In the old days, we might have had an actual dictionary in hand to look up any words we had in question. But today, our good friend “Al” (some people’s mis-reading of “A.I.” which stands for “artificial intelligence”) has our backs at any given time. So much, that some of us have even grown to think our wacky versions of words are the correct ones since the computer can correct our mistakes every time. With Al watching over us, we stop learning and slink into a dark abyss of writing errors that will only get worse as we depend on technology more.

Cromwell himself is portrayed as a fixer. His job is to do the bidding of his master of the moment—first, Cardinal Wolsey, then the king. Eminently practical, he seems to be a man without any principles—except loyalty—at a time when other men were willing to die, or more preferably, to kill and torture for their religious principles. In the company of such fanatics, a man without principles seems almost sane and humane by comparison.

While there has been a public library in Kelso since 1750, today’s library was built in 1905 with money from the Carnegie Trust. Public schooling began in 1872, replacing most private schools. There are several religious denominations in Kelso: Church of Scotland, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Quaker, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Jehovah’s Witness. Many of the churches are impressive structures compared to the churches of Kelso, Washington.

All three regional garden shows boast displays that showcase everything from the newest plants to creative landscape designs. The transformation to the magic of the summer garden has taken months of planning and preparation

The Flying Horseshoe Ranch in Cle Elum, Washington, offers a winter wonderland, cozy cabins, and peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional “whinny” of a horse, hungry for food or a little attention.

Subbing this month for the Man in the Kitchen was a bit daunting. I decided to sift through all pea soupmy old handwritten recipes. I found my Swedish grandmother’s rye bread recipe and one for my mother’s green split pea soup. These must be at least 50 years old because my grandmother moved back to Minnesota in 1954. I decided that I wanted to make rye bread and pea soup. Together they would make a hearty meal for either lunch or dinner.

We’ve all seen and probably used the hot rotisserie chickens at our grocers. They taste pretty good most of the time. What started out as a hunt for duck ended with a lovely chicken l’orange. We envisioned the classic duck l’orange for dinner. So much for visions. Our search for fresh or frozen duck in area stores was in vain. Saddened, we lowered our scopes to the lowly preroasted chicken. It was so much easier and quicker starting out with a freshly roasted bird. The orange sauce, drizzled over the bird, took it to heaven. This recipe is fast and easy, with ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s a classy way of upgrading an otherwise-ordinary dinner.

Lettuce? Boring ol’ lettuce? Why would anyone be eager to grow lettuce when we yearn to grow impressive vegetables like tomatoes? Well, if your tomatoes are still huddled together in your garage or pouting from exposure to cold rain and hail, this is the year to discover the pleasure of growing a crop that snickers at the weather. Lettuce is the foundation for green salad year around. Any small corner of a flower bed will do or you can grow them effortlessly in a container or basket even if you have no garden space.

Growing their own food is a “dream come true” for many home gardeners. However, no one would have thought to include heat-loving citrus trees until a few years ago. The development of fruiting trees on “dwarf” root stock reduced the potential for unrestrained growth and brought the citrus grove to your doorstep. Yes, you still need to protect from severe Pacific Northwest winter temperature, but the containerized trees, easily maintained and productive in a pot, are a joy to grow. By following basic cultural practices, your trees will produce an abundant supply of fruit.