Christmas 2021 Dearest All, The box turtles look so surprised, heads withdrawn above the hinged…
Family Stories 1: Witches, Part One
I’ve been called a witch often enough. Most of the time, I think what meant the word that started with a “b,” although the word makes no difference to me or my sense of self-esteem. It certainly made a difference my 7th great-grand-dad, Samuel Wardwell (1643-1692),...
Changing Lives 9: It’s All Relatives
Revolutionary Spaces leads with its mission statement: “Open History. Enter Democracy.” Today that phrase resonates as strongly as it might have at the establishment of our Union. Based in the Old State House and Old South Meeting House, the organization presides over...
Changing Lives 4: Eclipsing the Past
It is April 8th. This morning I meet with Dan’s estate attorney, Bob Blue, at 10:30 am to finish up details. This afternoon, Turning Leaf ladies come by to “stage” the house for the estate sale that will take place this coming Friday and Saturday. And, of course, the...
Widow’s Weeds 15: In Search of the Tomkuses of Miežonys
The plan was to spend a couple days in the place where Dan’s paternal grandfather, Kazimir Tamkus, came from. Kazimir and his brother Petrus died in the Diamond Mining disaster in Scranton, Pennsylvania in December 1914. Family facts and fancies died with them when...