OUR COUNTRY HOME LATE SUMMER 2024

Pets: Affectionate companions that reduce stress

There’s no doubt that we live in a techno-driven, fast-paced, demanding world filled with stress and anxiety. We search for peace and quiet, spending money on candles, sound machines and …
OUR COUNTRY HOME LATE SUMMER 2024

At home wherever you find yourself

Nathanial Whitmore, herbalist and mycologist, is known in the Upper Delaware area for leading forest walks. I attended a talk he gave recently on edible and medicinal plants at the Damascus …
OUR COUNTRY HOME LATE SUMMER 2024

Creating a haven

I know what I think of when I hear the word “haven,” but I was curious as to how the dictionary described it. The words safety, refuge, shelter and peaceful were all examples. But I think …
OUR COUNTRY HOME LATE SUMMER 2024

A haven of abundance

My garden is my refuge. It is my haven. In one sense, it’s an intrinsic part of my being. So much so that when I took a class on death and dying while in seminary, I included it in the obituary …
Apple trees are known to have the longevity of humans. If healthy and lucky, we can live a good 100 years. Old apple trees are scattered through our landscapes in fields and along roadsides, remnants …
My husband and I live in an old house, built in 1896. It’s been in the family from the beginning, and so the history of repairs and changes and improvements is documented. My father used to say …
Serves 3-4 I used one premade spice mixture in this recipe. You can get it online at specialty spice purveyors, but I will include the recipe for it at the end, should you want to make it yourself. …
This isn’t about replacing your funky old dishwasher, too small fridge, peeling cabinets or stained countertops—though my sister, Janet, and I did do a total makeover of our kitchen some …
Fall is here. It’s time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be one of the busiest seasons for homeowners who are preparing for winter, it’s also …
Once upon a time, I had a garden. Not a splendid one, like my neighbor Ramona has. Mine was adequate. It gave us vegetables (especially potatoes) and herbs and one year it gave us salsify, which was …
My garden is as big as a church sanctuary. Measuring in at 1,000 square feet, it has expanded twice in the last 27 years. It’s not a fancy garden; it’s utilitarian. We grow vegetables. …
This past winter was a rough(ish) one; now that spring is on its way, it’s time to see some green growth. And that means taking matters into your own hands by starting seeds and planting …
Take advantage of the first mild days to get a head start on spring cleaning. This is the season to refresh your home and give it a major once-over. It’s a time to catch up on the tough tasks …
Springtime is a popular season to move to a new home. Buying or renting a new place comes with its share of anxieties and problems. And then moving day arrives, and everything increases …
Earthworms, although not native to North America, are integral to the biodiversity of our soil. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of digging up a few nightcrawlers to serve as a tasty snack on the …
Home improvement coverage from around the web

Financial Wellness in 2025: Start with These Simple Steps

(NAPSI)—Now that 2025 is here, it’s time to tackle resolutions for a financially healthier year. The self-improvement journey can be expensive so go for goals that will help keep you on track, …
Defend Your Home from Harsh Winter Conditions: 7 pro tips to avoid long-term damage

(Family Features) Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home - if it's not properly prepared and maintained.

More ideas for your home

How to transform your kitchen in 2025 with 4 top trends

Friday, December 20, 2024
(BPT) - The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where you gather with loved ones for meals and conversations and make memories and …

Winterize Your Home with Expert Tips to Save Energy and Avoid Costly Repairs

Thursday, December 12, 2024
(BPT) - Cold weather is coming — is your home ready? HVAC expert Jon Ryan from Genz-Ryan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & …

Window replacement 101: 7 things homeowners should look for

Monday, December 9, 2024
(BPT) - Is your home drafty? Are your windows sticking or hard to open and close? Do you get fogging between the windowpanes? Energy …
Hot ideas for keeping your home more comfortable for less money may surprise you.

Improved Insulation + Heat Pump HVAC Can Mean Big Savings

Monday, December 2, 2024
by Doug Anderson,   ENERGY STAR Certified Products (NAPSI)—Your home’s heating and cooling account for nearly half of your …

Winterizing your home: 5 tips to stay warm and save on energy bills

Monday, December 2, 2024
(BPT) - Winter is nearly here, and the almanacs predict it will be snowier and colder than last year for much of the country. Before …