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My husband and I read the local paper online but he insists on subscribing to it, only for the papers to pile up, unread, in the recycling bin. His reason -- and I agree -- is that we should pay for what we use. Several times he has written to the newspaper to suggest that they charge for full online access. But they don't get it... yet.

Sooner, rather than later, the old guard of newspaper publishers will figure out that paper and ink is as contemporary as wired telephones, modems and cassette machines.

Here in Pittsburgh, I'm lucky to live near Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Giant Eagle, all within walking distance of each other and a five minute drive for me. When I grocery-shop, I start at Trader Joe's for the cheaper stuff (like Niman's Ranch bacon and Fage yogurt), then to whole Foods for the good stuff (fresh-ground beef, great produce), then to Giant Eagle for the nasty stuff (like my husband's supply of Diet Coke).

If I could only choose one, it would be Whole Foods, and hubby would have to make do with organic cola.

Frederika,

I don't know, but I wish they would stop. Or at least give me advance notice so I don't bake a pumpkin pie when there's one on the way.

The ones that are most bothersome are the ones that require half an hour of heating and no one touches anyway. Hey, here's my famous gray spinach eggplant casserole... just pop it in the oven if you don't mind... oops, not the microwave, it's in a foil pan...

I have a raised-bed herb garden that is a real pleasure for me. I love going out the kitchen door at dinner time and harvesting basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, etc....

The seven tomato pants in large pots on the patio are another story. I'm averaging about one tomato per pot per week. They appear to have wilt disease. WHAT am I doing wrong?

lori in Pittsburgh