Hobbies

If you have a smaller box, just large enough to fit one child, make a race car or a car to take to a make-shift drive-in movie. I could not find four identically sized boxes (they must be the same!) so I bought four plastic storage containers. ...

Western Reserve Historical Society has done a terrific job connecting us with our region's rich history. From the Jewish Orphan Society to the evolution of Hiram House, Romper Room and more, childhood in Northeast Ohio was far different in years past. ...

It’s been a productive few months, by pandemic standards. Aside from stumbling around with Zoom — the video conferencing app — I’ve tackled several projects: pitching failed hair products jammed under the bathroom sink; trimming hair from my golden retriever’s feet and matching plastic lids with bowls. I also sorted insurance statements and moved winter clothes to a back closet.  ...

From love letters that combat loneliness to farmers markets, Operation Cheer, virtual vacations and Impact Awards, read what's Worth Noting! ...

Having the right tools for the job can turn a gardening chore into a gardening joy. A little investment up front will reward you with many happy, productive, rewarding days out in the garden. These essential gardening tools will get your gardening off to a good start and keep your gardens beautiful and growing. ...

Even though we're being encouraged to keep our distance from one another and stay at home longer, we're also being told that going outside for exercise and recreation is a good thing. There are additional encouraging factors at work here — our air is cleaner, our streets are less congested, and people are being much kinder to one another — all great reasons to continue to ride instead of drive. ...

That's not your imagination. We're in the height of spring nesting and migrating season and the early-morning backyard songfest can be deafening. Isn't it great? The red-breasted grosbeaks started showing up in Northeast Ohio about two weeks ago. They may be checking out your bird feeders, fresh from their migration from Mexico and Central America. May is a wonderful month to see a wide variety of birds in your backyard. And if you've got birdhouses, wreaths or other handy spots for a nest, you'll probably see robins, bluebirds, wrens and others tending their young. ...

Now here's a bit of good news for garden lovers that will make life seem closer to normal. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has postponed its opening (that's the sad part) but the gardens are open for walkers and gawkers (that's the happy part). And as a bonus,  it'll cost you nothing to see all the spring tulips, flowering trees and other glorious, seasonal blooms. ...