Death of a Torchiere
It was probably about 25 years ago. I had returned to school to get my MBA at Fresno State’s Craig School of Business. I was doing what they call burning a candle at both ends, working full-time, going to classes in the evenings and studying late at night and early in the mornings. My favorite place to read and study was in the corner of our sectional sofa in the living room. The only problem was that the lighting was not good there. So, I told David what I needed was one of
Nancy Simpson
9 hours ago


Everyday food counts, too
Foodie Girl, freerangestock.com Corn and black beans go together very well. Adding some colorful bell peppers to the mix is even better. It seems like we sort of get caught in a revolving door, going from one holiday or special event to another, barely getting a chance to catch our breath. I understand that the world of marketing and advertising tends to promote special days very early, because most businesses need to make a profit. And those businesses provide us with a grea
Cathie Campbell
Apr 11
Why we say it
I heard myself saying something (to myself) this morning, thinking “That’s the best thing since flush plumbing.” I remember people using that expression when I was young, but it seems that most people around here don’t use that same one. The one more commonly used seems to be, “That’s the best thing since sliced bread.” I googled that expression when I got to the office, and I read lots of variations of the same “idiom.” Some of them were not very nice, but others were more u
Nancy Simpson
Apr 11


Poke bowls are here to stay
Andy Li, Wikimedia Commons Salmon is a popular choice for many who enjoy poke bowls for a meal. I first heard of the delicacy known as a poke bowl from my youngest son, Cody. He enjoys living in an area that is rich with popular foods that represent many different nations and cultures. I had to look up how to pronounce the Hawaiian word “poke,” which as far as I can tell, is enunciated “POH-kay” or sometimes “POH-keh.” Different versions of the poke bowl are popping up in man
Cathie Campbell
Apr 8
Rejoice on Resurrection Day
Tomorrow is Resurrection Day, more commonly known as Easter Sunday. That is a glorious day for many reasons, but there is one reason in particular. Jesus is the reason for the season. For many of us, on Easter we celebrate the third day after Jesus was brutally killed, when he did something that he had promised he would do. According to the gospel as related by Luke, Jesus told his disciples, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about
Nancy Simpson
Apr 4
Bass Lake, south Yosemite open
OAKHURST — Located just 14 miles south of Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake is known by locals and visitors for its sparkling warm waters, abundance of outdoor activities, family-friendly resorts, and amazing lakeside dining. Many families return year after year, making this destination a family tradition packed with memories, events, and relaxing days on the water. Lake days are coming up soon, as the south shore resorts,
For The Madera Tribune
Apr 1


A sticky situation
Sakurai Midori, Wikimedia Commons Enhance your morning with delectable sticky buns, along with a cup of coffee, cocoa, tea or juice. The morning I sat down to write this, I was wondering what type of recipes to feature. While wondering, I was taking bite after bite of a delicious apple-cinnamon sticky roll, all gooey with a buttery, brown sugar glaze. Then it occurred to me that sticky buns/rolls would be a great subject. I won’t be able to share the recipe for the grocery-st
Cathie Campbell
Apr 1
Crosses everywhere
It is amazing how many signs of God’s blessings are available to us. Every day we experience miracles, if we only pay attention to recognize them. Yesterday I was driving away from a visit to the Madera post office. As I was making a turn, out of the corner of my eye I saw a cross. My mind told me it was one of those ornamental crosses like some people put in their yards to designate their faith in Christ. The “cross” I saw seemed to be in an odd place. It was against the s
Nancy Simpson
Mar 28




