By Teri Cayton
The Parsons Advocate
We have had such weird weather here this month it has gone from freezing weather one day to highs in the 60’s the next. What happened to winter? The only saving grace is that on Dec. 21 it is the winter solstice. That means every day will start to get longer only if by minutes. They all add up to sunshine as far as I am concerned.
If it would just freeze and stay that way I wouldn’t mind as much but the warming up only means one thing to me, “Muddy Dogs.” I tried so hard to get rid of the mud problem in my yard but it was to no avail. I think it is just as bad now only I have two dogs running the fence like a race track. Momma Said, “Girls, start your engines!”
I have just about given up I just resign myself to clean up the mess every time I get home. Dirty dogs, dirty towels and lots of laundry to do, maybe I should have just stuck with cats. At least they clean themselves. I say that but I wouldn’t give up my girls for anything. I guess you could say they keep me hopping.
Christmas will soon be upon us and another year will come to an end. Time is just going too fast. Another year closes out and a new one begins, time marches on, and on and on. I hope 2022 will show an uptake on the world’s problems, but I really don’t see that happening. The New Year may have us in another skirmish that is not really our business. This time it will not be with people hiding out in caves, it will be with one of the world’s super powers. Momma Said, “Please God, hear my pleas and don’t let that happen.”
Wassail Punch
Ingredients
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 12 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks (3 to 4 inches)
- Optional: Orange slices and cranberries
Directions
- In a large Dutch oven, bring the first 7 ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and discard cinnamon and cloves. If desired, garnish with orange slices and cranberries. Serve warm.
