In 1979 my Aunt Wilma and Uncle Mitch Geiger drove cross-country from Merced, California to visit their hometown of Watsontown. Little did I know that visit would change my life forever. The promise of sun, no snow, warmer temperatures, new employment opportunities, and rust free cars was all it took for my Uncle to “stake
Growing up there were some things I didn’t want others to know about me. One was that we lived in an old farmhouse heated with wood and coal with only two somewhat, sometimes warm rooms. I never slept in a heated room during winter until college. We rarely wore white because without a water softener
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate. But for hundreds of people each year, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day proves fatal. According to fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over the last five years an average of 300 people died in drunk driving fatalities between Christmas and New
When I was in school, all the boys took wood shop in 9th grade. Projects were small: bookends, birdhouses, footstools, towel racks and the like. In fifth grade, other students started asking me what my older brother was building in the wood shop. As he and I never spoke at home or school, I didn’t
Every year there seems to be a must-have Christmas present that everyone is trying to buy. I did a little search and came across a list of the top Christmas gifts going all the way back to the 1920s! Along with the list, I have added a little commentary of my own. While still enjoying
Unless you’re a total humbug of a Grinch, chances are you’re going to at least one holiday celebration where you’ll have to dress up. But what if you’re more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal? How do you dress up when you’re averse to sequins, heels, and form-fitting frocks? Here are a few
Each December 31st, people anxiously await and count down to the arrival of the new year. January 1 often is a time for reflection and for making future plans. It also is a holiday full of tradition. Notable New Year’s traditions include toasting champagne beneath skies lit up by fireworks, kissing one’s sweetheart at midnight
At the dawn of a new year, many people resolve to reach for new heights. On the path to personal growth or improvement, one may find that making a few adjustments can greatly increase confidence and satisfaction. The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” can inspire people to look beyond the outer shell
Sending out Christmas cards is an exercise in futility for me — mostly because I’m a poor tool. When it comes to choosing a family picture to include on one of those trendy postcards created online with favorite snapshots and heartfelt messages, I fall down on the job every time. Never mind that I’m the
Looking back 70 years, the Yuletide of 1948 was the culmination of a very interesting year in history. Harry Truman had pulled off one of the greatest political upsets in history when he defeated Gov. Thomas Dewey in that year’s Presidential election. Truman also launched the historic “Marshall Plan” that year, which helped to rebuild
The following are the Winners of the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Christmas Fun Coloring Contest! Congratulations to all of our winners and many thanks to all of our entrants! We had over 400 entries this year! You kiddos wore our elves out with judging!! We’d also like to thank all of the people who offered
Christmas morning is an exciting and joyous time for families. Children are anxious to rush downstairs and see what Santa has left under the tree, and parents are eager to see the looks on youngsters’ happy faces. Having a fast and easy breakfast at the ready on Christmas morning allows families to jump right into
