My name is Gary Johnson, and I would like to share my story. 40 years ago, I served in Vietnam as an infantry pointman with the famous First Infantry Division. On December 20, 1969, I was wounded… Read more

French Meat Pie Ingredients 2 Tbs cooking oil 2 tsp ground allspice 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 tsp salt 1 lb ground beef 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 lb ground pork 1 pastry for double-crust pie 9”… Read more

It is Christmas Eve at the large and grand home of a wealthy Victorian family. The most beautiful tree imaginable has been decorated and the gifts are wrapped and ready for the annual party. As the… Read more

There is something very special about the people who run IN to dangerous situations when the rest of us are running OUT Our son, Joseph Cigal, a volunteer firefighter with the Southwick Fire… Read more

Marcy peered through the truck’s wipers at the steady snowfall. Nice touch for Christmas Eve, she thought. Might not make the family gathering if the storm worsened. A mixed blessing. “I… Read more

The Pleasures of Cooking for One, by Judith Jones A vibrant, wise celebration of food and enjoying our own company. From the legendary editor of some of the world’s greatest cooks—including… Read more

Christmas is the year’s most beautiful holiday. It allows us to fill or homes with lovely decorations and our hearts with love for all humanity. It has often been written it would be a true… Read more

Question: I am interested in buying gold. What is the best way to purchase and own gold? Also why are so many businesses purchasing gold? Mark Y. Answer: You can purchase gold in the form of… Read more

There’s nothing like a good book to chase away the winter blahs. I recovered from my blahs nicely when I read “The Candy Bombers” by Andrei Cherny. This true story is about a Berlin Airlift… Read more

Pennsylvania Ginger Pears Ingredients 5 lbs. firm, ripe pears 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup slivered lemon rind 3 pounds light brown sugar 12 cups water 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 tbsp… Read more

Christmas is more than the presents, the parties, and the red poinsettias. Christmas is more than a wreath and bow on the front door, or the inflatable snowman in the yard. While these all… Read more

I’m all grown up now, but still need help somehow. I’m not a child, but my heart still can dream. So here’s my lifelong wish, my grown up Christmas list… When I was small, my “Santa”… Read more

Great gift idea, fill food safe containers or bags with this mix to hand out. Ingredients 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder 2 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer 2 tsp. ground… Read more

Ingredients 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour 4 ounces white chocolate (with cocoa butter), chopped 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2… Read more

My widowed mother, nicknamed “Hester” by me, and I were living in our remodeled country schoolhouse with telephone but no electricity. She was 62. I was 23. I carried water from the well I dug on… Read more

I was in the Holyoke Mall in early November, making a long overdue item return, when I almost ran smack into a display of Christmas Tree Ornaments. My mind skipped right over the usual “ oh,… Read more