Saturday, July 30, 2011

Going back

(July 30, 2011) Earlier this month my husband and I traveled back to northeastern Ohio (where we both were born and reared) to visit with relatives, a trip we make at least twice a year. We had a great time reliving old times with brothers, sisters and in-laws, even a niece from Italy and a nephew from the far west side of town.

When we were growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, east was east and west was west and you know the rest. We lived on the east side and the west side was like a foreign country. In fact, in those days nobody traveled more than a few miles from home. It was a big deal when we moved to New Jersey some 45 years ago.

We visited the old neighborhoods, bought some ethnic food from Grandpa's butcher, had dinners with family and friends in new and old places, and reminisced about when we all were young. What a rejuvenating time we had!

Now that I'm back, I again am reviewing the many blogs we have at Recorder Community Newspapers. There is such a variety from book reviews to political tirades to sentimental chitchat and more. Many give information about community groups and activities. The latest to join is Chester Library at the Observer-Tribune.

Anyone interested in joining the 60+ bloggers here at newjerseyhills.com, the website of 15 Recorder Community Newspapers, may call me at (908) 832-7420 and I will explain the free, simple process. All you need is a Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Running Through the Sprinkler

(July 19, 2011) Days like these hot ones remind me of the old days when the biggest treat was running through the lawn sprinkler to cool off with the neighborhood kids. Remember the sprinkler that turned around and around, then the new model that waved back and forth? Are there lawn sprinklers anymore in these times of fancy irrigation systems?
Nobody had air conditioning at home, or even in their cars. You just opened the windows and made sure the screens were down to keep out the bugs. Sometimes we made "popsicles" by freezing Kool-Aid in ice trays with toothpicks. What simple pleasures!
After watering the plants outside early this cool morning, I'm staying inside with the air conditioning against the afternoon heat wave. It's a good time to update my blog and check out the other Recorder blogs as well as the online news here at newjerseyhills.com.
Anyone interested in joining the 60+ bloggers here is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this free, easy, multimedia 21st century communication tool.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bastille Day

(July 13, 2011) Tomorrow is Bastille Day, the French National Day which is celebrated on July 14 of each year. It also is my second son's birthday who coincidentally graduated from the American University in Paris and also married a girl from Paris.

In France, Bastille Day formally is called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the 14th of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution.

Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14 on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the president of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests.

So, national celebrations continue this month. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for what else is happening on these lazy, hazy days of summer. The online blogs here also post some interesting activities and thoughts.

Anyone interested in joining the 60+ Recorder bloggers is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is a free, simple 21st century interactive communication tool. All you need is an Internet connection device and a an e-mail.

Friday, July 1, 2011

National birthdays

(July 1, 2011) Americans observe their nation's birthday on July 4, Independence Day, in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But this year, since the Fourth is on Monday, celebrations are starting today and continuing throughout the weekend into Monday. There are parades, picnics, fireworks and more.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada also are celebrating their country's birthday today, Canada Day. July 1 marks the anniversary of the 1867 formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada. Originally Dominion Day, the holiday name was changed in 1982, the year that Canada gained full independence from the United Kingdom. Canada Day also means fireworks and the year's biggest national party akin to the U.S. July 4th celebration.

Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for details on Fourth of July celebrations in your area. They could be today, tomorrow, Sunday and/or Monday. While online here view also the various blogs which also may elaborate on the holiday.

Any community group or individual interested in joining the 60+ bloggers at Recorder Newspapers is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com. I will be happy to assist you with this simple, free 21st century communication venue. All you need is an Internet connection device and an e-mail.