The phrase “dog days of summer” refers to the period between July 3 and Aug. 11. The Farmer’s Almanac notes the phrase refers to a period of time when the Sun occupies the same region as Sirius, the Dog Star. However, in many households, the dog days of summer has come to mean the hottest days of su...

Even as summer winds down, there tends to be plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining. Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they’re at their peak. Sweet an...

Join other forward-thinking graziers at the National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC) 2026 “Ultimate Northeast Grazing School,” hosted by John Burns’s Evermore Farms , 8475 Morgan Creek Rd., Lindley, NY, Sept. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For the great value of only $50 for both days, the school fea...

As some Northeast gardens peak in July, growers are trimming plants, pulling spent vegetables, mowing lawns and managing an increasing amount of yard waste. Now is the ideal time to start a compost pile that can help recycle those materials and prepare households for the large influx of leaves that ...

The Connected Herkimer County Teams, representing Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer and Mount Markham, are inviting families from across Herkimer County to join them for an evening of fun, connection and community at the Connected Herkimer County Carnival on Thursday, July 30 at ARC Park in Herki...

The Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is accepting nominations for its “Conservationist of the Year” award for 2026. Each year, OCCA awards the Conservationist of the Year to the individual, community group, nonprofit organization or business or government entity that has made an outstan...

Seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. The World Health Organization says around one in five older adults experience psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and dementia-related mood changes. While various therapies can help, seniors may discover volunteerism can be a surprising anti...

This time of year, refrigerators take center stage in our kitchens. Whether they are holding an extra case of soft drinks, bottled water or a frosty pitcher of fresh lemonade, our favorite summer appliance gets a lot of use. We grew up calling it the “icebox” because that’s what Mom and Dad and all ...

The “Best in Rural Writing” contest is open to everyone in the world. The work can have already been published (or scheduled to be published). By submitting, the author is agreeing to the possibility of the Milk House or the co-sponsor publishing or promoting their submission if it is selected as th...