This Fourth of July will be unlike any other in our lifetime. On July 4, 2026, America celebrates its 250th birthday—a remarkable milestone marking two and a half centuries since our nation's founders signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. For many of us, this historic anniversary brings more than fireworks and parades. It offers a chance to reflect on where we've been, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and remember the traditions that have made America such a special place to cal …

Old-fashioned foods are traditional recipes and pantry staples that were commonly enjoyed in earlier generations. These include homemade jams, fruit butters, pickled vegetables, baked goods, and simple ingredient-based meals that emphasize flavor, preservation, and time-tested cooking methods. Old-fashioned foods bring back the flavors of simpler times. These foods were often: Made from scratch Preserved naturally Shared across generations Popular Old-Fashioned Foods List: Fruit jams a …

Over the next several months, we’ll be taking a journey back to a simpler America by revisiting the wholesome Happy Hollisters book series, written by Andrew E. Svenson, from the 1950s through the early 1970s. Growing up in rural Conneautville, Pennsylvania, many of my summer mornings were spent sitting outside with one of these books in my hands. Back then, entertainment did not revolve around smartphones, social media, or endless television channels. A good book, a little imagination, an …

The best jam for toast depends on personal taste, but classic favorites include strawberry, blackberry, and peach. These jams offer a balance of sweetness and fruit flavor that pairs perfectly with warm bread, creating a simple and satisfying breakfast or snack. Top toast-friendly jams: Strawberry (classic) Blackberry (bold flavor) Peach (smooth and sweet) Factors: Spreadability Flavor intensity Texture Find Your Favorite Toast Spread: Strawberry Jam Blackberry Jam Peach Ja …

Photo credit to www.facebook.com Today, June 15th, is National Big Boy Day! Now, if you're wondering what a "Big Boy" is, let me tell you—it just might be one of the most delicious burgers ever created. Long before fast-food chains were on every corner, the original Big Boy was serving up a meal that felt larger than life. It featured three pieces of sesame seed bun, two juicy burger patties, a slice of American cheese, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, and its signature red burger relish. In …

How many of you wish you could climb into the DeLorean with Doc Brown and travel back to simpler times? Some days, I think about that more than I probably should. Back before social media.Before smartphones.Before every quiet moment had to be filled with a screen. Back when people actually talked to each other.When kids used their imaginations instead of scrolling for entertainment.When family vacations were about memories — not Wi-Fi passwords. If I could pick a year to go back to, I&rsqu …

The best Amish jams in the USA are made by small-batch producers using traditional recipes and high-quality fruit. Popular favorites include strawberry, blackberry, peach, and seedless varieties, with brands like Dutch Kettle known for their rich flavor, thick texture, and authentic homemade taste. When people search for the best Amish jams, they’re usually looking for: Authentic taste High fruit content No artificial preservatives Traditional preparation methods Top qualities of …

Photo credit to https://www.facebook.com National Game Show Day is celebrated on June 1st, and when I saw it on the calendar, I immediately smiled. There is just something comforting about game shows. They have been bringing families together for generations, filling living rooms with laughter, cheering, and the occasional shout at the television when someone gives the wrong answer that you just knew was right. Game shows actually have quite a long history. The very first television game show, & …

Pork hocks are a traditional cut of meat known for their rich flavor and ability to transform simple ingredients into hearty, satisfying meals. Commonly used in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, pork hocks are most often slow-cooked to release their deep, savory taste into beans, soups, and greens. If you’ve never cooked pork hocks before, the process is simple—and the results are incredibly rewarding. What Are Pork Hocks? Pork hocks (also called ham hocks) come from the lower le …

I have never really given much thought to the skin health of our dogs...not with our Holly dog, who we got to love for 14 1/2 years, and not with our boy Geno either.  All of that changed this year.  I actually thought that maybe he had the "winter blues" since it was January and we were definitely having a more severe winter here this year in Asheville than we normally do, mixed with earlier sunsets.  I kept Googling to see if that was even a thing in dogs.  Some sites state …