Category: Country Lifestyle

On Not Messing with French Cheese

Sometimes I’m tempted by the smell of McDonald’s grease outside their walls. It triggers something inside me as we pass by. It’ll be quick, cheap, and familiar, I think. Or, it’s the millions they spent on advertising coming to roost. Regardless, my wife shakes her head. “It’s bad for you and the world,” she says again.

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The Silent Saboteurs of Soil and Structure

The problem of termites is often overlooked, but they can cause significant damage to crops, houses, and other buildings. These ancient insects cause substantial damage by attacking roots and weakening structures. Preventive measures, like reducing moisture and scheduling inspections are essential. Identification and targeted treatment is needed for effective control.

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The RFD and Me

Rural Free Delivery, established in 1896 after years of advocacy, transformed rural life by connecting farmers to the wider world. There was a daily sense of anticipation about the mail, which brought news, magazines, or announcements. Today, the mailbox holds less allure, but I still find hope in its tangible connection to distant places.

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Rethinking the Pigeon

In 2020, a Chinese bidder paid $1.9 million for New Kim, a racing pigeon, making her the most expensive in history. Originating in Belgium, pigeon racing began in 1818, with specialized breeding producing the Voyageurs breed. Using Earth’s magnetic field for navigation, pigeons race from a shared starting point to individual lofts, their speed determining winners.

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