Under the auspices of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh was granted a charter, in March of 1584, to colonize the new land the Queen had named Virginia.

Sometimes Mother Nature does an exceptional job of creating a place where beauty, healing, rejuvenation, and tranquility all blend together to provide an exquisite paradise. The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina is just such a place.

Long before North Carolina became a state in November of 1789, an incident happened that became America's most haunting mystery.

The Three Sisters, corn, squash and beans, have always been a mainstay to the diets of most Native Americans. When these crops were introduced to the Iroquois and other tribes, they were a great compliment to the meats provided by the hunters.

The most unusual story is one where the testimony of a ghost was upheld in court as evidence of murder.

If we peer into the deep forests and beyond the mists we find places that are filled with legends of mystery and myths that come from ages past.

There was always a Granny close enough to fetch for help.Granny Women knew the way of herbs and home remedies and also witchcraft.

Although the trial of Grace was the last witch trial held in North America, today she is remembered and honored as a healer, herbalist, and a good woman with a kind heart.

There are so many historical sites that will become a treasured memory when pictures, notes, and memorabilia are gathered together in an album in memory of a pivotal time in American history.

When summer time starts rolling around again, thoughts turn to fried chicken and all the picnic foods that will compliment that wonderful fried chicken. I have some great recipes that will be a delicious addition to your picnics and knock the socks off everyone.