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Nativities Remain a Christmas Treasure

Christmas collectors often focus on one type of ornament or holiday decoration. Santa, snowmen, angels and reindeer are a few of the characters enthusiasts enjoy. But what could be more appropriate than nativity scenes? There are a wide variety of styles to search for, from fancy expensive sets to handmade and homespun versions and there are many collectors who enjoy saving and displaying creches all over the world. Since most cultures interpret the Christmas story in their own way, there are nativity sets that feature the Holy Family as representing different ethnicities and ...

Mind Your Miles Per Hour

I’ve witnessed it, and you most likely have, too, if you have driven through the construction zone on Interstate 70 through Wheeling and Ohio County. You would think by now, motorists would pay attention to the speed limits and other laws of the road in these areas. Work has been ongoing for quite some time now. Out-of-town drivers have no excuse, either. There is more than adequate signage regarding lane changes and speed limits. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring the construction zones along Two Mile Hill in the area of The Highlands development for ...

A Few of My Favorite Things

Ask anyone, whether for Christmas or Hanukkah, there is one special thing that he or she may display in their homes to mark these celebrations. You know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s the Charlie Brown Christmas tree or the famous leg lamp that finds its way into your front window for all to see. Some may enjoy setting up a train layout under the tree or displaying a family menorah passed down through the generations. Whatever brings about smiles, now is the time to make the season bright. I shook off the gloom of last year’s holidays and have managed to get the tree up. ...

Lesson Learned At Lowe’s

A recent trip to Lowe’s in Wheeling has renewed my belief that people are just nicer in this valley. Case in point: our purchase of the day included two large sheets of plywood. After the sticker shock, I was offering to help my better half maneuver the sheets into a cart when two gentlemen stepped in to provide assistance. These two guys didn’t work there; they were there on their own mission to purchase items to complete a project. The wood shavings on their shirts gave a hint as to their work. These two good Samaritans would not allow me to handle the plywood, thus ...

Christmas Is Here, Bring Out Your Treasures

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is everywhere. It seems the season moves rapidly forward with little time for Advent or waiting. But so much depends on the holiday season, from Black Friday business promotions, to family gatherings, travel, work and school schedules, that it’s easy to see how the holidays take over. I just started my decorating this weekend. Like most antique enthusiasts, I have vintage Santas, antique trees, special ornaments for the tree and other treasures that I enjoy. Do you have a favorite ornament on your Christmas tree? There are so many choices, ...

Thanksgiving Gatherings Bring Antiques to the Table

Antiques and Thanksgiving just naturally go together. After all, fall is the time for enjoying family, friends, your home and hearth. So, what better time to pull out your treasures and feature them on the table. From platters to china patterns, to serving dishes and table linens, antiques enhance the table setting immeasurably and add to the tastiness of a turkey dinner. Antique butter dishes are one of the simple pleasures that dress up the table in an easy way. These utilitarian dishes are also a stand-alone collectible that antique enthusiasts have long appreciated. But ...