Life Style & Travel

UNITED STATES—The farmhouse was farther away than it looked. The brothers, flanking Zorba --former Detective Zorba-- trudged as the crow flies toward the white clapboard house and they crossed through a cornfield that was tall, almost tall as they were. The razor-sharp edges of its long silky green leaves cut Zorba’s bare hands. The former detective pondered an urge to...

UNITED STATES—Cut foliage is a common ingredient of ready-made mixed bouquets. Bundles and individual stems of cut foliage are available with cut flowers from florists. Cut foliage is the primary component of most wreaths and garlands that are now so popular for Christmas décor. It is another horticultural commodity like cut flowers, bulbs or nursery stock. Cut foliage is...

UNITED STATES—It is no coincidence that so many colorful berries ripen in autumn as migratory birds migrate south for winter. Such berries are intended for both migratory and overwintering birds. Rodents and other wildlife are welcome to take what they want as well. Most colorful berries are bright red, to get the attention of birds and wildlife. They are...

UNITED STATES—Have you ever asked yourself what is it about the turkey that just seems to drive everyone crazy when it comes to the Thanksgiving feast? I wish I could give you that answer, but I cannot America. I cannot. Me personally I am NOT a fan of turkey. Why? It tends to be overly dry. Look, I know...

UNITED STATES—Container gardening is overrated. The endemic soil here is not so bad that nothing will grow in it. What is now suburban gardens was formerly famously productive farmland! Soil amendments make the soil more comfortable to plants with more discriminating taste. Plants that are too discriminating are probably not worth accommodating. With few exceptions, planters are unnecessary. Plants naturally...

LIFESTYLES—With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Americans are gearing up to celebrate with friends and family. But this year, there’s a catch. The U.S. has surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases for November alone, and as has been predicted, this holiday season will be unlike any other. California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a limited stay at home order ahead of Thanksgiving...

UNITED STATES—In less than a few days the biggest feast of the entire year will be upon us, Thanksgiving. Last week we chatted about preparation or the big day, but it now dawns on many Americans, that turkey day 2020 will NOT be like those of the past. Why not? COVID-19 is the reason people. Rather you believe in...

UNITED STATES—Nature is messy. It is that simple. Leaves, flowers, fruits and stems regularly fall from vegetation onto the ground. Animals contribute their mess too. Insects and microorganisms seem to eliminate most of the mess. In reality, they merely accelerate the process of recycling the mess back into more mess. Decomposing organic matter sustains viable vegetation as it perpetuates...

UNITED STATES—Indeed. The different chapter for the world had begun. It was a phone that was the start of definitively breaking relations with the Underground Cities in 2033, Zorba recalled. The Leader “up there” had abolished all phones in a startling degree. Years earlier photography had been abolished. Phones had been thought to make people stupid, to ridicule them...

UNITED STATES—Whether you’ve just graduated from college and joined the world of employment or you’ve been working for several years and still can’t seem to make ends meet, getting a good hold on your finances is key to achieving financial serenity. We look at 5 things that you can do right now to improve your financial life. Educate Yourself It may...