September, 2008
Volunteers should be commended for work
Wheat-free meals, Musical family, and Great-grandpa made a perfect pillow.
Tracing Your Family Roots, A curious contraption, NASA site reveals possible explanation for Northern Lights, and more.
A recent morning found neighbors Loree Carlton and Kathy Kinn visiting the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Mo., together. The two, who live in Raymore, Mo., were at the center to dig deeper into their respective family histories – a pastime both have worked at for years.
Involving children in your genealogy research is a smart idea.
September signals the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. And on the first Sunday after Labor Day, it marks National Grandparents Day.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Time alone with grandma a special memory, Grandma takes pride in grandsons, Students celebrate Grandparents Day, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
I sometimes catch flak about the amount of resources that go into my lawn and garden.
Kansas garden honors those who lost their lives in 9/11 attack
Almanac planting dates for October
August, 2008
Creativity just needs some room to bloom
Happy to be published, Pleased with magazine, A good read, and Summer clothes were special
Expanded genealogy center opens in Missouri, Learn how to handle your veggies, Follow researchers' siftings through historical documents, and more.
Ever flummoxed by your feline? If so, you might enjoy the Animal Planet network's Housecat Housecall (9 a.m. EDT/PDT Saturdays, and 7 a.m. EDT/PDT Sundays). The show follows Australian veterinarian Katrina Warren as she tries to solve kitty conflicts.
For the past century, L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables has captivated young and old. Published 100 years ago last month, the novel relates the adventures of a redheaded orphan mistakenly sent to a stern spinster and her quiet, bachelor brother on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Anne of Green Gables isn't the only thing that puts Prince Edward Island on the map. It's also famous for its quilts; in fact, L.M. Montgomery herself was a quilter.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
The Alaska Quarter, the 49th coin in the 50 State Quarter Program, will be released this month.
Creativity passed on to granddaughter, Art class led to fulfilling hobby, Festive salads make great summertime fare, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
A recent trip through the vegetable garden reminded me that even with the heat, this time of year is a gardener's delight. Buckets of tomatoes and peppers make us oblivious to insect bites and sweat on the brow.
Flower Farming
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
July, 2008
Neighbors’ kindness changed Dad’s views
Thankful for noisy birds and You’ve Got Mail
Gas station gets covered in fabric, Track progress of man’s attempt to live gasoline-free, Learn more about nation’s last living WWI veteran, Visit colorful town online, and Shingles shot now recommended for those 60 plus.
Gayle McPherson, of Winfield, Kan., saw a need in her community – and did something about it.
Could your pet dog be elected mayor of your hometown? It could if you live in Rabbit Hash, Ky.
It took more than 35 years, but a Kansan was able to keep the vow he made during World War II.
Karl Parker calls himself the “entremanure” of Arizona.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Fourth of July picnic filled with music, Brother arrives on Independence Day, Family created own holiday celebration, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
There are many things in the garden I anticipate seeing each year before the Kansas wind and heat rob them of their luster
Patient Information and Emergency stories
Easter lily flower
June, 2008
My father showed value of integrity
Great response, Salty peaches, and Band keeps swinging along.
Post offices offer gadget recycling, What sank the Titanic?, City dogs discover joy of herding, Researchers study longevity, and CPR recommendations simplified.
Antique truck lover didn’t let life’s passion take the back seat
Marriages inspire odd traditions the world over
Yikes! Spooky day creeps back around
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
The Arizona Quarter, the 48th coin in the 50 State Quarter Program, will be released this month.
Daughter appreciated what father did for her, others, Call leads to reunion with Dad, Eighth child came as Father's Day gift, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
“Why aren’t my vine crops putting on fruit?” That’s a popular question from gardeners trying to grow pumpkins, melons and cucumbers, especially early in the growing season.
Botanical garden in Birmingham, Ala., is a beautiful, peaceful oasis
Almanac planting dates for July
May, 2008
Restore tradition to Mother’s Day holiday
Beautiful writing, Remember Mom Day, Gone Fishin’, and Enjoyed pioneer fiction.
Kansas weather exhibit, Crafters retreats, Pancakes in a can, and more.
As times change, so does language
Chance conversation at work revives son's precious memory of his mother
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Unexpected child becomes a Mother’s Day blessing, Son’s homemade card precious gift, Mother’s ring remains treasure, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Soaring fuel prices affect just about everything we do, from travel to grocery bills.
California garden celebrates Mediterranean
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
April, 2008
Good gear makes all the difference
Music to our ears, Surprise roses, Help for pets, and more.
Sweet potato recipe contest, Create some cupcakes, Free quilting pattern, and more.
Postcard collections add a unique stamp to your home
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Simple pleasures discovered during Depression, Kids found fun in family barn, Appetizing recipes, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Plant trees in public places for all to enjoy in the future
A beautiful variety blooms in Washington’s ‘City of Lilacs’
Animal Sounds and Pre-Computer Era.
March, 2008
Making music, meals keeps life interesting
Cowboy on a mission, Enjoyed serial story, Problem cracked, and more.
Gift of theater organ keeps musician, 88, at play and learning
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
The New Mexico Quarter, the 47th coin in the 50 State Quarter Program, will be released April 7.
Farm life was simple, happy time for her, Growing up on farm was great experience, Father’s Day Memories, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Books have been written about growing them, and they have their own special potting soils and fertilizers.
Plant bulbs in spring for beautiful summer blooms
Almanac planting dates for April
February, 2008
There’s always time for visiting horses
In God We Trust, Lots to read, Favorite features, and Little Cook.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
The Treasury Department unveiled the designs of this year’s presidential dollar coins.
Husband’s last words still a comfort to her, Daughter fondly remembers parents’ romance, Sincere gestures are romantic, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
February usually includes a few warm days that get the blood flowing and the thoughts heading in the direction of the garden. Once there, gardeners ponder the question, “What can I do?”
Shimmer of silver plants brings glamour to garden
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
January, 2008
Dogs and wood sled a treasured memory
Skating queen, Many nicknames, A home for gnomes, and more.
Laura Ingalls Wilder historical collection is a must-see attraction
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
The Oklahoma Quarter, the 46th in the 50 State Quarter Program, will be released this month.
Family has loads of fun making funny snowman, Blizzards meant parties and no school, Keep these ideas in mind for easy wintertime entertaining, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Coming soon: A rose that will have gardeners thinking pink
All-America Selections adds three new plants to long list of winners
Almanac planting dates for the month of February
December, 2007
Hopes turn mostly to a bright tomorrow
Cute cover, Lyrics online, Try the library, and more.
If you have holiday cards and gifts to send this year, try to avoid dropping them in the mail on Dec. 17. According to the U.S. Postal Service, that’s the busiest mailing day of the year. (Dec. 19 is the busiest day for deliveries.)
Couple’s covered wagon serves up meals fit for pioneers
Parents delighted in child’s love of doll, Missionary life was truly gift from God, Gifts brightened family’s holiday, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Making Money, Final Answer!, and Heritage Questioned.
Garden centers offer great gift ideas
Festive trees are part of traditional American Christmas celebrations
November, 2007
Gizmos may often take awhile to click
Honored, Clip it, Longtime reader, Helpful for school, and Some memorable music.
Field trip to cranberry 'factory' brought new respect for mother
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Busy woman glad to have cell phone, Long-ago invention made chores easier, Microwave makes life less complicated, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
Park in Kansas has been helping families make memories for more than 100 years
Cranberry: An American original
October, 2007
Kids’ nicknames were just a phase
Iwo Jima, A rare breed, Eventful flight, Sharing chores, and Bales of Fun.
Vera Peace never misses a show at her favorite country theater. You can find her every first and third Saturday sitting in the front row at Country Time Music Theater in Coffeyville, Kan., anticipating the tunes that will be on tap for the evening. There is nothing remarkable about this scenario except for one thing – Peace celebrated her 106th birthday this year.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Man outlives nicknames, Girl gives teacher lasting nickname, Dad and uncle give child a lifelong nickname, Enjoy Breakfast for Dinner with Your Family Tonight, and more.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Herb garden in foothills of Fresno County, Calif., is a spectacular sight
Now is your last chance to use this year’s garden produce
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
September, 2007
Excitement of travel moved dogs to yodel.
Walking the sow, Favorite issue, Keeping letters flying, and Fort springs from scraps.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Years spent with husband was her dream vacation, Dream vacation taken each year, Trip across country was dream vacation for couple, and more.
Smith College, in Northampton, Mass., was founded in 1871, and since opening, it has provided women an education of uncompromising quality.
Gardeners' plan of action for month of September.
Quick Learner, The Only Way, and The Rule of Physics.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
August, 2007
HAVING A DRINK: A bronze re-creation of a cattle drive on the original site of the Shawnee Cattle Trail makes for an impressive sight in Dallas.
Readers express appreciation for answered requests and share fond musical memories in this month's Open Session.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Read about some of this month's most interesting days in history.
Mike Lang sets a plan for fighting gardening doldrums that force our feet to drag in the late summer months.
The end of summer doesn't have to mean the end of summer flowers. Read more from the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center about keeping the joy of summer flowers alive with late-blooming lilies and dahlias.
Fly away with our loyal readers as they share their favorite airplane memories in this month's installment of Heart of the Home.
Here's what editor, K.C. Compton is saying about her ailing relationships with airplanes and their pilots.
July, 2007
D-Day memories, favorite songs and loyal words for CAPPER’S are among the topics discussed in this issue’s Open Session.
Find out what stamps the U.S. Postal Service issued this month.
Enjoy the most recent poetry contributed by our talented and loyal readers.
Read about some of this months most interesting days in history.
Mike Lang offers advice for ridding your garden of the iccoragible poison ivy.
Desert climates can create tricky gardening environments for many. Find out how one reader beat the killer heat by filling her landscape with hybrid cacti.
Loyal readers share stories of struggle, persistance and success as children venturing into the world to earn extra money.
Here’s what editor, K.C. Compton is saying about her youthful money-making antics and the memories they created for her.
June, 2007
This is one of my favorite issues because so much of it deals with one of the things I like best in life: music. Raised in a musical family in which even doing the dishes was an occasion for four-part harmony, I have music clear down to my cells.
Home remedy, Anti-chicken theft device, Bonded, and One tired race fan.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 41-cent Star Wars commemorative stamps in 15 designs.
Sweet Repose
The crickets are singing their song tonight,
Evening shadows steal quietly in;...
A Generation Later
We work and work
to provide...
Sing a Song
Sing a song of sunshine;
Sing a song of rain;...
June 1: Tired of watching America’s merchant ships and sailors take a beating at the hands of the British, President James Madison gives the call to Congress to declare war on Great Britain (by the end of the month, the United States was embroiled in the War of 1812), 1812.
June 5: Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, dies at age 93, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, 2004.
Homemade ice cream, jam and pie are the delicious results of a little care in the fruit garden. There isn’t much we can do right now to ensure that this season’s crop is not a bust, but this is the time to do some things that will help produce a good harvest of brambles and strawberries next year.
Volcano™ is a series of perennial phlox that are compact, sturdy, exceptionally floriferous and extremely tolerant of the powdery mildew that plagues and defoliates many other phlox varieties.
Catchy little tune caught husband, Faulty piano made duet unforgettable, Mom’s song made kids feel special, and more.
May, 2007
Prayer and action right world's wrong
Shovel made good sled, Bull takes a ride, Soldier reunites with daughter, and more.
When R.C. "Ray" Peterson flew to Memphis, Tenn., in 1953 to buy the "idea" of a sock monkey doll, he didn't know that a wonderful American tradition was on the brink of discovery.
The U.S. Postal service issued a nondenominated First-Class Mail definitive Forever Stamp (Liberty Bell); a non-denominated definitive American Flag stamp; and a 41-cent Settlement of Jamestown commemorative stamp May 11 in Jamestown, Va.
On Mother's Day
There must be times mothers have wondered
If the things they say or do are remembered...
Butterflies
Lovely flying rainbows
Flitting to and fro,...
In Memory of Mom
If I had my life to live over
There might be some things I would change...
God's Special Gift
Who will rock the baby,
Who will sing the song,...
What's That?, What Mom Really Wants!, and Weighing the Relationship.
Recently, I was asked, "How do I fertilize my vegetable garden?" There isn't really one answer. There are several factors to consider.
Museum and gardens offers visitors beauty and art
'Birthday girl' was delighted, Church's 175th anniversary was memorable, Little "ladies' thoroughly enjoyed family's "Tea Time' tradition, and more.
April, 2007
Imagine this: As the first pink tendrils of dawn begin unfurling in the sky, residents of a small South Texas town begin making their way to the hill at the eastern end of town.
Stamped and secure, Worthy work, Column had the cure, and more.
A Moving Presence
There’s rhythm to the country road
lined with wildflowers bent by winds...
My Garden
I dig, I spray,
And yet I say...
I Am Blessed
I am blessed to see the sky
To watch the clouds float by...
April 2 – Jeannette Pickering Rankin, the first woman ever elected to Congress, takes her seat in the U.S. Capitol as a representative from Montana, 1917.
April 6 – In Fayette Township, N.Y., Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon religion, organizes the Church of Christ during a meeting with a small group of believers, 1830.
Planting fever is extremely contagious this time of year.
If you’ve ever seen the popular PBS television gardening show The Victory Garden, you’ve seen Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Ga. The gardens, founded by Cason and Virginia Callaway, opened to the public in May 1952 and offer a fascinating glimpse of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
Easter egg hunts are still a delight, Nana made Easter a special holiday, Making dress with mother became a tradition, and more.
March, 2007
When I read the article on Page 14 about a basketball camp for women 50 and over, I had an immediate, visceral reaction: Where do I sign up?
Marriage menagerie, Familiar face, A real blessing, and more.
The U.S. Postal Service will issue a 39-cent Henry Wadsworth Longfellow commemorative stamp March 15 in New York City.
Dreams
Allow your dreams to be
As numerous as the stars....
Just as Well
On the eye chart
of my mind...
Where I’m From
I’m from dusty softball fields,
cool, damp woods and make-shift forts....
By Example Led
One morning at a time
I waken to life...
March 3 – Anne Mansfield Sullivan arrived at the Alabama home of Capt. and Mrs. Arthur H. Keller to become the teacher of their deaf, blind daughter, Helen, 1887.
March 6 – In its “Dred Scott” decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Scott, a slave, did not have the right to sue for his freedom in federal court, 1857.
Fruit trees have been a staple of the edible landscape for centuries. Who can deny the satisfaction gained from slicing into a cherry pie made from fruit growing in the backyard, or opening a jar of apple butter that was made from the first crop of a new apple tree? Even a trip to the timber can stock the pantry with native fruits, such as pawpaws and persimmons, if you’re lucky enough to beat the raccoons to them. Yet, only a small percentage of us have room in the garden for a fruit tree or native plant.
Those who find the prospect of growing roses daunting have never grown an easy-care, repeat-blooming Flower Carpet rose. The addition of scarlet to the series lineup this spring provides a compelling reason to give these popular roses a try.
Cousin's words drove out envy, Envious behavior lowered her grade, recipes for traditional Irish meals, and more.
February, 2007
The voice on the other end of the phone was burly and big – a man’s man if ever I heard one. The first few words melted my heart:
“Mom, have you been watching the Food Network? Alton Brown’s Good Eats is awesome. … ”
When pigs fly, CAPPER’S memories, Mommo and Poppo, and Holding his daughter for the first time.
The U.S. Postal Service has issued a 39-cent Oklahoma Statehood commemorative stamp.
Life’s Sweetest Pleasures
Life’s sweetest pleasures are these:
Apples hanging from tall, green trees,...
An Old-Time Valentine
If I remember rightly
(and I don’t always),...
Trains in the Prairie Night
They had such lonesome voices,
trains in the prairie night;...
February 3 – Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, died in Washington, D.C., at age 67, 1924.
February 8 – President Harding had a radio installed in the White House, 1922.
My house sits on a half-acre of some of the best soil in Kansas. The sandy-loam soil texture is enough to spoil a gardener. It seems that with the addition of water, most plants will do well, which makes me a fortunate gardener.
More than 35 years after being established, The Living Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., is the only American zoo and garden dedicated solely to interpreting and conserving the world’s deserts. It’s also the only zoological and botanical park that specializes in just one entire ecosystem. It’s no wonder The Living Desert is ranked one of the most unique institutions in the United States.
Glad her admirer wasn’t a tennis pro, Husband and wife made lucky catches, Managed to find love when she wasn’t looking, and more.
January, 2007
Many of my best memories of my mother are associated with the kitchen. A skilled and creative cook, she was able to infuse even the simplest fare with flavor and richness far beyond the cost of the ingredients. She taught me how to slice vegetables, cook a roast and especially, how to squeeze the last penny out of the family food budget.
It’s a small world, Visiting the Cup Tree, New reader, and more.
The U.S. Postal Service will issue a 39-cent Ella Fitzgerald commemorative stamp Jan. 10 in New York City. The Postal Service will also issue a 39-cent With Love and Kisses special stamp Jan. 13 in Hershey, Pa.
A Picture of Peace
I wake to a beautiful morning
What a wonderful sight I see;...
First Snow
Four years grown,
and having known...
Winter Day
A year when winter still
held back the warmth of hope,...
January 5 – The soap opera “All My Children” premiered on the ABC Television Network, 1970.
January 8 – Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, was exhibited for the first time in America, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., 1963.
Besides being a time to start fresh and resolve to do or not do certain things, to gardeners, this time of year means the mailbox will be brimming with new nursery catalogs. It also means that the winning plants from All-America Selections (AAS) have been released. And this year, AAS – an organization based in Downers Grove, Ill. – has selected four winning plants for 2007.
Chandor Gardens, located about 25 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, in the city of Weatherford’s historic district, combines ancient Chinese architecture with formal English garden elegance. The 3.5-acre estate includes fountains, grottos and a waterfall.
Making snow angels is fun annual tradition, Sister didn’t last long outdoors, Loved playing Fox and Goose, and more.
December, 2006
Every day, our customer care group at Ogden Publications handles about 450 calls from the CAPPER’S audience and the readers of our other magazines. This dedicated crew – 10 people who actually work the phones and another 10 who deal with the administrative follow-up – makes sure the problems or concerns you have are answered promptly and politely, whether it is a change of address, a billing question or anything else.
Pokeweed seeds, Canadian meeting, Cover girl, and more.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a 39-cent Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag stamp. It now is available in vending book format, and will be available as post offices deplete inventories of nondenominated versions.
December
December is a dove with wings of snow,
singing peace and comfort and delight...
And All The Trimmings
A tiny child with us tonight,
for the Yule tree to trim,...
Amaryllis bulb production has more than doubled worldwide since the 1990s, and the colorful, large-flowered native of the southern hemisphere has become North America’s flower of choice to take the gray chill out of winter.
Poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, pines and spruce are all plants we use to decorate our homes for the holidays. Their colors provide a sense of joy during a time when the outdoor garden is drab, if not dormant.
Almanac planting dates for January are:
Jan. 1-2 – Poor days for planting. Seeds tend to rot in the ground.
Jan. 3-5 – Most fruitful time for planting beets, carrots, onions and other hardy root crops in the deep south. Good for starting seedbeds and flowers.
Children's happiness was worth the effort, Still has stocking after 60 years, Parents made Christmas special, and more.
November 2006
The Marine Corps doesn't discuss it openly as it recruits "the few, the proud," but the first piece of metal issued in basic training is neither a bayonet nor a sword – it's a sewing needle, accompanied by a spool of thread.
Beautiful language, Eye-catching quote, Inspiring reading, and more.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a 39-cent Christmas: Chacón Madonna and Child with Bird stamp. It features an oil-on-canvas painting with gold details.
Autumn leaves swirling
like my raking frightens them...
Gather the Harvest
Gather the harvest,
Gather the corn...
Thanksgiving on the Farm
We’ve gathered in our harvest,
And the north wind’s crying, “Snow!”...
There is a traditional saying that Chinese gardens are built, not planted. These types of gardens are filled with mosaic pavement, pavilions, bridges and benches. The Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden reflects this philosophy faithfully, yet within its walls, there also lie lush, beautiful flowers, plants and foliage.
The calendar might say winter doesn’t start until Dec. 21, but in my garden, the season starts this month.
Almanac planting dates for December are:
Dec. 1: A poor time to plant.
Dec. 2-3: Fine for planting beans, peppers, cucumbers, melons and other aboveground crops where climate is suitable.
Classic suit has changed to keep up with times
In 1963, I bought an expensive, stylish suit, imported from Italy. Because of its fine fabric and classic design, I have enjoyed wearing it on special occasions since that time.
October 2006
October has become my favorite month, replacing its calendar and seasonal opposite April. Maybe as I get older I feel more connected to a month that symbolizes the yield of a year’s worth of work, or the accomplishments of a lifetime. Spring is a time for anticipation and new beginnings. But autumn is a season to appreciate growth and maturity, and to reflect on the blessings we’ve received but might have been too busy in the spring and summer to recognize.
‘The Wienermobile’ – I had a nice surprise seeing the article about Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile (“‘The Wienermobile’ still cruising at 70,” August). A few years ago, my friend and I saw it on display here in Mason City, Iowa, to advertise the traveling Jell-O Museum and to honor the Kraft Jell-O factory in town.
The U.S. Postal Service will issue a commemorative sheet of 39-cent Southern Florida Wetland stamps in 10 designs Oct. 4 at the Naples (Fla.) Zoo and Caribbean Gardens; 39-cent Holiday Snowflakes special stamps in four designs Oct. 5 in New York City; a 39-cent Eid special stamp Oct. 6 in New York City; a 39-cent Kwanzaa special stamp Oct. 6 in New York City; and a 39-cent Hanukkah special stamp on Oct. 6 in New York City.
Friends indeed
When you find some people
Who really care to hear... Maples all ablaze
silent flight of a football...
Marching Song
I love this surprising
parade of words...
Breezy Thoughts
Slowly I walk toward the house,
That still holds memories...
Within the barren Mojave Desert, near Tecopa, Calif., China Ranch Date Farm is a surprising haven of greenery. “Hidden Oasis” reads the big yellow sign on Old Spanish Trail Highway. Undeniably, China Ranch is a true desert oasis.
It seems that every time I read, watch or listen to anything about cooking, one of the ingredients mentioned is the herb wasabi. I didn’t know anything about it, so, after hearing its unique name several times, I decided to research it.
Almanac planting dates for November are:
Nov. 1-2: Favorable days for planting aboveground crops; extra good for vine crops, where climate allows.
Nov. 3-4: Neither plant nor sow on these barren days.
Family learned lesson on vacation in Florida.
A number of years ago, my husband won an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World in Florida, and we were able to take our two sons with us. We flew out of a Midwest airport to Chicago and then to Orlando, Fla.
September 2006
Most of the letters we receive from CAPPER’S readers are handwritten
in a graceful cursive that has been de-emphasized to the point of
oblivion in today’s elementary-school classrooms. I don’t know that for
sure, but I have two sons who went through their primary and secondary
schooling in the last 15 years, and their handwriting is nothing to
write home about. Which they don’t anyway, except by e-mail. I
attribute the decline to computers – children are nimbler on the
keyboard than adept with a pen.
Grandmotherly
love – I’ve just reread the May issue, and I was especially
touched by the Tennessee grandmother who does not live close to her
only grandchild, but hopes that her love is an influence (“Hopes her
love has made a difference,” Heart of the Home). Being an old
grandchild myself, I assure you that possibility is as real as
daylight. My “Mama” and I always lived 150 miles apart. Once or twice
as a child, I got to spend the summer with her. Wonderful! Always we
wrote, telephoned and took the Greyhound bus. She was always my
greatest admirer, and I hers.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 39-cent Quilts of Gee’s Bend
commemorative stamps in 10 designs. They are the sixth in the American
Treasures series that showcases American fine arts and crafts.
Bug Tussle, Ala., Igo, Calif., and Peculiar, Mo. We have given our
towns and states some unusual names.
A Letter From Kate
Dear Readers,
I hardly ever looked forward to the first day of school that I can
recall. I always dreaded the end of summer and going back to a school
routine that included homework, papers and tests.
Looking Back
So gentle were his fingers
As they floated o’er the keys,...
Whiff of Grandma
The old couple strolls
in front of me slower...
Showoff!
At first I’m amazed.
Jealousy strikes then...
Golden II
A half-a-hundred years ago,
We stood here hand in hand,...
Baby Safety Month
Children’s Good Manners Month
Sometimes referred to as the lilac of the South, the common crape
myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, brightens up gardens all over the
southern part of the United States as a large shrub or a small tree,
which can reach a height of 30 feet.
Almanac dates for October are:
Oct. 1 – Plant tomatoes, peas, beans and other aboveground crops indoors in
the north, outdoors in the lower south.
Oct. 2-3 – Poor planting days. Kill poison ivy and weeds; clear land.
The first tulips were brought to Europe from Turkey in the
mid-1500s. In the early 1600s, however, they were still rare – mostly
found in university botanical gardens. It was at the University of
Leiden, the Netherlands, where some locals, desperate to get their
hands on the rare flowers, climbed the wall of the botanical garden,
stole some tulip bulbs and began cultivating them for sale. Thus began
the wild ride that became Tulipmania.
August 2006
Sometimes you find more than you’re looking for. Some years back, my
wedding band turned up a day after it had been missing. When I finally
recovered it, I discovered I’d found something just as valuable. A lot
of people have a kind streak that shows up when you least expect it. I
am not unique in this realization. In Heart of the Home, many CAPPER’S
readers write about losing valuable or sentimental treasures and how
touched they were by the kindness of strangers who helped in their
search.
Drive-in
theaters – I enjoyed the article about drive-in theaters
(“Remembering the Drive-in Theater,” June). It brought back many
memories.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 39-cent Baseball Sluggers stamps in four designs. The stamps honor four legendary baseball players: Mel Ott, Roy Campanella, Hank Greenberg and Mickey Mantle. The U.S. Postal Service also issued 39-cent DC Comics Super Heroes commemorative stamps in 20 designs. The stamps feature images of characters, as well as reproductions of comic book covers. The U.S. Postal Service will also issue 39-cent American Motorcycles commemorative stamps in four designs Aug. 7 in Sturgis, S.D.
If you’ve had poison ivy dermatitis, you’re among millions. Being
immune one year is no guarantee you won’t be sensitive the next.
Bright sunlight helped her find
diamond ring
I had a diamond ring that I wore on my pinkie. It was a bit loose,
but not too bad. One day, I went to take my rings off as I normally do,
and the ring was gone.
At Harbor
Gentle wind dances through my
hair.
Sun warms my face...
Dawn
The sun was shyly peeking
with his giant eye,...
Sticky Summer
Dampened palms on every hand
Wipe faces slick with sweat...
Go for the Gold
With bright, promising bursts,
the daffodils lead,
As sweet corn matures with
astonishing speed...
Almanac planting dates for September are:
Sept. 1-2 – Clear fencerows, woodlots and fields, but do no planting.
Sept. 3-4 – Any aboveground crops that can be planted now will do well.
August stirs up two completely opposite emotions in my gardening
psyche.
Travel any country road in late August and early September, and
breathe the fragrance of autumn’s sweetest clematis. This redolence
emanates from the lacy white flower of Virgin’s bower – the most
delicate of wildflowers – as it follows fencerows and treetops while
reaching for the sun, forming wide to narrow sweeps of breathtaking
beauty.
Aug. 3 – The State Department urged Americans in Spain to leave because of
that country’s civil war, 1936.
Aug. 6 – Cy Young gained the first of his 511 major league victories as he
pitched Cleveland to a 6-1 win over Chicago, 1890.
July 2006
Americans love bargains, as Kate Marchbanks will show you in this issue’s Heart of the Home section. Loyal CAPPER’S readers recount how they’ve successfully mined flea markets, garage sales and clearance racks to dig up items they’ve treasured ever since.
Milk memories – The story about Tim and Laurel Iwig’s dairy farm operation near Topeka, Kan., (“Family’s milk operation reminiscent of a 1930s service,” April) reminded me of my first summer job in 1933. I graduated from Topeka High, and my mother found a job for me on a Jersey dairy farm a few miles north of Topeka.
The Statue of Liberty is a national symbol known across the nation
and globe; the iconic image of that great lady in her loose robe and
spiky crown is familiar even to folks who have never been near New York
City. She holds aloft her famed torch in one hand; in the other, she
clutches a tablet inscribed with the date (in Roman numerals) that our
nation approved the Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776. At her
feet lie broken shackles.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a 39-cent Judy Garland commemorative
stamp, the 12th in the Legends of Hollywood series. The U.S. Postal Service also issued a 39-cent Happy Birthday
commemorative stamp.
A Letter From Kate
Dear Readers,
I love finding a bargain, but then, doesn’t everyone? When I walk
into one of my favorite stores and see clearance racks, I get a little
rush. As I dig through the sale items and find things I like, my pulse
actually starts racing, especially if it’s a really good sale. I enjoy
the items I buy on sale even more, just knowing that I saved money.
A Coloring Floor
Box of crayons – sixty-four
dumped onto the kitchen floor;...
Hills
Rolling, smokey-green hills
keep calling me back to my...
Fencing Lessons
Down behind the barn, where
I used to play, once stood a fragment of fence,...
Summers Past
Summers past
Red and white sails bouncing across a sky blue lake...
Not even an Oklahoma ice storm can keep 86-year-old Gloria Howard
from gardening.
In 2002, an ice storm that surprised central and western Oklahoma
left trees and fences broken, and limbs scattered everywhere. The
persimmon trees in Gloria’s backyard, which had been there for more
than 50 years, broke under the weight of several inches of ice, and
some of them fell on electric wires and fences. So, she had all 14 of
them removed.
Whether it’s because of freezing conditions in the winter, or the
hot days of summer, there are times of the year that make it difficult
to garden. But we never have to quit landscaping.
• Cell Phone Courtesy Month
• Family Reunion Month
July 3 – Idaho became the 43rd state of the Union, 1890.
July 6 – The first All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago’s Comiskey
Park; the American League defeated the National League, 4-2, 1933.
June 2006
Empty-nesting is not that much fun. But when the boys return for holidays, the joy is boundless, energizing us before their arrival and remaining pooled up for weeks after they’ve left. We miss them terribly, but we know they’re doing what they were meant to be doing, and they’re doing it well.
Old-time grease buster – Recently, a reader requested suggestions on how to clean the baked-on grease from iron skillets. I remember how my aunt did it.
At one time, drive-in theaters could be found across the nation, doing business like gangbusters. How times have changed. Nowadays, they are so few and far between, they should be on an endangered species list.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 39-cent Wonders of America: Land of Superlatives commemorative stamps in 40 designs. The stamps feature natural and man-made wonders from every region of the United States.
Dear Readers,
I enjoyed reading all the letters we received about camping for this issue. On a housekeeping note, I’d like to issue a request for submissions for Space Place. I’ve had a shortage of usable artwork over the last few months, and I’d like to ask for your help. I suspect that many of you will have grandchildren visiting over the summer months, and it’s a perfect time to let them flex their creative muscles by drawing, painting, writing poetry, or expressing themselves in whatever form of art they enjoy.
After ordering
As I take my first sip
of ice-cold water,...
Sun Day
I watched the most beautiful
Sunrise ever this morning...
Homecoming
On the sagging sill
of my grandfather’s...
Hummingbird
Just sitting here, it’s nice. The sun is warm.
I put my feet up on the redwood deck,...
Bluebird
Into the quiet garden
A bluebird’s flash...
June 1 – Tennessee became the 16th state of the Union, 1796.
June 5 – Some 10 million American men began registering for the draft in World War I, 1917.
Have you ever thought about the wonders that surround us? For instance, technology has brought conveniences that were dreams only a few decades ago. The Internet, which can provide information on almost any subject, is available at the tips of our fingers, cell phones keep us in touch with others, no matter where we are, and debit cards allow us to buy things without having money in our pockets.
I’ve had this hedgehog (Echinocereus) cactus for about three years now. It initially was just the large cactus in the middle of the dish. I keep it in the house or garage during the winter months, then put it outside each summer.
May 2006
For my wife, Barbara, and me, the move cross country to San Francisco had all the markings of the good life. We were going to live in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
What a guy – My niece in Los Angeles sent me an article about Arthur Winston, who celebrated his first day of retirement on his 100th birthday. The story seems so much like your upbeat kind of article. What a guy! I thought you might want to feature it in CAPPER’S. I always enjoy reading news like this, and I thought your readers would enjoy it, too. I enjoy reading CAPPER’S so very much – it’s my kind of reading.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 39-cent The Art of Disney: Romance commemorative stamps in four designs.
Maynard Bertolet is 72 years old, but if he were to listen to every recording in his collection, it would take him another 72 years. He isn’t your run-of-the-mill record collector; his treasure trove is akin to a museum. He has some 250,000 albums, singles, 45s, compact discs and private recordings – a mishmash that’s likely unmatched anywhere.
A Letter From Kate
Dear Readers,
Well, another Pillsbury Bake-Off contest has come and gone. This
year’s was the fourth one I’ve attended, and it was just as enjoyable
as the first. And the location, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando,
Fla., was perfect this year. It was hard to believe I was basking in
sunshine and 80-degree weather while my family at home in Kansas was
dealing with an early spring blizzard.
You stand in the middle of your perfect garden, where colors shimmer, orioles trill in goldenrain trees, and water murmurs down the waterfall to a hidden pool where cloudy white water lilies float. What could be better?
Spring retreat
Do not go so quickly spring,
I love your magic days,...
Wood Violets
They were here before
cities arrived, thriving...
“Happy Mother’s Day”
Daffodils twinkling
their brilliance each day...
Silent Spring
I wake to striking sunrises.
I see the greening grasses...
May 1 – New York’s 102-story Empire State Building opened, 1931.
May 4 – Rhode Island declared its freedom from England, two months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted, 1776.
Latitude and climate govern the time for planting. If you enjoy following almanac planting dates, wait for the proper planting season in your area. Almanac dates for May are:
May 1 – Any seed planted on this day will tend to rot.
May 2-4 – Most favorable days for planting corn, cotton, okra, beans, peppers, eggplant and other aboveground crops. Plant seedbeds and flower gardens.
April 2006
Earlier this year, we invited readers to tell us about their favorite flowers. The variety of flowers growing around the world is staggering. There are 421,968 flowers if you believe British botanist Dr. David Bramwell. If you don’t, you can split hairs – or stems – with Dr. Raphael Govaerts of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, who puts the figure at 422,127.
Treasure in the attic – A few weeks ago, my cousin decided it was time to clean out the attic of her late mother’s home. Her mother has been gone at least 30 years, but no one had ventured into the attic to clean it out.
The U.S. Postal Service has issued 39-cent Crops of the Americas definitive stamps in five designs.
April Fools’ Day might not be an official holiday, but it sure is fun. Its roots go back hundreds of years.
Orchids bring back beautiful memories
I admire every kind of flower. I grow as many as I can fit in my tiny garden, even though I am 85 years old.
Acidic soils push hydrangeas to a blue color blossom, while higher
pH soils let pink blooms prevail.
A 3-feet-square compost pile is large enough to hold heat, but small
enough to admit air. If a large pile is needed, build one that is 5
feet tall by 5 feet wide by any length.
Quiet Discovery
Sometimes, like the wise men
traveling so slowly, so long...
Beautiful Trees
Plant a tree in the meadow,
Plant a tree for all to see,...
Precious Memories
I have a lot of pictures
That hang upon my wall....
March 2006
This month, one of the monuments to American industry and ingenuity celebrates the 70th anniversary of its completion.
Polio insurance – I can remember CAPPER'S being in our home, and a salesman would come and take a chicken or an old battery to pay for a subscription.
It was an exciting time for Philadelphians in 1926. That's the year the city put on an international exposition, the "Sesquicentennial," in commemoration of our nation's 150th anniversary.
Web logs – called 'blogs' for short – have been something of an online sensation. In 2004, "blog" was the most looked up word on Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, by a wide margin.
Let's get rid of the big myth about Hoover Dam right now. There are no bodies buried in the concrete of this colossal structure that holds back the Colorado River.
Includes four poems regarding snow, winter and Valentine's Day
Herbicides seem to be difficult to understand for the novice gardener. There are two phrases that are used to describe how an herbicide works: pre-emergence and post-emergence.
Improving soil structure is one factor that increases garden productivity. This can be accomplished in several ways. One of the best methods is to rototill compost directly into the soil.
Includes three poems about plants and springtime.
February 2006
Editor Kathryn Compton talks about parenting in a letter dedicated to her children for Valentine's Day. Readers' contributions concerning their opinions on articles they've seen in CAPPER'S.
A sidebar to a story that appears in magazine about marine life.
A look at early 19th-century poetry shows that expectations have always run high on Valentine's Day.
A look at stamps recently or soon-to-be released by the U.S. Postal Service.
Includes reader-contributed letters regarding favorite presidents, recipes, patterns, a prayer, and a letter from Kate Marchbanks.
Includes four poems regarding snow, winter and Valentine's Day
Offers suggestions for giving the gift of flowers this Valentine's Day.
Offers suggestions to gardeners of things to do during the month of February.
January 2006
Cracked, yellowed snapshots surrender from inside a musty box circled with twine, speaking of times gone, like thin ribbons of vapor slowly curling and uncurling from a neighbor’s ...
Jan. 1 – The Ellis Island Immigrant Station, in New York state, formally opened, 1892.
All-America Selections has chosen three flowers, four vegetables and four bedding plants as 2006 winners.
Theme park set in a jungle atmosphere.
I began collecting Barbie dolls about 15 years ago. It began with a holiday-edition Barbie that I saw in a store one year. I was so enchanted, I had to have her.
On our first warm day last spring, I visited a nursery near my home in Kansas City, Mo. Lured by green, growing things, I loaded a few baby herbs and adolescent tomatoes in my wagon.
I was raised in Kansas, and I love sunflowers. I have plastic ones inside, and this one growing outside.
I grew up fond of crows. The loud, voracious birds made a daily pilgrimage to one of our trees, where they hunted for scraps of yesterday’s bread in the grass.
One of my treasured childhood memories is of my mother baking bread. It smelled wonderful as it cooked, and we always ate the first loaf out of the oven before it cooled.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag nondenominated First-Class Mail® stamp.
Gardeners considering growing herbs at home to add some special flavor to their winter can look to the Internet for some inspiration.
December 2005
This ol' world may not always hold
The charms we wish it would,
But as long as there is Christmas,
Evil cannot outdo good
Grasses belong to one of the largest and most varied families in the plant kingdom. Recently, different grass varieties are being incorporated in landscape plantings. Several reasons exist for this trend.
Latitude and climate govern the time for planting. If you enjoy following almanac planting dates, wait for the proper planting season in your area.
Poinsettias, Christmas cactus and amaryllis are some of the plants we bring into our homes for color during this time of year. With care, these plants will provide cheer throughout the holiday season.
Enjoyed ball game: One of my favorite toys was called Kitty Kat Kupball, which was basically a basketball game.
As a statesman, Franklin stood in the front rank of the men who built the United States.
Carols are a rich part of Christmas, a tradition so beautiful that some say the angels over Bethlehem were the first carolers.
November, 2005
Although we associate Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims, they were not the originators of the tradition, nor has the celebration been continuous since Colonial times. Its curious history has roots stretching across time and the Atlantic Ocean, but it would only become the holiday we know it – taking place on the fourth Thursday of November – by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. Even this date would be subject to change as recently as the 1930s.
It’s that time when turkeys can be spotted strolling through woods and prairies, and – in tamer environs – serving as the centerpiece of the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Deafening Fall:
Winds blow and leaves fall.
The loudest season of them all.
Leaves crackle and ...
Prophecy for Autumn:
Now the countryside
Wears vivid,
Festive colors,
Deep woods are alive
With crimson, ...
Let Us Give Thanks:
How often have you said it
In the year gone by,
Or do you take for granted, ...
Red, White and Blue:
The red, white and blue
Is displayed everywhere –
In windows and doorways ...
In summertime, when I visit my son in Dunkirk, N.Y., two patches of flowers in a garden catch my eye. I walk up and down the road past the garden many times during my stay, admiring the gorgeous flowers.
It might seem odd, but this is the time of year I begin preparing for next season’s annual planting. Not for my plantings at home, which I like to experiment with and either have a terrific splash or a horrific flop from the choices, but the plantings that will go into the annual beds at the university where I work.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, This year, as I think about gratitude, many things come to mind. Most of all, I am thankful for my family. I have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful husband whom I can’t imagine my life without. And I am grateful for my mother, father, sister and nephews.
Together With God: What makes Thanksgiving the memorable occasion that it is? It might be the time the turkey burned, or the year the twins were born, the first time that Grandpa wouldn’t be there, or the year that you cooked your first turkey dinner from scratch.
Kind uncle saved her from embarrassment: The Thanksgiving I will always remember is the year I was a newlywed and I invited all of my relatives over for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ate greatest meal in an unlikely place: The greatest Thanksgiving meal I ever had was in an unlikely place. About 50 years ago, I was expecting my first baby, who was due two weeks after Thanksgiving.
Brother’s visit surprised family: Thanksgiving 1958 was to be a sad day for our family, especially my mother, because my brother would be absent. Joe was a soldier stationed at Camp Breckenridge, Ky.
October, 2005
A tour through Harmony, a small town in Southeastern Minnesota, offers insights into the Amish lifestyle. Although they aren’t the only ones who live in the area, everywhere one looks are reminders that this isn’t a typical American community, from the handmade quilts and expertly crafted furniture to the occasional reminder in the road that a horse-drawn buggy has recently passed by.
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series of “Little House” books have been enjoyed by generations of readers. Loyal fans who want to get a first-hand glimpse at the locales and way of life that the books describe can visit many of the settings that inspired the books’ author.
How would you like traveling with a map showing things out of proportion and inaccurately placed? That’s the kind of map our ancestors used – when they had maps at all.
The U.S. Postal Service issued a souvenir sheet of 37-cent To Form a More Perfect Union commemorative stamps in 10 designs. The stamps are not being sold individually, but in a souvenir sheet.
The Postal Service has also issued a 37-cent Child Health commemorative stamp in Philadelphia.
The Postal Service issued 37-cent Let’s Dance/Bailemos commemorative stamps in four designs, in Miami and New York City.
The Postal Service also issued a 37-cent Greta Garbo commemorative stamp in New York City and Stockholm, Sweden.
The Postal Service issued 37-cent Jim Henson: the Man Behind the Muppets commemorative stamps in 11 designs in North Hollywood, Calif.
The Postal Service will issue 37-cent Constellations commemorative stamps in four designs Oct. 3 in Bloomfield, Mich.
October: An Indian summer maiden – that’s October! She wears a gown of leaves sequined with frost, and though the weather chief may call her sober, ...
Golden Leaves: The golden leaves before they fell, Created golden shade; Until the winds of autumn blew Then on the ground they laid. ...
I would bet that a large percentage of CAPPER’S readers lost an American elm in the last several decades, due to Dutch elm disease. There are still some old stalwarts scattered across the country that missed being infected or had a resistance to the disease, but what was once a tree for every garden has pretty much disappeared from the landscape.
Container gardening is ideal for gardeners who enjoy raising flowers and vegetables, but lack garden space. It is possible to grow lush flowers and productive vegetables in containers of different sizes, shapes and forms. In fact, plant containers placed on patios, decks, balconies, porches, windowsills or even inside under lights allow gardeners with limited space to grow fruitful, attractive gardens.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I don’t restrict my definition of neighbors just to the people who live next door. In my opinion, a neighbor can be anyone who lives in my town. Sure, I know the people who live next door and the woman across the street, but I feel closer to “neighbors” such as my friend Nikki, who lives across town, and even some of the people who live in my husband’s parents’ neighborhood.
Together With God: On the north side of me lives a retired couple, Bud and Jean. Bud likes to call me over to the fence to discuss neighborhood news, and Jean has some of the most beautiful quilts I’ve ever seen hanging on their backyard clothesline.
Thoughtful neighbor could win any title: I have always had good neighbors, but the one I have now is the best.
Learned to take her house keys: I shall never forget the good neighbor I had back in 1973.
Willingness to be pleasant makes a good neighbor: Through the years, I have had several wonderful next-door neighbors. Beginning in the college dorm, our next-door roommates shared everything from snacks sent from home to hair curlers and other items that we couldn’t go downtown and buy on the spur of the moment.
September, 2005
People who have fallen in love with a place with a unique flair can nominate it for the National Trust’s annual list of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The Trust honors 12 communities nationwide that have character, dynamic downtowns, a strong commitment to historic preservation, interesting architecture, cultural diversity, locally owned businesses, and walking access for residents and visitors.
The U.S. Postal Service issued 37-cent America on the Move: ’50s Sporty Cars commemorative stamps in five designs, in Detroit.
The Postal Service has also issued a 37-cent Arthur Ashe commemorative stamp in Flushing, N.Y.
Gourds may look like odd, lumpy vegetables, but to some people, they present a world of decorative possibilities. Ruth Nix, of Camden, Ark., can turn the humble veggies into works of art. She got her start some four years ago, after seeing her first display of painted gourds at a craft show.
Last Light: Last light loosens its grip slowly trailing long fingers,
caressing the day ...
Granddad: There are a number of things Never spoken out loud, Important things … That make a man proud. ...
Mid-Town Elementary: Sun peers through cloud like a blurred and weary eye. Leaves cling to boughs like birds too tired to fly. It’s the slow sad prelude to a year’s goodbye. ...
The fair tastes of summer: Summer is a thing of smells and tastes: Hot brick in the sun, fields turning gold, Candy apples that are hard to hold, Barbecue the plump cook turns and bastes. Summer is a thing of tastes and smells: ...
A growing stack of letters from CAPPER’S readers has prompted me to refrain from discussing some of my own personal gardening issues this month. Instead, I will answer some of the questions I’ve received from CAPPER’S faithful readers.
My love of walking has made me appreciate nature trails and county parks. I’ve always lived fairly close to Rice Creek, which meanders through southeast Anoka County, Minn., finally coming to the Mississippi River a few miles away. I’m thankful for the paths I walk, where there are many different flowers blooming.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I must admit, while reading your letters about country stores, I developed an overwhelming craving for pickles. So many of the stories described the joy of choosing dill pickles from barrels that I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Even Kathryn Compton, our new editor, commented on how hungry she was for pickles after reading all the stories.
Together with God: Jenkins’ store was just over the hill from my house, and my friend Cheryl and I would walk the quarter-mile on hot summer evenings to get a fudge bar. We had to pass the old cemetery at the top of the hill, and we usually started running at the crest.
Country store lives on in her memory: During World War II, I was a Crop Corps worker on a farm in upstate New York. We picked string beans, tomatoes, apples and grapes.
Looked forward to grocery truck: The country store that has always been in my memory was a grocery truck that came by our house in 1939.
Small store seemed large to a child: As a preschooler in the early 1940s, my family and I lived in rural southern New Jersey. With gasoline rationed during the war years, a trip to the store was a big adventure.
Wishes she could go back to general store: There were two gas pumps in front, regular and ethyl, and off to the side was a green pump labeled “Kerosene.” Just south of the pumps, across a short drive, stood a small, white building that was known as Waggoner’s Store, which was located on the south side of 51 Highway, west of Hennessey, Okla.
August, 2005
During the Depression, children in the community of Cedar Bluff, Texas, faced having to drop out of school because of a lack of transportation to get them there. But thanks to the efforts of one industrious father, getting to school was not a problem.
When asked what they know about Sweden, many people might say that they remember its flag is bright blue and yellow, or that the country has a king. They may say that reindeer live there and the weather there is cold. However, it would be hard to think of a more widely recognized symbol of the country than the small, red wooden horses that have become associated with the Swedish people.
Summer garden concert: Trumpet vine blares out
bright orange notes.
Canterbury bells
lift open throats.
...
After the circus: See the little boy
hopping beside his mother,
chattering about the pony
that could add and count.
Chickens cackle and squawk
as he runs across the field
toward the outhouse, ...
August: August wears a crown of tasseled corn,
fringed with Queen Anne’s lace and chicory.
Dressed in a gown of willows, slightly worn,
she does her dance and sings her song to me.
...
Mounds keep appearing: Mounds keep appearing
on my lawn, a tiny Effigy Mounds
National Park. One wag frowns
pronouncing gophers, one shakes his
...
A difference of opinion: Heat waves wrinkle the road,
distort the view with plain deceit.
It’s the humidity, people complain. ...
Forrest Mars Sr., the patriarch of the Mars Candy Co., founded the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens in 1981, in Henderson, Nev.
My dad is hooked on gardening, even if he won’t admit it. Almost yearly, I hear him say that he’s going to turn the vegetable garden back to grass after the long summer has taken its toll on the crops. Each spring, as the fescue lawn is growing at its peak, he’ll say he’s going to let some of the yard go because he’s tired of mowing it, yet if nothing else gets done in the fall, he’s sure to apply fertilizer for that early spring green-up.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, Scrapbooks are a great way of recording the important moments and memories of one’s life. Although the methods of making scrapbooks have changed dramatically, it is obvious that they are still important pieces of memorabilia.
Together with God: When my husband and I worked with the foster care program, we made a scrapbook for each of our children so they could see physical evidence of their life. It also helped to establish a connection between their other family and their new family.
Remembrance hangs on wall: I loved making scrapbooks long before it became popular to make them. My first was one my mother helped me put together of baby animals. It was made from a spiral notebook. It wasn’t fancy, but I have kept it for more than 60 years.
Anniversary book is prized possession: The first experience I had with a scrapbook was a pleasant one. I received it when my husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, six years ago.
Turned Mother’s treasures into a scrapbook: My mother was frugal. I doubt she ever threw anything away. A few years ago, when she passed away at 94, my siblings and I cleaned out her home, preparing to sell it.
July 19, 2005
Roy Duncan, of Greensboro, N.C., has traveled extensively in the United States since the mid-1960s. In his travels from California to Hawaii to Alaska, he has accumulated quite a souvenir collection – more than 750 caps.
The U.S. Postal Service will issue 10 37-cent American Advances in Aviation commemorative stamps July 29 in Vienna, Va., and Oshkosh, Wis.
The Postal Service will also issue four 37-cent New Mexico Rio Grande Blankets commemorative stamps July 30 in Santa Fe, N.M.
South Dakota cornfield at dusk: creep into the ribboned green silk dangled ...
Heat wave: By midsummer the days are all the same. The air is deadly; if inhaled too rapidly it might start a small fire in the pit of your stomach. ...
Wordless love: If I had the words – words to tell you how I feel I’d put them in a letter and send them on to you. If I knew composition I’d compose a song ...
Rural thunderstorm: Claps of tumbling thunder, Echo across rolling plains. Lightning performs its electric dance, Streaking silver suspended, ...
The Butterfly Place in Westford, Mass., is an indoor butterfly garden that is housed within a 3,100-square-foot glass atrium that stands more than 27 feet high at its peak. It opened about 15 years ago, when owner George Leslie, a businessman and butterfly lover, sold his microfilm company to pursue a career working with butterflies.
Patient Lucy, Busy Lizzie and Sultana are the names for a very common garden plant. Some gardeners will recognize one or more of these names and the plant that they refer to, while others may not recognize the names at all and refer to this plant as impatiens.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I like the taste of a fresh, sweet watermelon in the summertime, but unfortunately, I don’t have any watermelon stories to tell. I enjoy eating it, but not in the traditional way. I usually like to eat it cut up in chunks and served on a plate.
Together With God: Every July, my family went to visit our cousins in Berryville, Va., a mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was thrilling. They had a farm, complete with a mean, old bull that didn’t appreciate watermelon rinds.
Cousins had contest: When I was a child, many of my cousins lived nearby. In fact, there were 10 of us. Our grandfather was the leader of the cousins.
Son’s jumbled garden an unexpected success: When my son was young, he wanted his own garden. The company I was ordering seeds from had a special offer for children – a jumble packet of mixed seeds for just 1 cent.
Kept waiting for melons to get bigger: When I moved to America from Germany at age 19, I’d never heard of watermelons. On my first trip to a grocery store, I saw the huge, green fruit, and I asked my American husband what they were.
Family anticipated homegrown watermelons: Like everyone else I know, I have joyful memories of watermelon time in Oklahoma. The wonderful melons ripen from July to frost. When I was a girl, we enjoyed them all summer.
July 5, 2005
Roy Duncan, of Greensboro, N.C., has traveled extensively in the United States since the mid-1960s. In his travels from California to Hawaii to Alaska, he has accumulated quite a souvenir collection – more than 750 caps.
Believe: the mosaic of things that could be pieced together on destiny's tapestry forming a story, colored in the ink of life ...
Blue: the morning glory blue as summer sky fresh as dew on the grass its color clear as a bell ...
Haiku for summer: summer evening the creak of the porch swing - one bright ...
A prairie child: As a prairie child I never walked the shore of any sea, peered into any canyon or climbed higher than a tree, ...
The greeting: I was driving alone off the interstate to get away from grief, passing green fields and red Indian paintbrush, chicken houses, irrigation ditches, ...
Fireworks, homemade ice cream and family get-togethers are all traditions that we incorporate into the celebration of the country's independence. These timely customs should also remind gardeners of a few things that need to be accomplished in the landscape as soon as the smoke has cleared.
The Fells, located in Newbury, N.H., on the shores of Lake Sunapee, is one of New England's finest examples of an early 20th-century summer estate. It is situated on 164 acres of land that has been the summer retreat for the Hay family.
A letter from Kate: Dear Readers, Summer is my least favorite season of the year. I truly enjoy all the flowers and plants in bloom and fresh fruits and vegetables at their peak, but I don't enjoy being hot and miserable.
Together with God: Isn't it great to get good news? A baby in the family, a wedding, a graduation or a promotion at work are just a few announcements that come to mind. The best thing about receiving good news is being able to share it with your friends.
Mother had a scare while at the rodeo: When my son, Alex, was 7 or 8 years old, we attended all the local rodeos. He participated in the mutton-busting competitions that took place before the rodeos. He enjoyed riding the sheep.
Streetcar passengers celebrated end of war: I was on a streetcar, going home from my job at one of the defense plants in the area. The car was filled with other people, tired and hot because the car was not air-conditioned. We came to a bus stop, and a man stepped over to the car as if he planned to board.
Announcement came in Christmas card: The best news my husband and I ever received came in the form of a handwritten message on a Christmas card.
Good news is found everywhere: Good news comes in many forms. One might win a prize, there might be a new baby in the family, the job one has been wanting might finally come through, or the rains could fall at the right time. Yes, good news arrives in many different fashions.
June 21, 2005
Twelve special reasons to celebrate June.
Norma "Duffy" Lyon uses butter to create works of art. The folk artist, who lives on a farm near Toledo, Iowa, has sculpted likenesses of President Eisenhower, Elvis Presley and country singer Garth Brooks using the dairy product. But her subjects are not limited to portraits of people.
Overcome with patriotism and America's beauty, three Americans set poetry to music, creating songs that would continue to be sung for decades.
The U.S. Postal Service will issue 37-cent The Art of Disney: Celebration commemorative stamps June 30 in Anaheim, Calif.
Unseen benefactor: Up there, rearranging white clouds against blue for a refreshing change of scene; ...
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Ill., is one of the most visited public gardens in the United States. It features world-renowned plant collections and displays on 385 acres, which are situated on nine islands surrounded by 81 acres of lakes.
It has been an odd spring at my little spot on the map. It was mild early enough to allow an early bloom of the spring bulbs, then it turned dry, which caused the lush grass to take on a hot summer appearance, and there were several freezes over two weeks past the average frost-free date for this area.
Outsmarted: A game warden spotted a camper walking back to his campsite carrying a 5-gallon bucket.
New Version: A first-grade class was putting on a singing program for the community in order to raise money for new playground equipment.
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I enjoy family reunions. They give me a chance to see relatives I haven't seen in a while and meet new additions to the family. My extended family is small, and we don't get together all that often. But my husband, Jay, has a close extended family.
Together With God: Who thought of the idea of family reunions? The gathering of family from young to old, meeting at one specific place and time to share updates with family members was a great idea.
Siblings met at barn: My family held one last reunion on the old homeplace where we grew up. Our parents moved there in 1942. When Dad passed away, Mother continued to live there until 1987. We then sold the house.
Returned to Wisconsin: I had moved to Phoenix to be closer to my two daughters after I had a stroke in 2002. My daughters and I flew back to Wisconsin in May 2003 for several reasons.
Annual tradition got started in 1929: Our first family reunion was held on Labor Day Sunday in 1929. There were 300 people in attendance - the families of five brothers and three sisters who had immigrated to America in the early 1900s from the Ukraine.
Family planned surprise auction for reunion: I am from a family of seven children. We lived in several states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Pennsylvania. Our mother and three of us children lived in Washington. We tried to get together every other year.
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