Ever been to Mount Vernon? I have, twice, and it's a fascinating place. Like more than a few other historically significant sites, though, George Washington's home came very close to fading into oblivion, only to be saved by conscientious souls. In this case the benefactors were, and are, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, who have … Continue reading Reading Rarities: Mount Vernon: The Story of A Shrine
Reading Rarities: Irish Americans
Most of my family came from Ireland, although we're still unearthing the details of what parts they hailed from. So far we know my paternal grandpa's ancestors were Irish Catholics from Wexford (yes, just like the Kennedys), but that's about it. The story that I've always gotten about my mom's side of the family is … Continue reading Reading Rarities: Irish Americans
My Favorite American Short Stories
Which short stories do you like? It's nice to be able to easily dive in and out of a story and still feel like something's getting done. Naturally, English majors have to read a lot of these kinds of stories, which is fun most of the time, but can also be a pain in the neck … Continue reading My Favorite American Short Stories
Reading Rarities: Retro Housewife
There used to be kitchen store in Old Sacramento called the Solar Syndicate, and besides the vintage-looking stoves, novelty timers shaped like cheese wedges, and copper fish wall hangings, they sold a few books, some of which were the Collector's Press "Retro" series. I only had a chance to buy two of them: Retro Breakfast, which I'll … Continue reading Reading Rarities: Retro Housewife
This Old House
My son had his Spring Break at the end of March, and I took the extra free time to start revisiting most of the "House" series. Remember those? A family, several familes, or maybe just a random group of people would try to live as people did in a certain time in history, and it … Continue reading This Old House
Taking Up Room 