Archive for History
-
Mardi Gras – February 13
By Eloise Graham What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras is synonymous with Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Mardi Gras has become known to be more than just one day. It refers to the events of the Carnival celebrations beginning on or after the Christian feasts ...
-
Max’s Musings
By Max Molleston Late last year I was working through what I generally do, poetry by certain poets. I exclaimed “recognition for most poets finally arrives.” If we readers and listeners understand words in lines and a pleasant speaking style, that’s a plus. A ‘lousy’ poem spoken in such ...
-
Just Saying…
By Q.C. Jones Unfocused Thought and the New Year Random and innocent comments sometimes spur deep thought; allow me a story. Last month I went to see an obscure but talented young band of musicians from Jackson, Tennessee. While generally the banter between songs at these performances trends tow...
-
January Flowers, Gems and Dates
By Eloise Graham The traditional flower for January is the carnation. The history of this botanical wonder dates back more than 2,000 years; it’s not surprising that carnations are rich with symbolism, mythology and even debate. While some scholars suggest that their name comes from the word ...
-
Donna’s Kitchen
Retro Recipes! Before Ella’s Kitchen, it was Donna’s Kitchen (Donna was the wife of Russ Myers, the founder of 50+ Lifestyles.) Each month featured recipes were submitted by the reader’s of 50+ Lifestyles. Here are some recipes from the early years. Please enjoy them! ...
-
Just Saying…
By Q.C. Jones It’s the Christmas Season – and I Believe! December is the season for believing… I believe. As I think about the festivities thundering along like the North Pole Express, one can’t help but ponder the coming weeks. If you listen closely enough, you can hear the echo of rein...
-
Max’s Musings
By Max Molleston Most of us in this region know about the Pow Wow in Rock Island performed by the residents of the Mesquaki tribe. Some continue to reside in Tama County, Iowa on their reserved lands. One Indian language during WWII was used as a message devise. It could not be broken. It could no...
-
Christmas Past
By Mary Schricker Gemberling “There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, & traditions.” Bill McKibbon Christmas traditions h...
