Nostalgia

Who would have guessed that writing in cursive would become nearly obsolete within our lifetimes? And yet here we are. Grandparents are in an ideal position to teach cursive, as they’re often the last generation who used it daily, and kids love learning something that feels like a “secret skill.” Here’s a fun, practical way to pass it on, without turning it into a boring handwriting boot camp. ...

We're starting road trip season, and here's a suggestion for a place to kick off your springtime ramblings: Oberlin. Less than an hour west of Cleveland, the picturesque college town has a lot to see. ...

As a shameless attention-seeker, nothing was more thrilling than Chi-Chi’s restaurant on my birthday. “Gosh, I hope they’re not coming to my table,” I’d say without meaning it, as the waiters carried a giant sombrero to my table, popped it on my head, and clapped-sang “Happy Birthday” over a bowl of fried ice cream. ...

Fear not, Northeast Ohio. The cold weather doesn’t last forever. It just seems that way, and the annual battle with precipitation will soon come to an end. Like so many, I was traumatized, thanks in part to a house on a corner lot in the secondary snow belt. That meant four times the area that had to be cleared when compared to my neighbors.  ...

No matter how many balsam candles I burn, I can't capture the aroma of a fresh tree. I've chosen my path, and it doesn't include a stroll around one of Northeast Ohio's many Christmas tree farms. If you're a purist (and good for you, I say with all sincerity), then here's a list you need: local Christmas tree farms. I hope you find your perfect live tree. I'm going to keep plugging away at my artificial trees: So far, I've got two up, one to go. ...

Celebrate the holiday season at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens’ Deck the Hall. This magical event turns the estate that was once home to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family into a holiday destination, featuring seasonal décor throughout the Manor House, outdoor light displays and walking paths, and the Dazzle light show. ...

We're getting into the thick of holiday events, and here's another one: the Winter Wonderland at Hudson's Case-Barlow Farm with several events coming up in early December. ...

A visit from grandkids is fun, noisy, messy and (c'mon, admit it) a little bit stressful. Throw the holidays into the mix and things can go sideways fast. Thrive magazine's grandparent columnist Karen Shadrach always has great suggestions for ways to spend time with grandkids of all ages. Her conversation on this podcast episode with Thrive editor Marie Elium focuses on holiday events for kids of all ages. ...