Columns

I am standing in my backyard and looking up into a tree. Beside me is my loyal black Lab, Echo. He is looking up into the same tree.

One of the joys of writing about nature is hearing from readers who share stories or ask questions about a species of interest. The most common topic is the white-tailed deer, a familiar creature around Harpswell.

Nothing warms the soul in January more than comfort food, like Donnette Goodenow's shepherd's pie. (Kathy D'Agostino photo)

It's chilly, 24 degrees with a 20-mph northwest breeze. For dramatic effect, I'd tell you what the "wind chill" factor is, but you and I don't need any more drama. Just figure it's 24 degrees and blowy.

You walk into a hardware store and ask for a screwdriver. The clerk points to a small array. "Where are your cordless ones?" "We don't have any. The standard ones are plenty good." You'll walk out thinking, "Well, that place was quaint, but they didn't have many options."

I'm disingenuous about New Year's resolutions, so I quit making them a long time ago. In the very moment I'd vow to lose weight, exercise more, cook nutritious meals with joy, and somehow be a better person, generally or specifically, my inner voice mocked my earnest intentions and I knew I'd never follow through.

Santa is exceptionally talented at being Santa. There are people in the world who aren't good at their jobs, don't love their careers and even ignore their callings.

Composting is a practical and convenient way not only to handle your yard waste, but also any fruit and vegetable scraps you have after preparing meals.

When you hear "book club," what comes to mind for you? Book clubs come in all sizes, ranging from the megaclubs of Oprah and Reese Witherspoon, which drive book sales for authors to glorious heights, to intimate groups of fewer than four.

Not too long ago I came home from my real job and, upon entering my real home, where my real wife and real kids and real pets live, I saw my real wife pulling out of a shopping bag a real plant.