Dear Paw's Corner: Walking around the farmers market this weekend, I confronted several people who brought their dogs into the market despite clear signage saying pets aren’t allowed. The reason for the sign is that the pavement is HOT! Summer temperatures regularly reach 90º to 100º or more. All th...

Home renovations are a significant part of homeownership. Naturally, people want to make their own personal marks on the homes they buy and ensure that their properties fit their needs and wants. While many renovations add value to a home, some offer more value than others. When allocating dollars t...

Even as summer winds down, there tends to be plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining. Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they’re at their peak. Sweet an...

Seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. The World Health Organization says around one in five older adults experience psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and dementia-related mood changes. While various therapies can help, seniors may discover volunteerism can be a surprising anti...

This time of year, refrigerators take center stage in our kitchens. Whether they are holding an extra case of soft drinks, bottled water or a frosty pitcher of fresh lemonade, our favorite summer appliance gets a lot of use. We grew up calling it the “icebox” because that’s what Mom and Dad and all ...

The “Best in Rural Writing” contest is open to everyone in the world. The work can have already been published (or scheduled to be published). By submitting, the author is agreeing to the possibility of the Milk House or the co-sponsor publishing or promoting their submission if it is selected as th...

Few things can upset an otherwise beautiful and relaxing day spent in an outdoor living space more quickly than insects and pests. Whether it’s mosquitoes trying to bite homeowners and their guests, flies looking to land on food, or wildlife leaving trails of excrement throughout a yard, these unwel...

Dear Paw's Corner: I often see advice for humans about staying hydrated – by drinking lots of water, adding electrolyte supplements and so on. But I see almost no advice about keeping pets hydrated, and that’s so important. Is it enough to just give my dog water throughout the day? Are there electro...

When the weather warms up outside, the desire for healthy, lighter fare rises alongside the mercury. That leads many people to turn to vegetables, which can satisfy hunger pangs but do not typically create feelings of sluggishness. Vegetables can be cooked in myriad ways, and some can even be eaten ...

The year the United States came to be was an interesting time to be alive, particularly for those living in colonial America. The American Revolutionary War began in 1776, and much of the year was marked by events stemming from that conflict. Below are some of the more notable events to take place d...

Extended holiday weekends tend to fall on national holidays throughout the year, giving workers and students an opportunity to enjoy an extra day off from work (or school). The open road beckons millions of people on three-day weekends, which serve as a great chance to get away. In 2026, the Indepen...

The chaos of the Revolution swept through the Mohawk Valley frontier, with families, farms and entire communities hanging in the balance. Many of those long-ago conflicts still shape the valley today. The Mohawk River corridor is lined with places where diplomats negotiated, militias marched and bat...

Dear Paw's Corner: My partner wants to buy a purebred kitten over the internet. I think it’s a terrible idea, and we would do just fine with a lovable cat from a local shelter. How can I change their mind? – Janine L., Sherwood, OR Dear Janine: I’ll do my best! Here are some points to bring up: • Yo...

The real estate market is notably competitive. While the competitive nature of real estate is often discussed in terms of buying, sellers might face some stiff competition when trying to make their properties stand out. The popularity of real estate listing websites like Zillow , Trulia and Redfin h...

Increasing time spent outdoors enjoying nature can positively affect mood and mental health. Generally speaking, outdoor enthusiasts tend to be happier overall. The American Psychological Association says spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental h...