Julia Bayly

Dec 24, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Julia Bayly

This story was originally published in March 2021. There’s a lot to deal with during a Maine winter, from snow to bone-chilling temperatures to short days and beyond. But for some Mainers, the most frustrating part of a Maine winter can be defending their mailbox against snowplows. Not long after it starts snowing in Maine, municipal snow plows are rumbling along major roads and side streets. Lowered blades push mounds of snow off to the sides, clearing the way for drivers.

Dec 22, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Julia Bayly

This story was originally published in March 2020. There are few things more frustrating than being in the middle of a cooking or baking project and being out of an ingredient. Knowing a few kitchen ingredient substitutions can come in very handy. From brownies to breads, many baking recipes call for some amount of cooking oil. If you run out of oil — or are running low — unsweetened applesauce is a good substitute.

Dec 7, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Julia Bayly

Brothers Harrison and Mason Spofford drove with their family from Bar Harbor to catch the annual Festival of Lights parade in Bangor Saturday evening and were smiling even before the first float glided by. Decked out with Santa hats and whirling colored lights, the brothers were among hundreds of people crowding the sidewalk along the parade’s route from Exchange Street winding through downtown to Washington Street.

Dec 2, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Julia Bayly

This story was originally published in December 2018. For many rural dwellers, seasonal vehicles — cars for summer roads and older, sturdier 4-wheel-drives for the winter months — is not uncommon. It’s also not uncommon for mice and other rodents to take up residence in vehicles during the off-season — particularly in winter when they need someplace to hunker down. Unfortunately, these tiny, furry critters are capable of wreaking havoc on mechanical components and interior upholstery.

Nov 29, 2024 | bangordailynews.com | Julia Bayly

No one appreciates uninvited guests who crash holiday celebrations. It’s annoying enough when it’s distant friends or relatives. But when it comes to what may be lurking in your festive decorations, it can be a disaster for native ecosystems. That’s why the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is stressing to Christmas tree growers and wreath-makers the importance of preventing the movement of pests into and out of Maine on holiday decorations that contain plant material.