Columnists

HOHOThump

Posted: Dec 18, 2025 at 9:45 am   /   Columnists

I’m sure, by now, you’re tired of reading about my Christmas adventures over the years. Hmmm. Well, this column is about yet another one of those adventures. It happened when all of our children were still living at home. LOML and I were trying to keep the spirit of the holiday season alive for them. […]

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Holiday gifts

Posted: Dec 11, 2025 at 9:45 am   /   Columnists

People often ask me what wine to gift a wine lover. This year, I’d like to suggest something that lasts a little longer than a bottle: a book. Below are a few titles I read this year that make for excellent company with any glass of wine—County or otherwise. CORK DORK — BIANCA BOSKER This […]

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Cornish hens

Posted: Dec 11, 2025 at 9:44 am   /   Columnists

I love Cornish hens; they are called game birds but don’t taste gamy. I don’t think they taste just like chicken either. They are tastier in my opinion. I made them for dinner this week with roasted roots in the same pan. I stuffed them with my herb butter and dried herbs from my garden […]

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HO HO HO or OH OH OH

Posted: Dec 11, 2025 at 9:42 am   /   Columnists

December 2025 is being kind to me and I thought I’d share some of my holiday, teachable moments with all y’all. In 1969, LOML and I spent our first Christmas together as a married couple. We had a nice apartment. I had a good job. He was working part-time and attending university full time. We […]

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A wee Christmas treat

Posted: Dec 4, 2025 at 10:54 am   /   Columnists

This wee treat is so quick and effortless that it’s almost embarrassing to have a recipe. I wanted to make it with feta, but it was too crumbly and couldn’t hold the pretzel so I went with the brie, which was delicious but not necessary in my fridge as often as feta is. The simplicity […]

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Global Wine Number

Posted: Dec 4, 2025 at 10:53 am   /   Columnists

Recently, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) released its first estimates of global wine production for 2025. Yes, there’s a three per cent bump from the remarkably low 2024 harvest—but before anyone pops a cork, keep in mind we’re still sitting seven per cent below the five-year average. The OIV summed it up […]

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December 2025

Posted: Dec 4, 2025 at 10:51 am   /   Columnists

Hello December! If I’m allowed to make a wish for the month it is “Please be kinder to us than the other eleven months of this year have been!” Is it just me or do some of you feel as if 2025 has been a bit of a disaster? I believe one could go so […]

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From my seat at Shire Hall

Posted: Nov 27, 2025 at 10:09 am   /   Columnists

I drive the same roads you do each day, Down busted stretches shaped by Clearway. I feel every rattle, every jolt, every bend— Believe me, friends, I don’t pretend. Wellington’s streets look rough, it’s true, A patchwork puzzle we all crawl through. Pipes to replace, systems to renew— Important work, but hard on you. From […]

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Take back your lawn

Posted: Nov 27, 2025 at 10:02 am   /   Columnists

Want to take back your lawn from some pretty serious weeds? You are not alone! For the past three years I paid a company to work on my front and back lawns.This spring, my back yard was full of white violets. Pretty to look at, however not good to have. The company that I paid […]

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Christmas cookies

Posted: Nov 27, 2025 at 9:59 am   /   Columnists

Is it too soon for Christmas cookies? I don’t think so. I like to plan ahead and have at least an idea of what cookies I will make so I start purchasing my ingredients, preferably while they are on sale. I always make my cookie doughs and roll them into a log because I find […]

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