The Most Haunted Places in the US: Part 1

In honor of Halloween this month, I found an article on scenicstates.com detailing the most haunted places in America.

1. Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

First opened in 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary was the largest, most expensive public structure in the US.

It was designed to encourage separate confinement as a form of penitence, with the idea that time alone would inspire criminals toward spiritual reflection and eventually change.

The idea was that inmates would be alone in their cells but visited from time to time by prison guards and counselors.

In reality, the prison guards designed a variety of physical and psychological torture, such as dousing inmates outside with freezing water or placing them in “The Hole,” a pit dug below a cell block where they stay alone with no light, no human contact, and very little food.

The penitentiary ceased to be a prison in 1969 but reopened as a museum holding daytime and night tours, as well as a venue for a seven-week Halloween Festival.

Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, echoes, and laughter; seeing shadows on the walls just in one’s peripheral vision; feeling such dark, negative energy that it’s almost a blow.

Because of these reports over the decades, this penitentiary has been a favorite of paranormal experts.

2. Moon River Brewing Company (Savannah, Georgia)

The building where the Moon River Brewing Company is now located started out as the City Hotel in 1821. It was the first hotel in Savannah and the first branch of the USPS.

During the yellow fever outbreak in the 1870s, the building was used as a makeshift hospital, and people who died back then were said to be the source of many of the ghosts.

Known ghosts that haunt the building include the “Lady in White,” James Stark (a gambler who was killed in the building), “Mrs. Johnson,” and “Toby.”

Thus, this is known as one of the most haunted restaurants in America.

3. Villisca Ax Murder House (Villisca, Iowa)

The Villisca Ax Murder House was the site of an infamous massacre.

On the morning of June 10, 1912, the bodies of six members of the Moore family (four of them children aged under 12) and two Stillinger sisters (both of them aged under 12) were found bludgeoned to death.

Over the years, many possible suspects were investigated, with one of them, Rev. George Kelly being tried twice; the first trial ended with a hung jury while the second one ended with an acquittal.

The crime remains officially unsolved.

Perhaps because this case is unresolved, the spirits are said to still haunt the house, even after its renovation in the 1990s and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

It remains one of the most haunted places in America.

Disembodied screams and giggles, a strange fog moving from room to room, and unexplained movements of things in the house are just some of the reported happenings in the house.

Experience them yourself by booking a daytime tour or an overnight stay, depending on your tolerance for possible encounters with the spirits.

SOURCE: SCENICSTATES.COM

Maine State Flower: White Pine Cone & Tassel

White pine cone and tassel (Pinus strobus, linnaeus). Adopted by the Legislature of 1895. The White pine is considered to be the largest conifer in the northeastern United States. Leaves (needles) are soft, flexible and bluish-green to silver green in color and are regularly arranged in bundles of five. Needles are 2 1/2-5 inches long and are usually shed at the end of the second growing season. Flowers (strobili) occur on the tree. Cones are 4-8 inches in length, usually slightly curved. Cone scales are thin and never have prickles. Cones also have a fragrant gummy resin.

DIY: Halloween Decorations

I love to drive around looking at Halloween decorations, especially the houses that really go all out! Those huge skeletons are still very popular around here, but if you don’t want to spend a fortune, here are a couple of ideas to make some decorations yourself!

Plastic Bag Ghosts

This is a quick and easy Halloween decoration! Take white bags—smaller grocery bags for little ghosts and trash bags for larger ghosts. (If using one trash bag, you could also cut it into several smaller ghosts as well). You cut a rectangle, putting the seam at the top for the head. Then cut slits in the bottom section leaving the top uncut for the head. Then stuff the top with stuffing OR use smaller white trash bags and tie off (to create the head). Use a marker to draw on a face and then use string to hang them.

This is another option for Halloween Ghosts!

To make this cute and spooky ghost gathering, use glue dots to stick construction-paper eyes and mouths onto white tissue-paper bells, then drape them with cheesecloth.

The third ghost option uses and old plastic bottle, a balloon, a wire hanger, spray starch and some cheesecloth.

Happy Haunting!

What Shall We Bake Today?

I found an interesting recipe to try…Homemade Butterfingers!

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups corn flakes

1/3 cup maple syrup (can substitute honey)

1 cup creamy (salted peanut butter)

1 cup regular chocolate chips (melted)

Instructions

Start by crushing the cornflakes until there are no big chunks left. You can do this in a ziplock bag or in a large bowl with a smaller bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup and peanut butter until fully combined.

Add the mixture into the corn flakes and mix until well incorporated.

Form the pieces into candy bar shapes, or for Easter, I did easter eggs. But you can do circles or rectangles for a more classic look.

Place these on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper and freeze for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, melt the chocolate on the stovetop or in the microwave. If melting in the microwave, do it with a 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil and heat in 30 second increments, stirring well in between each round.

Then dip and coat each piece in the chocolate and place back on the parchment paper and freeze for 10 more minutes before enjoying.

ENJOY!

What Shall We Make Today?

Need an easy after school treat? How about No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies!

Ingredients

2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 stick salted butter

1/2 cup whole milk

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut, plus more for garnish

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. kosher salt

Directions

Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.

Bring the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Let boil for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until mixture measures 230°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the oats, coconut, peanut butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, vanilla, and salt until combined.

Working quickly before the mixture sets up, drop tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared pans, flattening slightly, if you like. Immediately sprinkle with more coconut; press gently to help the coconut stick to the cookies. Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week—if they last that long!

ENJOY!

CHUCK

Today is Zachery Levi’s birthday and I know him from his hit tv series Chuck. Zachery plays a computer nerd who accidentally downloads a computer into his brain and falls in love with the beautiful CIA agent tasked with protecting him.

This article on Facts.net detail facts about the actor’s life.

From Fact.net:

Early Life and Background

Zachary Levi, known for his charming personality and versatile acting skills, has an interesting background that shaped his career.

Born on September 29, 1980, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Zachary Levi Pugh grew up in a family with deep roots in the South.

Levi’s family moved around a lot during his childhood, living in different states like California, Texas, and Colorado.

He discovered his passion for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and community theater productions.

Rise to Fame

Levi’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success. He worked hard to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

His first significant role came in the TV series “Less Than Perfect,” where he played Kipp Steadman from 2002 to 2006.

Levi’s big break came with the lead role in the NBC series “Chuck,” where he played Chuck Bartowski, a computer geek turned spy.

For his role in “Chuck,” Levi performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his dedication to the character.

Voice Acting and Animation

Levi’s talents extend beyond live-action roles. He has also made a mark in the world of animation.

He voiced the character Flynn Rider in Disney’s animated film “Tangled,” which became a huge hit.

Levi reprised his role as Flynn Rider in the short film “Tangled Ever After” and the TV series “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”

His voice acting skills earned him a nomination for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Voice.

Superhero Stardom

Levi’s career took a heroic turn when he joined the DC Extended Universe.

He starred as the titular character in the 2019 film “Shazam!,” bringing a mix of humor and heart to the role.

To prepare for “Shazam!,” Levi underwent intense physical training, gaining significant muscle mass to portray the superhero.

Levi’s performance in “Shazam!” was praised for its blend of comedy and action, making the film a box office success.

Musical Talents

Levi’s talents aren’t limited to acting. He also has a passion for music.

He performed a duet with Mandy Moore for the song “I See the Light” in “Tangled,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Levi made his Broadway debut in the musical “First Date,” showcasing his singing and dancing abilities.

He starred in the Broadway revival of “She Loves Me,” earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

Personal Life and Interests

Levi’s personal life and interests reveal a multifaceted individual beyond his on-screen persona.

He is an avid gamer and has participated in various gaming events and conventions.

Levi is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression.

He founded the company The Nerd Machine, which celebrates nerd culture and hosts the annual Nerd HQ event.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Levi is dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable efforts.

He supports Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates.

Levi has participated in numerous charity events, including the annual Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge.

He is involved with the charity group Active Minds, which focuses on mental health education and advocacy for young adults.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known facts about Zachary Levi that add to his intriguing persona.

Levi is fluent in French, a skill he picked up during his time in high school.

He is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying planes in his free time.

Levi has a black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing his dedication to martial arts.

He is a huge fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and often references it in interviews and social media posts.

Zachary Levi: A True Hero On and Off Screen

Zachary Levi’s journey from TV’s “Chuck” to the big screen’s “Shazam!” shows his versatility and dedication. His passion for acting, singing, and even his entrepreneurial spirit with Nerd HQ highlights his multifaceted talent. Beyond his professional achievements, Levi’s openness about mental health struggles and advocacy work makes him a relatable and inspiring figure. His commitment to fitness and healthy living also sets a positive example for fans. Whether he’s making us laugh, inspiring us with his resilience, or entertaining us with his performances, Levi proves he’s more than just a superhero on screen. He’s a real-life hero, using his platform to make a difference. So, next time you watch “Shazam!” or catch an episode of “Chuck,” remember the incredible journey and the man behind the character. Zachary Levi truly embodies what it means to be a hero.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET

Happy North Carolina Day!

Trip Advisor suggests these MUST-SEE places in North Carolina if you’re planning on visiting.

Biltmore Estate

This historic country estate in Asheville spans 8,000 acres and is centered on America’s largest private home, the Biltmore House. Besides touring the lavish Châteauesque-style mansion and admiring its architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, you can also book a stay at the estate’s hotel, inn or cottages. Start the morning with a massage at the estate’s spa, go shopping at Antler Hill Village, tackle a hiking trail, and wind down with a meal and a glass of red at the restaurant and winery.

The North Carolina Arboretum

Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

A 52-mile rail journey through valleys, inside winding tunnels and across spectacular gorges of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Battleship North Carolina

As you walk the decks of the NORTH CAROLINA, imagine yourself in the South Pacific during WWII searching the sky for enemy aircraft, anticipating what may happen next. Step aboard the most decorated US Battleship of WWII! Explore nine decks, crew’s quarters, gun turrets, and much more. Discover where history comes alive. Located at the junctions of highways 17, 76, 74, 421 on the Cape Fear River across from historic downtown Wilmington.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The Southeast’s largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014. General admission is free.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Happy National Day of Forgiveness

We’ve all been there—in the course of your life, someone did something awful that hurt you for which you harbor resentment. If you google “forgiveness,” there are many articles about the merits of forgiveness—in essence, how it benefits you, how much better things would be if you let go, and how it’s about releasing yourself from the prison of the victim role.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened or what someone did to you is okay but that you choose not to hold on to pain—that’s agency. It’s not letting the person who wronged you off the hook, but about freeing yourself from carrying around the heavy burden of having been wronged.

When I was twelve years old, my family visited extended family in the Midwest—cousins with respective families that hadn’t talked to each other for decades. The reason: one of the wives had made chicken soup when the other visited for dinner, and a bone was left in the soup that one of the brothers almost choked on. He didn’t die, but from that day forward, they didn’t speak. Neither family was willing to forgive the other. I wondered then and wonder now if maybe they didn’t know how to.

How do you do it? Forgive someone who’s wronged you, who’s done something terrible, or said something really hurtful to you?

We all carry baggage. The key to a sense of personal peace and joy is processing, learning and letting go. Letting it go is among the greatest gifts you give to yourself. Forgiveness is letting yourself out of the jail of holding on to pain.

These are some of the best steps toward forgiving:

Just think about possibly forgiving: You begin with entertaining the notion of forgiving—just thinking about it. You ask yourself, “Maybe it’s time?”
Imagine what it would look and feel like: If you think forgiving might be the way to go, think about what it would look like if you were to forgive the person who wronged you. How might your exchanges differ, if at all, or how would you then regard the person in the context of what happened? Does it mean you would have to see the person or resume a fractured relationship? Does it mean that things would be brushed under the rug? Would you trust them? Would you lose the status of the injured or wronged party? And what comes along with that? Would it look like what happened was not as awful as it was for you? Thinking about it begins to shed light on what might be the reason for holding on to hurt. That’s a step closer to letting go.
Ask yourself if this is the right time: How do you forget and forfeit the feelings of hurt that have been the result of what happened? What replaces those feelings? Do you feel pressured to forgive this minute, or can you work on it gradually? Give yourself the space and permission to take the time you need.
Plan to protect yourself from future hurt: How will you protect yourself from future hurt? It doesn’t mean you can or should trust the person going forward. It means that you trust yourself to move on—that’s the gift to yourself. But you can plan to, for example, limit time together with the person or plan an exit in the event they say something hurtful again.
How will you fill the space of not holding a grudge? What will be your new narrative? Something like, “That person did something really awful to me but I’m past that.” It’s a greater sense of, “I’ll be alright, even if something horrible was done to me.” It’s a shift from victim to empowerment—the relinquishing of your role as a victim, empowering yourself to feel differently, choosing to not hurt as much and eventually heal.
Make the decision to forgive: Allow yourself to heal with time. Forgiveness is a decision. Healing will follow.

One thing I’ve learned as a therapist is that people can be in their own world, looking at life through their own lens, and sometimes don’t even realize they’ve hurt someone with words or actions. Evil exists in this world and some hurt imposed on others is purposeful and deliberate, but we have the option to relinquish hurt. To do so is a powerful choice and subsequent gift we give ourselves.

Forgiveness is not easy. Figuring out how to forgive someone is oftentimes the work of therapy—time well spent investing in yourself. But the consequence of holding on to resentment and hurt comes with the price of carrying around a burden that you might want to shed.

SOURCE: PSYCHOLOGYTODAY.COM

Louisiana State Tree Bald Cyprus

The bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is the state tree of Louisiana, and these native trees can be observed growing throughout Louisiana and the entire southeastern United States. Bald cypress trees do well in moist, acidic soils and flooded areas; however, they are also adapted to dry soils, allowing bald cypress to thrive in almost any Louisiana environment. Bald cypress trees are adapted to very hot and humid environments, making them a perfect fit for Louisiana summers.

The bald cypress is a deciduous conifer, which means it is one of the few cone-bearing plants that loses its needles in the fall. Trees will often grow up to 70 feet tall and as wide as 25 feet. Older specimens are capable of reaching upwards of 150 feet in height. Bald cypress is known for its attractive pyramidal shape, with lacy green needlelike leaves, which resemble feathers. Leaves from the bald cypress turn a wonderful rust to orange color in the fall prior to dropping, where they provide a fine-textured natural mulch and serve as protection for a host of wildlife.

Bald cypress is also desirable for its ornamental bark, which has a shedding appearance in colors ranging from tan-gray to orange-red. A number of named varieties available on the market have columnar weeping or dwarf growth habits. Typically, when grown in wet conditions, bald cypress will form “cypress knees,” which provide additional aesthetics for water features. Because of the possibility of knees, careful consideration should be given when planting near mowed turf areas or concrete building foundations. However, knee formation is dependent on the cultivar or specimen.

A host of aquatic-, avian- and ground-dwelling wildlife rely upon this tree for nesting, food and shelter throughout the year. Moreover, bald cypress is an excellent choice for erosion control on edges of natural waterways, ditches, ponds and lakes. Bald cypress makes a great addition to any landscape, natural area or public space throughout the state and provides a conceptual connection to nature and the great state of Louisiana.

The Fall of Superman

Today is Christopher Reeve’s birthday (born in 1952 and died October 10, 2004). This article, from People.com, details the accident that caused Reeve’s paralysis and his life after the accident.

From People.com:

Christopher Reeve’s life was forever changed on May 27, 1995, when he was involved in a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Best known for his portrayal of Superman, everything changed for the actor in 1995 after a near-fatal horse-riding accident that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury and left him paralyzed from the neck down. In the aftermath, he became a prominent advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights, using his platform to raise awareness and funds. Under his leadership, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation became a leading force in spinal cord injury research.

Nearly a decade later, Reeve died from heart failure in October 2004 at age 52. Despite the challenges he faced and his untimely death, Reeve’s work and advocacy continue to influence and inspire many.

So, what happened to Christopher Reeve?

On May 27, 1995, Reeve suffered a life-changing accident during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Va. Reeve was thrown from his horse and landed on his head, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Reeve was participating in a competitive event when his horse abruptly stopped, leading to his fall. Despite wearing a helmet and protective vest, Reeve was found unconscious and not breathing, but was revived with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, according to the Washington Post.

Dr. John A. Jane, the neurosurgeon treating Reeve, said that the actor suffered fractures to the top two cervical vertebrae, the most critical type of spinal injury, and significant damage to his spinal cord, per the Washington Post.

The injury rendered him dependent on a ventilator to breathe and drastically altered his life.

Reeve was 42 years old at the time of his accident. The traumatic event marked a profound turning point in his life, shifting his focus from acting to becoming an advocate for spinal cord injury research and treatment.

Shortly after his injury, Dana and Reeve turned to the American Paralysis Association, which was a key player in spinal cord research, for support and raised funds for the organization. By 1999, the nonprofit was renamed the Christopher Reeve Foundation to reflect their immeasurable efforts, according to the organization’s website.

“He refused to believe that it was impossible for people with spinal injuries to recover, and nobody was spending very much money on spinal injuries,” Jane Seymour, a close friend and costar of Reeve, told PEOPLE in March 2024. “They just gave up on them, and he just said, ‘No, no. Go do something about it.’ “

Reeve died on Oct. 10, 2004, at the age of 52. His death was due to complications from an infection caused by a bedsore, which led to heart failure, ABC News reported.

A memorial service was held at Juilliard on Oct. 29, 2004, and was attended by over 900 people. Speakers included Dana, along with Matthew, Alexandra and Will, who presented a 20-minute film about their experiences with their father, and his brother, Benjamin, who shared memories from their childhood.

Speakers also included notable Hollywood stars, including Reeve’s longtime friend and former roommate, Williams, along with Glenn Close and Meryl Streep. Also speaking was former Iowa senator Tom Harkin, who collaborated with Reeve to boost funding for spinal cord injury research, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

SOURCE: PEOPLE.COM