Groundhog sees his shadow; early Spring coming?

Although generally a mild winter so far for Chester County, the Commonwealth’s most famous groundhog predicted Friday that an early Spring would come this year. Pennsylvania’s very own world-famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring after not seeing his shadow this morning at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney — marking the 21st time Phil has not seen his shadow during...

ReFirement at Any Age: The season of renewal

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times Did the warm winds ever leave? In our area, if felt like the season of winter never showed up, at least weather-wise. Regardless of the lack of snow and consecutive cold days, there were more hours of darkness to contend with, which affects our mood. Gloomy days lead to gloomy ways of thinking, so in spite of the mild weather, we had to work extra hard...

On Your Table: A hearty taste of spring, Asparagus soup

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times : It’s spring and asparagus leek chowder is on the menu for weekday supper. Steamed, sautéed, roasted or grilled — asparagus takes on differently delicious qualities depending on how you cook it. Roasting and grilling turns asparagus almost sweet. Steamed, it retains the heart of its natural flavor.  Please, please don’t boil these...

On Your Table: Orzo Risotto with Asparagus and Shrimp

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Asparagus and shrimp risotto made with orzo instead of rice yields a quick main course bursting with spring flavors. Just as the weather is finally warming up, local asparagus is starting to come into farmers markets and supermarket shelves. The sight of their bright green spears makes everyone’s heart sing at the end of a long winter of root...

Mother Nature Spring(ing) a major Nor’easter on Chester County

The National Weather Service forecast for snow accumulation across the county. Spring sprung at exactly 12:15 p.m. today, but somehow the weather forecast missed it, as a powerful Nor’easter appears to be aiming right at Chester County. Unlike the last few storms where the county got off relatively easy, this one looks to pack a punch with as much as a foot (or more) of snow, ice, and winds during...

Where is Spring?

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times There are TWO DAYS LEFT until Spring. Would someone please tell Mother Nature to get on board? I am so sick and tired of listening to Glenn Hurricane Schwartz talk about “the potential for snow,” I could SCREAM. I’m done with being cold. I have officially stopped wearing a heavy coat…not because I don’t need one but because it should be warm....

Don’t Retire, ReFire: ‘Spring’ into Spring

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times Although Spring will not officially begin for another two weeks, we can now see the light at the end of the “winter tunnel!”  The days are getting longer. The birds are chirping louder and I even saw some growth popping out of the ground!  It’s great to think about these things, in anticipation, particularly since, as I’m writing, it’s snowing! Have...

All About Connecting: Love is in the air

By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times Ok…so, it’s been a baffling few months weather-wise, but let me assure you now that Spring is definitely here, and love is in the air! From tulips, azaleas, and pink dogwood trees painting our landscape with such romantic colors and aromas, and seemingly every animal in the Kingdom chasing females around to procreate, it’s no surprise we mere mortals...

Spring fever coming just a bit early this year

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I am (blissfully) typing this article while sitting out on the patio, sans coat, iced coffee in hand. In February. Although it is highly unlikely that these 70 degree temps will continue long term, I am happy to soak it up now. Even when the weather returns to normal, the brief respite from winter is enough to force an early transition of the contents...

Rainy days and Sundays….

Coping with a cool, wet May in terms of fashion By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times This weather is KILLING me. I do not know how people in Seattle can stand it. If I see a raincloud in the forecast for one more day, I may lose my mind. Finding the motivation to get out of pajamas is difficult when it’s grey, damp, and dreary. Fortunately, my solution is to turn my frown upside down with...