Tag: Family & Home

Clever Ways to Use This for That to Save Money and Simplify, Too

One day, as I was hurriedly putting groceries away, the fruit bowl was not within reach, so I put the fruit into the colander. It worked so well that I’ve been using the colander in that way ever since. And when I need a colander, no problem. I turn the fruit onto the counter, drain…


A Big-Picture Look at Pest Control

The methods used in integrated pest management (IPM) have been around for as long as gardening has been around. The word “integrate” means to incorporate separate compatible parts to form a unified whole. The pest can be anything that is alive that can cause harm to people or their animals, crops, and property. We try…


Dear Next Generation: Remembering a ‘Spirit of Togetherness’ in the Neighborhood

Here are a few lessons I’d like to share for the Next Generation from my 85 years of living. Our Neighborhood As a kid in the city, we played with every kid on our end of the block; race or creed didn’t matter. We were each an equal part of our playing community. Our friends…


Hawaiian Man Helps Homeless Army Veteran in Mental Health Crisis Reunite With Estranged Family

Saddened by the sight of a homeless man pacing the streets outside his storefront in Hawaii, a business owner approached the troubled man and found out some details about him. With help, the business owner tracked down his family in Toledo, Ohio, reuniting them and giving the homeless man a chance to start over. Tom…


Family of 13 Lives in Tent for 3 Months Before Utah Realtor Buys Them Home: ‘A Huge Blessing’

A family of 13 given 30 days’ notice to leave a rented house in Utah suddenly found themselves with nowhere to live. With scant options for a family of their size, they moved into a tent. However, their fortune took a turn when a local real estate agent heard of their plight and offered to buy…


84-Year-Old Kansas Woman Sells Her 1937 Ford Older Than Her, Whose Family Originally Bought It

An 84-year-old Kansas woman last month auctioned off her Ford truck for $16,000—that’s not unusual. What is unusual is that her Ford has been in her family since before she was born in 1937. The original “barn find” workhorse of a truck was originally bought by Great Bend woman Genie’s dad back when horse and…


Bride’s Father Invites Her Stepdad to Walk Her Down the Aisle With Him: ‘Felt So Honored’

Making their daughter’s wedding even more memorable, the father of the bride invited the stepdad to join them while walking down the aisle. Bride Kelsey Griffith, 27, from Birmingham, Alabama, was accompanied by dad Jerry Ellenburg, 55, but he knew stepdad Andy Wallace, 60, was a big part of her life too, so beckoned him…


2 Teens See Burglar Breaking Into 80-Year-Old’s House, Halt Him With Their Bikes, Hailed as Heroes

Columbus police Burglary Detective James Francis doesn’t advise bystanders to stop criminals in the act—but acknowledges that 14- and 15-year-old boys will “do what 14- and 15-year-old boys do.” Teens Aaromn Hunt, 15, and Desmar Woods, 14, on Sept. 5 crossed paths with a would-be burglar in their eastside neighborhood; the pair were riding their…


3-Legged Dog Tater Tot Credited for Helping Nurse Save Drowning 76-Year-Old Dog Owner

One 76-year-old Pennsylvania man owes his life to the quick actions of a nurse, her husband, and a three-legged dog after falling into the Allegheny River and very nearly drowning. Last month, the rescuers were recognized for their heroism. Nurse Mary Jo Lender, 54, from Lower Burrel, was visiting River Forest Yacht Club with her…


Tiny, Mighty Cleaning Brushes, Natural Ant Repellant, and More Great Reader Tips

Planting a backyard vegetable garden is a terrific idea, but it can be a pricey—and time-consuming. Today’s first reader has a great tip: Let the master gardeners foot the bill and do all the work while you have a laid-back summer. Then show up to get in on the harvest. It’s all perfectly legal, and…