Monday, March 5th, 2018
The first year of the Great Depression, 1930, was a tough year in America for many people, though there were a few whimsical kinds of events and inventions. A.A. Milne signed the first literary character licensing agreement for Winnie-the-Pooh merchandise, and Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop made their first appearances. Twinkies were invented. A loaf
Friday, January 19th, 2018
It’s possible two of the most popular things that girls dream of are … … horses and weddings. Summer Casady is no exception, having gotten a horse long before a husband. At age 11,...
Friday, January 19th, 2018
John Crawford started playing music as soon as he was old enough to plunk on piano keys. Of course, a lot of toddlers plunk frenetically on piano keys, but few grow up past toy keyboards or even...
Friday, January 19th, 2018
3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbl. sugar 1 package Rapid-Rise yeast 3/4 tsp. salt 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup instant potato flakes* 2 eggs (one for dough, one...
Friday, January 19th, 2018
Five years ago, Alan and Cindy Gensamer moved to the New River Valley from Houston, Texas. It fit their criteria for a place to retire: close to colleges and universities, airports, museums and cultural venues, plus a...
Thursday, January 18th, 2018
A billowy 40 degrees, the mountains a crisp blue in Blacksburg, the eve of the year 2017. People are prepping to celebrate the ringing in of a New Year. Party hats, black dresses, drinks for toasting and...
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
1 large orange 6 whole cloves 6 whole black peppercorns 1 bottle (3 cups) fruity red wine 2 cardamom pods 6 allspice berries 1 cinnamon stick (+ 4 for garnish) 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup fresh cranberries...
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
In a home in the hills outside Blacksburg, Christmas decorations are tastefully displayed, traditions have been handed down and created anew, and the holiday spirit fills every space. This classy, contemporary family house blends rustic elements with...
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
Hiding the surprise is a big part of gift giving and has been for years – even centuries. The use of wrapping paper is first documented in ancient China, where paper was invented in second century B.C....
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
So imagine as a college student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Art, you drop into a bar for a beer one afternoon after painting away part of the day with friends at Brandywine Battlefield. It’s not a...