On Saturday, Dave and I attended the kick-off of the VA250, Virginia’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the events leading to American Independence. I learned a lot about the role the county where I live played in our history. I remember hearing in school the story of the shots that rang out on Lexington […]
This Day in History Read More »
While writing the third book in the Dun Cael series, my research involved learning about Iron Age horses. Reading the descriptions of their short stocky legs and shaggy coats reminded me of the ponies on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands on the Virginia/Maryland border. As a young girl, I read Marguerite Henry’s book, Misty of Chincoteague,
I love to travel and this month is giving me several opportunities. For Christmas, we are flying to the U.K. to spend the holiday with our son, his wife, and her family. So, in the past few days, Dave and I drove to North Carolina to visit our daughter and her family. Then, it was
You Are Free to Move About Read More »
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. There are many ways to celebrate their heritage. Recognize their contributions to American History from agricultural practices (such as the three sisters: corn, beans, and squash) to their military service, contributions to
Living in so many places over the years, Dave and I have learned that while we love to travel, we often find interesting things to explore nearby. And our recent move has been no exception. Whenever I mention to someone here that I am interested in history, they always say, “Well then, you’ve heard the
We often hear the stories of soldiers during the Revolutionary War, but what about the families these men left behind? One day, you’re sitting in your cozy cabin, the venison stew simmering in the cast-iron pot on the hearth, with the efforts of your canning and preserving stacked neatly on shelves in the loft above.
Yesterday was a lovely autumn day, and Dave and I resumed our rambling road trips. It was a bit early to see much color in the trees, though we did see a few beginning to turn. Our destination was over the border into West Virginia. As often happens, Dave had seen a post online about
On the Road Again! Read More »
On Saturday, Dave and I attended the Historic Fincastle Fall Festival. It was a perfect autumn day, and some trees were beginning to turn. Fincastle was established in 1772 as the county seat of Botetourt County. The town was strategically situated along the Great Wagon Road and the Wilderness Road, which were used by settlers
Could You, Would you Live Like That? Read More »
I have a confession to make. I LOVE roller coasters! And I’ll try almost anything once. Yesterday, Dave and I enjoyed a day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, and spent most of it riding the thrill rides. It’s great to have a partner who appreciates them as much as you do. Busch Gardens is
Keep your Hands and Arms Inside Read More »
In man’s earliest days of walking upright millions of years ago, he struggled to find improved methods of moving goods and people around. Initially, this was done on foot. People walked everywhere they went and often carried the young or infirm. Goods could be transported in packs worn on their backs or in slings across