or Information for Every Woman from my aunt’s yard sale. Published in 1886, the …
As you know, I’ve been cleaning things out. I’m actually making steady, if slow, progress. It’s been fun to uncover treasures from my youth. I greatly enjoy the old photos I’ve been sorting. Thought I’d share with you. Having totally forgotten about this little treasure, it was a delight to come across my truly tiny …
Despite all that’s going on in the world, Easter is just around the corner. Family celebrations might be digital this year. In an effort to be as “normal” as possible, I’ll be decorating as I always do. I am nuts about holidays. Ask anybody. From October through April, my house is decorated for one holiday …
How do you feel about photographs? Do they fascinate you? Are you drawn to them? Most importantly, do you throw them away? I’m only asking because I cannot trash a picture. Recently, I read about an author who researched letters of men who traveled to the gold fields via wagon train. These men seemed completely …
My dad grew up farming. Here he is with his prize mule, Dan. Here he is as a toddler with his older brother, my Uncle Erv. Since there were only two boys in their family, they had to work hard. My dad dropped out of school at an early age. Even so, he could help …