On This Day in 1732...

George Washington was born.


In celebration, the Bergen County Historical Society held a Country Ball Sunday in River Edge, NJ, complete with music, refreshments, and merriment. The suggested donation: $7 for adults, $5 for children, free for members (individual membership is $20 annually).

While it is important to look forward with a hopeful heart, it is also vital to embrace our history. "There is no death in remembrance," reflects Sarah Carrier Chapman in Kathleen Kent's The Heretic's Daughter.

Music was described as being used to lift melancholy. That is universally true then and now.

What is Anne Enslow (pictured with Ridley Enslow) playing? A limberjack.

Some young historians, with some very modern footwear, were on hand.

The assortment of historical-themed coloring books, $3.95 each, seems like a whimsical way to draw children into history.

A limberjack in the gift shop.

Refreshment time. Cherry pie seemed fitting for this event.

How about a mug of hot cider? Just ask the regal barman.

Decorations in the tavern seating area.

Look out the window and observe modern life. Reflect on what your life would have been like if you lived in Washington's time. Would you want to live in a different time and place than now?

Some very vegan footware: these wooden shoes were worn.

A rare white oak dugout canoe.

You can tour several buildings, but I felt truly transported in time when I stepped into this one: the back kitchen.

Come inside.

Meet the charming cooks.

Think you have a hard time cooking? Try cooking out of this dutch oven.

How does tea and biscuits sound?

The smell of the onion bread was making my mouth water. An apple pie was ready for the oven, and soon would nourish some lucky souls.


Learn more about upcoming events, including a History Cafe on the Lenape New Year and Pinkster Fest, a colonial celebration of spring. Seek out your local historical groups.

Visit History.com to learn more about George Washington. Watch videos on the site if you don't have cable.

Post-Holiday Wrap-Up

Still blissfully avoiding the mall. On the news, I saw some people were lined up at 6 a.m. outside stores Saturday. On a cherished day off from work, I won't be lined up anywhere at that hour. Repeat after me America, "it's not a bargain if you don't need it." On a chilly, rainy day, I was tucked inside with the candles, a book, comfy PJ's, a Golden Girls marathon (oh, those St. Olaf stories!), napping, dreaming, resting and rejuvenating - just what the winters are for.

I did acquire one thing. Can you believe this was by the dumpster when I went to bring out my recycling? I rescued it from a cruel fate in a landfill. It will look charming with pansies come springtime.


Brunch time! The Rutherford Pancake House has heavenly vegan breakfast offerings, but it's a bit out of the way, and eating at home is much more economical.

I do miss a number of things as a vegan, but scrambled eggs isn't one of them. Think of those battery cages. Try a tofu scramble instead. Saute an onion, add diced tofu and whatever veggies you have on hand, and season with turmeric, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Add vegan cheese if you have it, and it rivals almost any omelette.


Didn't slave away in the kitchen for hours. These tasty raspberry turnovers from Pepperidge Farm are delicious with a cup of coffee.



I was highly tempted to go back to bed Sunday, but with unseasonably warm temperatures, the park was calling my name. Fellow blogger and friend of animals Chessbuff at On Loving Animals shared his charming photos of Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey. Here are a few of mine.

Magical bridges invite you for a leisurely stroll...



None other than George Washington is reported to have drank from the above spring.

Local groups like the Bergen County Historical Society connect you with the past. Check out their events page.

Doesn't this look like a lovely picnic spot? All that's missing is a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee in the winter (make that lemonade come spring and summer).

The Shelter Our Sisters' Pathway to Self Sufficiency. I was proud my friends and coworkers donated clothing swap leftovers to benefit this worthy group.

True for all...people and animals.


This hill, when snow covered, provides endless fun for kids with sleds, as it did in my youth.


In this CBS News story on nostalgia, Lemoyne College psychology professor Krystine Batcho observed that when something brings back memories, people are more likely to focus on people than items. "The things that people are most nostalgic for in their growing up years were simple things like having dinner with Grandma...or going camping -- as a family... Even if it's just getting together to have a simple meal, getting together to pray or whatever those experiences are that bring a family closer to one another." Something to remember during these trying economic times. People, not possessions, the soul remembers.

Visit your local park. Bring along a paper, a great book, your grateful dog, loved ones or just yourself.