Towers of Power

The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace

The most influential men and women of their time have lived – and died – within these walls. And in most cases, the power they held lasted very briefly. Continue reading

A Taste of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Ukrainians brought red fife wheat to Canada and with it they made one of their gastronomic gifts to the world – perogies (which they pronounce perohay). At the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village near Edmonton, Alberta, I learned to make these delicious little dumplings. Continue reading

Antique Hunting in Warwick

warwick-street-from-top-sBritain is full of old things. And I don’t mean the House of Lords.

With royalty, stately homes, palaces, battle sites and ancient ruins at every turn, there’s enough to satisfy even the most avid, (and indeed gory) appetite for past glories and disasters. Continue reading

Brownville, Nebraska – A Piece of American History

Mark di Suvero's unusual sculpture is a perfect reflection of the whimsy and history inside the Flatwater Folk Art Museum in Brownville, NE

Mark di Suvero’s unusual sculpture is a perfect reflection of the whimsy and history inside the Flatwater Folk Art Museum in Brownville, NE

Brownville, Nebraska has 10 museums.

Now this might not seem odd, but what makes it odd is that this small hamlet has a population of 142. That’s one museum for every 14 residents! Continue reading

Elvis and Me: Memphis

Elvis with gold record Elvis and Me Memphis

Elvis poses with a gold record in the awards room at Graceland

When I was a young pre-teen, my mom bought me a poodle skirt with a felt record on the pocket. But instead of the one with Elvis on its label, mine had Vaughan Monroe. Vaughan Monroe!!! It was probably her way of trying to keep me from the brink of depravity – all that hip wiggling. But whenever I listened to The King, I would turn the skirt back to front! Continue reading