Lifestyle

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a very common eye condition. • A person with myopia can see objects close-up clearly but distant objects appear blurry. • When light enters the eye, the cornea and the lens focus the light onto the retina. • The retina sends the light signals to the brain for us to see. • In the eyes with myopia, the distant image is not focused on the retina so the image is not clear. • The most common cause of myopia is an increase in the length of the eye from the front to the back. • Occasionally, the cornea may be too steeply curved. • Studies show myopia is becoming more prevalent in children, especially during the COVID pandemic. • This may be the result of children spending more screen time and fewer outdoor activities.

As we move through a world of disposable things, it’s easy to forget that previous generations kept nearly everything. • Furniture was made to last. Pieces of crystal or china were investments passed down from parent to child to grandchild. Even mundane items could remain in use for decades: The same Corningware bowl and General Electric mixer might churn out birthday cake batter for a generation and more. • Many of these items still exist, nestled under layers of yellowing newspaper in cardboard boxes or shrouded by dust-laden sheets. America’s attics, basements and garages are filled with hand-me-down home decor and household goods waiting to be unearthed.

On April 27 and 28 several Brownwod High School (BHS) students traveled to Abilene to take their FAA Commercial Unmanned Aviation (drone) Pilot license exam. Eight young men and women earned their licenses and are now legally able to conduct drone operations for compensation.

Cucumber dill salad is super easy to make and goes perfectly with almost anything. This light and refreshing salad pairs a sweet and sour combination of vinegar and sugar with cucumbers, onions and fresh dill.

One of my favorite ways to serve fresh strawberries is in a bowl with freshly whipped cream on top. The sweet tart flavor of ruby red spring strawberries is perfectly matched with cream that is piled into a big fluffy heap.

This recipe feels so indulgent and cooks up to be the texture of a rich, smooth, and silky chocolate pudding. With the combination of oats and chocolate, it stirs up thoughts of the famous no-bake cookies my mom has made for many, many years. The no-bake cookie is a treasure in our family, as I am sure it is with many of you.

Surprise Mom – if you can – with this elegant but dessert for Mother’s Day. This treat, from our book “COOKish,” which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor, takes just 20 minutes and can be tucked into the back of the freezer up to a week in advance.

Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” There are many benefits for seniors aging in place, and if you plan ahead and prioritize your health and fitness, there’s a good chance you can stay put and enjoy your golden years at home.

We all know that nutrition is important. • Plants without proper water and nutrients are sickly and unhealthy; it is the same with humans. • We need high quality fuel to be fully empowered to be healthy and active. • As many places are beginning to have an influx of local fresh fruits and veggies, this is a great time to explore human nutrition. • Let’s begin at the very beginning.

Move over, cottagecore – there’s a new décor trend in town! The internet is buzzing over the so-called “coastal grandmother” aesthetic – a recent TikTok trend that’s all about about fresh flowers, bright kitchens and living a slow-paced lifestyle, and we have a feeling it’s going to be the next big thing in interior design. • Don’t worry, though – you certainly don’t have to be a grandmother to enjoy the look. (The TikTok user who coined the phrase, @lexnicoleta, is only in her 20s!)