Get the local stations back on my dish, already

For weeks now, here’s what I see when I try to watch programs on two of the local Syracuse stations on my living room TV: No shows. When I go to the website for the FOX station and its sister independent, I get a letter from owner Northwest saying that company is not to blame.…

Up the lake with a paddle

Walking on the first warm day in what seems like forever, and what do my work friends and I spot on the near edges of Onondaga Lake? Yes, that is a hearty paddleboarder navigating the waterway. Air temperature, 60 F.

Onondaga Lake proves to be friendly to many eagles

The word is out that the shore of our lake that adjoins the major shopping, dining and entertainment complex has turned into a robust home for an American icon. Outdoors writer David Figura spread the story online for newyorkupstate.com. I’ve seen a majestic bird or two the mile or so along the shore toward the…

Smarter than that?

As we enjoyed a sunny day with a walk around our Liverpool neighborhood of Galeville, our cherished rescue mutt Ellie B aka Dogamous Pyle seemed to scoff at the idea that she be lumped in with the preschool kids, even by Da’s photo association. Too smart, her stance told me. Then we continued onward and…

Are you safe as we spring ahead?

They say you should check the batteries of your smoke detectors when you change the clocks. We just sprung ahead. I went out and bought a new multi-gas gadget and one more smoke detector. The old plug-in had very recently gone on the fritz, beeping and flashing when indeed there was no need. This we…

A Kid Like Jake doesn’t quite know where to go

Things are going quite well for this urban family in the Big Apple as psychologist dad does his figuring out at the office, former-attorney mom happily stays home to raise their son and said kid Jake has a fine time creatively dressing up as his favorite story characters, in his room and with the other…

A morning visitor

As my dear wife Karen enjoys her winter girls getaway trip to Florida, I await her photo-filled texts back home at A Bitty Better in our Galeville neighborhood in Liverpool. A morning visitor outside their rental house, she explained. Wow. A walk around the blocks, with sunshine and flowers. Wow, wow.

Good advice

There are winter warnings put out by the official weather folks. Wow, we’ve wobbled through lots of these this winter. And then there is this humorous cone used by the folks at our Wegmans market. Thank you for at least making me smile through our icy days.