Whether sheltering industry, victualers, an antique shop or a family, it's all grist for the mill

For two centuries, starting before the Revolutionary War, it was a grist mill, then a popular local restaurant before becoming an antique shop. Now the Grist Mill in South Amherst is a stunning private home. Huge hand-hewn posts support low ceilings above mellow wooden floors, covered with bright Oriental rugs.

Get Growing: Easy and elegant ideas for Thanksgiving decorations

Pumpkins, gourds and chrysanthemums are the traditional decorations for Thanksgiving. You can hollow out a small pumpkin, set a vase inside and arrange flowers for the dining room table. Consider adding some herbs such as rosemary or lavender. An assortment of gourds is a simple alternative. At the CISA dinner earlier this fall, each round table had a centerpiece of an uncarved pumpkin surrounded by artfully arranged carrots, apples, pears and other fruits and vegetables. Simple, easy and effective.

Real Estate Matters: As mortgage rates drop again, is it time to refinance?

Mortgage interest rates have fallen below 5 percent again, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. "This comes at a time when house price declines are moderating and consumer demand for prime mortgages at commercial banks has picked up," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.

No Reservations: Barbecue guru

So, here I am at a Chamber of Commerce event at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield when the smell of barbecued ribs comes wafting over the crowd. Eschewing the tables of insurance companies, banks and local businesses that populate these affairs, I make my way toward the smell of 'que. Famous Dave's, the sign proudly proclaims. I load up on some ribs and cole slaw and dig in.

Chef's Tidbit: Roll Call

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are hard-pressed to find time to cook.

Smart cooks will have a stash of something in their well-stocked pantry to toss together in a snap. Or they'll have a freezer-to-oven meal ready.

Gardener's Checklist

Plunge pots of unplanted trees, shrubs and perennials in a vacant area of the garden. In simplest terms, plunging means digging a hole in the ground, sticking the pot in, and then backfilling around the pot with soil. This can also be done with balled and burlapped plants and with bare-root plants.

On the Menu

BEIJING STATION

57 Avenue A

Turners Falls

863-8988

In business since: July 2009

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

Price range for entrees: $4.95 to $11.50

For starters: Pupu platter, crab Rangoon, chicken wings

Most popular entrees: General Tso's Chicken, Triple Delight