Trivia

Potlucks and a Recipe

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. A few weeks ago hubby’s family held their annual family reunion. It’s always such fun to see everyone, to note the changes that have taken place in the family – marriages, births, graduations and, sadly deaths. There are family tree documents to be updated, mementos and photos to look at and stories to share. And of course there are the oodles and oodles of yummy food dishes to partake of.

Which brings me to the subject of today’s post. I was wondering about the history of potluck events and so did a little research and thought I’d share the results with all of you.

A Brief History

It turns out the term “potluck” has been in use for centuries. Its earliest known usage dates back to the 16th century. In his play *”Unfortunate Traveler”, English playwright Thomas Nash used “pot-lucke” to refer to an impromptu meal, where a guest would take whatever food was available in the pot—which is where the “luck” came in. 🙂

While early references to potluck seem to suggest folks shared whatever food was on hand, the idea evolved over time, particularly in the U.S. It came to mean a coordinated event where each attendee contributes a dish of their choosing. In fact, the concept of gatherings where meals are shared has deep roots in American culture. Early on, pioneers and settlers were often isolated, and community gatherings were a way to pool resources and support one another. In most of the 19th century, potlucks were commonly associated with church socials and community events, especially in rural areas.

The potluck as we know it today became popular in the 20th century, particularly in regions with strong agricultural roots. The economic realities of the Great Depression and war years reinforced the importance of thrift and resourcefulness, and potlucks offered an affordable way for communities to come together. Families would often prepare large, shareable dishes like casseroles or Jell-O salads, foods that became iconic at mid-century potlucks.

Today, while potlucks still carry that practical, communal spirit, they’ve also become more personalized, with people bringing signature dishes or experimenting with new trends like favorite soups, vegan, or gluten-free.

 

Trivia and Stats

  • Classic potluck favorites include casseroles, pasta salads, baked beans, deviled eggs, and Jello salads.
  • Interestingly, a 2019 survey found that 46% of potluck attendees brought some form of baked dish (such as lasagna or baked ziti), while about 23% brought desserts, especially cookies and pies.
  • Modern potlucks often have themes, ranging from international cuisine to comfort food to breakfast for dinner potlucks. Themes can help add an extra layer of fun and creativity, inspiring people to try new dishes.
  • Did you know the world’s largest potluck was held in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 2008? It involved over 8,000 people bringing dishes, making it a major event! The diversity of dishes at this gathering set a world record.
  • Workplace potlucks are especially popular, as they allow colleagues to bond over food. A survey found that 67% of American workers have participated in at least one office potluck, and about 85% of them said it helped boost team morale.
  • Potlucks are most common around the holidays, with approximately 76% of respondents saying they attend at least one potluck during the Thanksgiving to Christmas season. The Fourth of July and Easter are also popular potluck holidays.
  • While the heart of potlucks lies in homemade dishes, many attendees admit to taking shortcuts. About 35% of potluck participants say they’ve brought a store-bought dish at least once!
  • With an increase in dietary restrictions, potluck hosts are becoming more mindful. A study revealed that 52% of potluck hosts now request attendees label their dishes to indicate whether they are vegetarian, gluten-free, or contain common allergens like nuts.

At their core, potlucks are about more than just food—they’re about building connections, creating shared experiences, and encouraging everyone to contribute something meaningful. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, there’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about gathering around a table of home-cooked (or at least thoughtfully selected) dishes.

So how do you feel about potlucks? Do you enjoy them? Is there a favorite dish you like to bring when you go to one? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my books.

Oh, and here is the recipe I promised you – it’s the dish I brought to this year’s reunion.

I created this recipe by combining my favorite parts of a couple I found in magazines and adding my own touches to it.

 

Spanish Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

(This recipe serves 12 – all items can be halved if you want to prepare a smaller batch)

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Shrimp
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 lb Smoked Sausage (I substitute Andouille)
  • 12 ounce package of Yellow Rice
  • 1 cup diced Red Onion
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes
  • 10 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 small stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cup Frozen Peas
  • (optional) Additional Chopped Green Chilies or Jalepenos to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the Rice according to the package directions.
  • While rice is cooking, spray cooking spray over a large non-stick skillet; heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add Sausage Red Onion and celery. Cook and stir until sausage is cooked through and onion becomes translucent (about 5 to 7 minutes).
  • Stir in both cans of Tomatoes and the Broth. Bring contents to a boil then lower the heat. Simmer, uncovered for about 10 minutes.
  • Add in the Shrimp, Peas, (and optional Green Chile Peppers if desired). Cook, continuing to stir until the shrimp is pink and opaque (about 5-8 minutes). Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
  • Combine contents of the skillet together with cooked Rice and serve.

Note: This recipe can be made the day before and then heated before serving

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh Yum!

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. I’m working on a new Western historical set in 1897 (More on that in a future post!) In one of the scenes I was writing I needed to come up with a treat for a two-year-old that could be bought at a general store.

Thinking of my own grandson, his favorite treats are goldfish crackers. Of course those weren’t around in 1897. But my mind made one of those leaps to animal crackers (fish – animals, yeah my mind works in strange ways). So I did a little digging and Eureka! Animal crackers were first produced in the US in 1871. Problem solved.

But while I was digging into this, I uncovered a few interesting tidbits I thought I’d share with you today.

The story of animal crackers begins in England, where biscuits (as the British call cookies) shaped like animals were first produced in the mid 1800s. These early versions were simply called “animals” and quickly became popular as a fun and playful treat. They were particularly popular among children, who loved the idea of munching on little edible zoo animals.

But it wasn’t long before animal crackers made their way across the Atlantic to America. In the late 1800s, American bakeries began producing their own versions of these animal-shaped biscuits. The most notable of these was the Stauffer Biscuit Company, which started making animal crackers in 1871. However, it was the National Biscuit Company—known today as Nabisco—that truly cemented animal crackers’ place in American culture.

In 1902, Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animals, the iconic brand of animal crackers that we still see on store shelves today. The crackers were named after the famous showman P.T. Barnum and his traveling circus, which was a beloved form of entertainment at the time. The packaging itself was a work of art—a small, rectangular box designed to look like a circus train car, complete with a string for hanging on Christmas trees. This brilliant marketing strategy helped make Barnum’s Animals a holiday favorite, and the brand has been associated with fun and festivity ever since.

Over the years, the cast of animal characters has evolved. Originally, there were 18 different animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and camels. However, new animals have been introduced, and others have retired to the great zoo in the sky. In 2002, Nabisco even held a contest to let the public vote on a new animal to join the mix, with the koala emerging as the winner. Today, there are 19 different animals in the Barnum’s Animals lineup. They are: Lion, Tiger, Bear, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopotamus, Camel, Kangaroo, Monkey, Rhinoceros, Seal, Gorilla, Sheep, Bison, Leopard, Penguin, Koala and Polar Bear.

One major change occurred in 2018 when, after more than a century, the design of the Barnum’s Animals box was updated. In response to a campaign by animal rights activists, Nabisco redesigned the packaging to show the animals roaming free in their natural habitats, rather than being caged in circus cars. This change was a nod to changing social values, emphasizing animal welfare and conservation.

Animal crackers aren’t just a snack—they’ve become a cultural icon. They’ve appeared in movies, TV shows, and even songs. Who can forget Shirley Temple’s famous rendition of “Animal Crackers in My Soup”? This playful tune helped cement the snack’s place in pop culture, making it a beloved treat for generations. If you’ve never heard it, or just want to hear it again, here’s the LINK.

Beyond their nostalgic appeal, animal crackers have also inspired creative culinary uses. From pie crusts to cheesecake bases, these versatile crackers add a touch of whimsy to any dessert. And let’s not forget the chocolate-dipped versions, which elevate the humble animal cracker into a truly indulgent treat.


Fun Facts and Trivia

The average box of Barnum’s Animals contains 22 crackers. That’s 22 little animals to bring a smile to your face!

In the 1930s, Nabisco considered adding a kangaroo to the mix but ultimately decided against it.

The monkey is often considered the rarest of the animal cracker shapes, as it’s produced less frequently than other animals. (No indication as to why…)

Animal crackers were reportedly one of President Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite snacks. He even served them at the White House!

While animal crackers are a distinctly American treat, they have international versions too! In Japan, they’re called “dobutsu biscuits” and are often paired with educational games about animals.

Nabisco, the most famous producer of animal crackers with their Barnum’s Animals brand, produces approximately 40 million boxes of animal crackers each year. That’s around 4,000 tons of animal crackers!

In 1995, a sculptor named Nancy Rubins created a massive installation called Monument to the Last Horse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The sculpture used thousands of animal crackers embedded in concrete, making it one of the most unique uses of the snack.

In 2002, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Barnum’s Animals, Nabisco created the world’s largest box of animal crackers. The box measured 8 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, containing a whopping 3,000 pounds of animal crackers. (I wonder what happened to them?)

In 2010, Stauffer’s, another major producer of animal crackers, released a limited-edition “Endangered Species” set of animal crackers to raise awareness about conservation. The crackers featured animals like pandas, gorillas, and polar bears.

On a personal level, I have memories of eating these as a kid myself. And yes, my siblings and I would sometimes play with them rather than eating them, pretending they were animals in a zoo or even in the wild. And I remember giving them to my own children who happily munched on them, pretending they were eating real wild animals.

Do you have any memories of animal crackers, either from your own experiences or of giving them to the children in your life? Share your stories in the comments to be entered in a drawing for one of my books.

Cowboy Slang Fun and Giveaway

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It’s been a while since I’ve played a game here and had a giveaway, so I thought I’d do both today. And what better topic than one of my favorites:  cowboy lingo. But this time, there’s a twist. All the lingo refers to food.

So, the rules are pretty simple. This is a matching game. Match the numbered word in the left column with the letter definition in the right column. Put your answers in the comments, and I’ll randomly draw a winner from all those who answered correctly.

 

 

An example answer might be:  1b, 2d, 3a, etc. (note, these are NOT correct guesses).

So, come on. Let’s have some fun. The winner will receive my Cowboys and Coffee giveaway which includes a cowboy coffee mug, $5 Starbucks gift card, author bling, and two of my backlist books featuring a guaranteed to swoon over cowboy hero ? (U.S. shipping only, please)

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood for something to eat!

Bandanas – Simple Clothing Decoration or Multi-Functional Accessory?

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As a Harlequin author, I have to suggest cover ideas for the art department. If people are included in my ideas, I asked to describe what they’re wearing. If winter, they might have on heavy coats. If summer, they could be in shorts. Since my heroes are always cowboys, my list of clothing looks something like this: a Stetson, boots, belt, jeans, and a western cut shirt.

One article of clothing I always leave off my list but that my hero almost always carries or wears is a bandana. That recently got me to thinking about all the many uses for bandana, both in yesteryears and today. Me being me, I did a little research.

 

                             

Early Indian Block Painted Fabric                  George Washington on horseback 1780

It seems the bandana originated in late 1600s in Southern Aisa and the Middle East. They were made by pressing pre-carved blocks into pieces of woven fabric, infusing the fabric with dyes made from plants. These pieces of printed fabric began to reach Europe in the early 1700s, likely brought back by traders. Among Europeans, a repeating pattern of teardrop shapes gained popularity and came to be called “Paisley”.

From there, the bandana traveled with ship passengers to the colonies. Because of its natural versatility, no wonder it continued to gain even more popularity, head west with pioneers, and become standard issue for the American cowboy.

                     

Here are just a few uses for the versatile bandana:

Warmth in cold weather

Protection from sun exposure

Filter dust to make breathing easier during dust storms

Collect perspiration around neck

A handy wipe/rag for drying or cleaning

A napkin to wipe your face

Blowing your nose

A hairband

A scarf to warm ears

A mask for bank robbers

A gag for silencing hostages

Decorative accent when dressing up

Tourniquet to stop a wound from bleeding

A sling to support a broken arm

Wrap up a bundle of goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What about you? Do you have any uses for a bandana that I haven’t included here? Let me know in the comments below. We can have fun sharing ?

 

Pecans – Fun Facts & Trivia

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. November is pecan season here in NW Louisiana. There are quite a few pecan trees in hubby’s pastures and even one in my own backyard and they’ve all been carpeting the ground with their fruit the past few weeks. And since I’ve got pecans on my mind lately I thought I’d share some facts and trivia I discovered

HISTORY

  • Pecans are the only nut tree species that originated in America.
  • Native American tribes have relied on pecans as a valuable food source for thousands of years. They harvested pecans from the wild and incorporated them into their diets, using the nuts fresh from the tree and also storing them for later use. Pecans served as a crucial source of nutrition, especially during the lean winter months. The name “pecan” is actually a Native American word that comes from the Algonquin word “paccan” that was used to describe “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.”
  • The introduction of pecans to European settlers was a significant milestone in pecan history. Early European explorers and colonists encountered pecans in the New World, and they were quick to recognize their value. Pecans were collected, cultivated, and integrated into European cuisine. This marked the beginning of the pecan’s journey from a regional Native American staple to a broader American and international audience.
  • During the American Civil War, pecans played a vital role in providing sustenance to both soldiers and civilians on both sides. Pecans were a readily available food source in the South, and their nutritional value made them a valuable addition to rations. Pecan trees dotted the landscape, providing a reliable and accessible food source when other supplies were scarce.

SOME  TRIVIA

  • Pecan trees come in a wide range of varieties, In fact there are over 1,000 varieties but just a few of them make up the majority of the production in the US and each has its own unique characteristics. Here are three of the more popular varieties
      • The Stuart pecan is one of the most common varieties. It’s known for its robust flavor and large-sized nuts. These pecans are popular for their rich, buttery taste and versatility in various recipes. They also do well farther north than most other pecan varieties.
      • The Desirable pecan lives up to its name, offering a desirable taste. Another thing that sets it apart is its relatively easy-to-crack shells, which can be a time-saver for home bakers and commercial producers alike.
      • The Elliot pecan is appreciated for its consistent quality and reliable production, making it a favorite choice among pecan growers. Its moderate size and thin shell also make it a popular pick.
  • Pecans thrive in primarily the Southeast and South Central states. Georgia is often called the “Pecan State” and leads the nation in pecan production, contributing approximately 100 million pounds to the annual harvest. Texas is another major pecan producer as are New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arizona (I was surprised that I didn’t see Louisiana and Mississippi in that list).
  • In Native American culture, pecan trees are seen as symbols of strength, endurance, and wisdom, representing the connection between humans and nature.
  • The pecan pie is a quintessential American dessert and is believed to have originated in the southern United States. One theory is that it was created by the French people who had settled in New Orleans. The classic pecan pie consists of a sweet, gooey filling made from pecans, sugar, butter, and often corn syrup, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
  • Pecan pralines are another true Southern delight. Pecan pralines are a confectionery masterpiece that combine the richness of pecans with a sweet, buttery, and creamy caramelized sugar mixture. The result is a texture that’s simultaneously smooth and crunchy, with the unmistakable taste of pecans running through every bite.
  • Thomas Jefferson had pecan trees imported from Louisiana for his Monticello orchards.
  • During World War II, pecans played a surprising role in the war effort. Pecan oil, extracted from pecans, was used in the production of explosives and lubricants. The nut’s high oil content made it a valuable resource for the military.
  • Pecan shells have also been utilized in unusual ways. During WW II roasted pecan shells were often used as a substitute for coffee. And they have more recently been utilized as a base material for mulch and even as a natural abrasive in industrial cleaning products.
  • Georgia pecan wood was selected by the Atlanta Committee to make the handles of the torches for the 1996 Olympic Games. The torches were carried in the 15,000-mile U.S.A. relay and in the lighting of the Olympic flame in Atlanta on July 19, 1996.

STATISTICS

  • In 2022 there were approximately 407,000 acres of bearing pecan trees.
  • The U.S. produces about 80 percent of the world’s pecan crop.
  • It takes around 12 years for pecan trees to mature enough to begin producing pecans.
  • Pecan trees can live for several centuries, and some of the oldest known pecan trees in the U.S. are estimated to be well over 200 years old.
  • Pecans are one of the largest fruit-bearing trees. The largest pecan tree on record had a canopy that spanned over 200 feet.
  • Pecans are not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious. A one-ounce serving provides around 196 calories, 2.6 grams of protein, 20.3 grams of healthy fats, and a good dose of dietary fiber. They are also an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, and other essential nutrients. These nutrients make pecans a nutritious snack or ingredient for various dishes.
  • And average Pecan pie uses about 78 pecans.
  • The “Oldest Continuous Pecan Festival” in the U.S. is the Sorghum Festival and Pecan Festival in the small town of Blairsville, Georgia, which has been celebrating pecans for over 50 years.

 

So there you have it, my curated list of everything you always wanted to know about pecans. Did any of this surprise you? Do you have a favorite recipe that includes pecans? Do you even like pecans?  Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for one of my books.

Riders of the Purple Sage – 5 Movie Versions

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We went out to dinner with friends a couple weekends ago and had a lovely time. One topic of discussion that came up was the famous western author Zane Grey and how many times his book, Riders of the Purple Sage was made into a movie. I insisted it was five, while one of our companions was certain it was four. Well, I was correct. But the real takeaway from this story is that a classic western book has been into a movie five times. That’s pretty impressive.

The first was in 1918 and starred William Farnum and Mary Mersch. Yes, it was a silent movie.

 

The second was in 1925 and starred Tom Mix (a very popular cowboy actor who appeared in 291 films) and Mabel Ballin. This was also a silent movie.

The third, the first movie with sound, was in 1931 and starred George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill.

The fourth was in 1941 and starred George Montgomery (married to Dinah Shore and once engaged to Hedy Lamar) and Mary Howard (a founding member of Recording for the Blind.

The fifth and last was in 1996 and starred Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. This was a TV movie and not a theatrical release.

Other interesting tidbits about this book. In 1952, Dell released a comic book version. It was also adapted into an opera by compose Craig Bohmler — our dinner companion knew and offered up this fact. Three separate western bands have gone by the name Riders of the Purple Sage. Lastly, the author breaks a huge rule by telling the story from an anonymous third-person, omniscient point-of-view.

I’ve watched the 1931, 1941 and 1996 movies, though years ago. I’m thinking now I need to search online and find out if there’s a way I can watch the first two. Would be interesting comparing them to the others.

A Few Random Cow Facts

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I love random facts (science teacher) and today I’m sharing some cow facts with you.

First the nomenclature–A cow is a female bovine. A bull is an intact male bovine. A steer is a neutered male. A heifer is a young cow that has not yet had a calf.  Cattle is the term for a group of various bovines. I’m calling them all cows today. 🙂

Now the factoids–

Cows can run up to 25 miles per hour, however, they only run in short bursts.

Cows can jump a 5-foot fence, often from a standing position.

Cows have eyes set to the side and have trouble seeing directly in front of them. They see very well to the side and behind, so it’s difficult to sneak up on them. Their panoramic vision is close to 360 degrees.

Cows are super social. They depend on the herd for protection, so they don’t like to be alone. Cows will sometimes make best friends.

Cows can smell up to six miles away.

Cows are good swimmers. A cow in the Netherlands swam 62 miles during a flood.

Cows live 15-20 years.

Cows can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Most weight between 900 and 2,000 pounds.

Cows have no upper teeth in the front of their mouth. They grind their food between the teeth in their bottom jaw and a hard dental pad on the roof of their mouth. They have molars in both upper and lower jaws, however, and when they burp their food back into their mouths to chew for a second digestion (the cud) they chew with the molars to further break it down.

Cows do not really have four stomachs–they have a compartmentalized stomach with each of the four compartments having a different job in digestion.

Oxen are cows or bulls that have been bred to work. They are larger and stronger than the average bull or cow, thus the term “as strong as an ox.” If male, they are generally neutered.

Cows produce 20-40 quarts of saliva a day. They need this much saliva to get dry hay processed in their digestive system. The saliva also aids in cud chewing.

And finally…cow tipping is probably NOT a thing, because cows sleep laying down.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the random cow facts. If it weren’t for cows, we’d have no cowboys, so I’m grateful for this amazing animal!

 

 

 

 

Rocking Chair Trivia Quiz!

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I’ve been having a lot of fun researching my new series, The Rocking Chair Ranch. For no reason in particular, this got me to thinking about the history of rocking chairs. I mean, did they start with mothers wanting a way to soothe their fussy babies to sleep or elderly people who sought to relieve their weary bones? Whichever, rocking chairs have long provided natural relief for life’s little discomforts.

So, just for fun, I put together a short trivia quiz about rocking chairs. Let’s see how many of them you get right. Answers are at the bottom.

  1. When was the first rocking chair invented and where?
  2. Which came first, rocking chairs, rocking horses, or cradles?
  3. Which president had an affinity for rocking chairs (due to a back problem) and owned 14.
  4. Rocking chairs were originally designed as outdoor furniture – true or false?
  5. According to Irish legend, what does an empty rocking chair mean?
  6. Where is the world’s largest rocking chair?
  7. What does the saying ‘off your rocker’ mean?

  1. In 1725, some ingenious person decided to fasten skates to the bottom of an English Yorkshire Windsor chair. It might have looked a little like this chair. Maybe. That person was from North American, so the rocking chair is truly an American invention.

                             

  1. Rocking horses (early 1600s) and cradles (late 1400s) were around long before the rocking chair.

  1. John F. Kennedy. His doctor recommended rocking chairs for is back woes.

  1. True – rocking chairs were invented for the outdoors first.

  1. It’s an invitation for evil spirits — which explains why my mom always put decorative pillows on the seat of our rocking chair.

  1. Casey, Illinois. The chair weighs 46,000 pounds and is made of recycled wood and pipe. That is one big chair.

  1. A little crazy, possible because old people who can suffer from senility often rock in their chairs.

I hope you had a good time today. I learned a lot more about rocking chairs that I put in this post. Hopefully, I’ll find a place for some of it in one of my stories. Thanks for joining me and, in closing, here’s a rocking chair quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

“There are rainy days in autumn and stormy days in winter when the rocking chair in front of the fire simply demands an accompanying book.”

Pam’s 1955 Trivia Challenge Winners!

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Wow, ladies!  I’m impressed that so many of you aced the 1955 Trivia Challenge questions!  In fact, because you did so well, I’m increasing the number of winners to THREE.  I love that you love the 50s as much as I do!

But before I announce my winners, here are the answers:

 

My winners are:

Cherie J

Janice Cole Hopkins

David Bibb

 

Watch for an email from me so that I can mail your prize to you!

(Winners chosen by random.org.  US entries only.)

Play the 1955 Trivia Challenge! ~ Pam Crooks

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If you joined me on October 13th for my “1955 was a Very Good Year” blog (you can view it HERE), then you’ll know 1955 was not only the year I was born, but it’s also the year in which my newest western sweet romance will be set.  (I’m excited to share more later!)  We had so much fun reminiscing about that era and all the wonderful things we grew up with.  It was a blast!

Here’s the trivia game I promised that day.  Please number your answers.

 

 

To be eligible for the prize, all five answers must be correct.  If there are multiple winners, final winner will be chosen via Random.org.

Winner will receive these festive Christmas bookmarks and a pair of horse notepads.  Have Fun!