For many years, peppermint bark has been one of my son’s favorite Christmas treats. The last time I purchased the ingredients for it, the cashier asked what I was making. It’s simple to prepare—but perhaps some folks may not know just how easy it really is.

“Not all treasure is gold” spokenbyCaptainJackSparrow in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean holds strong meaning. Books to me hold moretreasurethananychest can. A never-ending supply of treasure. A library holds this treasure waiting to be taken, with zero chance of going book bankrupt.

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I love the rich taste of ginger cookies, both chewy and crisp. Molasses and ginger are a match made in holiday heaven.

This column may not be the typical gardening topic, but for those of us who prefer live over plastic, those whoconsiderenvironmental awareness important, and those of us who appreciate regenerating forests, today’s column may be of interest to you. The government website www.recreation.govhas announced that seasonal permits for cutting Christmas trees are being issued.

We are continuing our library journey learning the history of authors who wrote some of the greatest books. This week will be learning about J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. There are seven books in the Harry Potter series: The Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and the Deathly Hallows.

I wonder if any of you have experienced what we used to call Concession Stand Hot Chocolate - the good kind? My first encounter with it was when I was in a high school singing group called Melody Misses. Our practices were held at our director’s home. One wintery afternoon, right after school, we all filed into her kitchen before settling into rehearsal. She pulled out this enormous Tupperware tub and told us we could all mix up a cup of hot cocoa with a large scoop of the tub’s contents. It was a powderychocolatewithtinywhitegranules. And when mixed with a mug of hot water, it was creamy, velvety, and such a treat.

Now that Thanksgiving is past and at this point, odds are the leftover turkey has either all been consumed or if any left, you want something different by now. What could be better than a good ole hamburger? That’s what I’ve been hungry for now that all theturkeyis gone.What’smoreAmerican than a good hamburger?

2nd place float winner, Lions Club President Ronda Thompson receivedcheckfromLinaTrevino| PHOTOBYALEJANDROTREVINO .

Onceagain,it’stheseason of generosity. In addition to considering gifts for your loved ones, you might want to think about charitable gifts as well. But what should you know before making gifts to charities? And what impact might these gifts have on yourfinancial and tax situation?