Heart of the Home
10/16/2009 12:07:10 PM
Readers share more heartwarming stories of holidays spent far from home.
10/16/2009 11:55:35 AM
Readers share touching stories of spending the holiday season away from home, whether it was because of being in the military, choosing to visit family in another state or country, or some other reason.
8/21/2009 8:50:26 AM
Readers share even more stories of teachers and classmates who inspired them.
8/21/2009 8:45:31 AM
Readers share their memories of inspirational teachers and/or classmates who influenced them.
6/19/2009 3:31:51 PM
Readers share even more stories of their special family reunions, including one with a theme, one with a pig roast and one in which the family came together to help their elderly parents on the family farm.
6/19/2009 3:13:30 PM
Readers share stories of family reunions that were heartfelt, funny, interesting, competitive, historical, playful and traditional.
5/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Reader's father stressed education by taking the family to historical sites for vacation.
5/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Her father's advice on driving proved to be helpful in other areas of her life.
5/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Her father saw the value in other people's junk and told his children those items would be worth something someday.
5/11/2009 12:00:00 AM
A reader recalls how encouraging her father was about her artistic talents.
4/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
One reader was proud to have graduated from college at the same time as her uncle.
4/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
A reader recounts a story about an unexpeceted speech her uncle had to give at his graduation.
4/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
In spite of her busy family life, one reader pursued and received a master's degree.
3/19/2009 12:00:00 AM
A reader who wasn't able to attend kindergarten as a child later volunteered to be a helper in a kindergarten class, completeing her education.
3/19/2009 12:00:00 AM
Former beautician finds joy in volunteering at a nursing facility giving manicures to female residents.
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
One reader tells about the time she and her husband were surrounded by flood waters during a time she was expecting her first child.
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Tragedies have a tendency to bring out the best in people. After a devasting tornado, neighbors helped neighbors get through the aftermath.
2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Long before Hurricane Katrina, another hurricane brought neighbors in a New Orleans neighborhood together.
1/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
Dogs and cats are both good hunters. A reader shares his story of the dog and cat her had who were both rabbit hunters in thier own right.
1/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
Were it not for her heroic dog, this reader may not be alive to tell her remarkable tale.
1/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
One reader tells a delightful tale of raising an orphaned squirrel.
12/29/2008 12:00:00 AM
Staying active mentally is just as important as keeping fit physically, especially in later years. A reader shares ways she stays mentally and physically fit.
12/29/2008 12:00:00 AM
For one reader, a daily walk led to writing a column for a local newspaper.
12/29/2008 12:00:00 AM
Living in a health-conscious community allows one reader to maintain a regular exercise program.
11/19/2008 12:00:00 AM
Television in the 1960s made for better viewing and watching those programs today bring back pleasant memories.
11/19/2008 12:00:00 AM
Reader's limited TV viewing was spent watching her favorite program, Private Secretary.
10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM
One of my most memorable moments happened February 20, 1962, when we were living in Leesburg, Fla.
10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM
I would imagine that few Americans thought about the war in Europe before the Pearl Harbor attack.
10/27/2008 12:00:00 AM
In the spring of 1948, my mother raised frying chickens, and my sister and I would take them to the local grocery store and sell them.
9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM
Admiring God's work easy in autumn, Fall sparks memories of beauty, enjoyment, Casual gatherings are perfect for potluck dinners, and more.
9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM
Time alone with grandma a special memory, Grandma takes pride in grandsons, Students celebrate Grandparents Day, and more.
8/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Creativity passed on to granddaughter, Art class led to fulfilling hobby, Festive salads make great summertime fare, and more.
7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Fourth of July picnic filled with music, Brother arrives on Independence Day, Family created own holiday celebration, and more.
6/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Daughter appreciated what father did for her, others, Call leads to reunion with Dad, Eighth child came as Father's Day gift, and more.
5/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Unexpected child becomes a Mother’s Day blessing, Son’s homemade card precious gift, Mother’s ring remains treasure, and more.
4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Simple pleasures discovered during Depression, Kids found fun in family barn, Appetizing recipes, and more.
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Farm life was simple, happy time for her, Growing up on farm was great experience, Father’s Day Memories, and more.
2/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Husband's last words still a comfort to her, Daughter fondly remembers parents' romance, Sincere gestures are romantic, and more.
1/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Family has loads of fun making funny snowman, Blizzards meant parties and no school, Keep these ideas in mind for easy wintertime entertaining, and more.
12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Parents delighted in child's love of doll, Missionary life was truly gift from God, Gifts brightened family's holiday, and more.
11/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Busy woman glad to have cell phone, Long-ago invention made chores easier, Microwave makes life less complicated, and more.
10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Man outlives nicknames, Girl gives teacher lasting nickname, Dad and uncle give child a lifelong nickname, Enjoy Breakfast for Dinner with Your Family Tonight, and more.
9/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Years spent with husband was her dream vacation, Dream vacation taken each year, Trip across country was dream vacation for couple, and more.
8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Fly away with our loyal readers as they share their favorite airplane memories in this month's installment of Heart of the Home.
7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Loyal readers share stories of struggle, persistance and success as children venturing into the world to earn extra money.
6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Catchy little tune caught husband, Faulty piano made duet unforgettable, Mom's song made kids feel special, and more.
5/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
'Birthday girl' was delighted, Church's 175th anniversary was memorable, Little 'ladies' thoroughly enjoyed family's 'Tea Time' tradition, and more.
4/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Easter egg hunts are still a delight, Nana made Easter a special holiday, Making dress with mother became a tradition, and more.
3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Cousin's words drove out envy, Envious behavior lowered her grade, recipes for traditional Irish meals, and more.
2/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Glad her admirer wasn't a tennis pro, Husband and wife made lucky catches, Managed to find love when she wasn't looking, and more.
1/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Making snow angels is fun annual tradition, Sister didn’t last long outdoors, Loved playing Fox and Goose, and more.
12/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Children's happiness was worth the effort, Still has stocking after 60 years, Parents made Christmas special, and more.
11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Cappers
10/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Family learned lesson on vacation in Florida A number of years ago, my husband won an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World in Florida, and we were able to take our two sons with us. We flew out of a Midwest airport to Chicago and then to Orlando, Fla.
9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
I hardly ever looked forward to the first day of school that I can recall. I always dreaded the end of summer and going back to a school routine that included homework, papers and tests.
8/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Bright sunlight helped her find diamond ring. I had a diamond ring that I wore on my pinkie. It was a bit loose, but not too bad. One day, I went to take my rings off as I normally do, and the ring was gone.
7/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate
Dear Readers,
I love finding a bargain, but then, doesn’t everyone? When I walk into one of my favorite stores and see clearance racks, I get a little rush. As I dig through the sale items and find things I like, my pulse actually starts racing, especially if it’s a really good sale. I enjoy the items I buy on sale even more, just knowing that I saved money.
6/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Dear Readers,
I enjoyed reading all the letters we received about camping for this issue. On a housekeeping note, I’d like to issue a request for submissions for Space Place. I’ve had a shortage of usable artwork over the last few months, and I’d like to ask for your help. I suspect that many of you will have grandchildren visiting over the summer months, and it’s a perfect time to let them flex their creative muscles by drawing, painting, writing poetry, or expressing themselves in whatever form of art they enjoy.
5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate
Dear Readers,
Well, another Pillsbury Bake-Off contest has come and gone. This year’s was the fourth one I’ve attended, and it was just as enjoyable as the first. And the location, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla., was perfect this year. It was hard to believe I was basking in sunshine and 80-degree weather while my family at home in Kansas was dealing with an early spring blizzard.
4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Orchids bring back beautiful memories
I admire every kind of flower. I grow as many as I can fit in my tiny garden, even though I am 85 years old.
3/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Includes four poems regarding snow, winter and Valentine's Day
1/26/2006 12:00:00 AM
Includes reader-contributed letters regarding favorite presidents, recipes, patterns, a prayer and a letter from Kate Marchbanks.
1/3/2006 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate
12/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
Enjoyed ball game: One of my favorite toys was called Kitty Kat Kupball, which was basically a basketball game.
11/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, This year, as I think about gratitude, many things come to mind. Most of all, I am thankful for my family. I have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful husband whom I can?t imagine my life without. And I am grateful for my mother, father, sister and nephews.
Together With God: What makes Thanksgiving the memorable occasion that it is? It might be the time the turkey burned, or the year the twins were born, the first time that Grandpa wouldn?t be there, or the year that you cooked your first turkey dinner from scratch.
Kind uncle saved her from embarrassment: The Thanksgiving I will always remember is the year I was a newlywed and I invited all of my relatives over for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ate greatest meal in an unlikely place: The greatest Thanksgiving meal I ever had was in an unlikely place. About 50 years ago, I was expecting my first baby, who was due two weeks after Thanksgiving.
Brother?s visit surprised family: Thanksgiving 1958 was to be a sad day for our family, especially my mother, because my brother would be absent. Joe was a soldier stationed at Camp Breckenridge, Ky.
10/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I don't restrict my definition of neighbors just to the people who live next door. In my opinion, a neighbor can be anyone who lives in my town. Sure, I know the people who live next door and the woman across the street, but I feel closer to 'neighbors' such as my friend Nikki, who lives across town, and even some of the people who live in my husband's parents' neighborhood.Together With God: On the north side of me lives a retired couple, Bud and Jean. Bud likes to call me over to the fence to discuss neighborhood news, and Jean has some of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen hanging on their backyard clothesline.Thoughtful neighbor could win any title: I have always had good neighbors, but the one I have now is the best.Learned to take her house keys: I shall never forget the good neighbor I had back in 1973.Willingness to be pleasant makes a good neighbor: Through the years, I have had several wonderful next-door neighbors. Beginning in the college dorm, our next-door roommates shared everything from snacks sent from home to hair curlers and other items that we couldn't go downtown and buy on the spur of the moment.
9/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
A LETTER FROM KATE: Dear Readers, I must admit, while reading your letters about country stores, I developed an overwhelming craving for pickles. So many of the stories described the joy of choosing dill pickles from barrels that I couldn't stop thinking about them. Even Kathryn Compton, our new editor, commented on how hungry she was for pickles after reading all the stories.Together with God: Jenkins' store was just over the hill from my house, and my friend Cheryl and I would walk the quarter-mile on hot summer evenings to get a fudge bar. We had to pass the old cemetery at the top of the hill, and we usually started running at the crest.Country store lives on in her memory: During World War II, I was a Crop Corps worker on a farm in upstate New York. We picked string beans, tomatoes, apples and grapes.Looked forward to grocery truck: The country store that has always been in my memory was a grocery truck that came by our house in 1939.Small store seemed large to a child: As a preschooler in the early 1940s, my family and I lived in rural southern New Jersey. With gasoline rationed during the war years, a trip to the store was a big adventure.Wishes she could go back to general store: There were two gas pumps in front, regular and ethyl, and off to the side was a green pump labeled 'Kerosene.' Just south of the pumps, across a short drive, stood a small, white building that was known as Waggoner's Store, which was located on the south side of 51 Highway, west of Hennessey, Okla.
8/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, Scrapbooks are a great way of recording the important moments and memories of one's life. Although the methods of making scrapbooks have changed dramatically, it is obvious that they are still important pieces of memorabilia. Together with God: When my husband and I worked with the foster care program, we made a scrapbook for each of our children so they could see physical evidence of their life. It also helped to establish a connection between their other family and their new family. Remembrance hangs on wall: I loved making scrapbooks long before it became popular to make them. My first was one my mother helped me put together of baby animals. It was made from a spiral notebook. It wasn't fancy, but I have kept it for more than 60 years. Anniversary book is prized possession: The first experience I had with a scrapbook was a pleasant one. I received it when my husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, six years ago. Turned Mother's treasures into a scrapbook: My mother was frugal. I doubt she ever threw anything away. A few years ago, when she passed away at 94, my siblings and I cleaned out her home, preparing to sell it.
7/19/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I like the taste of a fresh, sweet watermelon in the summertime, but unfortunately, I don?t have any watermelon stories to tell. I enjoy eating it, but not in the traditional way. I usually like to eat it cut up in chunks and served on a plate. Together With God: Every July, my family went to visit our cousins in Berryville, Va., a mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was thrilling. They had a farm, complete with a mean, old bull that didn?t appreciate watermelon rinds. Cousins had contest: When I was a child, many of my cousins lived nearby. In fact, there were 10 of us. Our grandfather was the leader of the cousins. Son?s jumbled garden an unexpected success: When my son was young, he wanted his own garden. The company I was ordering seeds from had a special offer for children ? a jumble packet of mixed seeds for just 1 cent. Kept waiting for melons to get bigger: When I moved to America from Germany at age 19, I?d never heard of watermelons. On my first trip to a grocery store, I saw the huge, green fruit, and I asked my American husband what they were. Family anticipated homegrown watermelons: Like everyone else I know, I have joyful memories of watermelon time in Oklahoma. The wonderful melons ripen from July to frost. When I was a girl, we enjoyed them all summer.
7/5/2005 12:00:00 AM
A letter from Kate: Dear Readers, Summer is my least favorite season of the year. I truly enjoy all the flowers and plants in bloom and fresh fruits and vegetables at their peak, but I don't enjoy being hot and miserable. Together with God: Isn't it great to get good news? A baby in the family, a wedding, a graduation or a promotion at work are just a few announcements that come to mind. The best thing about receiving good news is being able to share it with your friends. Mother had a scare while at the rodeo: When my son, Alex, was 7 or 8 years old, we attended all the local rodeos. He participated in the mutton-busting competitions that took place before the rodeos. He enjoyed riding the sheep. Streetcar passengers celebrated end of war: I was on a streetcar, going home from my job at one of the defense plants in the area. The car was filled with other people, tired and hot because the car was not air-conditioned. We came to a bus stop, and a man stepped over to the car as if he planned to board. Announcement came in Christmas card: The best news my husband and I ever received came in the form of a handwritten message on a Christmas card. Good news is found everywhere: Good news comes in many forms. One might win a prize, there might be a new baby in the family, the job one has been wanting might finally come through, or the rains could fall at the right time. Yes, good news arrives in many different fashions.
6/21/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, I enjoy family reunions. They give me a chance to see relatives I haven?t seen in a while and meet new additions to the family. My extended family is small, and we don?t get together all that often. But my husband, Jay, has a close extended family.Together With God: Who thought of the idea of family reunions? The gathering of family from young to old, meeting at one specific place and time to share updates with family members was a great idea.Siblings met at barn: My family held one last reunion on the old homeplace where we grew up. Our parents moved there in 1942. When Dad passed away, Mother continued to live there until 1987. We then sold the house. Returned to Wisconsin: I had moved to Phoenix to be closer to my two daughters after I had a stroke in 2002. My daughters and I flew back to Wisconsin in May 2003 for several reasons. Annual tradition got started in 1929: Our first family reunion was held on Labor Day Sunday in 1929. There were 300 people in attendance ? the families of five brothers and three sisters who had immigrated to America in the early 1900s from the Ukraine.Family planned surprise auction for reunion: I am from a family of seven children. We lived in several states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Pennsylvania. Our mother and three of us children lived in Washington. We tried to get together every other year.
5/24/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, When I was a young bride, and I lived far from home, I called my mom several times to get recipes from her. She was very helpful and made sure that I had most of my favorite recipes typed on cards before I left home.Together With God: The best recipe I ever had was called a Recipe for Life. It goes: Treat your family like company and your company like family. It is a recipe that I subscribe to and practice whenever possible.Pie had different taste: Our family loved lemon pie, so I always baked two. One day, my son came into the house after finishing his chores. Burgers were a hit: 'Grandpa, please make some Army burgers,' my sons would ask their grandfather when they went to visit. Learned to make Grandma's dish: I have a certain recipe that brings a good memory of my late mother-in-law. A favorite dish of my husband's family later became a favorite recipe of our children and mine.Special recipes are stored close to her heart: My special recipes are kept with all my others, in the wooden recipe box I've had for a long time. However, those special recipes are also in my heart because they mean something to me.
5/10/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers,The old saying 'actions speak louder than words' has always been true, but never more so than during a time of grief. Like many people, I don't remember everything that was said during the time after a loved one's death, but I do remember the kind things that people did and the show of support. Together With God: It is so hard to know what to say when a friend is hurting. You offer support, you listen to their troubles, and you can even hold them as they grieve, but what do you say to make it better? Comforting words shared with others: When my husband, Charles, died May 2, 1997, one month after our 50th wedding anniversary, I was brokenhearted.An act of kindness changed her mind: Many acts of kindness have been shown to me in my lifetime. The most recent occurred on this past St. Patrick's Day.Actions speak louder than words: I have been in need of comfort several times in my life, so I know what wonderful things people do to try to make us feel better.
4/26/2005 12:00:00 AM
A Letter From Kate: Dear Readers, There's a special bond that siblings share, and it's one that really can't be duplicated with another person. Your siblings are people you've known your whole life. They have shared your parents, your bedroom sometimes, your experiences and many, many other things.Together With God: I have a friend, Cheryl, who doesn't keep in touch with her brothers and sisters. She has four brothers and five sisters and knows nothing of their whereabouts or life activities, nor they hers. They have no connection to one another, nothing that they share, other than being born into the same family.Bonded with cousin after retirement: I am one of five sisters, and I love them all. We all left home at an early age, and though we're widely scattered, we keep in touch with letters and phone calls. But we're not as close as I'd like us to be. Brother is friend: I was a 14-year-old only child when my brother was born. I was proud to be a built-in baby sitter. It was almost like having a child, without the responsibilities.Has special love for Bubba's little girl: What a special day it was. After nine months, which seemed like nine years, we had an addition to our family: a smiley-faced, 8-pound, 3-ounce, bouncing baby girl.