Monthly Archives: February 2013

Pondering Purim

Posted on February 26, 2013 by lisakwinkler

We donned our crazy hats and masks; Nathan assigned us parts. He’d written his version of the Purim Play (Spiel); the dramatic and humorous explanation of the holiday.  In brief, Purim celebrates a time when the Jewish people living in … Continue reading →

Posted in celebrations, commentary, Family, food, Grandchildren, Judaism | 12 Comments

On the Trail of the Ancestors: The Buffalo Soldiers

Posted on February 25, 2013 by lisakwinkler

The last  excerpt from my book, On the Trail of the Ancestors: A Black Cowboy’s Journey Across America brings Miles Dean to New Mexico where he honored the Buffalo Soldiers.  From Ch. 19:  Retracing the Steps of the Buffalo Soldiers Using the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, exercise, History, interviews, Reading, teaching, travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Day Out: Philadelphia

Posted on February 22, 2013 by lisakwinkler

I met my sister Madeline for the day in Philadelphia. It’s about halfway by train for each of us between New Jersey and Maryland. We walked first to the Barnes Foundation Museum.  Dr. Alfred C. Barnes grew up poor in … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Family, Museums, galleries, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Grandma Diary: Violin Practice…or Not?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by lisakwinkler

“Do you want to show me what you did with Miss Cheryl (the violin teacher) this week? I asked my grandson, who’s been taking Suzuki violin for about a year. His violin is miniature.  He rests his chin on a … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, Family, Grandchildren, parenting, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

On the Trail of the Ancestors: The US Deputy Marshals

Posted on February 18, 2013 by lisakwinkler

This week’s  excerpt from my book, On the Trail of the Ancestors: A Black Cowboy’s Journey Across America brings Miles Dean to Arkansas where he remembered the black US Deputy Marshals.  From Ch. 13: Imagining Bass Reeve After crossing the Mississippi into … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Musings: Skiing Then & Now

Posted on February 14, 2013 by lisakwinkler

Valentine’s Day, 1982. I’d bought my soon-to-be fiancé cross country skis and we were headed to a little inn in New Hampshire for the weekend. He wanted to get engaged on Valentine’s Day because it was his parent’s wedding anniversary. … Continue reading →

Posted in celebrations, exercise, Family, holidays, parenting, sports, Trees | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

On the Trail of the Ancestors: Excerpt Three- The Black Jockeys

Posted on February 11, 2013 by lisakwinkler

This week’s  excerpt from my book, On the Trail of the Ancestors: A Black Cowboy’s Journey Across America brings Miles Dean to Kentucky where he honored the black jockeys, America’s first athletes.   From Ch. 11: In the Saddle with Jimmy Winkfield … Continue reading →

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WordPress Weekly Challenge: HOME

Posted on February 8, 2013 by lisakwinkler

I pull the knobs on the Formica desktop that’s part of a built- in dresser and bookshelf. It’s where I used to do my homework.  Remnants of my childhood surround me—photos, books, souvenirs, and other assorted memorabilia. I’m in my … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, daughters, Family, health, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 27 Comments

On the Trail of the Ancestors: Excerpt Two: The Black Abolitionists

Posted on February 6, 2013 by lisakwinkler

  This week’s excerpt from On the Trail of the Ancestors: A Black Cowboy’s Journey Across America  comes from Ch. 6, Meeting the Black Abolitionists and brings us to Philadelphia.  …Grateful for the tree canopy on the unusually warm day, Miles hugged the shade … Continue reading →

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Good Reads: Tracy Chevalier & Barbara Vine

Posted on February 4, 2013 by lisakwinkler

In 1850, Honor Bright leaves England for Ohio, accompanying her sister Grace who is engaged to be married. Grace dies on the voyage and Honor is left to face the many challenges of adjusting to life far from home. On … Continue reading →

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