When I was in high school, I liked math and English, and that is where I excelled. I thought history was boring. In fact, I disliked history so much that I had to repeat American History in the eleventh grade. I signed up and took it again in summer school, and that teacher made it much more interesting. Plus, he was very cute, which enticed me to pay more attention. I did not begin to enjoy history until almost 10 years later, while I was living in Haiti. At that time, there

I didn’t know, until the day of writing this, that there is such a thing as National Applesauce Cake Day. There are so many national days of recognition for various foods, it is hard to keep track of them all. National Applesauce Cake Day is on Saturday, June 6. Just about everyone in my family exchanges recipes, and as far as I know, applesauce cake is very popular with them. Friends of the family are the same, so perhaps it is somewhat universal. If you are also a fan of th

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the text of the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and a committee of five. The date became our anniversary date. So, on the Fourth of July of this year, we will celebrate 250 years of our independence as a nation. This is definitely a time to celebrate! In 1776, we decided we no longer wanted or needed to be dependent on another country, and we wanted to write our own rules and laws. Since that

Oleksii Shtandarov, Vecteeza.com You know it’s summer weather when a peach cobbler lands on the table. Days are warmer, more people are planning picnics, camping menus, and lighter meals. I try not to limit my menu planning to certain times of the year, as many summer-type recipes are appropriate at any time. My husband loves the broccoli salad that is sold at a big-box store. I hardly ever shop there, so I was happy to find a recipe for a salad he likes just as much. I am in

Edward Everett Hale, author of “A Man Without a Country” was an author, a historian, a patriot, and a minister. He once said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” I recently heard a pastor read this quote during one of his sermons, and it really resonated with me. It has stuck in my mind, because it is very meaningful. We all have God-given talent

Nancy Simpson/The Madera Tribune At Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park, Madera Master Gardeners set up tables to sell propagated plants. From left are Master Gardeners Shannon McCumber, Cadie Pearl, and Natali Johnson. Master Gardeners of Madera County held its Glorious Garden Tour in Oakhurst and Coarsegold on Saturday. It was a gorgeous day with mild climate for visiting the beautiful gardens of homes. Visitors could go to the gardens in any order that was convenient.

Pexels, freerangestock.com If you are planning a barbecue for friends and family, chicken wings are very popular. Even though we know that Memorial Day is certainly about much more than a chance to get together and share a meal, it is still a very popular way for families and friends to observe this holiday. Monday, May 25 is the date, and if you are thinking about inviting folks over, perhaps you may be thinking along the lines of a barbecue event. If so, you will hopefully

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” These are lyrics many of us know. They are from an old gospel song, and it is a song about faith, perseverance, and resilience. It says, “I am going to encourage others to be positive.” In the Bible, the word light symbolizes God’s presence, holiness, truth, and life-giving power. It is often contrasted with the word dark, which suggests something more demonic or grim. It is noted in John 1:5 that, “The light shines in the