Several years ago, I took part in the National Geographic Genome Project. This study tracked migrations using DNA samples to compare to indigenous populations. Unlike the genealogical sites that compare submitted data to DNA, this looks at your ethnicity, not individual family members, and compares it to those populations. It was fun to participate and […]
Part of my byline claims I’m a traveler. With Dave’s knee surgery and rehab, this summer hasn’t presented many opportunities outside our local area. I recently mentioned that to a friend, and she said, “but you live overseas. Isn’t that like always traveling?” I suppose you could see it that way. But it’s more than
How could I choose? Read More »
In researching the next book in the MacKay mysteries, I am learning a lot about protesting, boycotting, and secret societies. As in many time periods, certain everyday items can take on new significance. In the Pre-Revolutionary period, homespun fabric represented the boycott of English goods. A red and white flag symbolized the Sons of Liberty,
(G)nomenclature: Dwarf or Gnome? Read More »
Have you ever attended a local fall festival? This week marks Lughnasadh, the fourth of the ancient Celtic quarter festivals celebrating the year’s passing. Ancient cultures divided the world into light and dark: day/night, summer/winter, sun/moon, and so on. It helped them understand life and the natural world around them. They began the year with
Celebrating Lughnasadh Read More »