It’s amazing how fast a season flies by. By the time you pick up this copy of HomeLiving, the kids will have been back in school for a couple of weeks already. I remember when we got out of school June 2-3 and weren’t back in the classroom until after Labor Day.
Hopefully your family is back into the routine of school and all it brings whether its sports practice and games or after school clubs.
will be held later in September. She also did a feature on one of the builders who is participating in this year’s parade.
And we stepped out of our reading area a bit and did a feature on the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie. If you’re taking a long weekend break, you may want to take a day trip to check out this museum. I took a brief look at it’s website and it looks like a really cool place to visit.
This month’s edition is packed with fun stuff. Nikki Carlson did an article on disc golf which has gained in popularity a lot over the last few years. I have a co-worker who would probably admit he’s addicted to disc golf. And there’s at least two months of nice weather left to get out on a course and try your hand at it.
BethAnne did a feature on the upcoming Homes On Parade sponsored by the Builders Association of North Central Indiana which
With it being fall, that means it’s time to preserve all those goodies from the garden. Nikki did an article about how to can, freeze and dehydrate fruits and vegetables safely for future use.
Also, Julie did a piece on wallpaper making a return, whether its used in an entire room, as an accent wall or my personal favorite, on the ceiling. I just think it’s such an unexpected spot to put wallpaper.
So I hope you find a few minutes in your crazy busy life to flip through this month’s edition.
Enjoy!
Lauren
Disc golf gives people of any age or talent a way to enjoy the outdoors
Both pickleball and disc golf are derivatives of tennis and traditional golf, but less expensive and requiring less space. The greatest difference is disc golf needs a larger amount of space than pickleball, but still less than traditional golf for a 9-hole, 18-hole or 24-hole course. For $10 or less, a person can purchase discs and go to any open course and play. In 2020, the pandemic hit the country and people wanted to be outside. While most places were closed, parks were still open. There were few options to play outside safely, especially without a large price tag. The sport can also be played at courses yearround, alone or with a group and with people of any age.
Jason Samuel is one of the largest proponents of disc golf in the county. He played a great deal and then stepped away from the sport in 2007 and did not play again for 13 years. During the pandemic, his son asked him to go play and the spark for disc golf was re-ignited. When he first began playing there were only two courses to choose from. Now there are multiple courses available throughout the nearby counties. According to Samuel,
what keeps people coming back to the sport is getting that “one solid hit or one drive.” When the disc flies and does exactly what you wanted it to do, it makes the person feel good since they are the one that did it and made it fly. “I went out and threw one then I threw another one,” he described. He lost a couple rounds. “Then I threw one and it flew like it had wings.” Over that Memorial Day weekend, he played 80 holes. Now he spends a large portion of his free time volunteering, playing with friends or playing in tournaments. “Disc golf was the perfect thing for me in the time we were living.”
He has also helped with and consulted on courses in Elkhart County. In 2023, he put out an initiative to revamp the Oxbow County Park course and spent 18 months working to make it happen. When he came back to disc golf, he realized Oxbow needed some care. Samuel built relationships with the county parks department and brought the idea of a campaign and sponsors for his vision. He also tracked flooding and weather to propose alternate holes and pin positions.
He helped the parks department bring in money for the course as well as 120 documented hours of volunteer time to make it a reality. For the Island Park course in downtown Elkhart, he suggested expanding it from the park itself and including the nearby area. Samuel consulted on the project, offering suggestions from his experience and walking the course with everyone involved. He also helped to bring attention for the new course by holding events and a tournament to open the course.
In the past year he has run multiple tournaments in Elkhart and Lagrange counties with hundreds of people participating each time. Recently there were three tournaments on three consecutive days and they were all sold out. Last year and this year celebrations were held at Oxbow for the disc golf course. “It’s a testimony to the great disc golf community and the commitment of Elkhart County Parks,” Samuel shared. The sport has maintained a large number of repeat participants. “The energy for the sport is there. There is a lot of positive energy in the community.” n
By Nicholette Carlson
Feature Writer
Disc golf is the second largest growing outdoor sport in recent years, right after pickleball. One of the biggest reasons for this is it does not discriminate among players. Players of any age and any talent can play. There is also an increase in the amount of courses available throughout Elkhart, Kosciusko and surrounding counties. One of the largest growths in the sport was spurred on due to the pandemic with the desire to be outside around others and the natural safety offered by disc golf.
something for everyone
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie is a road trip worth taking
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Located on the White River in the heart of Muncie, the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens isn’t just a place to visit – it’s a place to belong. With 40 acres of exploration, inspiration and good vibes waiting for you, this community gem has something for everyone.
“Minnetrista is where curiosity meets community…and a place that inspires wonder at every turn,” said Brea Cunningham, director of marketing & communications for the complex. “Whether you’re here for the first time or the 50th, you’ll always feel like part of the story.”
HAPPY LITTLE TREES
A trip to Minnetrista begins at the facility’s center building, which showcases a number of exhibits ranging from regional history to contemporary art as well as kid-friendly, hands-on exhibitions that spark curiosity and play for younger guests.
One of the most popular exhibits at Minnetrista is the Bob Ross Experience. This is more than a gallery celebrating the life and times of a beloved artist, but the actual studio where The Joy of Painting was filmed. See Ross’ original easel, palette and the happy little vibe that made him a legend. Explore interactive exhibits, peek behind-the-scenes into Ross’ off-camera life, and even take a painting class in the same space where he turned blank canvases into everyday masterpieces.
“It’s a must-see for longtime fans as well as new admirers alike,” Cunningham said.
After touring the main building, step outside and enjoy the gardens, woodlands and trails for a nature fix that is both restorative and Instagram worthy. From serene native plantings and butterfly-friendly beds to the formal beauty of the Rose Garden and the storybook charm of the Oakhurst’s landscape, guests will find inspiration around every corner.
“Our gardens are like a favorite playlist – diverse, vibrant, and always hitting the right note,” Cunningham said. “It’s 40 acres of botanical bliss. Be sure to take in the historic homes, each with a story to tell as well as the Orchard Shop, an on-site retail destination full of local finds, handmade goods, and the kind of popcorn that practically demands a second bag. They even carry a variety of popcorn kernels and seasonings so you can create your own flavorful experience at home!
Photos from shutterstock.com
PROGRAMS GALORE
Throughout the year, Minnetrista hosts a wide range of programming and special events the whole family will enjoy. September features Mystery at Camp Cryptid, an immersive mystery event complete with cocktails (or mocktails), hors d’oeuvres, and an intriguing whodunit to solve. In October, take part in the family-friendly Boo-levard Bash, a free community celebration full of seasonal fun. And as the year winds down, the Enchanted Luminaria Walk lights up the holiday season with hundreds of glowing lanterns, creating a magical evening stroll through the gardens.
“Minnetrista isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a state for creativity, learning, and connection and our programming is where that really shines,” said Cunningham. “From hands-on glass workshops and seasonal festivals to immersive experiences, there’s always something to do. We collaborate with artists, educators, and community partners to create meaningful experiences that celebrate the richness of East Central Indiana. You’re sure to find something that welcomes you in and leaves you inspired.” n
Photos from minnetrista.net
cover your world
Wallpaper is making a comeback in 2025
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Wallpaper is the sweet spot between paint and art. It no longer blends into the background but makes a statement all its own. With the right textures, patterns, and colors, you can showcase your personal style. From the whimsical to the intricate, moody or metallic, textured and tactile, or a customized mural that is one-of-a-kind, wallpaper is ready to cover your world!
Intention and Flair
Christine Doncaster of Doncaster Flooring in Mishawaka says today’s wallpaper options embrace style with intention and flair. No matter if it covers all four walls, appears on the ceiling, or highlights a well-chosen focal point, wallpaper is about creating memorable spaces that reflect a person’s personality and creativity.
“Today’s wallpaper is designed to
Tonal schemes:
Looking for something to bring calming comfort into your room? Tonal wallpaper can help you create something subtle and relaxing with a sense of cohesion.
Looking to make a bold statement and add unique character to your space? Wallpaper may be the answer. Thanks to advancements in technology, peel-and-stick options as well as a shift toward more personalized interior design, wallpaper is back – and it’s taking center stage.
transform a space while injecting rich personality into the interior of the home,” she said. “You have textured elegance with grass cloth, embossed vinyl, linen or woven textures to bring tactile interest and warmth, which is perfect for inviting sensory-rich environments.”
Wallpaper trends also include nature-inspired themes with oversized botanicals, jungle motifs, exotic animals, and landscape murals to help bring a sense of the outdoors to interior spaces. Bold patterns and style offer variety with dramatic florals, geometric shapes and metallic accents that can
The fifth wall:
Wallpaper, on the ceiling? You bet! For years homeowners have neglected this blank canvas and now wallpaper is bringing the whole room together – from the top down!
Wallpaper trends to embrace
Pretty plaid:
A timeless classic that nails the American aesthetic while giving a room a refined touch.
be found on the ceiling as well as the walls.
“Wallpaper is resonating now because it offers personalization, artistry and visual depth that paint alone cannot deliver,” Doncaster said. “With easier installation options like peeland-stick and enhanced durability, it’s a versatile tool for making any space feel thoughtfully designed.”
An Emerging Trend
Jalen Bowie at Hoosier House Furnishing in Goshen said although Indiana tends to be a bit behind on the trends captivating the coastal regions, her clients are turning to wallpaper more frequently than in years’ past.
“It’s not the nostalgic wallpaper of the past, but the textured patterns that offer a room something beyond paint,” she said. “They are using it in powder baths and on an accent wall, but it’s definitely starting to show up more than it used to.” n
Flora and Fauna:
Known for adding drama to a space, this option allows homeowners to use simple colors and furnishings to allow the paper to pop.
Vintage:
Some things never go out of style. Toile and chinoiserie are among them. Consider these papers to give your room a stately feel like you might find in the French or English countryside.
aroundmichiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
SEPT.
1-31 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND
FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission.
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month. 6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion
116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light.
Free Admission, free will offering. (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
SEPT. 6 | BRISTOL BRISTOL CORNDOG FESTIVAL
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Congdon Park Classic corndogs, food trucks, artisan village, Weiner dog costume contest local musicians and entertainers performing throughout the day. Free admission.
SEPT. 6 | SOUTH BEND
22ND ANNUAL LOGAN
WALK & RUN WITH FAMILY FUN FEST
Potawatomi Zoo
500 S. Greenlawn Ave.
Entry fee is $30. LOGAN clients are fee with an employee.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., walk and roll begins at 8:30 a.m. Family Fun Fest is from 9- 10:30 a.m.
For more information visit logancenter. org/walkandroll
SEPT. 6 | WINONA LAKE
WINONA LAKE TRAILS
WEED WRANGLE
9 a.m. to noon.
Remove bittersweet and honeysuckle. Continue the work on the trail head KWWIP’s started three years ago.
SEPT. 9 | ELKHART BREAKFAST WITH THE CHAPLAIN
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Learn about the Elkhart County Jail Ministry. RSVP required.
RSVP by contacting Cory Martin at cmartin@ecjailministry.org or (574) 849-1494.
SEPT. 11 | SYRACUSE
SYRACUSE-WAWASEE
CHAMBER GOLF OUTING
8 a.m. flights still available. Lunch served for morning and afternoon tee times will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$500 per foursome Sept. 12
Maxwelton Golf Course, 5721 E. Line Road
To register or for more information send an email to brent@swchamber.com
SEPT. 20-21 | ROCHESTER ANNUAL TRAIL OF COURAGE LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-11
Fulton County Historical Society, For more information visit fultoncountyhistory.org or call (574) 223-4436.
SEPT. 25 | SYRACUSE WAWASEE “THEN AND NOW” HISTORICAL CRUISE
1-3 p.m.
Chautauqua-Wawasee is teaming up with the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum for a narrated cruise aboard the SS Lillypad around Lake Wawasee. Learn the interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake.
Cost is $25. Board the SS Lillypad at The Frog Tavern, 1116 S. Harkless Drive.
To register or for more information visit chqw.org. n
Preserving the fall harvest for
YEAR-ROUND ENJOYMENT
By Nicholette Carlson
HomeLiving Feature Writer
Interest in preserving food and canning tends to come in waves. Recently there has been a lot of interest from those who watched or were taught canning and food preservation by their mothers or
Marshall County Health and Human Science educator, also believes there is a shift recently in individuals and families wanting to ensure they have enough food and wanting to know specifically where the
There are two safe methods for canning - boiling water bath canning or pressure canning. Choosing the method is determined by the acidity of the food. Low-acid foods, such as asparagus, carrots, green beans, peas, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, meats and combination foods, like sauces or soups, require pressure canning. Boiling water bath canning is for high-acid foods, including apples, cherries, grapes, fruit jams and jellies, peaches, pears, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut and salsa. Tomatoes are borderline acidity level and typically require lemon juice to increase acidity and make them a high-acid food.
When canning, Mason jars are recommended and typically come in pint or quart sizes. It is important to follow the correct procedures and allow proper headspace in the jar. Jars should then be allowed to cool for 12 to 24 hours before testing for a vacuum seal. If the center does not flex and the lid does not lift off, the jar has a good vacuum seal. Canned goods should then be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, typically between 50 and 70 degrees.
should be blanched to clean the vegetable, improve color and flavor, and slow or stop enzymes in the ripening process. Blanching in boiling water is the most common method. Vegetables should then be frozen quickly in moisture-vapor resistant containers that will help prevent freezer burn.
Dehydrated fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, carrots, corn, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, potatoes and green beans are also a tasty choice for food preservation. With a dehydrator the process can be very easy. Simply slice the fruit or vegetable into a uniform size and thickness, place on a tray and dry in the dehydrator. While it is a choice, typically fruits are peeled before dehydration. Dry fruit can then be packed loosely in a jar or air-tight container to distribute any of the remaining moisture evenly. It is helpful to blanch vegetables prior to dehydration to avoid harmful microorganisms. Vegetables should be stored in air-tight containers after dehydration.
mint, sage or thyme, can be tied in a cluster by their stems and hung in a dry area with good air circulation and low humidity. Those with small leaves can be laid out on a plastic screen or paper towels. If drying seedy herbs, they should be placed in a plastic bag to keep dust off and catch the falling seeds. If in a dehydrator, herbs should be spaced out so stems and leaves do not touch. Certain herbs, such as parsley, basil and celery, dry well in the microwave. Ensure herbs are dry by checking that the leaves are crispy and crumble easily. Herbs should be stored in an airtight, sealed container.
Some who are unsure about canning are choosing to freeze vegetables. Vegetables
The best time to pick an herb for drying is right before the flowers bloom. Herbs can be dried via air drying, a dehydrator or a microwave. When air drying, herbs such as
Meat and poultry can be canned, frozen or dehydrated. When canning, it should be done via pressure canning and meat is typically ground or chopped with bones removed. Salt and broth is also typically added to the mixture. Meat turned into jerky via a dehydrator should be sliced into uniform pieces and marinated or seasoned in the refrigerator. Prior to putting it in the dehydrator, the meat should also be steamed or roasted to 160 degrees. Meat can then be placed into the dehydrator to be made into jerky. If freezing meat and poultry, it is important to keep it in tight packaging and frozen at 0 degrees or below. n
BANCI’S annual Homes on P arade set for Sept. 19-21
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Like so many other good things that roll around every year on the calendar, the Builders Association of North Central Indiana showcases its Homes on Parade. And beautiful homes they are, indeed. Have you attended during any of those years? Once, or more than once? If you haven’t, what’s stopping you?
For the last five years, a large share of the success when it came to the fine details has rested on the shoulders of Kim McKibbin. The 2025 show, held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19, 20 and 21, where BANCI will be featuring eight homes, will be bittersweet for McKibbin, as she’s retiring at the end of this year.
What was the best part of the parade for McKibbin? “Touring the homes,” she said. Looking at them, it’s easy to see why. These are all pre-sold custom built homes, perfect to the last detail. And what’s also perfect to the last detail? All the work that goes into this grand event: planning, printing, and set up. “We start working on the next year right after the current show ends,” McKibbin said.
We wondered if the architects, construction companies and so on would get more business after their work is showcased this way. McKibbin says most do, “eventually. Maybe someone’s not quite ready to pull the trigger yet, so to speak, but they will be in the future. Maybe they saw a house they especially liked five, six, 10 years ago, but have lost the paperwork and want to know who was the builder to the one on Hunters Court or wherever. So we try to figure it out for them, figure out who they’re talking about, go back through books and records. Or maybe they want to add an addition to their existing house, add features they like that they saw in a house on the parade.”
When you are showing a home for sale, the realtors prefer them to be empty save for the prospective buyer(s). How does it work for these beautiful homes? McKibbin said “The builders are all in the homes, or their No. 2 person–they want there to be someone there who has full knowledge of the home.” And that makes sense; who would know it better than the ones who brought the vision to reality?
The Homes on Parade is a wonderful and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. Tickets are just $5, and allows entry into all of the eight Parade homes. Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at each Parade home as well as the BANCI office. Whether you’re thinking of having your own home built and want to check out the local talent, or just like building castles in the air, come check it all out. You won’t be sorry!
405 N Franklin Street, Mentone Habitat For Humanity
2972 N Williamson Drive, Warsaw Ideal Construction
6080 N 800W, Etna Green Ideal Construction
74 EMS C27C1, Warsaw High Ridge Homes
5996 N 450E, Leesburg Renewal Homes
95 EMS T48B Lane, Syracuse Coplen Construction
11717 N Ogden Pt. Road, Syracuse T.L. Jackson Construction
11486 N Sunrise Drive, Syracuse JayH Construction
Attending the Homes On Parade? Then be sure to check out Renewal
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
When you attend the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade, you’re going to want to look for the work of Wendell Miller and his business of 22 years, Renewal Homes. He was quick to add there have been more years in Northern Indiana than just Kosciusko County, “It’s a cumulative experience. And we have been blessed. We’ve got a great team and we have also worked well with great homeowners through the years.” Blessed indeed! “Over the past 11 years we have won the People’s Choice Award in this parade.”
Miller knows his stuff. He has been a big part of BANCI for 18 years, having served on the board, in part, as a past president. His company is stellar, with several nationally recognized designations–Certified Green Builder, Certified Green Remodeler and Certified Green Professional.
Miller’s love of his work goes all the way back to his teens. “I wanted to build a house. I’ve been involved in construction for most of my career, in one form or another.” And while it’s not a family owned business, his daughter, Dezeray VanHouten, is on staff as the interior designer.
Another designer was his wife, Diane Miller, with a signature artwork known as Live Leaf Motif, made from dried leaves which are native to the area surrounding the build site, in keeping with their skill for interesting touches.
Miller said, “She did some interior consulting for us in the past, and was very helpful with doing that. Currently she’s
Homes entry
back teaching art in the high school.“ He continued, “We’ve done interesting things like putting a slide into a playroom and other fun things for children. We’ve done lofts and customized trim and accents as part of the personalization. We’ve done waterfalls!”
And because Miller and his talented crew does a lot with remodeling and makeovers, they’ve also “brought in parts and sections of walls or bricks, even doors, unique pieces from a house that’s being torn down.” It’s a great way to add history to a new house, and tie in memories from a previous house. Miller said “Our DNA is that we are intentional about personalizing homes to what people and their interests are. It’s about listening, creating the kind of home where you can kick up your feet, have that peace, unity and harmony. It’s about your personalization, and style and preference.”
Renewal Homes can do a design build, meaning they can handle it all from design through completion. And they try to accommodate as quickly as possible, working with the kind of schedules where someone might want to be in their new home before the school year starts, or by Christmas, or if it’s a lake house, by April!
“Our goals are to create homes that are inspiring, beautiful, efficient and functional, homes that reflect your values, providing a place of safety, love and unity. We strive to do this within the context of exceptional quality, financial integrity and environmental stewardship. This is what we put out there.” Now that is a mission statement to be proud of. n
Wendell Miller Founder of Renewal Homes
RESOURCE GUIDE
Cover Your World: Wallpaper Is Making A Comeback In 2025
Doncaster Flooring & Design Center Mishawaka • (574) 307-0085 doncasterflooring.com
Hoosier House Furnishings Goshen • (574) 975-0357 hoosierhouse.us
Zucchini Scarpaccia
Here’s a great way to use up all that zucchini that has come into season. — Lauren
INGREDIENTS:
q 1 medium (10- to 12-ounce) zucchini, sliced into 1/8-inchthick rounds (see Cook’s Note)
q 1 small onion, thinly sliced
q 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
q Kosher salt
q 1 cup all-purpose flour
q 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
q 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
q 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
q 2/3 cup grated parmesan
q 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
q 1 clove garlic, minced
q 1/2 cup corn kernels (from 1 small ear of corn)
Toss the zucchini, onion and bell pepper with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander set in a bowl. Place a plate on top of the vegetables and then weight the plate down with something heavy, like a large can, to press down on the vegetables. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours. Working in batches, squeeze the vegetables in a clean kitchen towel to remove more moisture. Pat the vegetables dry with paper towels.
Transfer any liquid that drained from the vegetables into a liquid measuring cup; if you have less than 2/3 cup, add water to equal 2/3 cup. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, oregano, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup of the parmesan together in a large bowl until evenly combined. Add the reserved 2/3 cup liquid from
the vegetables, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and the garlic to the bowl; stir until the mixture is mostly combined with some floury bits remaining. Add the salted vegetables and corn kernels and fold them into the batter. The batter will be stiff so the vegetables will not mix in right away. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spread the batter evenly all the way to the edges of the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup parmesan evenly on top.
thekitchn.com
DIRECTIONS:
Bake until the scarpaccia is golden brown and the middle is just firm to the touch, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool
about 20 minutes. You can serve the scarpaccia from the skillet or slide it out onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or wedges. n
COOK’S NOTE:
A mandoline is helpful for slicing the zucchini into thin rounds.
Did You Know?
SEPTEMBER is so-called thanks to the Latin “septem,” which means seven. Why? Because in the early Roman calendar, this month had been the seventh month! Out of all 12 months of the year, September is spelled with the most letters. It contains nine letters. No other months have the same amount of letters as their number in the calendar year.
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
WHILE IT SHARES THE FIRST DAY, THE MONTH DOES NOT END ON THE SAME DAY OF THE WEEK AS ANY OTHER MONTH.
If the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of September is back to school, well, these days school often starts in August. So what else is left? LOTS!
September is
National Happy Cat Month
SEPT. 11:
National Hug Your Hound Day (well, of course, they are jealous of the cats!)
There are more pop and classic songs with “September” in the title than any other month.
DO YOU REMEMBER THESE?
“Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a young and a callow fellow
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow–follow, oh-oh.”
– Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt (from “The Fantasticks”)
AND
“But it’s a long, long while from May to December
And the days grow short when you reach September
And the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
And I haven’t got time for the waiting game…”
–James Maxwell Anderson
SEPT. 13:
Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day (wellllll….that could be tricky.)
The BIRTHSTONE for the ninth month is the sapphire, which was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. Sapphire is typically blue, caused by tiny bits of iron and titanium; the vivid, medium blues are the most valuable. But sapphires also appear in other colors, and did you know? Those with red color are called rubies! Sapphires were thought to encourage divine wisdom and protection, and they, along with the related ruby, are the second-hardest natural gemstones. Only the diamond is harder.
ZODIAC SIGNS in September are split between Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) and Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22).
VIRGOS are known for being loyal, practical, thoughtful, analytical people who sometimes come off as cold, but it’s only because they’re taking a methodical approach to friendship (like most aspects of their lives).
LIBRAS are a little different. Their main characteristics include being diplomatic and fair. They like harmony, dislike being alone, and always strive for peace and justice in the world. Do these seem accurate when applied to family and friends born under this sign?
SEPT. 19:
International Talk
Like a Pirate Day
SEPT. 24: National Punctuation Day
WHAT, YOU WANT MORE?
September also has National Grandparents Day, National Cheese Pizza Day, and National Drink-a-Beer Day. (Really, the pizza and beer should be celebrated on the same day, right?) Still want more? Blueberry Popsicle Month. Chicken Month. (Hmm, do you dress them up and take them out for a drive?) Honey Month. Papaya Month. Potato Month. Rice Month. (Well, I don’t know….looks like September is a LOT about eating!)
But this one is EXTRA SPECIAL: National Hispanic Heritage Month, at least my grandson and his family would think so, and who is this Grammy to argue that point? There are rich traditions to celebrate, like the beautiful celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday: the quinceanara, filled with ballroom dancing in the most courtly way, an exquisite gown, and incorporation of many other cultures and time periods. And did you know most experts recognize between seven and 11 different Spanish dialects? Approximately 595 million people speak Spanish worldwide, both native speakers and those who speak it as a second language.
Want to share your favorite books? Send them to me at lzeugner@the-papers.com!
The Book Nook
ONE SUMMER IN SAVANNAH
by Terah Shelton Harris
I haven’t read this book, but it sounds interesting. This book is a portrayal of familial tragedy, bravery and redemption according to one reviewer.
Summer may be winding down, how is it going by so fast, but there are still lots of books to read on the beach, on the deck with a glass of wine or in the a cozy spot inside with the AC blasting. So here are some End of Summer suggestions for your book list.
— Lauren
BARBARIAN DAYS: A SURFING LIFE
by William Finnegan
Nothing says summer more than surfing. This is a memoir about Finnegan’s obsession with surfing. He started as a child then chased waves across the world. This is an old-school adventure story, an intellectual autobiography, a social history, a literary road movie, and an extraordinary exploration of the gradual mastering of an exacting, little understood art.
THE UNSINKABLE GRETA JAMES
by Jennifer E. Smith
This book is about an Indie musician reeling from tragedy who reconnects with her estranged father on a week-long cruise. This is a tale of grief, fame and love.
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW
by Amor Towles
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for ages, and just haven’t gotten around to. In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors.
EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT
by Benjamin Stevenson
The lead character is invited to the Australian Mystery Writers Society’s crime fighting festival aboard the Ghan a famous train between Darwin and Adelaide. Someone is murdered, while the remaining writers become detectives.
CITY UNDER ONE ROOF
by Iris Yamashita
I’ve actually read this book. If you like mysteries, this may be one to try. It’s about a stranded detective trying to solve a murder in a tiny Alaskan town where everyone lives in one single high rise building. n
