Yesterday we went on a short hike on the Bruce Trail and saw autumn leaves, fungi, a blue jay feather,… Read more The Polish Soldier Tree
Category: Origins
The History of Labour Day vs. May Day
It’s a week early, but let’s talk about Labour Day… Why in North America is Labour Day in September rather… Read more The History of Labour Day vs. May Day
Did You Know? Mr. Tambourine Man
Pop quiz: which is the original version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” – Bob Dylan’s or the Byrds’? Bob Dylan began… Read more Did You Know? Mr. Tambourine Man
Six Corn Questions Answered
Friends of ours are harvesting their sweet corn this week, which made me think about looking up some historical info… Read more Six Corn Questions Answered
The Surprisingly Long History of Waffles
I had no idea that waffles originated in Ancient Greece! Here’s what else I learned (admittedly from Wikipedia.) Obelios The… Read more The Surprisingly Long History of Waffles
The False Claims of Puzzle Writer Sam Loyd
I’ve been reading A.J. Jacob’s latest book, The Puzzler, aloud to Andrew. The subtitle is “One Man’s Quest to Solve… Read more The False Claims of Puzzle Writer Sam Loyd
Summer Solstice Celebrations in History
I just learned that Midsummer’s Day (also St. John’s Day) is always June 24, while the summer solstice falls between… Read more Summer Solstice Celebrations in History
Father’s Day Timeline
When I was reading Liane Moriarty’s latest novel Apples Never Fall early this year, I was having a little trouble… Read more Father’s Day Timeline
Queen Victoria’s Namesakes
Happy Victoria Day! In past years I’ve posted about Queen Victoria’s children and movies about Queen Victoria, so today let’s… Read more Queen Victoria’s Namesakes
7 Facts Tangential to Seabiscuit
In honour of the Kentucky Derby, Andrew and I watched Seabiscuit on Saturday night. I had seen it many, many… Read more 7 Facts Tangential to Seabiscuit
Did You Know? Salad Dressings
Last month I found The Gourmet Cookbook (edited by Ruth Reichl) at a thrift store for $3 — a massive… Read more Did You Know? Salad Dressings
11 Theories About Stonehenge
A few weeks ago news stories emerged about a new theory on the purpose of Stonehenge, the iconic stone monument… Read more 11 Theories About Stonehenge
Appalachian Spring
When I was young I learned a little bit of piano. One of the easy pieces I remember practicing was… Read more Appalachian Spring