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”
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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
A la Carte: Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream is the Ultimate Summer Dessert … and so Easy to Make!
In the early 80s, when we lived in Massachusetts, I bought an ice cream maker called a Lickety Split. It was all plastic, except for the two bowls, which were maybe aluminum or stainless steel. It costs around $25 and it could make two different pints of ice cream simultaneously. A few years later, Ben and Jerry’s and Haagen Dazs entered the freezer aisles, and eventually … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream is the Ultimate Summer Dessert … and so Easy to Make!
A Special ‘View From My Porch’ in Recognition of Independence Day: CT’s General Israel Putnam was a ‘Man of Legendary Courage’, a Brooklyn ‘Rock Star’
Prelude: The June 9 edition of The Day reported that the team of Tessa Grethel and Sophia D’Amico — both Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School seventh graders — took first place in Connecticut in the junior group exhibit category of the National History Day Contest with their project titled “Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The Origins of Atomic Diplomacy.” Phil Rizzuto would … [Read more...] about A Special ‘View From My Porch’ in Recognition of Independence Day: CT’s General Israel Putnam was a ‘Man of Legendary Courage’, a Brooklyn ‘Rock Star’
A la Carte: Two Columns Bursting with Strawberry Treats
Column 1 Oh my, no matter the season, last week was a perfect summer day. Was it always sunny? Not really, but for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, the clouds didn’t explode with raindrops and the humidity stayed around 70 percent and in Groton and Madison, there was always a soft breeze. Friday I learned how to make a watermelon “sorbet (well, it required some sweetened … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Two Columns Bursting with Strawberry Treats
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for June, ‘The Time of Perfect Young Summer’ (Gertrude Jekyll)
We have had a few cool nights recently, which are just wonderful and allow one to sleep with the windows open. I cannot remember the last time we had a real spring such as we are experiencing this year, with plenty of gentle rain. This beneficial rain is wonderful for all the spring plant growth and such a pleasure to see. I am so in awe of the miracle of Mother Nature; the … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for June, ‘The Time of Perfect Young Summer’ (Gertrude Jekyll)
A la Carte: Creamy Coconutty Shrimp Makes a Super Summer Salad
After the quick turnover to the Dallas wedding (flew there at 6 a.m. Saturday and was home by Monday, mid-afternoon), I unpacked, played with the cats, watched a DVR’d Connecticut Sun game) and finished a book, then slept until 7:30 Tuesday. Then I drove to Madison and took friends to pick up their new car in Westchester County, NY. Eric drove the new car home (the next … [Read more...] about A la Carte: Creamy Coconutty Shrimp Makes a Super Summer Salad