We probably need not be reminded that winter is really here judging by the dog’s water bowl being frozen solid early this morning. Seems like most conversations this time of the year always seem to center around the weather, holidays, football, or hunting. Of course, I’m mainly referring to the male side of the said subject. We haven’t visited with anyone around our parts that didn’t really enjoy and appreciate the recent rains that blessed our Fair Valley late last week. Seemed like most points received anywhere from around seven tenths up to about an inch. I was down to Kerrville and back that day, so even though it rained on me off & on all day, en-route, I wasn’t around here when it fell.

Looks like it came down fairly well as it was nearly too muddy to get around when Will & I tried to feed out at the Garvin on Johnny Brown Lane. Emmitt Lee said we measure nearly an inch out there, as well. Maybe we will have received some more moisture by the time you are reading this. Fact of the matter is, as I’m penning this article, it is sort of foggy & misting outside.

I told the Editress this morning that I was going to try and include some timely information in this week’s article pertaining to the care & keeping of Poinsettias in the time following Christmas. We used to provide some of that info each season back during my County Agent days. Being as my filing system is in a semi-state of disarray following the Holiday period, I might have to put that off for one of the ensuing issues. I do seem to recall that you might need to re-pot the plant in a bit larger container and provide a potting mixture that would insure good drainage, such as mixing enough Peat with the potting soil & taking care to water properly so as not to over water. I think you can also transfer in to an outside bed when the danger of frost is past. Anyhow, I’ll try to see what I can come up with. In the mean time, you can check by the County Extension office in the Courthouse, & they might be able to come up with the article or pamphlet.

Christmas & the New Year coming within a week of each other hardly give us time to get rid of all the Turkey & dressing stuff, along with the ham & other Christmas sides prior to our planning on the menu of Black-eyed Peas, hog jowl, and cabbage. I had always known of the Peas & sow belly, but didn’t know of the significance of Cabbage ‘til my tenure down in Zavala County. The farm folks down below Uvalde introduced us to that tradition as the Cabbage is supposed to guarantee a prosperous year, signifying money. Lady Z informed me that it was also one of the traditional dishes up in Ohio as well. Anyhow, if it keeps raining I think we’ll be line for good luck as well as a prosperous season the coming year. Here’s wishing all yall a Happy New Year, as well as staying safe. I know that the Mayor will be taking care of our part out around————Harkeyville!!!!!!!!!!!