Omi’s Little Room I was killing time today at Adorn, a local vintage shop, when a little folding travel alarm clock caught my eye (yes, pun fully intended). Instantly I thought of my grandmother—our beloved Omi (Rose Spiegel Lichtenthal)—who always traveled with one just like it. Omi didn’t drive (something I couldn’t quite wrap my […]
Read MoreI’ve been stalling for a few days, deciding on a photograph on which to base my first blog post for the Geneabloggers Fab 40 challenge. And then today, Randy Seaver posted this prompt for his weekly Saturday Night Genealogy Fun—Do you recall the layout of one of your family homes? Can you estimate the size […]
Read MoreThis month’s topic for my writing group was to write an essay about our youth. I decided to focus on technology. I hope you enjoy my ramblings about eons past. The year was probably 1993. Our 4-year-old daughter, Caitlin, was busy doing something at our mid-century modern teak wall unit (which we still have, of […]
Read MoreNOTE: I intended to post this on the 15th, but… um… life. According to Thomas MacEntee’s Facebook post, today is National Hat Day. Thank goodness he made us aware of this very important observance! There have been some exciting happenings recently related to my great-grandparents’ hat business, LITAL (Vienna, Austria – 1899-1938). Many years ago, […]
Read MoreYears ago, among my family’s treasures, I found a small crocheted pouch. The ivory cotton thread was very soft. The top was a bit frayed. I pulled out the item contained inside—a small copper token, about the size of a quarter. The only thing I understood on the coin was the greeting: Prosit Neujahr 1938. […]
Read MoreA few weeks ago my friend Doreen and I visited one my favorite vintage shops, Adorn Restoration Boutique in Southbury, CT. As we were strolling through the the various booths, objects from the past sparked memories. “Oh! My mom had a bunch of these tole painted trays!” “Geez! I should make collages from all my […]
Read MoreIt seems my ancestors really want to help get my book written. I’ve posted before (here and here) about “coincidences” where I’ve stumbled upon material to support the story of my great-grandfather, Sigmund Lichtenthal, and his business—its growth and loss in 1938 and his lifelong quest for reparation. At least, that was the original plan. […]
Read MoreThis post is the first in a series about interesting ways to share to our family history. Last week I took a couple days to work on my other hobby, Dollhouse Miniatures. I posted my progress on my other blog, Dorette Creations. When I finished writing the post, it occurred to me to share the […]
Read MoreThis past weekend was just great! After not seeing each other for almost two years (or more!), much of my family gathered at our youngest daughter’s home to celebrate missed birthdays, upcoming birthdays, and an engagement! Meghan and I decided to surprise everyone by carrying on my mother’s traditional fall treat – Fruit Kuchen, otherwise […]
Read MoreIn 2007, as part of our mother’s 75th birthday celebration, we arranged for her to receive 75 cards from friends and family. To make up the balance, I created 16 cards. I recently came across the cache of cards while organizing papers. Since I haven’t posted much lately, I decided to share my “creations.” It […]
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Who We Are and How We Got This Way 