Life

Back To Basics

Columns

This past week, and the foreseeable future, both appear to be keeping us in the deep freeze. This is some of the coldest weather I have experienced in my 71 years. Sure, we had snow and cold when we were kids, but this seems different. Maybe it’s because the cold affects us differently as we get older. My orthopedic doctor assures me that aching bones are truly a side effect of the dropping temperatures. Making the best of these trying weather forecasts is much like when we were stuck inside during the pandemic. Hopefully, it won’t be as long as the COVID days. Like many of ...

You can give old batteries a new life by safely recycling them

Features

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN AP Science Writer NEW YORK (AP) — When household batteries die, it's hard to know what to do with them. So they get shoved into a junk drawer or sheepishly thrown into the trash. But dead batteries aren't quite finished. They can leak heavy metals like cadmium ...

Still Flapping in the Wind

Columns

Over the past 12 months, we have gone through three American flags. The winds around these parts have taken their toll on Old Glory. To try and save each flag from too much wear and tear, we have moved the flag pole down a few notches. The flag pole was one of the few must-haves when we moved into our home 12 years ago. It was something I always wanted as a way to show our patriotism and respect for all those in uniform who have and continue to serve this country. We purchased the pole at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. It came complete with a solar light that allows us to keep ...

You Say Soda, I Say Pop

Columns

When I was growing up, the evening meal was at 6 p.m. sharp. No dallying in front of the t.v. even for scenes from next week’s Superman show. What many people called dinner, we referred to as supper. Then when I was introduced to my husband’s family, my father-in-law explained that Sunday dinner was served at noon. Need I ask what happened to noon being lunch time? I was a bit confused in all the references to the proper time of day to enjoy dinner, supper or lunch. All I know is that I didn’t want to be late for any of those meals offered up by my in-laws. The same goes in ...