“It gets dark every night!” vented a stressed cashier at a sub shop in Ohio on the afternoon of the eclipse. He was complaining about having too much business, that […]
Aldona Bird
DIY: Faux Flowers
Forever in bloom: Make decor that won’t wilt using natural materials Flowers are starting to bloom in gardens and fields and forests. But when cut, they fade quickly. With a […]
Country girl visits the big city — and loves it
When I told my sister the topic for this column, she said “the headlines will read; ‘Preston County family goes to the big city.’” Despite my sister’s teasing, it’s true […]
Country girl visits the big city – and loves it
WHEN I TOLD MY SISTER THE TOPIC FOR THIS COLUMN, she said “the headlines will read; ‘Preston County family goes to the big city. ’” Despite my sister’s teasing, it’s […]
Easter feast made sweeter by desserts — and family
Feasts are important. I’ve always liked my family’s Easter feasting tradition because while we no longer are tied particularly to seasonal food, I’m reminded that until very recently food was […]
Squirrels stir up morning routine
My morning routine involves brewing tea or coffee and enjoying at my kitchen table. From this vantage point I can see a large maple tree in front of my house […]
New crafting obsession takes flight
Recently I decided I need a new hobby. This was an odd impulse; I don’t really have time or space for more projects. Yet, there I was trying to think […]
Conference looks at importance of arts in communities
Last week I went to my first professional conference: the Arts in Our Communities conference in Charleston. This two-day conference was free to attend, and open to anyone. Judging from […]
Mon Valley Mushrooms brings fresh fungi to the table
After eating a particularly pungent shiitake mushroom a couple years ago, my daughter decided then and there that she didn’t like any mushrooms. Recently, she begged for seconds — of […]
Board games a fun way to go offline
For a few days around Christmas, when my family was all together, we decided to stay off our phones. I turned on my “do not disturb” setting for the first […]
