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Oh, Dear! There’s Deer in my Garden!
In the twilight hours you might catch a glimpse of a gentle visitor amid the greenery in your garden. Scenic, bucolic, and… wait a minute? Is that deer eating your hydrangea like a salad bar!? The white-tailed deer, a common sight in many parts of the country, is both...
Don’t make mealtime a battlefield
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. The window on the mountain is open an inch or two today, letting in the last of the brisk fall air before we are plunged into the deep freeze...
Avoid these investment mistakes
We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless — we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly — especially those connected to investing. Here are...
Did You Know that Snow is Important to Plants?
The soft, silent blanket of snow that coats the ground during the winter months is more than just picturesque; it's part of Earth's climatic rhythm and has a profound impact on plant growth cycles. With its high reflectivity, snow sends a great deal of sunlight back...
The world in a shoebox
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. The window on the mountain is closed tight today, and the view is misty. We've been experiencing some much-needed rain over the past 24 hours....
Turning 65? Know your Medicare options
If you will soon be 65 and you don’t have health insurance through your employer or your spouse’s plan, you’ll need to start looking into Medicare – so you should know your options. And your first big choice will likely be whether to go with original Medicare or...
Busy Biting Little Ants in the Garden!
Ants are one of the most common garden dwellers, and while they can play a beneficial role in the ecosystem, they can also be a gardener's nemesis. As someone who has felt the sting of their tiny but mighty bite, and who has battle scars from a summer spent grappling...
Don’t leave your IRA to the IRS
If you’ve invested in an IRA for many decades, it may well turn into a key source of income for your retirement. Still, you might not deplete your IRA in your lifetime, especially if you also have a pension or a 401(k) and other investment income. So, if your IRA...
Can We Fight Mildew Organically?
The short answer is yes. But let me elaborate! Fighting the ghostly dusting of powdery mildew on plants is a common battle for gardeners. This fungal disease, caused by various species of ascomycete fungi, is easily recognizable by the white to grayish,...
When should you sell investments?
If you’re a long-term investor, your portfolio may stay fairly stable over time. However, that doesn’t mean you will never sell any investments. But when should you sell — and why? Here are some scenarios to consider: If an investment has consistently underperformed –...
Houseplants Count as Gardens Too!
Houseplants have become more than just decorative pieces in our living spaces; they bridge the great outdoors with the blissfully climate controlled indoors. Whether you're in a tiny home or a palatial ranch house, introducing a touch of green can uplift your...
What should you ask a financial advisor?
Managing your finances and investing for your future are important tasks — and they can be challenging. But you don’t have to go it alone. Many people benefit from working with a financial advisor, someone who knows their needs and goals and makes appropriate...