Life

I've heard it said that on a quiet summer night, farmers can actually listen to their corn grow, hear the sigh of the stretching stalk, the whisper of leaves unfurling.

Dear Helen: Our squash planting is afflicted with powdery mildew. Applications of a baking soda mixture have not stopped the problem. My husband wants to empty the plot and I want to let the squash mature before disposing of the infected plants.

Dress up chicken with this fresh tomato-mayonnaise sauce for a simple summer supper. Adding the juice from fresh tomato pulp to mayonnaise creates a refreshing topping for poached chicken.

Last-minute decisions to entertain call for quick-and-easy beverages

First Apartment Book offers tips to look good with less

Dear Dr. Donohue: My wife's father is 91 and was in excellent health until a month ago. He began to experience pain. He barely could rise from the sitting position. Many blood tests were run, and he was referred to an orthopedic clinic.

Singeractress Hilary Duff has sold her Toluca Lake estate for slightly less than its asking price of $5.5 million US. The buyers are designer Don Stanzione and Sheri Callan, owner of Callan Advertising, which focuses on the independent film industry.

Federal health officials have expanded a recall of Daniella brand mangoes sold in western Canada due to possible salmonella contamination.

As summer draws to a close and dusk falls so much earlier, bring the garden indoors. Cut stems of dahlias, gladioli and lilies displayed in simple containers help you enjoy the last days of summer.

Addition Elle is making a foray into the world of footwear. The retailer for plussize women is launching a collection of footwear this fall, which is set to include a line of wider-calf boots.