Mama was the love of Daddy’s life. Their love story began when she was a skinny teenage girl walking to school in their rural community of Bugtussel. Mama would make a calculated detour by the local sawmill where Daddy was working. He pretended not to notice, but for him, it was love at first sight....

There are countless distractions that can divert motorists’ attention away from driving, and all it takes is a split second before calamity follows. “In one accident, the insured’s glasses fell to the floor,” described John Agee, director of casualty claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance ...

Spring is here, and although warmer weather eliminates the risk of snow and ice on roadways, it also marks the season of slow-moving vehicles (SMVs). From April through October, you are far more likely to encounter a slow-moving vehicle on the road. SMVs are defined as any vehicle that operates unde...

Mom always had a staple in our cabinet that I never actually saw her use: Tabasco sauce. I don’t know if it was a requirement for a proper kitchen pantry or if it was gifted to her in times past and she couldn’t bring herself to toss it. It was there for years and never opened. Then, one gathering a...

While the weather where you are might not quite be conducive to gardening just yet, any time is a good time to check out a good book! Since 1997, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) has been honoring outstanding garden-related books published in North America through the annual AHS Book Awards....

Certain home renovation projects are more glamorous than others. A remodeled kitchen is sure to garner its share of “oohs and aahs,” while a newly paved driveway is much less likely to dazzle guests. A gutter replacement is another job that might not have the wow factor. But fully functioning gutter...

Busy families who do not have the time to spend an hour or more in the kitchen preparing weeknight dinners can turn to slow cookers to do the work for them. Slow cookers cook foods on a low temperature over several hours. Slow cookers do not require constant attention, making them ideal for people w...

Mental health check-in! The stretch of time between the New Year and the first spots of spring color in late March or early April can be very difficult, especially in the northern U.S. Upstate New York has seen some of its highest snowfall in several years this winter, with several intense cold fron...

“I’m Welsh.” “Yeah, my grandmother was from Scotland.” “I have some German in my family tree.” Family roots run deep into the core of our beings and dictate a lot of cultural and personal significance for many. For those of European lineage, however, that genealogical record can be a little muddy – ...

What’s in a name? Shakespeare’s Juliet seemed to think that names were of “little consequence” when it came to expressing true love. But for centuries before Shakespeare’s time, many cultures around the world held the naming process in high esteem. The belief that names often symbolize a person’s ch...

Vocational programs attract students who do not want to attend a traditional college or university. Prospective trade school students can keep this information in mind as they consider if a career in the trades is right for them. Students can often learn a trade and enter a related profession within...

Local libraries are invaluable resources for residents, including students and their families. The value of libraries has been recognized for far longer than many may realize. The Franklin Public Library, opened in 1778 in Franklin, MA, is considered the first lending library in the U.S. Since then,...

Modern children have somewhat different ideas of what constitutes entertainment, especially when compared to youngsters from a generation or two ago. While it was once commonplace for kids to be out and about with their friends riding bikes and spending time in each other’s backyards – only returnin...

Snow is falling – my mittens are calling. Wearing mittens never gets old. Ya know why? They are warm with knitted soft fibers and someone’s love. Mittens also allow your fingers to share body heat, creating a warm microenvironment with the hanging thumb welcomed into the huddle when needed. A must w...

There’s no place like home, especially when that home is a comfortable and safe haven. One of the ways residents find comfort in their homes is by maintaining the right indoor temperatures, which fluctuate along with the seasons. While there is much to be said about opening windows and doors to let ...