Falling into Fun: The Traditions of Autumn
The origins of our favorite fall activities are often shrouded in mystery. Learn how some of these beloved fall traditions came to be.
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Devil’s Den and the "Curses" of Gettysburg
On a boulder-strewn hill in Gettysburg, some of the fiercest fighting of the Civil War took place. Today, this location is just of the battlefields of Gettysburg that inspired myths, legends, and of course, ghost stories.
Pass the Cranberry Sauce: How These Foods Became Thanksgiving Favorites
Most Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States feature the same dishes: a steaming turkey with either stuffing or dressing, jellied cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. Only some people, however, know how these foods became associated with this uniquely American holiday.
The Ritchie Boys: How German-Born U.S. Soldiers Helped Defeat Hitler
Thousands of refugees—many of them Jewish—fled Nazi atrocities during WWII. A handful returned to fight Hitler and help lead the Allies to victory.
History Unfurled: The Legend of Betsy Ross and the First Flag
Betsy Ross has long been credited with creating America’s first flag. Her story, however, is far more fiction than fact.
From Colly Birds to Calling Birds: A History of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
Invented as a children’s memory game, the 12 Days of Christmas is now one of the most parodied Christmas carols of all time.
One If by Land; Two If by Sea: The Real Story of Paul Revere’s Ride
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: What Really Happened?
Many people know the 1860 poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem describes the heroic and harrowing ride of Paul Revere, who warned colonists of the approaching British forces.
Less known is that Revere was not the lone rider on this quest or that Longfellow took some liberties with the facts in his poetic retelling of the story.
In 1863, Longfellow published his book Tales of Wayside Inn, which conta
Many people know the 1860 poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem describes the heroic and harrowing ride of Paul Revere, who warned colonists of the approaching British forces.
Less known is that Revere was not the lone rider on this quest or that Longfellow took some liberties with the facts in his poetic retelling of the story.
In 1863, Longfellow published his book Tales of Wayside Inn, which conta
Danger From the Sky: Japanese Balloon Bombs of World War 2
When a group on a church picnic in Oregon discovered a strange object in the woods in May of 1945, they had no idea they would become the only World War II casualties on the U.S. mainland.
Con Job: How Scammers Are Using Job Boards to Take Advantage of Employment Seekers
Scammers are not just using phone calls and emails to con people. Now they are using job boards.
What's Left Behind
In August of 2010, we went as a family to a local animal shelter. We came home with an 8-week-old brown puppy we named Chloe.
On June 16, 2023, just four days after her 13th birthday, we went with her to the
vet one last time to say our goodbyes.
She was more than a dog to us. She was our protector. Our travel companion. Our constant shadow. Our floor cleaner. The greeter when we walked in the door. And a friend who knew exactly when you needed a cuddle, an encouraging lick, or a ball droppe
On June 16, 2023, just four days after her 13th birthday, we went with her to the
vet one last time to say our goodbyes.
She was more than a dog to us. She was our protector. Our travel companion. Our constant shadow. Our floor cleaner. The greeter when we walked in the door. And a friend who knew exactly when you needed a cuddle, an encouraging lick, or a ball droppe
John Hancock: Founding Father, Revolutionary, and the Most Famous Signature in the World
When examining the Declaration of Independence, observers often notice the size of one signature compared to the rest at the bottom of the document. John Hancock is certainly famous for his elaborate penmanship—but there is much more to this founding father than a signature on a famous document.
https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Bellamy-Salute-How-Americans-Used-to-Salute-the-Flag
The Bellamy Salute: How Americans Used to Salute the Flag
It is common today to place one’s hand over their heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. At one time, however, the pledge was accompanied by a much different gesture.
Edith Galt Wilson: America’s First “Female President”
The United States has yet to elect a woman as president. However, a woman essentially ran the country while caring for her husband after a debilitating stroke.
Edith Galt Wilson, the wife of Woodrow Wilson, was by all accounts a socialite with little interest in or knowledge of politics. She was also highly protective of her husband, essentially shielding the country from news of his massive stroke and aiding him in legislative and policy decisions.
Born in 1872 in West Virginia, Edith Bolling
Edith Galt Wilson, the wife of Woodrow Wilson, was by all accounts a socialite with little interest in or knowledge of politics. She was also highly protective of her husband, essentially shielding the country from news of his massive stroke and aiding him in legislative and policy decisions.
Born in 1872 in West Virginia, Edith Bolling
The Story of Squanto: Guide, Interpreter, and Protector of the Pilgrims
When the Pilgrims established their settlement at Plymouth, the last thing they expected was a strange man in native clothing stepping out of the woods and greeting them in English—but that is precisely what happened the first time they met Squanto, the native that would save their early settlement.
Born somewhere near Plymouth, Massachusetts, little is known of his earl
Born somewhere near Plymouth, Massachusetts, little is known of his earl
A “Spook-tacular” Time of Year: The History of Halloween in the U.S.
October is traditionally a time to celebrate a successful harvest and prepare for the coming winter. These traditions gave rise to the celebration we know today as Halloween
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) that began nearly 2,000 years ago,
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) that began nearly 2,000 years ago,
Changes in Seasons
I usually look forward to autumn. I love the colors, the cool crisp air, and the sights and smells of this amazing season.
She was recently diagnosed with an aggressive and rapidly-spreading form of melanoma. Although her blood work is excellent, X-rays reveal the cancer may already be in her lungs. The vet cannot say for sure, but she very likely only has months to live.
Her time all depends on how long it takes the cancer to spread. It could only be a matter of weeks. Or she can hold on for
She was recently diagnosed with an aggressive and rapidly-spreading form of melanoma. Although her blood work is excellent, X-rays reveal the cancer may already be in her lungs. The vet cannot say for sure, but she very likely only has months to live.
Her time all depends on how long it takes the cancer to spread. It could only be a matter of weeks. Or she can hold on for
I have it all, so what do I do with it?
As a lifelong Catholic, my religion is as much a part of my identity as being Italian or Polish. But something has changed over the last four years. It seems that there is no longer a place for people like me in the Catholic Church. All because I refuse to accept that my value as a Christian lies in how I decide to vote based solely on a single issue.
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
I have it all, so what do I do with it?
As a lifelong Catholic, my religion is as much a part of my identity as being Italian or Polish. But something has changed over the last four years. It seems that there is no longer a place for people like me in the Catholic Church. All because I refuse to accept that my value as a Christian lies in how I decide to vote based solely on a single issue.
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
I have it all, so what do I do with it?
As a lifelong Catholic, my religion is as much a part of my identity as being Italian or Polish. But something has changed over the last four years. It seems that there is no longer a place for people like me in the Catholic Church. All because I refuse to accept that my value as a Christian lies in how I decide to vote based solely on a single issue.
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
At a recent sermon, a deacon at my church spoke about the responsibility of a Catholic. And that responsibility is first and foremost voting pro-
The History of Christmas Traditions: Stockings by the Fireplace
Stockings hanging in front of a fireplace are one of the most popular symbols of Christmas. This holiday tradition began with legends attributed to a famous saint who later became known as "Jolly Old St. Nick."
The Nobleman and His Daughters
The custom of hanging Christmas stockings is based on legends that have been handed down for generations. According to the article "Why Do We Hang Stockings for Christmas" on Livescience.com, the tradition originated with a story about a nobleman with thre
The Nobleman and His Daughters
The custom of hanging Christmas stockings is based on legends that have been handed down for generations. According to the article "Why Do We Hang Stockings for Christmas" on Livescience.com, the tradition originated with a story about a nobleman with thre
A Tear-able Dilemma
This past Saturday, Cliff and I returned from a week-long cruise in the Western Caribbean. The ship's crew was taking extra precautions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, and no cases were reported on board the ship as far as we know. So far, we appear to be in good health. There is only one problem I can identify.We are almost out of toilet paper.My husband went to three stores yesterday and could not find a single roll of toilet paper. A friend told me she witnessed two women almost gett
Have a Little Cheese With Your Whine
A friend and I were recently at an event where everyone had to bring a wrapped bottle as a prize. There were some bottles of olive oil, Castille soap and the occasional much-coveted bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream. Mostly, there were bottles of wine.Toward the end of the event, my friend and I began to wonder if it was a bad thing when, as each bottle was unwrapped, one or both of us would reply, "I've tried that one."Clearly, wine is my friend. And I'm obviously not the only one.When a tough day
Finding Humor in a Not-So-Funny Year
If 2020 were a drink, it would be a colonoscopy prep.
Thank you. I will be here all week.
I can't actually take credit for that saying. I found it online. In this troublesome year, one of the things that saved my sanity is humor.
For many of us, 2020 has been, to say the least, challenging. Between economic uncertainty, a contentious election, and the loss or potential loss of those we care about due to a horrendous virus that some choose to treat as a joke, 2020 has been devastating for many
Thank you. I will be here all week.
I can't actually take credit for that saying. I found it online. In this troublesome year, one of the things that saved my sanity is humor.
For many of us, 2020 has been, to say the least, challenging. Between economic uncertainty, a contentious election, and the loss or potential loss of those we care about due to a horrendous virus that some choose to treat as a joke, 2020 has been devastating for many
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