I reported a few “Views” ago that my son had landed in Bahrain on an extended mission with the United States (US) Navy. Brendan is attached to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC). This is a multinational consortium that was established to provide order and security for trade and shipping in the Arabian Gulf region of the Middle East, with particular focus on … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: Brendan and the Pirates — Securing Passage of Crude Oil to The West
Columnists
A la Carte: Chicken Provencal is One of Lee’s ‘Favorite Dishes’
Editor’s Note: While Lee White is taking a short break, we are republishing some of her previous columns. This one is from September 2021. By the time you read this, I will have flown home from La Mirada, California, having visited with my Darcy, her husband and their greyhound, Whitney. Darcy was planning many of her meals ahead of time: I was to arrive at Long Beach … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Chicken Provencal is One of Lee’s ‘Favorite Dishes’
A la Carte: Pears, Pie and Autumn Make a Perfect Mix
Editor’s Note: While Lee White is taking a short break, we are republishing some of her previous columns. This one is from September 2019. Many years ago we moved from Massachusetts to Connecticut, having found an old house with land in Canterbury.That beautiful old house took years to make it gorgeous (thanks to my husband, who worked nights and weekends inside and outside … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Pears, Pie and Autumn Make a Perfect Mix
A la Carte: Tomatoes Times Two: One Recipe (Tomato Ginger Salad), One Tip
When I received my Food Network Magazine, I was, as always, taken by the cover: The Secret to a Perfect Pesto. But in the Editor’s Letter, I was even more taken with words: “… In looking back at all the September covers in this magazine, about half of them show some variations of corn, basil and tomatoes. … So why should we question putting the farmers’ market trifecta on … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Tomatoes Times Two: One Recipe (Tomato Ginger Salad), One Tip
A la Carte: Verdict on Neighbor’s Gift of Stuffed Peppers With Marinara Sauce: “Absolutely Delicious”
My friend Suzanne and her husband Bob are next-door neighbors in our condo complex. Their house was not far away, so I do not know whether they had a big vegetable garden, but I know that I had. Over the past week or so, we have all been the kindness of friends, who gave use peppers and zucchini and green beans. The zucchini were particularly lovely (“not too large, not too … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Verdict on Neighbor’s Gift of Stuffed Peppers With Marinara Sauce: “Absolutely Delicious”
Gardening Tips for August from ‘The English Lady:’ “The Border Between Summer and Autumn”
August has always been one of my least favorite months in the garden, but this year plentiful spring rain has resulted in bountiful fragrance, bloom and foliage. We have a relatively short growing season here in New England and to have a healthy, colorful border is so enjoyable. Of course, by this time in the season, there are always a few gaps to fill in with annuals or … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for August from ‘The English Lady:’ “The Border Between Summer and Autumn”
Legal News You Can Use: Common Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Most people who are employed by Connecticut companies are entitled to file for workers’ compensation if they suffer on-the-job injuries. Below are some of the most common injuries that are the subject of claims. What injuries are covered by workers’ compensation? Some of the most common work-related injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation are overexertion … [Read more...] about Legal News You Can Use: Common Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
A View from My Porch: 50 Years — A Retrospective
Editor's Note: We send warmest congratulations to our longtime contributor Tom Gotowka and his wife Christina on their Golden Wedding anniversary. Christina and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this past July 22nd, and that’s gold. In preparation for the event, I spent some time reminiscing about those years, and I am sharing some of my thoughts in this “View,” … [Read more...] about A View from My Porch: 50 Years — A Retrospective
A la Carte: Savor Intense Flavors From This Summer Vegetable Gratin
It is difficult to believe it is already August. On the last day of July, there was a boules party. You probably remember how I love playing this lawn game (like bocce, but with little wooden balls at which we throw larger stainless steel balls) with great friends, wine and incredible food. There are rarely themes, but yesterday it was Italy. In addition to chef … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Savor Intense Flavors From This Summer Vegetable Gratin
A la Carte: Everyone Loves Gluten-free Cappuccino Rice Crispy Treats
I think I have mentioned that there are certain things I have never baked or cooked. I have never made a soufflé, even though I do understand how to gently incorporate the whipped egg whites into the mixture. Could it be because I am afraid of failing? Doubt it. I have not just screwed up recipes once, but sometimes more than once. One of these days I will make a … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Everyone Loves Gluten-free Cappuccino Rice Crispy Treats
A la Carte: Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken Always Hits the Spot
This weekend was fun. My friend, Conrad Heede, and his mother, Jayne, came over and I gave a lesson for Conrad on making crème brulée. He likes sweets and wants to learn to make desserts. Crème brulée uses only four ingredients, but you learn patience in making it and even more patience because its needs to cool, then be refrigerated for many hours. The brulée itself is … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken Always Hits the Spot
Legal News You Can Use: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
It’s common for first-time homebuyers to make mistakes. However, with the real estate market so competitive right now, you can’t afford to learn on the job. If you’re interested in buying a home in the future, you should start preparing today. Keep your credit score high Your credit score will be extremely important at all steps in the home buying process. Even if you … [Read more...] about Legal News You Can Use: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Gardening Tips for July From ‘The English Lady’ … When the Sun Shines, a Breeze Blows and Birds Sing
“A perfect July day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing ... and the lawnmower is broken!” – James Dent Watering is so important during the heat of summer. If you planted trees or shrubs this spring, particularly evergreens, these plants require extra moisture to establish a strong root system. We have had an abundant amount of rain … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for July From ‘The English Lady’ … When the Sun Shines, a Breeze Blows and Birds Sing
Letter From Paris: From Macron v1 to Macron v2: France Negotiates Turbulent Times
Editor's Note: We are delighted to welcome back Nicole Prévost Logan (no relation.) Today she offers a detailed analysis of happenings in the French political landscape, saying, "A lot has happened in France in the past two months and I felt important to write about what is not making the headlines." Surreal political developments are taking taken place in France. … [Read more...] about Letter From Paris: From Macron v1 to Macron v2: France Negotiates Turbulent Times
A la Carte: Take Time to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
I have been to the beach exactly three times since the end of May, each time for less than an hour and a half. One day it was blistering hot and humid. As much as I like summer, I really dislike humidity to the point that I can stay in my condo for two days just because I have central air conditioning. I remember that my mother could stay in her apartment for the exact … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Take Time to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore