Opinion

The summer months are flying by, and school will be starting soon, but don’t let the summer slip away without enjoying the health benefits of berries, watermelon, and cantaloupe. You know the saying that good things come in small packages? Well, when it comes to the health benefits of berries, it’s true. In a recent Health Hints newsletter, two registered dietitians were asked about the health of berries. Rachel Helfferich runs her own virtual practice, Everglow Nutrition, and is a yoga instructor. Amy Gorin is owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, Conn.

Dear Neil: What is wrong with our young burr oak’s leaves? They’re horribly distorted. I have not encountered this before.

While in Santa Claus, Ind., to cool off at Holiday World, the Tyree family took a side trip to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in nearby Lincoln City. “But I thought Abraham Lincoln was from Kentucky!” a co-worker objected.

Last week, the perpetually offended scored another big win. The venerable Cleveland Indians announced that next year their nickname will be the Guardians, a reference to two large landmark stone edifices near Progressive Field.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

In West Texas, watermelon is considered a staple in our diets. August has been established as National Watermelon Month and of course this big fruit deserves it’s own special day as well. This year we celebrate the big day on Aug. 3. Sweet and tasty, watermelons are one of summer’s favorite fruit, and are a regular at just about everyone’s summer picnics or parties.

Car buyers are getting crushed by the rapid increase in the cost of new and used cars, but my dad’s old-school negotiating techniques might offer some relief. Thanks to the rippling effects of the pandemic and the lockdowns, it’s harder to find a new car to buy in the first place.

My family took the easy way out - again. We had our annual chance at a professional portrait and decided to let (insist) son Gideon pose solo for the umpteenth time.

There are many signs that summer is here, including hot weather, full swimming pools, and sunlight until after 9 p.m. Another sign is that sweet corn is starting to show up at grocery stores, farmers market, and street corners. We planted sweet corn in a garden where I grew up, so seeing it reminds me of my childhood. I’d spend a day or two in the kitchen with my mom, sister, and grandmas, freezing sweet corn so we could enjoy it throughout the winter.

Dear Neil: I am seeing bark on my large tree (not sure of type) that is shedding and falling. What can I do to save the tree, or should I remove it and move on? You have a very large red oak, and it looks like it is suffering from Hypoxylon canker.