Those April showers that come our wayThey bring the flowers that bloom in May.And when it’s raining, let’s not forget,It isn’t raining rain at all, it’s raining violets. Al Jolsen April is the month of activity in the garden, and our old nemesis, weeds are beginning to rear their heads, so we need to extract the little devils before they take hold and are difficult to … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips by ‘The English Lady’ for April, the ‘Month of Activity’
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Gardening Tips for March from ‘The English Lady’
‘Those March winds shall blow, and we shall have snow and what will the Robin do then, poor thing? He’ll hide in the barn and keep himself warm and hide his head under his wing’. March is a month of ‘wait and see’ as we anticipate walking around our gardens. This morning I walked outside, into a westerly breeze and a gentle sun. I took a deep breath and as … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for March from ‘The English Lady’
A View from My Porch: Connecticut Adopts FDA Food Code — A Primer for the Curious
The Connecticut (CT) General Assembly passed the adoption of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code into law in 2018; and it finally went into full effect on the 17th of February. The law requires some changes for both the food service establishments (FSEs) operating in the state, and for the inspection and permitting processes conducted by the local health … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: Connecticut Adopts FDA Food Code — A Primer for the Curious
Letter From Paris: Anatomy of a Crisis — Retirement Reform in France
A crushing defeat for the French president, many angry people and a country convulsing into chaos. Let's rewind the video back to early 2023. There was a feeling of déjà vu when observing the political and social turmoil going on in France. Once more the "Street" is in an uproar and the deputies in the Assemblée Nationale are fighting like cats and dogs. This … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: Anatomy of a Crisis — Retirement Reform in France
Reading Uncertainly? On the Subject of Luck by Patrick O’Brian
Editor's Note: We are thrilled that our longtime book reviewer Felix Kloman, who ceased writing for us after he moved away from Lyme, has sent in a guest review for us that we are delighted to publish today. In 2016, I humbly suggested reading of the 21 early 18th century seafaring novels of Patrick O’Brian, beginning with his first, Master and Commander. I admit to being … [Read more...] about Reading Uncertainly? On the Subject of Luck by Patrick O’Brian
A View From My Porch: Still Talking About the Generations*
*With apologies to Messrs. Daltrey, Townshend, Entwistle, and Moon. (Who?) In my last “View” I explored reports that suggested that Americans’ attitudes about the workplace had changed “remarkably” and reviewed some of the factors that affected work expectations for both the baby boomer and millennial generations. In drafting that essay, I became curious about who … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: Still Talking About the Generations*
Gardening Tips for February from ‘The English Lady’: When ‘There is Everything to Hope for and Nothing to Regret’
This winter, as in other winters, when I need a blossom boost, I have enjoyed the fragrance of paper-white narcissus that I planted in tall glass vases. I surrounded the bulbs with seashells from White Sands Beach here in Old Lyme and kept them in a dark cool area keeping them moist as the roots developed. When the bulb foliage reached about six inches, I introduced the … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for February from ‘The English Lady’: When ‘There is Everything to Hope for and Nothing to Regret’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for January, “The Month for Dreaming”
I know it is only early January, but it is never to early to begin to plan for this season in your garden. My motto has always been to plan, before action and production. Mother Nature is waiting for us with her gifts of renewal, growth and nourishment as we begin to plan for the coming season. She tells us that in this wonderful pastime called ‘gardening,’ we can escape … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for January, “The Month for Dreaming”
A View From My Porch: Baby Boomers, Millennials … Who They Are, How They Differ, ‘Acting Their Wage’ & More
Behavioral economists report that Americans’ attitudes about work and the workplace have gone through some remarkable changes. News reports on CBS, both national and local, have presented several stories on one aspect of this change, “the rise of the side hustle”. Another aspect, “quiet quitting”, was addressed on 12/06/2022 in the comic pages in “Hi and Lois”, by Mort … [Read more...] about A View From My Porch: Baby Boomers, Millennials … Who They Are, How They Differ, ‘Acting Their Wage’ & More
Gardening Tips for December from ‘The English Lady’ – ‘The Color of Winter is in the Imagination’
Hello everyone; so much to do and so little time in this holiday season ... remember to breathe, stretch and take time out for yourself each day. On a pleasant December day, go out into the garden -- there is still time to plant your spring bulbs. The earth is still workable so enjoy the fresh air and the gentle exercise before you indulge in the Holiday … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for December from ‘The English Lady’ – ‘The Color of Winter is in the Imagination’
A Cornucopia of Lee’s Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Editor’s Note: We are publishing several of the late Lee White’s Thanksgiving recipes today both to honor her memory and once again share her culinary wisdom with our readers. Let's start with Lee's favorite recipe for cooking a turkey. Turkey 1 14- to 16-pound turkeysalt1 stick butter½ (one-half) cup good white wine Gravy ¼ (one-quarter) cup all-purpose … [Read more...] about A Cornucopia of Lee’s Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Gardening Tips for Mid-Fall from ‘The English Lady’
Welcome to mid-fall everyone. I love the cool breezes and soft sunshine and the soil is still warm for you to plant until around now in the first week of November. This is an ideal time to divide summer blooming perennials, which have been in the ground for three years or more. Dividing perennials gives them a new lease on life and encourages more prolific bloom next … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Mid-Fall from ‘The English Lady’
A View from My Porch: Bumble Bee Economics
Prologue: Christina and I both grew up in homes that observed meatless Fridays, which lasted until the Second Vatican Council; after which Pope John XXIII, seeking to modernize the Church, enacted several reforms, which included an end to both Latin services and meatless Fridays. However, in deference to Christina’s sense of nostalgia for life before the Vatican Council, … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: Bumble Bee Economics
The Movie Man: My Top 10 Favorite Scary Movies
Well, it's that time of year, to which we refer -- in a cringey, cliched manner -- as "Spooky Season." Not only do the decorations come up, but we seek out that which scares us in all mediums. And so I think it's only appropriate if I share my favorite scary movies with the readers of LymeLine. I've decided to present them in a Top 10 List in the manner of David … [Read more...] about The Movie Man: My Top 10 Favorite Scary Movies
A View from My Porch: Tatts & Piercings; A Primer for the Curious
In January 2023, Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) will enact regulations for the oversight of the tattoo and piercing establishments and their respective practitioners and operators in the nine communities in LLHD’s SE CT service area. Background: Connecticut had passed legislation requiring some oversight several years ago, but an organized monitoring and inspection … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: Tatts & Piercings; A Primer for the Curious