Our country home

A hot and rainy summer

Dear readers, One of my favorite country artists is Randy Travis, and a line from one of his songs is resonating with me lately: “As long as old men sit and talk about the weather …

Springfever

I returned to Sullivan County in late April, after spending half a year in Oaxaca, Mexico. There, the produce is abundant year-round, and only occasionally does a vendor tell me that some fruit or …

Local farmers' markets

The warm weather brings an abundance of opportunities to buy fresh produce. Luckily, our area has a bounty of farmers’ markets. Of course, it’s fun to grow some of your own stuff, …

Easy outdoor living

As the summer months unfold, warm weather creates a unique chance to expand our living space to include the outdoors. Regardless of the size of your home, a thoughtfully decorated outdoor space, …
Biophilic design doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, I know. It’s the fancy term for designing your space with natural materials and actual nature to blur the line between inside and …
By JUDE WATERSTON It sure is winter. The snow, when first falling in thick, wet, pristine flakes, is stunning and magical to see. And imagining a cognac snifter warming in my hand as I stand by …
There’s a certain poetry in light, and Stone Hill, a beautifully constructed home in the meadows of Narrowsburg, NY, captures it perfectly. Set on 26 rolling acres, Stone Hill is tucked off …
Warm sun, fresh air and the early blooms of crocus and forsythia are the sure signs of spring. It’s a great time to take advantage of mild temperatures, freshen up the house, and tackle spring …
Do you ever find yourself looking around your home and the overwhelm sets in? You hate the kitchen, the living room is a mess of toys, and items are overflowing from the nonexistent entryway. …
If you’re a beginner gardener, and live in a moderate growing zone such as 5 or 6—as we do here—you’re about to learn what experienced gardeners have found throughout the …
Dear Readers, After a lively summer and a fantastic fall, it’s chilly again. Now’s the time to cozy up inside (but do get outside, at least a little bit every day. The fresh air will …
REGION — If you’re a novice or expert gardener, you’ll probably encounter critters in your garden. The culprits eating your plants or vegetables are most likely deer, rabbits …
We love spending time outdoors and opening the windows and doors of our home to let in the summer breezes and sunshine. But oftentimes, unwanted critters find their way indoors, and it can be …
PARKSVILLE, NY — It’s not your grandfather’s Quonset hut from World War II: a local couple have created a state-of-the-art, highly energy-efficient home nestled in the woods, with a …
(Family Features) In the world of design, what’s old inevitably becomes new again, and a similar pattern is inspiring today’s on-trend color palettes for home decor. The latest styles …
The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home. It’s a multifunctional space that hosts a full spectrum of experiences, from quiet morning coffee and contemplation to boisterous …

Before, during, after: Essential tips for surviving a hurricane

(BPT) - Hurricane season is here. Are you and your home ready?The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season goes from June 1 to Nov. 30. After several particularly active hurricane seasons, the need to be …
More ideas for your home
Regular duct cleaning by ethical professionals can help homeowners save their health and wealth.

All Things Duct Cleaning

5 days ago
(NAPSI)—There may be a problem lurking in your house that you can’t even see: dirty ducts. But that doesn’t have to be. The …
Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions offers home standby generators and battery storage systems that can help deliver peace of mind, along with energy resiliency and efficiency.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

5 days ago
(NAPSI)—It’s unfortunate but, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association’s most recent reports, on average, …

Protecting the moments

5 days ago
(BPT) - Install fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home to help protect the moments you share …

Want to improve your home's curb appeal? Start with your driveway

Saturday, September 23
(BPT) - Whether you're planning to sell your house in the near future or you just want to improve the look of your home's exterior, …
Why porcelain countertops and extra-large slabs are wonderful design elements

Why porcelain countertops and extra-large slabs are wonderful design elements

Monday, September 18
(BPT) - Today’s homeowners want to use materials in their homes that fit their busy lifestyles. Porcelain countertops and …