Category: Charlene Marcum

By Charlene Marcum For many, the fondest Christmas memories are made going to the tree farm with my family and selecting our Christmas tree. The smell of freshly cut fir, spruce and pine evergreens and the selection process for “the perfect tree” heralds in the Christmas season like no other. While many families still hold to this tradition, the times they are a’changing. The first artificial Christmas trees, made with goose feathers dyed green, were developed in Germany during the 19th century. Over the years, other styles of artificial Christmas trees evolved and become popular. In 1930, the Addis...

by Charlene Marcum; Photos by Frank Caramanica Agonizing over the exhaustion of spending a week preparing a Thanksgiving dinner that is eaten in 30 minutes? Join the movement away from the traditional Thanksgiving table this holiday season and serve a decadent brunch instead. Take the opportunity to create a new tradition for the changes in time or alter annually between old and new traditions. Most importantly, enjoy the bounties of the harvest with family and friends. There are some good reasons to change the tradition this year: • Eating a large meal earlier in the day is better for your digestion;...

by Charlene Marcum As the colors of fall blow away with the incoming winter wind, it is time to prepare our homes, lawn and vehicles for winter. A few preventative steps will yield a bounty of benefits and a big reduction in winter woes. Winterizing Your House • Clean out the gutters: falling leaves are beautiful but not when they clog up gutters, which serve to protect roof, walls, foundation and landscape; • Drain and turn off outside hoses. This will prevent them from freezing up and bursting; • Insulate walls and attic. This alone will save you on winter...