Amaryllis bulbs and blooms make popular and appreciated holiday gifts. Gifted in full bloom to brighten the winter months or lovingly tended to bloom after the new year, amaryllis add vibrant color and joy to the dreary season. Amaryllis are commonly available during the winter holidays because they...

With Thanksgiving approaching, the New York State Departments of Health and Agriculture & Markets are providing food safety tips to help prevent foodborne illness and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. “The holiday season is a time for family, friends and food,” State Healt...

Advent is observed in most Christian denominations as a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas as well as the return of Jesus at the Second Coming. On the liturgical calendar, Advent falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and begins roughly four weeks prior to...

The end of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner , nearly 70% of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34% will do so before Thanksgiving. Everyone has a different vision ...

Health officials from state departments of health and agriculture are urging consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consumption of raw milk. Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria or viruses that may pose serious health risks. If you choose to purchase and drink raw milk, keep the...

Winter blues got you down? Spending time outside can help boost your mood and both your physical and mental health. “Getting outside in the wintertime can really help your state of mind,” said Kris Kiser, president of the TurfMutt Foundation , an organization that has spent the last 15 years advocat...

The New York State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) cautioned drivers about the increased danger of hitting deer and moose this season. These animals are more active during their breeding seasons and more likely to cross roads, bridges and highways. “It is always wise to drive carefully in areas ...

Cast iron aficionados are passionate. Most are on a mission to convert the rest of the world to the joys of cast iron cooking. If you ever start using it, especially for outdoor cooking, you will likely discover its almost mystical allure. In spite of my initial resistance, I’ve learned a lot about ...

As fans pack the stands and friends and family head over to watch the game, the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” brand, funded by the beef checkoff, is sharing recipes to make your game day a success, even if your team doesn’t get the W. Whether tailgating at the stadium or hosting at home, every win...

The “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.®” brand shares recipes to fill you up before a night of trick-or-treating. You know how the song goes – “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat” … but we’re talking about more than just candy. The “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” brand, funded ...

SUNY Morrisville horticulture students joined thousands across the globe participating in the Society of American Florists (SAF) annual goodwill initiative, Petal it Forward. They handed out flowers and bouquets to unsuspecting community members and passersby, encouraging recipients to keep one and ...

When the weather starts to turn cold, four common insect invaders may show up uninvited in your home. None of them breed in the house or cause any damage to humans, pets, food items or structures. These nuisance pests are looking for a warm, protected place to overwinter and hibernate. The western c...

Your first bicycle is usually a straightforward machine – pedal forward to move, backpedal to brake. When you’re ready for bigger adventures, you may upgrade to a mountain bike, with three, five or 10 different gears to assist you in those hill climbs. For longer treks, you get something lightweight...

Everyone deserves a good scare come Halloween. Some people sit down to horror movie marathons, while others page through thrilling books from famed horror writers such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz. However, hands-on scares can be just as effective, which probably accounts for the popularity of ha...

Our barn is not a behemoth like some of the barns I’ve seen, but its smaller size fits its humble beginnings. When my mama and daddy moved to what is now our Poverty Ridge Farm, they were two poor kids, Daddy just back from the war and Mama the daughter of a sharecropper. The year was 1947. Those fi...