It wasn't just the T&A that piqued my curiosity about Frank De Blase's "Peel & Squeal Appeal" lecture last night at the Dryden Theatre. I had spent many an hour in the Williams Research Center while in New Orleans, rolling through microfiche looking at the old Blue Book bordello menus. I've often had the feeling that, in a past life, I was once a madam managing such an establishment in New Orleans. And, although a burlesque story doesn't have the same ending as one set in a bordello, they both begin with a tease. I

This past weekend, a family dressed in period costume gathered at the village square for East Bloomfield History Days. As they sprawled on a picnic blanket, the image was quintessentially American, and set the tone for the day. Cannons stood guard like sentinels on all four sides of the mound leading up to the Civil War monument -- an obelisk engraved with names and battles, with a pondering Union soldier perched atop. The square was also home to displays of local Civil War-era history, including quilt-making demonstrations, "veterans," and telegraph equipment. As I made my

We didn't know exactly where we were going for the Poags Hole Hillclimb on Sunday, August 17, but it wasn't a problem. We simply followed the motorcycles. At first they came in ones and twos, then they expanded in number the closer we got. As we stopped for gas at what looked to be the last place before turning off the main roads, I got a small dose of what we were in for. The large convenience store parking lot was rimmed with bikes and bikers, and my heart sped up a bit. "Danger, Will Robinson!

When I hadn't received a reply from my second e-mail requesting a reservation for the Victorian Tea at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, I resorted to phoning. Too bad, sold out. I hate when that happens. I made reservations for the following week. I didn't do an event, but I did do something eventful. I went peddle boating, my absolute favorite summertime activity. There are just so many things I love about it, beginning with it being something I can do with only one other person, as they are typically two-seaters. I love one-on-one interactions. So,

The tram ride up to the mansion might have been fun on another day, but this day the rain that blew in the sides of the car magnified the cold and I was just thankful that I didn't have to walk. It wasn't the best day to tour Sonnenberg's gardens, but the dull gray sky, drizzle, and chill in the air was the fitting prerequisite for a hot cup of tea. The Victorian Tea was held inside because of the weather, which was an added surprise. Card tables were covered with flowered cloths, lovely mismatched china settings, and