Pop and Thistle

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Pet Profile: The Opinionated Pekingese

The Pekingese is an ancient breed of dog that originated in China. Despite the fact that this breed is said to be over 2,000 years old, its look has not changed within that time. The Pekingese was originally bred as a lap dog and companion. The Pekingese is also called The Lion Dog and the …

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Pet Profile: The Confident Rottweiler

Do you need a protective dog that is intelligent and devoted to its owners? If so, you may want to consider buying a Rottweiler. These big dogs were bred to be very versatile working dogs. They guard their homes and families, excel in agility training, and think that they are tiny lapdogs when they are …

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Pet Profile: The Clever Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)

If you love the sleek, muscled appearance of the Doberman Pinscher, but you don’t want a big dog, you may want to consider a Miniature Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, or Min Pin. These dogs are very similar in appearance to Dobermans, but are almost one hundred pounds lighter. The Miniature Pinscher may look like a miniature Doberman, …

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“Amores (III)” by e e cummings

Amores (III) there is a moon sole in the blue night amorous of waters tremulous, blinded with silence the undulous heaven yearns where in tense starlessness anoint with ardor the yellow lover stands in the dumb dark svelte and urgent (again love i slowly gather of thy languorous mouth the thrilling flower)

Tea Time: A Brief History of Tea

Like beer and wine, tea is an ancient beverage. Yet in some countries that are strongly associated with it, such as Great Britain, it was introduced only recently on the historical time scale. No one knows with certainty who first had the odd idea of taking leaves from the Camilla Sinensis plant and adding them …

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Pet Profile: The Tenacious American Staffordshire Terrier

Since the American Staffordshire Terrier is famous for its fighting ability, it is no wonder that this powerful breed has a muscular build. However, there is much more to this breed than its unfortunate heritage as an aggressive fighter. Many Staffordshire Terrier lovers praise this breed’s affectionate and loyal family nature. The Staffordshire Terrier was …

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Quotes for the New Year

Here are some of our favorite thoughts on renewal and beginnings to welcome 2022 and help get you ready for the new year. And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. -Rainer Maria Rilke For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd next year’s words await another voice. …

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Classic Quotes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

The Peanuts characters have long been an integral part of the holidays for many Americans. Every year when the Charlie Brown specials would show on network television, families naturally gathered for the event.   The show “A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965, and is still welcome in our living rooms year after year. Peanuts and …

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Holiday Dessert Recipes from Around the Globe

What better time than the winter holiday season to indulge your craving for a superb dessert? There are hundreds to choose from, but these international Christmas recipes can add a taste of something unique to your holiday festivities. Yuletide Gingerbread For a traditional American treat, bake some gingerbread. Ingredients: 2 eggs 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 …

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Christmas Plants Rooted in Centuries-old Histories and Traditions

Each Christmas decorated trees, twinkling lights and familiar carols take center stage in creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Certain plants play key roles as well: church altars banked with poinsettias, mistletoe hung over doorways, and holly adorning floral arrangements. Ironically, the histories of most Christmas plants have pagan roots (pardon the pun!), some dating back …

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