Column

Melancholy Paradise: In life the truest friend

What I know about the 19th-century English poet, Lord Byron, you could put in a shot glass and have room left over. But I have committed to memory one of his poems and it goes like this:“Beauty without vanity. Courage without ferocity. Strength without insolence.

Challenge yourself with these labor-intensive recipes

Last week, I shared some quick and easy recipes for appetizers or snacks that could be whipped up with ease. This week, I’m writing for those of you who enjoy a bit of a challenge in the kitchen and like to stretch yourself just a bit by trying something new and more labor-intensive.
Barbara Cooper served as a tablescaper and host for a May tea party. Photo by Linda Dwyer

Barbara Cooper served as a tablescaper and host for a May tea party. Photo by Linda Dwyer

Tastes of the Town: Tablescaping for tea time

Recent bountiful rains inspire efforts at springtime landscaping. However, spring is also a prime time for tablescaping: setting the table with extra effort and creativity enhances the dining experience. Tablescapes use a theme to personalize birthdays, graduations and celebrations.
Columnist Linda Dwyer raises a glass to Saint Patrick.

Columnist Linda Dwyer raises a glass to Saint Patrick.

A Georgetown toast to Saint Patrick

Wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day shows support for all things Irish. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush landscape. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity and green clover became an Irish national symbol.

Cook's Corner: Nutritious, low calorie meals to try

This week, I’m sharing recipes that I’ve made recently that are full of nutritious ingredients, low in calories and delicious. I’m doing my best to keep processed foods out of my menus whenever possible and to cook at home so I know what’s going into what I’m eating.
Joe Plunkett, with the Cemetery Restoration Volunteers, touches a gravestone his group restored  at the circa 1851 McFadin Cemetery on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Plunkett and his group led the effort to restore this cemetery near the San Gabriel River in recent years.     Photo by Andy Sharp.

Joe Plunkett, with the Cemetery Restoration Volunteers, touches a gravestone his group restored at the circa 1851 McFadin Cemetery on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Plunkett and his group led the effort to restore this cemetery near the San Gabriel River in recent years. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Restoring Williamson County's lost cemeteries

October 31 is the first of three days dedicated by various cultures to remembering the dead. In some Christian churches, Halloween is followed by All Saints’ Day and then by All Souls’ Day. In Mexico, this time is called Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.