What’s the story behind Valentine’s Day? How did Cupid become part of this celebration of love? No, it’s not a plot from greeting card companies or confectioners. The answer is an interesting combination of Greek and Roman mythology with the legend of a Christian martyr added into the story. In Greek mythology, Eros was a […]
Let Heaven and Nature Sing!
We had our first snowfall several weeks ago and for two days afterward the world was glistening, transformed, you could even say it was enchanting. If you’re from Minnesota, “enchanting” might not be your adjective to describe snow. Regardless, I love this photo from Country Living Magazine and the accompanying cow that seems to have […]
Our Story of Hurricane Camille, 1969
Every year when the calendar flips to August and the first mention of hurricanes comes across the airwaves, my mind flashes back to August 1969 and the week before my husband and I were married. Sunday, August 17, 1969, 3:30 pm. “This storm looks bad. My boss said there’s going to be a lot of […]
Carry on, Independence Day
We’re stretching out the Fourth of July celebration this year and maybe that’s a good thing. Flooding in parts of Iowa changed our travel plans for the holiday, so we stayed home for the Fourth. I was curious to see “Horizon,” Kevin Costner’s just released western, especially after spending the better part of three years […]
Everyday Treasures
My grandmother (nonna) crocheted constantly, making beautiful creations–shawls, baby booties and blankets, doilies, table cloths, slippers, bedspreads–for her children and sixteen grandchildren. Every year on our birthdays she’d send pillow cases to me and my sister with a delicate crocheted edging. They were for our “hope chests,” which during our teenage years my sister and […]
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, friends! This season is a time of reflection for me, so I’ll begin my post with a look to the past. On the left is Christmas 1949 with my mother and sister (on the left) with our much loved dolls Santa faithfully delivered every year. On the right are my […]
Pass the Torch this Memorial Day
Last Saturday I joined DAR members in placing flags on the graves of veterans at our Olathe cemetery. We share this responsibility with groups like the American Legion and together recognize veterans from the Mexican American War to our most recent conflicts. I noted with interest the Civil War veterans served in units from PA, […]
Renewal and Hope
All things seem possible in the spring. The world is flush with beginnings even as we shiver in heavy coats, marveling as the crocus and daffodils poke through a crust of snow. As the blossoms of April and May arrive I once again find myself filled with hope and renewal that only spring can offer. […]
Madonna of the Trail and Other Delights
A steady drizzle fell as we pulled into Council Grove two weeks ago to visit once again this engaging town on the Santa Fe Trail. The gloomy sky suddenly brightened at the sight of a welcome sign in front of the Post Office Oak where our tour was to begin. Members from the Council Oak […]
We are the Champions!
February is the month of red roses and valentines. In Kansas City it’s become the month of Red Everywhere all the time. Wear it, drink it, decorate it, eat it, because in case you needed reminding, the Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions, and the city has gone nuts again. This is Union Station, filled with […]