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...

As the days grow shorter, the wintery winds of December will bring with them a host of holidays – and holiday plants. Walk into most stores, and you’ll see shelves of poinsettias, holiday cacti and amaryllis among many others geared toward decorating our homes and gifting to our loved ones. Poinsett...