A few weeks ago, while helping my eldest daughter with her ancestor project, I re-discovered an old photo album.  The album had belonged to my mom, and contained photos of my parents and paternal grandparents during the late 1960’s and early 70’s. Also inside, much to my daughter’s delight,  we discovered a few of my baby pictures! For reasons that are too complicated to explain here, (but would make an excellent Lifetime Movie), I have very few keepsakes or photos from… Read more »

Perhaps more than any other holiday, Christmas is a time of tradition. The lights, trees, gifts and food – not to mention a portly gentleman in a red suit – make it a special time of the year. But, have you ever wondered why we decorate trees and kiss under the mistletoe? Why do we hang stockings over the fireplace? Who is this Santa guy anyway?  I thought that I would look into the origins of some festive traditions and discover why evergreen trees and… Read more »

Candid Christmas… “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” Here we are again. As we approach the end of 2015 and peer into the swirling mists of the future, I thought that it might be fun to reminisce of Christmases Past. I have amassed quite a collection of vintage photos on Pinterest and thought that I would share some of my favorites for you to peruse while warming yourself with a hot cup of cocoa (maybe with a little something… Read more »

In the spirit of Thanksgiving,  I thought that I would share some wise words written by the father of our country, George Washington. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving or will be an honored guest, may I humbly suggest that you read President Washington’s rules of etiquette and behavior and ensure that you do not end up being an embarrassing family epithet. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Rules According to George…  

Thanksgiving is just around the corner here in the USA – the annual celebration of family and gratitude, cleverly disguised as an exercise in gluttony and football.  Every year, families gather together to share an enormous turkey dinner, watch the Dallas Cowboys lose to whoever, and argue bitterly about why the government is to blame for the burnt apple pie. (Thanks Obama!) As a native Brit, I am relatively new to Thanksgiving and all it’s delectable comestibles.  The main “eating” holiday in Britain… Read more »