Monthly Archives: December 2011

1816: The Year Without Summer

Posted on December 29, 2011 by

The Year Without a Summer (also known as the Poverty Year, Year There Was No Summer, and Eighteen Hundred and Froze to Death) was 1816, in which severe summer climate abnormalities resulted in major food shortages. Much of the cause of this anomaly is blamed on the … Continue reading →

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The Decadent Prince Regent

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

Those of us who regularly “study” the period know as the Regency are well aware of the hedonistic nature of George IV, but many are unaware of the extent of the Prince Regent’s decadent ways. In truth, George IV, the … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Posted on December 25, 2011 by

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my North Carolina Home to Yours. Today, I am watching my favorite Jane Austen movies and writing a new chapter for “A Touch of Grace.” It will be a quiet day, and for that … Continue reading →

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Winners for Jane Austen Birthday Soiree

Posted on December 23, 2011 by

From the many entries of the Jane Austen Birthday Soiree, I am pleased to announce the winners of a copy of Christmas at Pemberley. Because of the large number of entrants, I have added an extra copy of the book … Continue reading →

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Favorite Sayings and The Allure of Days Gone By…

Posted on December 22, 2011 by

(In cleaning out some of my school files, I came across these common phrases and their sources. Enjoy!!!) Here are some facts about the 1500s: People married in June. Most had taken their yearly bath in May, so the bride … Continue reading →

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You Know You Are a Kid of the 90s If…

Posted on December 21, 2011 by

(While cleaning out files today, I came across this list. I wondered how many of these my son would remember.) You know you are a 90s kid if… You’ve ever ended a sentence with the word “Psyche!” You can sing … Continue reading →

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My Week with Jane Austen (as described in a letter to her cousin, Lady Williams)

Posted on December 16, 2011 by

16 December 2011 Dearest Cousin Jane, our own Lady Williams, Today has been the most glorious of days. Against the wishes of my dear family, I have, reluctantly, answered the prayers of a most amenable lady, Miss Regina Jeffers, who … Continue reading →

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Jane Austen Birthday Blog Giveaways

Posted on December 16, 2011 by

   Please visit each of the other participants in today’s Austen Birthday Tour. At each, fabulous Austen-related prizes and books are available. Leave a comment on each blog to be eligible for that particular giveaway. Drawings will be conducted on … Continue reading →

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The Border Wars – England and Scotland

Posted on December 14, 2011 by

   The political struggle that has dominated much of England/Scotland’s history was often a result of the border wars. In Elizabethan times the Anglo-Scottish border counties, especially Northumberland, were the home of lawless clans who spent their lives raiding and … Continue reading →

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Galley Cat’s Idea for a Book Christmas Tree – Love It!!!!

Posted on December 13, 2011 by

I would so love to do this!!! How about you? This comes from a December 12, 2011, post from Galley Cat. The short article invites others to do the same – to make their own book Christmas Trees and then … Continue reading →

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