Americans living in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries did not commonly travel unless absolutely necessary because it was usually difficult, costly, and could even be quite dangerous. Most travelers were free white men who journeyed for important business reasons, but sometimes enslaved African Americans were given special permission to travel to conduct business on […]
Posted inFood
The Lantern Festival in Hangzhou
Brightly colored lanterns, some made into the form of the zodiac creature of the new year, others with puzzles in Chinese characters, fill the streets and parks of China’s cities as the Lunar New Year concludes with a centuries-old tradition called the Lantern Festival. Many of us remember a time in our lives when the […]
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Water … the perfect pour!
It doesn’t matter if your glass is half-empty or half-full: Drinking water is always good for your health, especially your dental health. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Sipping water […]
Posted inBay Trekking
A day on the National Mall
Living in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, we are fortunate to be situated between several major cities renowned as important hubs for entertainment and tourism. However, “fortunate” does not necessarily mean convenient. While Washington D.C., is chock-full of historical buildings, memorials, and monuments a real mecca for tourists getting there is not always half the fun. When […]
Posted inBay Trekking
Travel USA
By Ellen Moyer Who would have “thunk it?” While many of my age-of-wisdom group are giving up their car keys I was zooming down the Highway to Texas, California and back home across the USA. Interstate travel is not my cup of tea. It is so anonymous, impersonal. Exploring the back roads where you can […]
Posted inBay Trekking
America’s most-visited national parks
The National Park Service keeps recreation visit statistics for more than 400 parks in the National Park System. The National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington are often cited as the most-visited park in the system with an estimated 32 million visitors each year, but that park doesn’t show up on its own in the […]
Posted inBay Trekking
‘Virginia is For Lovers’ and Virginia Beach has something for everyone
You’ve probably heard the iconic marketing slogan, “Virginia is For Lovers.” Well, according to Virginia.org, the saying was created over 50 years ago. The catchy phrase captures the essence of Virginia, and particularly, Virginia Beach since the area has something to allure all: history buffs, aviation aficionados, beach bums, nature and art lovers, and more! […]
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Groundhog Day: Will Phil see his shadow?
Celebrating Groundhog Day was not in my plans when I accepted a teaching position in Punxsutawney, PA. However, as Feb. 2 drew closer, the children in my classroom informed me that celebrating this observance was indeed a momentous event in the life of this quaint town. The locals’ enthusiasm was infectious, and I soon was […]
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Eulogies
A silence came over the guests as the widow approached the podium. Her husband was resting peacefully in a closed wooden casket surrounded by flowers showcasing the tremendous number of people he had touched during his life. The widow pulled out a tissue to dab her eyes before organizing her papers in what appeared to […]
Posted inArticles
Making gifts with a personal touch
Carla Werme, of Lexington Park has always enjoyed and excelled at creative arts. Drawing, scrapbooking, jewelry making, and leather working are among her hobbies. About three year ago, she discovered pottery painting. Pottery studios stock pre-fired molds to which clients like Carla can use their artistic skills applying glazes that can then be fired to […]
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Filling the gap with supportive care
Brian Thompson calls Aug. 29, 2013, his new birthday. That was the day when the Navy veteran learned he had stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. He was 43. He told the doctors to give him everything he could handle. “All of them were saying, ‘Hey, how you’re going to beat this is up here’,” […]
Posted inBay Health
How hope can keep you happier and healthier
Everett Worthington, Virginia Commonwealth University Hope can erode when we perceive threats to our way of life, and these days, plenty are out there. As we age, we may struggle with a tragic loss or chronic disease. As we watch the news, we see our political system polarized, hopelessly locked in chaos. The coronavirus spreads […]
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Seniors and retirees are returning to college here’s how you can too
Like many seniors and retirees today will attest, you’re never too old to go to college. Lifelong learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as baby boomers have reached the age of retirement. For some, the purpose of going back to school is to finish their studies and accomplish a degree. But for many […]
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Travel as transformation
Let’s explore eight types of travel that may be transformative as well as educational.
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Caring for aging parents
Caring for your aging parents is not an easy task. More likely, it is frustrating, overwhelming and exhausting, or sometimes, all three at once. In turn, this may cause stress in your life which can manifest itself in various ways, including illness, depression and/or anxiety, or strained family relationships. Any way you look at it, caregiving is not for the faint of heart; it is a tough job.
Posted inArticles
7 science-based strategies to boost your willpower and succeed with your New Year’s resolutions
It’s that time of year when people make their New Year’s resolutions – indeed, 93% of people set them, according to the American Psychological Association. The most common resolutions are related to losing weight, eating healthier, exercising regularly and saving money. However, research shows that 45% of people fail to keep their resolutions by February, […]
Posted inDear Vicki
Dear Vicki: ‘Stuck’ vs. depression; should I get a dog?
Dear Vicki, I spent years looking forward to retirement. But after the past two years, I feel stuck. First, COVID-19 kicked our travel plans to the curb. Increased inflation is eating away at our savings. We see a few friends but don’t go out much because hubby and I have health issues that place us […]
Posted inFood
Seaweed: It’s more than just fancy food
By Henry S. Parker When people think of seaweed, they don’t usually think of toothpaste. Or ice cream, yogurt, and shampoo. But these products often contain seaweed, as do puddings, salad dressings, chocolate milk, cosmetics, paints, medicinal products, and explosives. Even beer—as a clarifier to offset haziness. Salud! Seaweed for Dinner? Mostly, seaweed is eaten, […]
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The Rise and Fall of Morris A. Mechanic Theatre
Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore was a fascinating space that endured dramatic swings of public opinion and financial stability. Its bold, uncompromising design was praised by some and derided by others.
Posted inBooks
The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain’s Wars for America
This book is for anyone who loves Revolutionary War history. Regardless of which side you might favor, the insights regarding the importance of petticoat diplomacy herein, will amaze and inform the reader. It is helpful for context to recognize that the Seven Years’ War was”Britain’s first true world war” as it affected The West indies, […]