Before the age of disposable paper napkins and tissues, there were handkerchiefs. Every woman’s purse and man’s jacket pocket carried one. Men also carried them in the back pockets of their khakis, jeans or overalls. Not only were they a necessary part of your wardrobe, but they were stylish as well...

People naturally think burgers and hot dogs when they envision grilled foods. But there is so much more that can be cooked over an open fire, including desserts and even pizza. Grilling lends a distinctive smoky taste to both the crust and the toppings. Grilled pizzas start with a basic dough that c...

Is recycling dead in the water? According to an article from the Sustainable Agency, only 9% of plastic waste was recycled in 2019, and the predicted global plastic recycling rate for 2040 will still be under 10%. With that in mind, Brian Belefant, author of “The Sultan of Garbage” and award-winning...

When the mercury rises, savvy cooks know lighter fare is the name of the game. Light recipes can be made even better by incorporating fresh produce that’s full of vitamins and minerals. It’s even possible to grow many of these foods right in your own backyard garden. ”Baked Peppers with Rice Stuffin...

Lack of time in the day to get enough done is a common lament. Work, family and social obligations have made many individuals busier than ever before, and that can eat into people’s ability to find time for daily exercise. The CDC says adults need to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity ph...

The EARTH Metal Detecting Club of Central New York will meet on June 2 at the Dunham Public Library on Main Street in Whitesboro. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. but if you get there a little early you can witness the organized chaos of everyone bringing in and setting up the finds that they have ma...

As National Bicycle Safety Month in May kicks the riding season into gear, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is reminding riders and drivers that everyone shares the responsibility of sharing the road safely. Remember, bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable roadway users. Pr...

Reduce Your Lawn Day returns on May 20 – a national invitation to rethink our outdoor spaces and reimagine them as thriving habitats. Whether you’re planting a small pollinator bed or rallying your block to convert a shared green space, this movement makes sustainable gardening feel accessible and h...

I have a lifelong aversion to ironing. It started when I was about 3. Mama killed my imaginary friend “Cowboy” with an iron. He was sitting on the ironing board minding his own business when she picked up the hot iron and set it right on top of him. Thank goodness he didn’t suffer, but it took Mama ...

Seasoned grillers are likely familiar with food safety protocols regarding safe temperatures and cross contamination. As barbecue season heats up ahead of Memorial Day, consider incorporating grill cleaning and maintenance methods into those standard safety practices. A dirty grill can affect food f...

Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home. Bird feeders are particularly important in ...

Pets owners go to great lengths to ensure their animal companions are happy and healthy. Nutritious diets and routine visits to a veterinarian are two ways to keep pets healthy. Pet owners also can educate themselves about various conditions that can adversely affect their pets’ health, including he...

Warm weather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh meal-making. Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes ...

Here’s some no-nonsense advice from a pro. When it comes to hiring a paving contractor, retired industry veteran Ricky Villamaino has a wealth of insight to share. As the former president of Villamaino Paving Company in East Longmeadow, MA, Ricky spent decades in the business helping homeowners turn...

If thou tastest a crust of bread, thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens . – Robert Browning There’s few who would disagree with those lines from the poet Browning; we’re not talking about mass-produced white sandwich bread, but the golden brown, crusty goodness of a fresh loaf of homemade s...