Valentine’s Day Postcards
The origin of Valentine’s Day is not certain. Perhaps it was born out of the Roman festival Lupercalia which was celebrated each year in the middle of February. The festival was a time of match-making and fertility; there was also violence toward women. The holiday’s name comes from the two Christian martyrs – each with […]
A Class Act
Winston Churchill, best known for being twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (including during WWII), was also a linguist. He advocated the use of words with Anglo-Saxon roots when precision was warranted; Latin roots when flowery oratory was needed. Now few of us have a sufficient command of our language to make such a […]
Keep It Simple
My son is looking to buy flowers for his new girlfriend for Valentines Day. This is his first real girlfriend and I am not sure what is appropriate for a gift. They are both in the eighth grade and will be going to see an early movie on Valentines Day. Do you have any suggestions? […]
Valentine Memories
Valentines Day brings back many memories of love, but none is so vivid as the love songs of the past. Just hearing a song fills my heart with warmth. My special valentine is my husband and many of these songs hold a special connection to him. The Hollies, The Four Seasons and Elvis are just […]
Valentine Projects
With Valentines Day just around the corner, we have a perfect opportunity to spend some time with our child or grandchild. These crafts will be fun for everyone! Translucent Hanging Hearts are easy to make from waxed paper and crayons, and sunbeams will color your room with cheer. Begin with a 12-by-16-inch sheet of waxed […]
Private eyes, watching you!
It was one of those searing hot days. Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on. Me, I like it hot, but I still sweat. It was a manic Monday, and this guy walks into a quiet establishment in Istanbul, not Constantinople, and looks this girl, Jenny, straight in the face […]
Hearts and Flowers
Hello darlings, are you still pondering what token of love to give your significant other? The traditional gifts are so expected, candy, flowers, cards and a special dinner, let’s step out of the box this year and really bring a big smile and kisses from the love of your life. First, stop and think about […]
Swamp Tromp
As you are reading this I am knee deep in brackish water, surrounded by dwarf cypress trees, mangroves, and eighth graders. We’re all keeping a sharp eye out for Burmese pythons and alligators as we explore the Florida Everglades, conducting a field study of this fragile and magnificent ecosystem. The idea of a field study, […]
Means for Valuing Artifacts
All of us want to know what our stuff is worth, whether purchased, inherited or gifted. Those who have read previous columns know that I recommend using a professional appraiser in order to have the proper documentation for insuring collections and making the best decisions regarding selling certain collections. For clients who have tiny budgets […]
When Can I Plant?
Asked and Answered I am so over the cold weather and am ready for spring. Last year I started my first garden with plants that I bought at the nursery. This year I would like to grow my own from seed. When should I start planting seeds so that they are ready for the garden […]
Getting Through The Ice
Now that Winter has finally come, complete with snow and ice, my daughter is having some trouble making it to school on time because she is having to de ice her windshield in the morning. I saw that next month is going to be even colder than this month and was wondering if you have […]
Decorate Away the Winter Blues
After a couple of weeks of rain, snow and ice, it is so nice to see some sunshine. Staring at the same four walls, same furniture, same textiles, same old, same old, I’m definitely ready for a change. As soon as my family heads back to school, I will be off to the local antiques […]
Girl Talk
Hello my darling readers, in this dreary snow and ice things are going to heat up soon. Valentine’s Day, brings thoughts of sweet mysteries of love. Why are two people attracted to each other when millions of people roam the world? This rare and sought after splendor of love, the Eros type, has mystified people […]
Professionals Only
So, I was watching some sort of national ice skating championship last night. Mind you, this wasn’t by choice. Women seem to like this stuff for some reason, and after months of football season, how much complaining can a guy get away with anyway? First, I’d like to point out that the competition was in […]
Fetus Language
Did you know that a newborn infant can discriminate different sounds in virtually all languages? Infants are set up to learn language, and it doesn’t really matter which language. But, over the course of the first year, as they learn one language, it gets much more difficult to understand the sounds of other languages, thus, […]
Just When I Thought I’d Seen It All
A high school student slapped himself in the face right in the middle of my lecture. He later explained that he was “trying to wake up.” I suppose people of all ages and in all occupations do oddball things. Having spent most of my life in schools (which I believe are the perfect images of […]
