Category: Features

Appreciation for All Who Work Here at the Ranch

Joni Matthiessen There are those of us who frequent the CATC building often (some of us are there so much we have been asked if we keep a sleeping bag there). We have certainly been blessed with wonderful people who keep our building up and running, clean, cool, and, overall, just an amazing place for…

Word of the Month: Sniglet

David Zapatka Thirteen months ago, we went off the beaten path of dictionary words when reader Debbie M. wrote, “Hello, I enjoy your column and want to offer a suggestion. ‘Orbisculate’ is a word not yet in the dictionary. I think we should help the young people who are trying to get this word into…

U.S. Military History: The Star-Spangled Banner

Ross Dunfee At the outset of the 19th century, Great Britain was locked in a long and bitter conflict with Napoleon Bonaparte’s France. Both France and Great Britain attempted to block the United States from trading with the other, and restrict the USA from westward expansion. Beginning in 1812, Napoleon began to encounter the first…

Preparing Tin Foil Dinners with Essential Oils

JoAnne Gaudioso Preparing a tin foil dinner is simple, delicious, and fun—whether you are venturing out in the great outdoors or staying home and using your barbecue or your oven. Here are a few tips and recipes for making tasty tin foil dinners your family will love. Useful Tips * Use heavy duty tin foil…

Betsy’s Diary

June 4, 2022 Today garage attic opened and the sun poured in on me once again. My West Wingers friends (aka Section 10-1) propped my wings against a wall, attached my carriage sides to the trailer, and dusted my feathers. I am excited to come to life again as part of the July 4th parade.…

Vertical Montserrat Climb

Dennis J. O’Loughlin On June 11 the Vertical Montserrat Tower Stair Climb was held in Montserrat, Spain. This was the first time the race resumed after being postponed twice due to the COVID-19  pandemic. This event is the most demanding vertical race in Spain and is included in the international circuit Towerrunning World Association. This…