Hello Summer! Abundant Simplicity, Calm, and “Stories” To Delight

“If it could only be like this always – always summer, always alone, the fruit always ripe and Aloysius in a good temper…”  ―Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited When one is retired from working as an employee, one would think that the seasons, including summer, would all blend together.  I find that while my time is […]

Patent Medicines and Home Remedies in the Steinbüchel Home

In summer 1988, after moving into Maison Steinbüchel, we tackled a pile of rubbish and sand from under the apple tree beside the garage along the alley.  A trumpet vine had taken over the area, growing up into the tree,   masquerading what was in store. Once the vine and rubbish were removed, we discovered a large pile […]

A Day Of Remembrance – The Purpose of Memorials

Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. Jane Austen We just celebrated Memorial Day in the United States.  This day of remembrance was It became Memorial Day as a US Federal holiday in 1971, the year I graduated High School. In practice, many use it as an opportunity to remember family and friends who […]