“Those who know” is an often-used description of a product designed to entice readers or listeners to the fact that people who know more about the product than they do have endorsed it. I am usually “turned off” when I see that, but please forgive the use of it now. more

Prepare for an interesting and challenging gardening year. February gave us an 80-degree day followed by a 36-degree day with low 20s overnight. In addition, the western part of Johnson County ended February abnormally dry. We’ll soon see how many of our plants have fared after a drought year and subzero temperatures this winter. New plantings will need to be monitored for moisture as the subsoil is drier, but it is Missouri, so conditions could rapidly change. more

Last night around 11 p.m., we heard a familiar noise from the darkened hallway outside our bedroom door. It was part moan, part growl and part muffled meow. Tom and I glanced at each other because we knew what that sound meant. Percy had another mouse. more

“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). more

When there’s a bomb threat or, God forbid, an explosion, we run away and report it so attackers can be arrested and punished. more

Small businesses drive our economy forward, providing jobs and essential resources like food and fuel for local communities that might not have access for miles around. more

For centuries, port wines have been considered to be among the most regal of the still wines. It was a favorite among European royalty and was adored by the British. more

Life was at a comfortable cruising altitude, and we were happy to be along for the ride. But then it nosedived, and some unseen force shoved me and my mom into a small room and slammed the door behind us. We looked around and realized we were alone in the cockpit, expected to take control and make a thousand different decisions to safely land the plane. more

As warmer days arrive in our area, seeing plants come to life in our garden is an exciting prospect. However, be aware that you may not see some of your old plants again this year. more

I have often used this quotation and I must use it again: “Beware that the good deeds of the day do not come back to haunt your nights.” more

Dear readers, I’m taking some time off this week to help my mom during her cancer treatment. But while I’m away, I’m sharing a column published nearly 14 years ago about a topic that has boomeranged back into pop culture in a big way. In a few weeks when the Academy Awards are handed out in Hollywood, the movie “Barbie” will be one of the films in the running to take home the Oscar. I watched the movie with my 17-year-old daughter, and we both laughed and loved it. more

I recently listened to a podcast on the art of doing nothing. Sharon Salzberg, the co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, spoke of a motto that was created for their retreat center: “It’s better to do nothing than to waste your time.” more

The warm and springlike weather for February has caused many to put away their cold-weather heavier red wines in favor of the lighter, fruitier, warm-weather favorites: the rosé wines. more

In today's modern society, it is not uncommon on St. Valentine's Day for women to give love gifts to their male acquaintances, be they fathers, husbands or friends. There will, therefore, be a major difference in the gift as perfume and/or flowers may not go over too well with him. However, a gift of wine definitely will be an appreciated and thoughtful gift. more

Men! Have you been personally harmed by this year’s Taylor Swift NFL storyline? Do you hate KISSING? And GIRLS? There is a solution! It’s very simple. Cross your index fingers in an “X” and repeat after me: more

When a thought or a random fact circles around and around in your head, looking for a place to land, sometimes it’s trying to tell you something. Lately, it’s elephants who keep tromping around in my brain. more

Before I had teenagers of my own, I interviewed a child psychologist for an article I was writing at the time. During the interview, I asked the doctor for tips on how parents could better relate to teenagers. His answer stuck with me: “Parents need to remember that almost all teenagers have the same number one fear, and it influences nearly everything they do and say.” more

“Believe Science! Trust the science!” more

In the past, there were three styles of wine: red wine, white wine and rosé. more

At least once a day, I run across a room yelling, “No, no, no!” Then I lunge for the remote control, the way a soldier dives for a grenade before it explodes. more