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Food Pictures Reprints from other.

8 New England Foods You Have to Try

Visits: 6

Dreamer extraordinaire. Ardent food lover. Vivian is prone to wander and escaping from responsibilities. At heart, she is a curious backpacker with a thirst for adventure. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Vivian is perpetually browsing through seat sales and scheming her next getaway.
The regional cuisine of New England is as varied as the landscape, influenced by the rocky coasts, weathered mountains, and wild forests. States in the Northeast host miles of apple orchards, self-pick berry farms, and fleets of fishing boats. They’re home to innovators of sweets and ice creams, and rich and hearty pastries.
Whether you’ve never been to New England, plan on traveling to the region sometime in the future, or have been a life-time visitor, try these seven beloved, and Northeast-approved, food items to get to know New England from the inside out.

New England Clam Chowder

Photo by Ezume Images
Photo by Ezume Images

 

As a staple of New England life, clam chowder is as typical as trips to the beach, followed by cups or bowls of the soup. New England clam chowder is commonly made with clams, potatoes, celery, onion, and salt pork mixed with a thick, hearty broth. Native to the area since the early 1700s, clam chowder became popularized throughout Boston in the 1830s when it was served at the famous Union Oyster House. Comforting and addictive, this seafood stew is perfect on any day and for any occasion.

Lobster Rolls

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon 

 

In the early days of America lobsters were so common they piled on beaches, making the “cockroaches of the sea” a poor man’s meal (or even fertilizer). By the second world war things had drastically changed, and the shellfish were undeniably a delicacy. New England is now synonymous with lobster rolls. This coastal luxury is served on a grilled bun and is available at practically every seafood restaurant in the area. Lobster rolls arrive warm, dripping with butter, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. You can even top it with mayonnaise and chopped celery.

Baked Beans

Photo by Brent Hofacker
Photo by Brent Hofacker

 

In Boston (or Beantown), baked bean recipes are sweetened with molasses rather than the brown sugar sweetener used in traditional English baked beans. The difference is a rich, honeyed flavor that has existed in the area for centuries. It was originally prepared throughout New England and was a staple in the Pilgrim diet from the 1620s on. Baked beans are available as a side dish, sometimes served beside brown bread (another New England specialty) in restaurants around coastal Massachusetts and beyond.

Fluff

Photo by Brent Hofacker
Photo by Brent Hofacker

 

In the 1920s, two Massachusetts residents created a remarkable new marshmallow creme spread that’s now a common jar in most grocery stores: Fluff. While the taste is familiar for anyone who’s ever roasted marshmallows over a campfire and snuck a few of the pure white cylinders, the consistency is quite a different story. This is a spreadable confection that can be eaten on its own, but for a true New England experience a Fluffernutter sandwich (allergy permitting) consists of a layer of Fluff on one slice of bread and a thick spread of peanut butter on the other.

Whoopie Pie

Photo by Alp Aksoy
Photo by Alp Aksoy

 

Saying the words “whoopie pie” outside of New England draws some intriguing glances. This cake-like dessert is best described as a type of sweet sandwich, two mound-shaped pieces of cake on the outside and a hearty layer of cream between the two. Whoopie pies are available in a variety of flavors, the most traditional is a chocolate cake whoopie pie with a white cream filling. Seasonal flavors are offered during the year, such as pumpkin whoopie pies in the fall and peppermint cream whoopie pies during the holidays.

Coffee Milk

Unless you’re in or around Rhode Island, asking for a glass of coffee milk may get you a mug of regular coffee with a little extra milk. But as the official state beverage of Rhode Island, coffee milk is a common accompaniment to breakfasts and brunches. Bottles of sweetened coffee syrup are mixed with milk (not unlike making hot chocolate), and served beside heaping platters of eggs, bacon, and toast. Take it a step further and get a coffee cabinet, a vanilla ice cream, coffee syrup frappe.

Hoodsie Cups

Hoodsie cups were created by the Hood milk company in Massachusetts in 1947.  These adored desserts are made with vanilla ice cream on one side and chocolate ice cream on the other, and are served in small wax paper cups with even smaller wooden spoons. For many New Englanders, childhood memories consist of Hoodsie cups alongside slices of cake at birthday parties, and even a few late-night snacks when no one else is around.

Fenway Franks

Photo by Keith J Finks
Photo by Keith J Finks

 

New Englanders cram into Fenway Park, pulling their Red Sox caps down against the sun to watch the game. Since the park’s 1912 opening, Fenway Franks have been a staple of this regional and cultural gathering space. Other stadium hot dogs are grilled or steamed, but not the Fenway Frank. First boiled, and then grilled, the meat of these nostalgic ballpark treats is spiced with garlic, onion, and mustard, and cooled specially to make them the juiciest possible. Visitors top them with their preferred garnishes and bite between cheering for their team, or buy a pack for their own home-game cookout.

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Pictures Reprints from other. Uncategorized

Monday. Nice News.

Visits: 0

This is a reprint from Nice News.

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Nice News
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Monday • August 8, 2022
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From Big Sable, Michigan, to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, to Turkey Point, Maryland, there are only about 800 lighthouses left in the United States — and photographer David Zapatka is on a mission to capture each and every one. So far, he has 193 under his belt, all photographed at night using an innovative 20-foot tripod that a friend made for him. “We’ve successfully shot about 15 lighthouses otherwise unachievable unless we had this fantastic tool,” Zapatka explained to PetaPixel. “It’s been a game-changer for the project, and although we look quite crazy putting together the behemoth tripod while launching it off boats, the results are pretty amazing.” See some of his stunning star-lit pictures here.

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byrneck / iStock
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Parts of the Great Barrier Reef Show Highest Coral Coverage in 36 Years

The Great Barrier Reef is bouncing back. Parts of the world’s largest coral reef system, found off the coast of Australia, are showing the highest coral coverage in 36 years, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Though the area is still threatened by climate change and warming waters, this recovery is “good news for the overall state of the [Great Barrier Reef],” the report reads.

The institute, which surveyed about two-thirds of the reef, said that one reason for the increased coverage is low levels of “acute stress” over the past year. There have been no severe cyclones and fewer outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish — a species that preys on coral. And while higher water temperatures have led to some coral bleaching, it has not been hot enough to kill the coral. Overall, the Great Barrier Reef has proven to be resilient and able to recover after ecosystem disturbances, a sign that continued conservation and protection efforts are as necessary as ever.

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Nick Cammett / Diamond Images via Getty Images
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NFL Aims to Prevent Head Injuries With Helmet Cap Mandate

If you catch any of the NFL preseason, you may notice that your favorite athletes are looking a bit different on the field. As more information comes to light on the effects of repeated concussions, the football organization has been working to find ways to prevent long-term brain damage. So this year, it has mandated that many players don Guardian Caps — cushioned helmet covers — between the start of the training camp contact period and the second preseason game, a time when there is typically a high concentration of head injuries.

Citing lab research, league officials said Guardian Caps will lead to a 10% reduction in severity of impact during collisions if one player is wearing it, and 20% if two players are. Though there has been some skepticism about the new rule, many players recognize the importance of protecting their heads. “I wouldn’t say they’re aesthetically pleasing, and I think we look a little goofy. But they’re there for good reason. They did studies with them. Anything to keep us safer, why not do it?” the Philadelphia Eagles’ Dallas Goedert told the Associated Press. “Obviously you only get one brain. May as well keep it as best you can.”

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ginosphotos / iStock
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Family Reunites With Late Son’s 1989 Message in a Bottle

Though he died over a decade ago, Brian Dahl is still bringing people together. In 1989, when he was just 11, Brian put a message in a bottle in Mississippi’s Tallahatchie River for a school project. This year, Billy Mitchell, a salvage worker 200 miles away, spotted it floating above a barge and his team didn’t rest until they found the note’s author. Mitchell’s company posted a photo of the note on Facebook, and it eventually made its way to Brian’s parents, Eric and Melanie, and his brother Chris.

The Dahl family traveled to where the bottle was found — a special trip that Eric said was emblematic of the way Brian, who died in an accident at age 29, lived his life. “He was victorious in his life because of the relationships he established, the bonds with other people,” Eric told USA Today. “And he continues to inspire connections.” Mitchell, meanwhile, saw the bottle as a sign that Brian is with his family, no matter what. “He’s with them still,” he said. “I think that’s what the note meant when we found it. To let his parents know that he was watching over them as well.”

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The University of Cambridge is training Ukrainian medical students whose educations were interrupted by the war, at no cost to them.

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A diver recently spotted this “rare and beautiful” multicolored sea slug in British waters for the first time.

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Happy birthday, Curiosity! NASA’s Mars rover marked 10 years of space exploration last week — check out a gallery of photos from the red planet to celebrate the milestone.

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Maverick Waler’s parents were unsure about his future after doctors found multiple holes in his little heart. But thanks to one surgeon’s tenacity, he’s now 5 years old and thriving.

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Hundreds of people gathered at Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove to celebrate the fact that the giant sequoia trees survived the recent California wildfires.

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@CincinnatiZoo
Fiona the hippo — who became somewhat of a zoo celebrity when she was born prematurely in 2017 and survived against all odds — is officially a big sister. Fiona’s mom, Bibi, gave birth to a baby hippo last week at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The adorable new addition is already walking and came out weighing at least twice as much as Fiona did, zoo officials said in a press release. “We are so happy to say that the baby is strong and looking really healthy so far,” senior zookeeper Jenna Wingate told CNN. Watch Bibi and baby bonding here. (Photo Credit: Cincinnati Zoo Twitter)
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“A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.”
– Maya Angelou

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Categories
Life Pictures

Do you have a favorite room?

Visits: 114

We did our cool spot, now do you have a favorite room? For me it’s the kitchen. I do my best work there. Eat. How about you? Where can we find you? My son tells me it’s my office. That’s the second favorite.

 

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Gifs Life Music Pictures Uncategorized

Please Join me in welcoming a new writer and Mod here at Koda. The Ultimate Fangirl

Visits: 7

I’m proud to announce that we have added The Ultimate Fangirl as a Mod, but more importantly a writer for Koda. She was a mainstay at Shelly an friends. I’m sure that she will continue to do the same grat work here. So stop in and say hello.

You can add pictures,songs, gifs, meme’s, etc. Hopefully some of  her old friends stop over and enjoy what we do here.

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Life Pictures Reprints from other.

Daily Discoveries

Visits: 1

You can find this on The Discoverer.

The Discoverer Staycation    Our Backpack    Points    Edition
Daily Discoveries
15 Swoon-Worthy Covered Bridges in the U.S.
Many covered bridges in the U.S. were built in the 19th century to protect the span from weather damage. Yet, the covers gained a far more romantic meaning as these crossings became known as “kissing bridges.” Drivers were expected to slow their horses to a walk when passing through to reduce wear on the planks, thus offering a courting couple riding the horses a chance to steal a private moment. We’d say this fact is almost as nice as the 15 bridges in this guide. Almost.
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Related Articles

The World’s Most Famous Bridges

Where to Get the Best Views in These Major U.S. Cities

A Bridge That’s Also an Art Museum? Only in Norway

15 of the Most Colorful Places in the U.S.
From vibrant canyon walls to burgundy cranberry bogs, there are plenty of spots in the U.S. that will leave you spellbound by such vivid presentations of color. You won’t need to adjust the saturation if you take a picture at any of the following 15 colorful spots across the country.
Be Dazzled
A Guide to National Park Etiquette
With a bounty of wildlife, a network of forested hiking trails, and access to sweeping panoramas of majestic peaks — America’s national parks are a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Learn how to promote land stewardship and safely experience the nation’s stunning wilderness by following both the written and unwritten rules of the Great Outdoors.
Take Note

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Holidays Pictures

Decorations and other items.

Visits: 3

Greetings to you all. As usual I’m behind. These decorations have been up since Memorial Day. And the gardens are looking so so. But enjoy and post anything you may have. But please don’t get political.

We have a new addition. Meet Yoder.

And we do have some early Garden Photos. The Garlic and Roma Garden. Zucchini, Tomato, and Pepper Garden. Last but not least, the ghetto garden. Watermelon, Cucumber, Tomato, and Pepper.

 

 

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Life Pictures Reprints from other.

10 U.S. Towns Stuck in Time

Visits: 4

This article first appeared on The Discoverer Blog.

We’re used to seeing movie stars and reading about science fiction characters who travel back through time to bygone eras, but you don’t need futuristic technology to experience something similar. The U.S. is full of towns that have stayed true to their customs and lifestyles as the years have gone by. So next time you have the urge to escape the fast-paced city life, consider these wonderful towns scattered across the country.

Cape May, New Jersey

Credit: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

 

Cape May is a traditional seaside town set at the southern tip of New Jersey. It’s famous for its collection of over 600 well-preserved Victorian buildings, which give it a strong late 19th-century charm. A stroll along Washington Street Mall, where colorful brick and wooden landmarks house boutiques and ice cream parlors, is a must.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Credit: Lynne Neuman/Shutterstock

 

Antique dealers, independent fashion boutiques, local bookstores, and vintage sweet shops give this Ohio village an old-fashioned feel. When walking along Main Street you can easily imagine the entire community coming out to celebrate annual cultural events, like art and film festivals. Chagrin Falls straddles a namesake waterfall and the Chagrin River, making it one of the prettiest places here.

Cooperstown, New York

Credit: JonathanCollins/Shutterstock

 

Life moves at its own laid-back pace in upstate New York, an ethos epitomized by the 2,000 residents of lakeside Cooperstown. Revered as the setting for the works of novelist James Fenimore Cooper, whose father incidentally founded the town, Cooperstown has multiple claims to fame. It’s also home to The National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and Doubleday Field baseball park, which maintains the same atmosphere as it has since baseball’s golden age. There are superb brewpubs, cafes, and delis to retreat to after soaking up everything else the town has to offer.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Credit:DenisTangneyJr/iStock

 

The Amish are the masters of clinging to their roots and there are more than 50 thriving Amish communities spread throughout Pennsylvania, but Lancaster County is home to the country’s oldest and largest of them all. Expect to see horse-drawn carriages roll past lush green pastures dotted with windmills, and for more ideas, visit Discover Lancaster.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Credit: Michael Deemer/Shutterstock

 

While cruising across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island, you’ll appreciate why everyone breathes a heavy sigh of relief when they arrive here. From the clapboard buildings to the vintage storefronts and pristine lawns, everything is picture-perfect. Cars are banned in this island village, so you’ll be getting around by foot, bike, or even horseback. Should the smell of fudge shops, serenity of wooded trails, and sound of crickets at night and birdsong in the morning excite you, then plan a visit.

Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Credit: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock

 

Miners flocked to Mineral Point from Cornwall, England, in the 1840s in search of lead. They built homes, such as Pendarvis House, that today wouldn’t look out of place in a remote Cornish village. The town center’s architectural landscape resembles part Cornish town, part Gold Rush settlement. You can feast on hearty Cornish pasties and figgyhobbin at cafes and try Celtic crafts at the fall Cornish Fest.

Sonoma, California

Credit: Luz Rosa/Shutterstock

 

This city surrounded by the sprawling vineyards of the Sonoma Valley was the first in the U.S. to receive the Cittaslow Slow City status. Tree-lined Sonoma Plaza is a colonial masterpiece and hosts the delightful Sonoma Plaza Market every Tuesday evening. If you love shopping for locally-sourced and organic goods then this is the place to be. Meanwhile, frontier-style buildings double up as cafes, gourmet restaurants, and saloons. And way from the plaza, you can sip wine at over 100 different bodegas all within five minutes.

Tombstone, Arizona

Credit:CrackerClips/iStock

 

Live out all of your Wild West dreams in Tombstone, Arizona, the location of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Cowboys, cowgirls, and wannabes fill up the town’s saloons and the O.K. Corral museum puts on reenactments of Wyatt Earp’s 1881 shootout. The buildings are so well maintained that at times it’s easy to think you’ve landed on a John Wayne movie set.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Credit: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

 

When in Williamsburg, head to the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area to be transported to an American Revolution-era town. You’ll encounter men dressed in red coats carrying muskets and people trotting past elegant brick buildings via horse and carriage. You’ll see tradespeople carrying out apothecary, bindery, and blacksmithing tasks. You can even join in 18th-century games on a village green.

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Credit: Madison Muskopf/Shutterstock

 

A group of around 100 families, who were avid supporters of Robert Owen’s utopian socialism movement, founded Yellow Springs in 1825. Their mission was to recreate the cooperative philosophy of New Harmony, Indiana. Although it didn’t quite come to fruition, the village still upholds a free-thinking, blissed out spirit. You’ll get the idea once you see the tie-dye dressed residents hopping between hippy-ish cafes and street fairs.

From as early as he can remember Bradley was road-tripping across the UK, France and Spain with his family. Since then he’s visited 40-plus countries and lived on four continents. Today he divides his time between Buenos Aires and the beaches of Punta del Este, Uruguay and puts his wanderlust to good use by writing about his travels.

 

 

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Music Pictures

Let’s hear it for that good old Rock and Roll

Visits: 7

It’s been such a long time that we’ve had a music jam. So just let your rock and roll juices flow.

 

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Life Pictures Reprints from other. Travel

13 Patriotic Spots Americans Should Visit at Least Once.

Visits: 58

Here are some of the most patriotic places in the “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” Whether they directly served the nation’s Founding Fathers, or played another defining role in American history, these spots will have you singing the “Star Spangled Banner” in no time.

1. Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Independence Hall

To kick things off we’re taking it back to the very brick and mortar building where America was born. Both the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were penned and adopted at Independence Hall. Today a UNESCO Heritage Site, the building is a museum dedicated to the values the nation was founded on. Learn about the history of the colonies’ rebellion, and the first steps of constructing the nation. Peek at the Liberty Bell next door, or try reciting the Preamble from heart. Just don’t try stealing anything (looking at you Nick Cage).

2. Pearl Harbor, Oahu

Pearl Harbor

One of the greatest tragedies in American history occurred in one of the most beautiful locations in the nation. Pearl Habor is home to a fantastic museum and monument to the soldiers who lost their lives in the December 7th attack. Exploring the USS Arizona memorial allows you to truly feel this dark moment in history, and the accompanying museum teaches you about the actions leading up to and resulting from this tragic day.

3. Freedom Trail, Boston

Freedom Trail

This 2.5-mile, red brick road links several notable buildings in Boston that played important roles in the nation’s history. From museums to churches, cemeteries and meeting halls, the path lets you walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers while appreciating Boston’s lively atmosphere firsthand. Spend the day exploring these historical sites, then go throw some tea in the harbor. #America.

4. Fort McHenry, Baltimore

Fort McHenry

Set along the coast of Baltimore, Maryland, Fort McHenry has been an important fortress since its construction in the 1700s. The fort’s design and architecture is worth a visit alone, but the entire place is imbued with history. Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, penned the USA’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, from a cell in the fort during an attack in the War of 1812. You’ll never hear that song played over the speakers at a sporting event the same way after touring this historical site.

5. National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kansas City

National WWI Museum

Kansas City might seem like an unlikely destination for a memorial to the First World War, but it’s one monument you have to see. The museum commemorates the United States’ role in the Great War, and memorializes the courage and sacrifice of all who served in that pivotal conflict.

6. The Alamo, San Antonio

The Alamo

“Remember the Alamo!” has been a rallying cry for Americans, particularly Texans, for decades. The former mission-turned-battle-site has long been a testament to the American spirit and perseverance. Visiting this landmark in San Antonio takes you back in time to the age of the Wild West, when the nation was young and cowboys prevalent.

7. National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown

National Baseball Hall of Fame

As “America’s favorite pasttime”, you can’t help but feel a little patriotic every time you watch a baseball game. If you want to get a sense for the history of this iconic American sport, visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame. From legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, to modern record breakers like Derek Jeter, the museum is a trip through American recreation.

8. Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis

Gateway Arch

America’s youngest national park, this monument in St. Louis represents much more than just a fancy archway. The Gateway Arch symbolizes America’s westward expansion, and has been in the background of many pivotal historical moments. One such moment was the fight for freedom in the monumental Dred Scott court case, which took place in the nearby courthouse. American freedom and ingenuity rings loudly in this national park.

9. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon

Though not linked with any traditional patriotic events, the Grand Canyon is an iconic part of the American landscape. Standing before it can elicit many feelings, like humility and awe. It is intertwined with the USA, and making the trek to marvel at this natural wonder is a must for every red-blooded American.

10. Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery

One of the largest, and certainly the most well-known, military cemeteries in the United States, Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn yet beautiful testament to the men and women who fought for their country. With rows of white headstones, and the Tomb of the Unknowns, this cemetery is a sober reminder of the cost of building and protecting a nation.

11. One World Trade Center, NYC

One World Trade Center

The coordinated attacks on September 11, 2001 had a profound effect on, not only the United States, but the world as a whole. The tremendous loss of innocent life that resulted from these attacks is honored in the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Visiting the area is an eye-opening experience, even for those who remember the tragedy of that morning.

12. Route 66

Route 66

This quintessential American road has been immortalized in books, movies, and television. Running through the American West, this road is dotted with historic towns, museums, and some gorgeous landscape. Every American should spend at least a few days driving the wide open country and exploring goodies along the way. Check out our guide on how to tackle this roadtrip like a pro!

13. Washington D.C.

Washington DC

We couldn’t pick just one spot in Washington D.C. to highlight. The entire city is a mecca of American patriotism. From buildings like the Capitol and the White House, to monuments like the Lincoln and Washington Monuments, to culturally-rich museums like the Smithsonian, the nation’s capitol is chock full of historically-relevant destinations. If you’re feeling the American pride, you’ll make this trek to D.C. at least one in your life to experience history for yourself.

Since her first trip across the pond Kellie has been a voracious traveler. As the Editor of The Discoverer she is passionate about sharing stories from around the globe and inspiring others to leave their comfort zones. Kellie has her MFA in Creative Writing and in her free time tries (and mostly fails) to cook.

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Life Pictures Uncategorized

A lot of Milk Glass, Pewter, and other items.

Visits: 3

Before I go Patriotic on you, I have a few items and miscellaneous pictures for you. Just a short sample of what a retired person does in his spare time. The miscellaneous pictures will be in the comments.

You’ll see a lot of Pewter and Milk glass.

Enjoy.

Collections.

 

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Holidays Life Music Pictures

Closing out the year in pictures, song, and dance.

Visits: 109

Another year has come and gone. So I would like to think that someone like me who is very political was able to show the softer side of 2021. We were able to keep politics off this website. So I would like to share some of the photos here. Some old, some new.

As we look forward to 2022 please share any pictures, or music. Or if you have a gif you think worth’s sharing, please do. May your new year be filled with joy.

This Christmas we had two tablecloths.

 

 

And can you ever forget our table cloth closet?

 

And years ago a bunch of recording artists got together for this tune.

And someone who left us knew how to change things around when it came to song and dance.

How about my favorite. FOOD.

 

How about a few giffs?

Dog clean up-Tenor
Living the good life.-Pinterest.

Who  can forget our famous Apple Works?

Or Lemon Works.

 

 

 

 

In the spring we had our world famous Ghetto garden.

We also had Easter decorations.

And we had Valentine’s.

And we celebrated the Irish.

In the summer we were Patriotic.

In the fall we had our Pumpkins.

 

In the winter, Icicles

 

And of course after 34 years, we went back to Hale Farm.

And we went thrifting.

 

 

 

 

And in the comments we will show the new.

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Gifs Holidays Life Pictures

Early American Christmas at the M C House.

Visits: 131

As you must know by now, my wife loves to decorate. She adds something new to the old. I help her as we go around Ohio and Western Pennsylvania looking for items for our different themes.

In a time When Christmas was not widely celebrated in the US, a “Christmas Family” arrives as immigrants. As the holiday approaches, they joyously prepare—dipping bayberry candles, making decorations for the tree, and baking Christmas cookies. When all is complete, the final tradition is observed—lighted candles are placed in each window to welcome the coming of the Christ Child, and the family gathers to sing carols and hear the Bible story of the birth of Jesus. DePaola shows us each traditional preparation in gleeful detail, from gold-painted walnuts and papercut decorations for the tree to Christmas cookies in the shapes of tulips, lovebirds, and “hearts in hand.” His brightly colored, folk-art style nicely complements his story of one family’s way of celebrating Christmas. Avoiding holiday sentimentality without sacrificing joy in the season, this is a nice addition to holiday book collections.

 

 

 

 

This may be our last decorating article. It has been a labor of love. I hope you enjoyed the different decorations.

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Gifs Holidays Life Music Pictures

Let’s hear it for a Christmas song or movie.

Visits: 93

I’m in the spirit early. So play a Christmas Song or name a Christmas movie. Or post the video.

Whether you’re in the mood for a tried-and-true family holiday classic or a romantic Hallmark Christmas movie that’s as saccharine as a plate of freshly-baked sugar cookies, there are so many must-watch holiday films to choose from on our list, including Christmas movies for kids, so-bad-they’re good holiday rom-coms, funny Christmas comedies and even Christmas horror movies. Our definitive list of the best Christmas movies of all time features flicks old and new, classic and modern, so there’s truly something for everyone in the family to bond over. So whip up some Christmas cocktails and home-theater snacks (a.k.a. gingerbread cookies), hunker down and start your holiday movie marathon right now!

https://youtu.be/cAa4EH7KA7s

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Gifs Music Pictures

Let’s start celebrating Thanksgiving early with Music, Giff’s, etc.

Visits: 65

I’ve decided to start Thanksgiving early. So let us know what your thankful for, or just let the music flow. Play the music loud and proud.

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Gifs Life Pictures Uncategorized

The MC Fall roll out and yes we have Pumpkins.

Visits: 98

Well apple time as well as the summer is gone for another year. and if interested, we have 74 apples in the decorations. But with the fall we have a pumpkin theme. And no I don’t know how many pumpkins were used. But as always we have pictures.

Putting the apples away and bringing out the pumpkins.

 

 

A few add ons before we start the show. We got a shaker chair to go with the farm implement, Russy the Rooster, and the jug. It cost $1.00.

This original shaker chair goes for about $1,200.

Here’s a few projects completed.

 

Items we collected and bought this week.

So sit back and enjoy the pictures my friends. Pumpkin mania is here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Life Pictures Travel

Who says you can’t go back? We did 34 years later. Hale Farm.

Visits: 105

 

In a continuation of our 33rd Wedding Anniversary we went back to a place we visited 34 years ago. Yes a year before we married. So I hope you enjoy the pictures and if ever in Ohio, please visit.  Hale Farm.

A black horse grazes in a field in front of a red barn; a bright yellow-orange tree to the left.

An autumn day at Hale Farm.

© Jeffrey Gibson

At the Cuyahoga Valley’s southwestern edge sits an impressive three-story red brick house surrounded by 140 acres of fields, gardens, and woods. Familiar to many school children, it is now a popular regional attraction that overlooks a recreated historical village.

Despite the building’s grandeur, Hale Farm began like any other farm: with hard work. In 1810, farmer Jonathan Hale arrived in Bath to begin a new life on he Western Reserve.

For over one hundred years, generations of the Hale family worked and managed their land. In the early 1900s, the farm passed to Jonathan’s grandson, C.O. Hale, a kind and ambitious man who hired local families as farm laborers. Part of a newer trend in “gentleman farming,” C.O. Hale oversaw the work on his property and earned additional income by entertaining friends and tourists.

Jonathan Hale and his family settled in the Cuyahoga Valley in 1810 and began a tradition of farming, family and entrepreneurship. In 1956 Clara Belle Richie, the great granddaughter of Jonathan, bequeathed the family farm to the Western Reserve Historical Society, “to be established as a museum so that the greatest number of persons might learn about the history and culture of the Western Reserve.”

The museum first opened its doors in 1958, and over the course of the next 60+ years the Hale’s family farm was transformed into a experiential learning laboratory. It is this space that has been the platform for delivering programming which provides a lifetime of social value.

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Gifs Music Pictures

Let’s hear it for the birds.

Visits: 92

Any band or song with a birds name in it. Although eagles are the most common bird that is referenced in music, there are plenty of other great bird songs that are worth listening to. After all, what’s a better fantasy to live out in a song than spreading your wings and taking to the sky? This is a ranked list of all songs about birds, including songs about eagles, doves, swans, seagulls and more. Some of the songs included below may have the words “bird” in the lyrics or title, while others are only about birds as a subject or theme.

Songs like The Beatles’ “Blackbird” instantly come to mind when thinking of bird songs, but what about lesser known tracks like “Vultures” by John Mayer?

Music isn’t typically categorized by the meaning of the words, so this music list is a great way to find some solid tracks that are thematically similar. Vote for the birds songs that you enjoy the most

 

 

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Gifs Life Pictures Uncategorized

It’s Apple Time at the MC House.

Visits: 126

It’s Apple Time at the MC House. Well it’s time to put away the Lemons.

After 5 or was it six changes, it’s time to post those apples. And we do have a few apples. Never got around to counting them all, but if you find nothing to do be our guest. Enjoy this labor of love.

 

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Gifs Life Pictures Uncategorized

How much exercise do you get, don’t count the 12 oz. curls.

Visits: 24

How much exercise do you get, don’t count the 12 oz. curls. I for one believe in a exercise plan. I became more serious after my open heart surgery. I walk five days a week. Also I have a weight lifting program I follow three days a week.

I don’t jog and I don’t jump rope. So how about you?

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Holidays Life Pictures

The MC home goes Patriotic.

Visits: 84

The MC home goes Patriotic. If your new here, the MC home gets decorated on a regular basis. Nothing drastic or expensive. Simple and hopefully pleasing to the eyes. As always, my wife does the decorating and I take the pictures. You’ll see more Pewter was used. gone are the brass candles.

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