Although some cat owners still let their pets roam free, the felines are a leading cause of bird mortality, and bird and cat proponents agree that both species are safer if cats are reined in. The good news is that cat owners are, increasingly, keeping their felines enclosed. “The cat realm is catching up to […]

I recently had the honor of being invited to what sounded like a “serious” little party. Actually, it was a “cereus” party, named for a night-blooming cactus. This party was called at the spur of the moment to coincide with the plant’s blooming, which occurs for just a few nights each year. Ugly duckling most […]

“It had been almost two years since he had last killed, and the people of Castle Rock (Strimmer’s Brook formed the southern borderline between the towns of Castle Rock and Otisfield) had begun to relax, thinking the nightmare was finally over.” — “The Dead Zone” “Seven days later and thirty miles from Seven Oaks Farm […]

“He turned left onto the Brooks Road, passed the wrought-iron gates and the low fieldstone wall surrounding Harmony Hill Cemetery and then went down the steep grade and started up the far side — the side known as Marsten’s Hill. At the top, the trees fell away on both sides of the road. On the […]

The non-profit organization Prevent Blindness has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month. The timing is no coincidence; as children get ready to return to school, the importance of eye health is top of mind for parents, educators and eye health practitioners alike. Prevent Blindness works hard to make sure eye care […]

It’s no secret that brushing your teeth and limiting your sugar intake goes a long way in preventing tooth decay, but what else do you know about this common oral health problem? Test your knowledge below! TRUE OR FALSE? 1. Cavities always hurt. 2. Bacteria present in the mouth transform sugars into acids. 3. Pregnant […]

Editor’s Note: Shore Duty columnist Sarah Smiley will return next week.

Not all plants are wholesome for foraging animals. Certain species of milkweed, for example, that are highly valued as host plants for the dwindling monarch butterfly population, are extremely poisonous to pets and to range animals like sheep, cattle and goats. Even free-ranging chickens aren’t immune. Among potentially toxic poultry pickings are castor beans and […]

When you can book every aspect of a trip online, in minutes, why would you use a travel agent? And how do you find a good one? Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Agents, recently joined an episode of the AP Travel podcast “Get Outta Here!” to explain how travel agents […]

Tuna steaks are a treat, and the intense heat of the grill is perfect for getting a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender, moist, and pleasantly pink. We wanted a foolproof method for grilling tuna to perfection, and we decided to make vinaigrette that would complement the fish but not overshadow […]