It occurs to me that most of the culture in Italy is built in layers, upon layers, upon which its truths become known. We see it in art as the stiff figures of the 14th century transformed into more human forms in which beauty could be brought forth and appreciated in the natural landscape not just a gold background. We see it in the ever present layering of flavors and food. We see it in the...[Read More]
Preparing for a trip to Italy is not for the faint of heart. Of course, you surmise: pack light, check passport, research your destination so you know what you are looking at when you get there, and confirm all reservations up one side and down the other. Are you fit? Travel requires that you handle stress and strenuous activity like walking and negotiating your routes on upturned cobblestones and...[Read More]
One earplug had popped out and I woke up, luxuriating and stretching in the large comfortable hotel bed my friend Lisette found for me upon my arrival in Venice not 24 hours before. It wasn’t time to get up. Street noise from below had gone on making it difficult to fall asleep and now voices and laughter continued. My travel clock glowed 1:17a.m. I needed more than a couple hours sleep, but the...[Read More]
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Giuseppe (Joe) Murer was born in Crespano del Grappa on November 15, 1885. He apprenticed in and mastered carpentry, cabinet making and finish work. After the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, Joe and three other young men came to California when they heard of the plentiful work for carpenters. He was 21 years old, and an entrepreneur at heart. He became an American citizen, organized local...[Read More]
California may be known for its gold discovery, but the real deal are in the nooks and crannies in and around Main Street USA. Placerville, in the foothills of the Sierra, is one such town where “Destination” speaks loud and clear. In this little town of approximately 8,000 people treasures are real for art and history buffs, farm and quilt trail visitors, fishing/hiking spots, family fun,...[Read More]
Agriculture in El Dorado County grew after the gold rush. There were about 16 ranchers, mostly pear orchards. In 1958, a pear blight struck, taking with it 52,000 tons of fruit which diminished to 8,435 tons by 1965. Clearly something had to be done. The Apple Hill™ Growers united in 1964. They were Gene Bolster, local grower; Dick Bethell, El Dorado County’s pomology specialist and farm...[Read More]
My travel planner (Norma at ItalyEasy.com) sent this. I guess it reminds us of the spirit of the the people in Italy who take up an oar and pronounce the spirit of the season. The gondoliers are no exception. A strong community spirit rows through Venice among the gondoliers, understandably with the rich history behind the Arsenale that housed the industry....[Read More]
Gold Panning Championships Finals in Placerville on September 17-18 wound upwards into high levels of cheering by onlookers of every country, including a bagpiper from Spain. Amid the din, flags swirled, the announcer’s enthusiasm mounted, and the competitors panned faster than ever....[Read More]
The Placerville Fairgrounds was a-buzz with visitors, competitors, vendors, and golf carts darting to and fro on missions of every description to keep everyone happy. Most of the day was a waiting game: for the spectators and competitors alike, until their turn came to pan....[Read More]
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.
Stories of place, people, and culture - told with curiosity and heart - telling stories that bring places and people to life.
Betty is a Gold Country-based writer covering regional history, travel, food, and human-interest stories, with a focus on the people and traditions that define a place.