Last week I went to the doctor for my annual exam. I normally have very good results from the exam, the bloodwork, and the screenings that make up an annual check-up. When the doctor came into the room, he gave me a greeting and asked if I was feeling as well as I normally do. I admitted that this time there were a few items I wanted to share with him. The first, and the most troubling concern was my frequent heartburn. He said he would put through an order for an endoscopy,

Wildfeuer, Wikimedia Commons Fresh chestnuts are now available in many stores. You can also find processed ones that are precooked and peeled. I always look forward to Fall, partly for the holidays, the weather, the colors of nature and of course, the meals. Chestnuts are a must at my house, and I am very happy that chestnuts are now available already cooked and peeled, ready to eat or use in recipes. I can eat a whole bag of them. I wish I knew how the processors can get the

For The Madera Tribune Chowchilla’s Asterisk Talley is making Chowchilla proud with her exploits on the golf course, including leading the American Junior Ryder Cup team to a win over the European team a couple of weeks ago. While the American Ryder Cup golf team failed to bring home the cup after losing to the Europeans, the American Junior Ryder Cup team brought their cup back home.  Chowchilla’s Asterisk Talley led the American team with three wins and a tie in four matche

Courtesy of Daniel Mendoza/Gonzalez Boxing Madera Unified girls get in the ring to participate in a free boxing summer camp, hosted by Gonzalez Boxing. The camp teaches the students discipline and provides them with a positive outlet. Gonzalez Boxing, founded by Daniel and Adriana Gonzalez, hosted a summer class in partnership with Madera Unified School District to offer free after-school programs and summer camps designed to build discipline, confidence, and community.  Adri

Whitney, Wikimedia Commons Banana breads fresh from the oven are a wonderful treat on a Fall day. When my youngest son was very small, he went through a period during which he refused to eat vegetables. I resorted to baking quick breads, using all the spices that usually go along with them, such as cinnamon, allspice, etc. I bought strained, pureed vegetables in the baby food section of the grocery stores, including yams or sweet potatoes, spinach, green beans, carrots and ot

Polonist, Wikimedia Commons Roasted pumpkin is a delicious side dish for Fall dining. I have never had any luck growing pumpkins, and for...

In the more than seven decades since I have been walking around on this earth, I have lived in eight states and one foreign country....

Famartin, Wikimedia Commons Three layers of delicious chocolate cake will put a smile on most faces. Fall festivals often include a cake...