Did You Know?
Did You Know The U.S. Began As A Nation of Tea Drinkers?
Here in Texas winter has finally arrived. Perfect timing, since January is National Hot Tea Month. Tea History British colonists brought the habit of tea drinking with them when they migrated to North America. However, in protest of all things English in the...
Did You Know You Don’t Have To Fear Annual Goals?
2024 is over, and we’ve entered a brand-new year. Did you set goals for 2025? I did, but I’m doing things a little differently this year. The Review Before setting 2025 writing goals, I first reviewed the ones I set last year. Like 2023, many of my 2024 writing...
Did You Know Northern Cardinals Were Named After Roman Catholic Cardinals?
Unless you’ve lived your life inside a cave or outside much of North America, you’ve probably seen a Northern Cardinal. The Basics The Northern Cardinal is a mid-sized, non-migratory songbird. The males are vivid red with a black mask, an orange beak, and a...
Did You Know Your Family’s Christmas “Traditions” May Just Be Customs?
Christmas is only days away. Are you ready? Customs vs Traditions There are many ways people celebrate Christmas. Some things they do consistently year after year, like decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging Christmas presents, reading the Bible’s account...
Did You Know Roasted Chestnuts Are More Than Lyrics In A Christmas Song?
Today is National Roasted Chestnuts Day. So, cue the music and let’s sing. Wait. Before we get to the singing, let’s talk chestnuts. The Plant Chestnuts have been around for over 4,000 years. And, as you might guess from the song lyrics, they are edible nuts....
Did You Know To “Carol ” Originally Meant To Dance In A Circle?
One of my favorite Christmas memories is going caroling as a youth. Unfortunately, it appears few continue that practice today. The Beginning Carols were sung and danced in Europe thousands of years ago. However, prior to the birth of Jesus and the celebration...
Did You Know This Classic Southern Beverage Does Double Duty As Both A Christmas Drink and “Chicken Soup?”
I’m sure most of you have heard of eggnog. But how many of you have heard of boiled custard? For me, nothing says Christmas like a glass of that creamy goodness. Boiled Custard Every year at Christmas, my paternal grandmother made boiled custard. I made it a...
Did You Know This Food Bridges The Past And The Present?
You know how memories can be triggered by certain songs or smells? Certain foods can do that, too. For me, one of those trigger foods is Ambrosia. Ancient History Ambrosia. What is it? According to ancient Greek myths, it was food for the gods. It made them...
Did You Know This Seasoning Repels Insects, Lightens Hair, and Freshens Breath?
Cinnamon was once an extremely expensive commodity. Today, this spice is a staple found in most kitchens around the world. The Food Connection Cinnamon has a long and delicious history. It’s one of the world's oldest spices. In the U.S.—and much of the Western...
Did You Know Why “Kilroy Was Here?”
Depending on your age, you may or may not have heard the phrase, Kilroy Was Here. With Veterans Day just two days away, I thought this might be a good time to share the fascinating story of the mysterious Mr. Kilroy. The Man Most people born between 1913 and...