Travelin’ and Livin’ Off the Land
Back-to-the-Land homesteaders in the 1970s were captivated by the idyll of self-sufficient mountain living.
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Talking to the Dead in Lily Dale
For many years had I heard of a town, just 60 miles south of Buffalo, where you could not only pay your respects to the dearly departed—you could talk to them too. Lily Dale, NY is a small community of people who practice the Spiritualist religion. Founded in 1879 by a group of believers looking […]
Memories of the Historic Buffalo Blizzard of 1977
For the first time in American history, the President declared a “federal disaster” to address the devastating impacts of a winter storm.
Bird Counting: A Christmas Tradition That Saves Lives (Really)
And a metaphor for counting your blessings instead of your losses and disappointments.
The Special Joys of Sisterhood Weekends
There never seemed enough time at family gatherings for the three of us to have the “chick-chats” we had once dearly loved.
A Remembrance, in the Grand Canyon of the East
Our main objective was to hike the Gorge Trail in Letchworth State Park, to the three major waterfalls that are the highlight of this stunning place.
Reliving Our European Dream—in Buffalo, New York?
Where would you rather spend the month of August? In Europe or Buffalo?
Why Chautauqua is the Summer Camp that Soothes the Soul
The people who visit the Chautauqua Institution are there to seek solace, and turn their minds away from a troubled world.
Experiencing the Magic of an Appalachian Bog
I’m not sure I can remember a time when I felt more attuned to the natural world than I did in that bog.
Finding Inspiration on the Shores of Lake Erie
This summer, I will find a comfortable piece of driftwood and sit and stare at the water for a while.
Do People Still Read Physical Books? You Betcha!
This was my first street festival where books, and the readers who love them, were the main attraction.
The Hidden Beauty of Spring Ephemerals in the Appalachians
Why is finding these small, delicate flowers so satisfying that I go looking for them every year?