Lifestyle

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Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In the last few years, gluten-free products have become much more readily available than they have been in the past. For those who are unable to tolerate gluten, such as those with celiac disease, this is great news. However, as the term gluten-free has become much more mainstream, many who do not have an intolerance for gluten are also consuming gluten-free products.

Last week we talked about different herbs, how to grow them, and how to store them. This week, I want to tell you about a few herbs that grow well in Oklahoma. Since most of them come from Mediterranean regions, they like lots of sun and really good drainage. We have plenty of sun, and raised beds and container plantings are perfect for drainage if you are not blessed with nice sandy loam soil, and most of us are not. If herbs are watered and fertilized too much, they will become too big and floppy. The following herbs are easy to grow and will thrive in Oklahoma with very little attention: Basil is one of the easiest of all herbs to grow.

Whoever makes a garden Has never worked alone; the rain has always found it, The sun has always known; The wind has blown across it And helped to scatter seeds; Whoever makes a garden Has all the help he needs.

Then and Now: Though many things come and go, much of what remains in Shawnee displays hints of days gone by. While some buildings still look very similar to their early days, some areas have changed quite a bit.

OKLAHOMA CITY — To celebrate National Public Lands Day, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department is waiving parking fees at Oklahoma State Parks on Saturday, Sept. 24.

• The Salvation Army-Shawnee is now taking applications for those registering eligible children for the Angel Tree program. Applications are online only.

News-Star Photos from Tecumseh’s Frontier Days celebration were included in Tuesday’s News-Star, but more photos from the community celebration can be viewed online in a gallery. Use the QR Code to access the full gallery.