There can be little doubt that Argentina is a major wine-producing country. The Argentinian wines from Mendoza province have proven to be exceptional, regardless of their often very affordable price. more

As we approach the solstice, I find myself naturally turning inward. It feels like a reflective time to me as the light diminishes and the weather turns colder. Hikes on the trail with my dogs finish up as darkness closes in for the night, and I return home where it is quiet and cozy. more

If you believe that the rosé wines are strictly for the spring and summer, I have some news for you. A rosé wine can and will brighten even the most dismal days of winter. more

There’s a popular meme which reads: “I just saved a ton of money on Christmas gifts discussing politics during Thanksgiving Dinner.” more

One of the things my dad taught me about the working world is that it’s always good to have “multiple revenue streams.” That way, if one stream dries up or slows to a trickle, you’ll have another one to keep you going. more

Hey friend, how is your heart today? Are you one of those folks who is super eager to hear all the Christmas carols or are you wishing everyone would simply leave it alone for a while? Are you ready to celebrate the babe in the manger, or are you not sure that you have anything worth celebrating this year? more

I’m not a Black Friday shopper. I’m a Black Friday sleeper. While the stores see black on the bottom line, the only black I see is the inside of my eyelids while I dream about which Thanksgiving leftovers to eat first. more

My favorite holiday has come and gone – and the torch has been passed. more

A long time ago, in a winemaking land far, far away, an evil witch, Phylloxera, cast a spell on the grapevines of that nation, causing them to wither and die, and thus, there was no longer any wine to be made. In a small vineyard, one vine species, protected by the good witch Viognier, had countered the spell and the vines there were still producing excellent white grapes from which wine could be made. So precious was the wine made from these grapes, which would thereafter carry the name of the good witch, that it became the most expensive wine in the world. more

The forecast says it’s finally getting chilly next week. Highs in the 40s and 30s, maybe even some snow. Gardening season is finally over. more

Dear Thanksgiving, more

We live in a world of rules, some obligatory, some by law and whether we like them or hate them, we follow them like unthinking zombies. more

More than 20 years ago, Tom gave me a gift certificate for an hour-long massage as an anniversary gift. I’d never had a professional massage before. (Women don’t count the one-handed massages men sometimes give while holding the remote with their other hand.) more

Thinking about my kids’ futures and, frankly, the future of all life on Earth was what motivated me to begin making changes toward everyday sustainability. I knew I wanted to move away from choices that prioritized convenience over environmental friendliness, but there were so many areas to clean up that it felt a little overwhelming. more

Has the rapid increase in the price of wine affected you? Does price now determine your choice of wine? Well, don’t feel that you are alone. more

The Kansas City Star recently published an article regarding allegations against a high-profile Christian leader. As a Christian leader and pastor, I can’t stand seeing other leaders fall, particularly when they are high-profile leaders. It’s infuriating! The world struggles with Jesus, the church, and Christian leadership enough; we certainly don’t need to add fuel to the fire. more

Last year, I shared my grandpa’s military service story with our readers in honor of Veterans Day. I interviewed him so my family would have that firsthand account saved, and turned it into a column. more

There should be a warning on this column because it’s graphic, and if your stomach is as weak as mine, perhaps you should turn back now and save yourself. more

It appears that some in the wine industry are coming down from the stars, returning to earth and realizing that for the average wine consumer, the rising prices of their wines are having a devastating effect on an entire industry. more

Last week, the Missouri State High School Activities Association ruled that the young ladies of Houston High School’s volleyball team must forfeit their win in the Class 2 District 8 championship. Despite an appeal, the MSHSAA decreed that the Lady Tigers could not advance to sectional play against Stover. more