What is it that makes one wise? Most remember the old saying that has pretty much become a cliché:

Early to bed, and early to rise
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise

Being well into winter, perhaps you are a thermophile (one who likes heat) and don’t really want to read about cold. But stay with me on this one and perhaps you won’t be so down on our own winter weather.

I don’t like to sit still. Never have and probably never will. Why? Because I am restless and I bore easily. This is one reason why I don’t like red lights.

One morning, I was sitting at the red light at the intersection of Emory Rd. and Maynardville Hwy. Being bored, I looked up. Scampering across the power lines above all the traffic was a squirrel.

My son joined Cub Scouts when he was eight. That was a year older than his friends, but because of the dynamic nature of this group, he quickly caught up. I credit most of the pack’s excitement to the Cub Master, Judy Shelton. Judy’s son, Casey, and our son, Tommy, were almost the same age and already buddies from Niota School. Judy was a veteran bus driver and a farm wife, but still found time to work with about two dozen boys.

Hearty soups have meat in them. What if it's the day before payday and none can be found in the freezer? What to do? You can make potato soup, if the potato bin isn't empty. It doesn't need to be raining to make this soup, but it helps, especially if it is a cold winter rain and, maybe, spitting snow. That is what you call a soup day. I have several recipes for rainy day soups. It might not sound like something your family would go for, but ask yourself:
1. Does my family like potatoes?
2. Do they like dumplings?
3. Is there any milk leftover from breakfast?

Hot cider is an autumn treat. Have you ever thought of using grape juice instead of apple juice. It makes a warm drink. Great on a cold winter evening while sitting before the roaring fire in the fireplace. A can of frozen grape juice concentrate from the freezer or a can of grape juice from the pantry will get you started. There are more uses for grapes than just for wine. Try it.

MULLED GRAPE JUICE
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups water
6 whole cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
6 ounce can frozen grape juice concentrate, thawed
2 or 3 lemon slices, sliced thin

Serve this at any holiday get-together and expect to be asked for the recipe. It's easy to make and doesn't require any special serving dishes. Just use your coffee mugs.

HOT WASSAIL PUNCH
2 quarts apple juice
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 whole cloves
4 three inch cinnamon sticks

In large kettle, bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon. Serve warm. Makes 3 1/2 quarts.
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The American Heart Association kicked off its 9th annual fundraiser at Paulette Elementary School on Feb. 5, 2020. It began by honoring the short but impactful life of William Randall George, who was part of the 5th-grade class but passed away last summer.

People with persistent back pain or persistent headaches are twice as likely to suffer from both disorders, a new study has revealed. The results suggest an association between the two types of pain that could point to a shared treatment for both.

I had fallen asleep in my chair in the sitting room in front of the television. I awoke with a start and looked around. I was fully dressed. My teeth and hearing aids were still in place. It was very dark outside. I had been dreaming.