Norm's Tasting Notes: 2004 Maryhill Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine is dark ruby red in color, with the aromas of currants and cherries. The flavor is one of cherries and dark berries with undertones of chocolate and herbs, and a hint of oak in its long and smooth finish...
Jul 25, 2008

Laura on Life: Princess Palace

Once upon a time, there was a princess who collected frogs, turtles and rocks.  She was fascinated by worms and befriended spiders.  She intercepted bugs from the traps her mother put out and, in general, was very un-princess-like...
Jul 25, 2008

Under Attack by Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are destructive plant pests. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, fields and vegetable crops. They leave behind skeletonized leaves and large, irregular holes in leaves. The grubs develop in the soil, feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses and often destroying turf in lawns, parks, golf courses and pastures...
Jul 22, 2008

Norm's Tasting Notes: 2006 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon and Claret

The Cabernet Sauvignon is very dark red in color, and has an explosive nose of cherry and berry. The flavors abound with fruit, with black cherry and plum being most abundant. The finish is lingering with good smooth tannins derived from its fourteen months in both French and American oak...
Jul 18, 2008

Laura on Life: We Know Things

If my husband and I were one person, we’d be dangerous.  We’d be richer than King Midas, smarter than Albert Einstein, and better looking than the biological offspring of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie...
Jul 17, 2008

I have a Question...

Each month I receive hundreds of calls from gardeners with questions ranging from how to keep deer out of a garden to disease control in a home lawn...
Jul 17, 2008

Norm's Tasting Notes: 2005 Van Ruiten Vineyards Chardonnay

The 2005 Van Ruiten Vineyards Chardonnay is one of those wines I call a sleeper.  The wine is rich and buttery, with the taste of apples and pears, and a smooth creamy finish...
Jul 11, 2008

We Need Bees

Although it has not been definitely determined, it is believed that one bee can pollinate 5,000 flowers per day per tree. Bees work best when temperatures are above 65 degrees. Incomplete pollination in fruit trees results in excessive fruit drop or even poorly developed fruit that may eventually drop off...
Jul 8, 2008

Laura on Life: Stupid People Need More Towels

I think about strange things sometimes.  Things like:  If everyone in the Western Hemisphere jumped up, would everyone in the Eastern Hemisphere bounce...
Jul 8, 2008

Laura on Life: Use Caution

Coming home from a week-long vacation, we decided to take a shortcut.  You know…one of those “shortcuts” that really isn’t...
Jul 1, 2008

Leaves of Three, Let It Be

Symptoms of contact with poison ivy include skin inflammation and blistering, and all parts -- stems, leaves, roots, flowers and fruits -- are poisonous at all times of the year...
Jun 30, 2008

Norm's Tasting Notes: 2006 Franciscan Napa Valley Chardonnay

Coming in at 13.5% alcohol, this is a beautiful wine of pale yellow color and the aromas of ripe pear and lemon peel. The flavor is subtle yet compelling with honey and vanilla bursting all over the crisp apple flavors...
Jun 29, 2008

A Common Tomato Problem

Blossom-end rot is one of the most common problems in growing tomatoes in Georgia...
Jun 25, 2008

Laura on Life: Low-Maintenance Animals

I have a cat.  I don’t have a dog because I am too selfish with my time to want to take a dog out to do his business every few hours...
Jun 25, 2008

WILD Facts: A closer look at fish

The next time you go fishing, snorkeling or to the aquarium, look closely at the variety of fish you see...
Jun 25, 2008