by B.L. Unkel | Aug 14, 2021 | History
In these dog days of summer, we’re always on the hunt for ways to stay cool. However, before we look at the most obvious methods of doing that, let’s step back in time. Did you know the phrase “dog days” doesn’t refer to your dog lazing around because it’s hot? The...
by B.L. Unkel | Aug 7, 2021 | Travel
A few summers ago, I experienced a redefining of my perception of three historic seafaring vessels. I’d heard the stories about these ships but had no real clue as to their true size . . . until I saw them in person. How Small is “Small?” On the...
by B.L. Unkel | May 21, 2021 | Baking
Who doesn’t love Peanut Butter? Well, besides people with nut allergies, that is. As we discovered in last week’s Part 1, North Americans were some of the last people to get the peanut plant. So you shouldn’t be surprised to learn: We didn’t invent peanut...
by B.L. Unkel | May 15, 2021 | History
Like the honeybee, the peanut plant is not native to North America. But it did originate in the Americas, just somewhere in South America, most likely Peru or Brazil. Spreading the Peanuts There is evidence that peanuts were around as far back as 1,500 BC....
by B.L. Unkel | May 1, 2021 | Travel
Almost two hundred years ago today (196 years on May 4, to be precise), an incredible journey came to an end. At least, it’s incredible by today’s standards. The Background In 1824, as the United States of America approached its fiftieth anniversary, national...
