Archive for History

  • Just Saying... 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 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 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... 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 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 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...

  • The Christmas Present  That Said, “Moo-ey Christmas!” The Christmas Present That Said, “Moo-ey Christmas!”

    By John & Joan Maxwell Cinnamon Ridge Farms Growing up on a farm, Christmas was a time of great celebration. Since our cows needed to be milked every day, even on Christmas, we didn’t venture away from home.  Instead, extended family all traveled “over the river and through the woods” t...

  • PUBLISHER’S CORNER PUBLISHER’S CORNER

    By Kari Smith Thirty Years and Counting Please take a moment and think back to what was going on in your life in 1987. Were you in school? Were you married? How old were your children?     Do you remember that in 1987: The cost of a U.S. Postage Stamp was $.24 The Y...