Dear Readers: Today I resurrect my every-so-often holiday gift ideas post and bring to you some book titles that might tickle the fancy of people on your lists. If you aren’t done shopping yet, and need some help, perhaps these will do! First up, we have a gift for the woman in your life. Although I […]
Tag: 1880s
How and What to Read
Since I have a great love of books, I thought that I would feature some words about books and reading, brought to you by C. H. Fowler and W. H. De Puy from Home and Health and Home Economics. It is interesting that in their preface they state: “The preparation of these pages has been a […]
A Sentimental Gift
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I have a friend that is leaving soon. He is from another country and is going home ~ forever! I really want to give him a sentimental but useful gift. Any ideas? Signed, Charlotte A Dear Charlotte: Oooh! Presents! One of my favorite topics. Here are some gift-giving tips, and some […]
A Quick Lesson in Table Manners
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Please tell me ~ have simple table manners like holding cutlery properly and keeping elbows off the dining table gone out of fashion? Signed, Nicole A Dear Nicole: I don’t know about you, but table manners in my house have only improved with the advent of the TV. When leaning back […]
Eating, Sleeping, and Speaking ~ Simple Precautions
I’ve got a bad sore throat. While recovering on the couch today, I browsed through the “Temperment and Health” section of Home and Health and Home Economics, written in 1880 by C. H. Fowler and W. H. De Puy. These tips may not help me this week, but maybe, just maybe, they’ll help someone out there! […]
Crying and Health
I’ve read a lot about the benefits of laughing, but I think this is the first I’ve seen on crying. When I saw this paragraph, Al Gore and his groaning and sighing in the presidential debate [years ago] came to mind, so I thought it was appropriate to share. It was written by C. H. Fowler […]
Qualities of a Good Doctor by a Doctor
My sweet sister is paying a quick visit to the hospital this week, so doctors are on my mind just a smidgen. Good doctors, that is. They better be very good doctors! They can just take this as a warning ~ don’t mess with Miss Abigail’s family! Oh, sorry, where was I . . . […]
Miscellaneous Health Notes
This time I have pulled out a few notes from 1880 about health. I thought it was important to let you know about the dangers of cold water. Be careful out there! 1880: Miscellaneous Health Notes Pine Woods and Health. The pleasant odor emitted by fir-trees in a sunny atmosphere has long been thought serviceable […]
Facts for Parents
This was originally posted to commemorate the birth of baby Alexandra, my niece, daughter of my stepsister Deb and her husband Lenn. Here are some thoughts on raising children. 1880: Facts for Parents Paternity is earth’s highest dignity. The parent is the best human type of God. Paternal authority is the germ out of which […]
How to Perpetuate the Honey-moon
This selection is in honor of my friend Kathy Feeney, who is taking the plunge this weekend and getting hitched to Jesse Chappell. Here’s some marriage advice for you both, all the way from 1880. Congrats, you crazy kids, you! 1880: How to Perpetuate the Honey-moon Continue your courtship. Like causes produce like effects. Do […]