Our country home

Keeping safe and dry this summer

This year, May and June started out cool and dry—actually too dry at times, bordering on a drought. Once the warm weather did arrive, it brought with it a good deal of rain. With all the …
Our country home

Chill

Years ago, I traveled on two occasions to the lushly beautiful island of Jamaica. Each time, at restaurants I visited, I was more often than not brought a bowl of steaming hot broth as a prelude to …
Our country Home

Garden while it’s hot

Just where has the growing season gone? This summer has been a challenge, starting out very dry and becoming a deluge. But for those gardeners who love to putter, there’s still lots to do and …
Our country home

A homestead is where the heart is

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Amy and Wes Gillingham, stewards of Wild Roots Farm, reside in a hand-hewn, solar-powered Swedish-style log home, built lovingly over a period of years on Wes’s …
One thing I realized about living in the country is that the seasons seem more pronounced than they do in the city. It’s as though they flow into each other in front of my eyes.  …
As much as we want to ignore it, the colder temperatures are upon us. If you’ve taken advantage of summer gardening over the past few months, you’ll be harvesting what you’ve grown; …
DAMASCUS, PA — Just across the old steel bridge that spans the scenic Upper Delaware River between Damascus and Cochecton, NY, there is a colorful little cottage filled with a lifetime of art …
Dear readers, One of my favorite country artists is Randy Travis, and a line from one of his songs is resonating with me lately: “As long as old men sit and talk about the weather …
Biophilic design doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, I know. It’s the fancy term for designing your space with natural materials and actual nature to blur the line between inside and …
By JUDE WATERSTON It sure is winter. The snow, when first falling in thick, wet, pristine flakes, is stunning and magical to see. And imagining a cognac snifter warming in my hand as I stand by …
There’s a certain poetry in light, and Stone Hill, a beautifully constructed home in the meadows of Narrowsburg, NY, captures it perfectly. Set on 26 rolling acres, Stone Hill is tucked off …
Warm sun, fresh air and the early blooms of crocus and forsythia are the sure signs of spring. It’s a great time to take advantage of mild temperatures, freshen up the house, and tackle spring …
I returned to Sullivan County in late April, after spending half a year in Oaxaca, Mexico. There, the produce is abundant year-round, and only occasionally does a vendor tell me that some fruit or …
The warm weather brings an abundance of opportunities to buy fresh produce. Luckily, our area has a bounty of farmers’ markets. Of course, it’s fun to grow some of your own stuff, …
As the summer months unfold, warm weather creates a unique chance to expand our living space to include the outdoors. Regardless of the size of your home, a thoughtfully decorated outdoor space, …
REGION — If you’re a novice or expert gardener, you’ll probably encounter critters in your garden. The culprits eating your plants or vegetables are most likely deer, rabbits …
We love spending time outdoors and opening the windows and doors of our home to let in the summer breezes and sunshine. But oftentimes, unwanted critters find their way indoors, and it can be …

Winter home checklist: 10 ways to winterize your home and save money

(BPT) - The freezing temperatures, ice and snow that come with the winter season will be here before you know it. Instead of waiting until a house emergency arises during the cold winter, take time …
More ideas for your home

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Monday, November 20
(Family Features) Among nature's most powerful phenomena, hurricanes are destructive, rotating storms that form over warm water …
Greet holiday guests with a home that looks and smells as clean as you’ve made it.

Three No-Stress Tips for Tidying Up at Holiday Time

Wednesday, November 15
(NAPSI)—If the holidays are at your house this year, you may find they can be even more magical when you have a good plan for …

Heat up safety precautions this winter

Tuesday, November 14
(BPT) - Nothing says winter like cooking festive foods, getting cozy around the fireplace and spending time with loved ones during the …

Prepare your bathroom for holiday guests with 7 simple upgrades

Monday, November 13
(BPT) - If you're hosting guests this holiday season, there's much to do to prepare. Decorating, baking, cooking and organizing …

6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Monday, November 13
(Family Features) Winter weather, while often beautiful, can prove challenging for homeowners. Consider these tips to help …