Before you go out on the ice, make sure you know how thick it is and the related weight it can carry. Thick ice in one area of a pond or lake does not guarantee the same thickness in another location of the waterbody. Winter is one of the greatest seasons to enjoy the outdoors but to do so safely, y...

The mention of mistletoe evokes images of a seasonal kissing ball adorned with its leaves and berries or of someone sneaking a kiss beneath a sprig of mistletoe hanging in a doorway. You probably don’t think about where mistletoe comes from or what part it plays in the ecosystems where it grows in t...

Agriculture can be a risky business. Equipment, chemicals, livestock and infrastructure such as grain bins or manure pits are just a few of the dangers that farmers interact with on a daily basis. Other, perhaps less obvious dangers include slippery surfaces, ropes and cords that can cause trips and...

When I think about my house or my childhood home, the kitchen is always the first room that comes to mind. It is the hub of the home – a place where you gather to cook, eat and share your lives as a family. I realized something this past week about my kitchen. My sink is exactly the same as my mom a...

When the snow comes down heavy and hard, it’s time for farmers to start thinking about barn  roof  safety. Image courtesy of Cornell University Extension Heavy snow can put barn roofs at risk, but snow removal must be performed carefully. Removing snow without the proper approach can cause more dama...

Snow flurries and winter storms can be unpredictable and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to prepare in advance before bad weather hits. “Outdoor power equipment like snow throwers can make quick work of a big job,” said OPEI President and CEO Kris Kis...

Having a cold is not fun. A stuffy nose, sniffles, sore throat and other symptoms make having a cold a generally unpleasant experience. According to data collected by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the average consumer shops for over-the-counter medicine 26 times a year, with peak vis...

Never in a million years would I have imagined I would be standing there. But there I was, in the middle of the little butcher’s shop amidst the machines – the buzzing and clacking of saws and knifework, friendly banter of conversation and the litany of earthy and gamey smells filling the air. My ex...

Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree. There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial...

No matter how far in denial one might be, winter is here – and there is nothing quite as jolting as a strong draft. This is the weather for snuggling by a fire or space heater, not worrying about being blasted with an unwanted current of icy winter wind. There are a lot of different options dependin...

Before hopping on an all-terrain vehicle this autumn, take a moment to prioritize safety over fun. “People want to get out and explore nature and experience the outdoors,” said Scott DeNoon, senior farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. and member of the ...

There once was a wisdom that was prevalent in our great-grandparents’ era that has all but disappeared into the mists of time – a necessary knowledge of the flora and fauna and how to use their vast resources. My parents have shared some of the “home remedies” their mothers used when they were child...

As hours of daylight shorten and autumn gives way to winter, thoughts shift from fall foliage to spending time cuddling under warm blankets and being cozy indoors. A fireplace can improve the ambiance of any room and help to create a warm and welcoming gathering spot. Home fireplaces typically are w...

Hunting is popular throughout North America. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said that 40% of the population of the U.S. ages 16 and older participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, the most recent year for data. As is the case with many hobbies and pastimes, hunting requires some unique ...

Decorating is one of the joys of the holiday season. Families often decorate together, and such traditions may include dressing the Christmas tree and hanging holiday lights around the house. A day spent making homemade ornaments is another great way to decorate and spend quality time together as a ...