As a relatively new rescue-dog owner, I can personally attest to the mental and physical health benefits of walking and hiking. There is not a season, or a day that goes by, wherein I don't have to take my energetic dog on a lengthy walk or hike. Since we adopted her, nearly 4 years ago, I have discovered numerous walking and hiking areas in [...]

It seems that my favorite time of year is upon us once again (despite the lingering chill in the air). What is more hopeful and celebratory than driving down the Northampton roads and seeing the dogwoods, cherry trees, magnolias, apple trees, peach trees, lilacs and azaleas all in bloom? Before your garden beds are overcome with weeds and [...]

When spring sprung this year, I actually went online to research when and how to prune, fertilize, sod and care for the many plants in our garden. I was encouraged because last year when I followed instructions about how to care for my (dying) rose bush, I was actually able to bring it back from the dead and coax a bunch of flowers out of [...]

Ever since our daughter discovered sea kayaking a few summers ago - she likes to bring up the idea of purchasing a couple of canoes for our family every year when the weather warms up.  Though we have been members of the [...]

I am amazed how the undeniable instinct to clean and declutter accompanies the warmer weather year after year.  It's like clockwork.  After being cooped up inside all winter long, I find myself looking at both the interior and exterior of my house with new eyes.  Clothes that don't fit the kids (or that I no longer wear) go to [...]

One of the perks of living in Northampton and the Pioneer Valley, is the celebration of winter's end and spring's beginning that is earmarked, in part, by maple sugar season. This provides us Western MA folk with a post ski-season excuse to spend a weekend day driving through the picturesque [...]