Saturday, I went to a quilt fair on the grounds of Shiloh Museum. It was a beautiful day and the quilts were blooming on the grassy lawn like so many summer flowers. I’ve found that crafters love talking about their work and these were no exception. They told me about the history of the quilts, […]
Jun 14, 2023
The Cat Who Helped Make History
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This is Flag Day. In honor of that, I reprint my story about Tempest, the cat who helped make history. Star Spangled Cat By Blanche Day Manos “What?” I screeched. “Go to sea? Are you crazy?” Every one of my gray and white hairs stood straight up. Reggie laughed. “You look like a bottle […]
Mar 26, 2023
Kin and Shirttail Kin
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Ancestors are fascinating people. You have them. I have them. Each ancestor has a story and, from their stories, we arrive and write our own stories to pass on. These people are our kinfolk, but then, there are shirttail kin. These are the people who are related to our relatives and who narrowly miss being […]
Jan 19, 2023
The Way It Was
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The following story is from my mother’s book, Remembering Etta Bend. These are the words of Susie Latty, who, much later, became my mom. The year would have been around 1918. Most of the things we used were homemade and they had to last as long as possible. Papa carved his own handles and wood […]
Dec 2, 2022
A Mystery from History
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Agnes wrapped her arms around herself as she sat at the table. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop shaking and she didn’t think she’d ever be warm again. She noticed Clara was trembling too. The sheriff opened his hand and let fall a small, circular object onto the table. Candlelight glinted on gold […]
