Life is what you make it.
I can't begin to bake an apple pie as good as my mother's. I've tried. Oh boy, how I have tried! But there is something she does that makes her crust perfect and her filling superb. Never have I been able to match it. But while I can't make a pie as good as Mom's,… Continue reading Cranberry Walnut Apple Pie
Humans are not logical creatures. We commit to spending tens or hundreds of thousands to buy houses or condos, or to rent apartments. We spend thousands more to furnish them. We choose just the right paint colors. We choose just the right sofa, chairs, draperies, area rugs, lamps, bedding, and dinnerware patterns – both everyday… Continue reading Life in the 1960s: When Families Had “Company”
When company showed up unexpectedly and Mom needed something quick to serve, she would mix up one of her simple 8" pan cakes. This was always one of my favorites. Fast Fix Company's Coming Coffee Cake 1 beaten egg1 1/2 cups sugar1/2 cup milk1 cup sifted flour2 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp. salt2 Tbsp. melted shortening… Continue reading Fast Fix Company’s Coming Coffee Cake
For an explanation of travel plans read "important notes about my travel plans." I designed this plan to immerse myself in all things Christmas. Undecided about who I will be traveling with, I chose options that can be included or removed to meet the interests of my travel companions allowing me to use this plan… Continue reading A Travel Plan: Holiday Break in Central Ohio
I love to do genealogy. I have traced my own family tree and those of friends interested in knowing. I search old newspapers looking for tidbits that might reveal something about my ancestors. Where did they come from? What were they like? Their history becomes a part of us. It determines where we are born… Continue reading Deep Roots and Gnarled Branches: Telling Tales of our Dead
I love thrift shops, antique shops, flea markets, etc. There’s no telling what you will find and there is most often a bargain to be had. I love “boutique” shopping districts filled with specialty stores and gift shops. And a Christmas shop is a win with me at any time of year. Finding these places… Continue reading Shopping Around Northeast Ohio: A list of thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, and other interesting places.
Last year, I found myself the owner of a box of Barbie dolls. My sister and I turned them into a project. Julie made each doll a new wardrobe. I fashioned hats, handbags and necklaces and made each doll a cardboard box "cottage." We donated 40 doll sets to organizations that provide gifts for needy… Continue reading Why Your Vintage Barbie Isn’t
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash As a toddler I called them "West Virginia potatoes." They could be red potatoes or common white ones, but whatever the variety, I would wolf down boiled potatoes whenever we visited Wetzel County. At home in Ohio however, I was a picky child. I loved potatoes mashed or fried,… Continue reading Memories of Wetzel County: West Virginia Potatoes
Home at the WhackyShack 