SPELLING BEE Time

“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.” -William Shakespeare

Hopefully this saying will give us all a good outlook on the upcoming season. I look at it as giving more from yourself and keep things simple rather than buying lots of things when prices have gone up on almost everything. A number of more basic things are probably needed this year rather than used only a time or two. See what it means for you.

Shopping for the holidays is one thing some people love, some people hate, or maybe the in between people just grit their teeth and say, “I guess I have to do it”. I notice that the “Shop Local” idea is growing and shopping areas are getting on board to make it easier and fun. The plus side of shopping local is often the opportunity to find unique and/or one a kind items. Yes, I know that Walmart and Target are all nearly the same but I am talking more about the Mom and Pop or small business stores. This could be the answer for those hard to shop for, got everything already people on your list. We have a number of unique places to shop right here in Hastings and includes yarn, jewelry, and toys to just name a few. Just a few miles away from Hastings is the Orange Dragon Gallery in Prescott, WI. It’s located just a block up from the main highway on Orange Street and the Dale Lewis Dragon will welcome you with his/her special smile.

This gallery is filled with items made by local artists and most are truly one of a kind. They are stocked and staffed by volunteers so they have limited shopping hours of Thursday thru Saturday from 12 noon to 5 PM. This is the only place a number of talented local artists have to display their work and it is amazing to see the variety of items offered. Paintings, jewelry, wood burned items, hand cast glass works, and gift cards are the tip of the iceberg of goodies available. Currently I have my hand felted dryer balls, soap bars and paper cast figures in the shop which is a drop in the bucket of shopping delights. I am blowing my own horn but also much bigger horns for all the other artists who have put their time and love into making things. Consider some easy out of state shopping to brighten your shopping experience.

About this time of year, cookie baking fever starts to kick in. I can usually keep it at bay until the calendar says “December”. And guess what the calendar is saying today! I told myself that this year I will do only half batches but don’t place too much money on that. I can easily make anything work by saying I am going to use most of the end products for gifts and fund raisers so the half batch idea has weak legs. One of my new passions for this year’s cookie program is try to make as many different cookie treats as I can by just using the regular Ritz crackers and keeping them in the round. There are a mountain of Ritz recipes including the apple pie one and the peanut butter between 2 Ritz crackers dipped in chocolate recipe. I wanted to move to new territory and I did find some excellent ideas and recipes. I guess you can still call it a “recipe” even if you do not do any baking.

The mouse family seems to be on low for the present. I am thinking they are off visiting other family members and will be back about the time I say, “Yippee, No More Mice”. They left behind a very determined one to guard things and that one has been avoiding all the traps I currently have. A big thank you to Harrison for his suggestion of what has been a fool proof way to deal with his mouse friends. I have those traps on order and I will keep you posted with the “Mouse News”.

I also just remembered that I better get cracking on the fruit cake making. I do not have anyone special to make it for this year, but even if I make a small one just for me, it will bring joy.

Bea Westerberg [email protected]