2020 and 2021 were challenging and life-changing years for all of us. For the safety of all participants, the 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s was virtual. Then in 2021, both the physical and virtual walks resumed. Unfortunately, I was still concerned for our team members’ health. Vaccinations were beginning to become available for limited age groups, and …
The Garden Depending on the area or zone you live in, as the leaves of the trees start to turn yellow, red, and orange, it is a clear sign that fall is in the air. And with fall comes preparation to prepare your house and garden plants for the winter. Here are some general tips …
The Best Fall Care Tips for Your House and Garden Plants Read More »
According to the website Mental Floss, it’s likely that bats were present at the earliest celebrations of proto-Halloween, not just symbolically but literally. As part of Samhain, the Celts lit large bonfires, which attracted insects. The insects, in turn, attracted bats, which soon became associated with the festival. Medieval folklore expanded upon the spooky connotation …
Why Do Bats Hold a Special Place in Our Imaginations at Halloween? Read More »
It’s that time of year again when pumpkins are everywhere. But why do we carve pumpkins for Halloween, anyway? What is the story behind this tradition? Pumpkin carving has been around for centuries, and there are many different theories about its origins. I want to look at the history of pumpkin carving and explore some …
The Anatomy of a Jack-o’-Lantern: Why We Carve Pumpkins Read More »
The logging industry in Arnold and the surrounding Sierras had a much longer and storied history than I imagined. The logging industry was once a vital part of the economy, from sawmills to camps. However, these facilities were abandoned with the advent of modern machinery and the decline in timber production. I am curious if …
By now, you know I have a fondness for furry and feathery creatures. Of course, I have favorites that I tend to focus on, but there are so many beautiful animals in the Sierras. During this post, I want to bring attention to the forest’s little “bandits,” Raccoons. Raccoons live in the Sierras, and the …
The Wildlife of the Sierras: The Marvelous Raccoons Read More »
Anthony’s sweet little Summer amazed me the other day. She opened two doors to get inside the house all by herself. But first, let me explain that Summer was not outside alone; no, we were all outside with her. Summer opened the door to the garage and then the door/entrance to the house. The doors …
Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the world. People of all ages enjoy dressing up in costumes, eating candy, and going trick-or-treating. But where did this spooky holiday come from? And how did it become so popular? First, I want to explore the history of Halloween and discuss its traditions. Then I …
The Spooky Evolution of Halloween: A History of the Holiday and Its Traditions Read More »
Today I want to discuss a controversial topic, Columbus, and whether or not we should continue to celebrate him as the person who discovered America. A brief history recap, Christopher Columbus was looking for a new route to Asia. He believed he could sail west and find a shorter way to the East Indies. In …
I am the family historian, and sometimes this time of the year, filled with the holidays our family celebrates, makes me feel very nostalgic! My home is filled with antiques from my grandmother’s era, my mother’s artwork, and my dad’s memorabilia from World War II. In addition, I have elegant serving pieces and glassware from …
