Monthly Archives: March 2017


Solstice New Year

New Year is celebrated on the first day of spring along the Silk Road from Persia to Mongolia and such parts.  The holiday is called Norooz, and it’s the biggest, brightest, eatingest day on that culture’s calendar.  Traditional foods symbolize wishes for the coming year.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could make life go our way by feasting? I spent the day with my Silk Road son-in-law, greeting spring along a Chesapeake Bay shoreline.  Daughter and granddaughter joined us for an evening feast as we wait for spring to bring a second sweet granddaughter to this much-blessed family.  I […]


St Patrick’s Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is one of those can’t/must miss experiences.  Crowds aren’t my thing, but I’d watch from a balcony if Steve weren’t horrified at the very idea.  So I knew the New Orleans St. Patrick’s Day parade we saw with friends last year was the closest I’d ever get to doing Mardi Gras, and I was charged.  The parade was rated ‘family friendly’ so who would have thought I’d end up trading kisses for flowers?  I expected to see paraders tossing cabbages. I’d even brought a grocery bag to haul the veggies home.  Instead, I filled the bag with beads and watched revelers squirt drinks […]


What’s it Mean?

This flag on South Padre Island, Texas kept me puzzling for some time. I came up with several ideas, none of which were correct. Thanks to the Historical Flags of Our Ancestors website for providing an explanation: “Thin Blue Line Flag…a testament to the valor of police officers across the country. The courage exhibited by officers in the line of duty is represented by the Thin Blue Line in the center of the flag. The solemn black background acts as a memorial to the lives lost while shielding citizens from danger.” I’m glad I asked.