My Jarrell Monthly • December 2022

Mike Payne

COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds

Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Jarrell since 2009. She serves her community as a director on the Sonterra MUD Board, is on the board for the Jarrell Education Foundation, on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 1,400 members.

COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage

Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has been involved in community fundraisers, campaigns, and committees; volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC and serves on the Community Library Board of Directors. Janet focuses her energy on serving, giving back, and uniting the community in positive ways.

EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS

The one holiday I enjoy being completely submerged in is Christmas. I truly welcome all things Christmas. Christmas lights, Christmas traditions, making cookies for Santa, reading about the birth of Christ, watching the movie Elf, and spending time with my family are just a few of the many reasons I can easily argue for the case that Christmas is the best holiday.

In this issue you will find no shortage of Christmas stories and ideas of how to enjoy this holiday season to the max as we celebrate all things merry and Mary. We share holiday light tours, tips to save your sanity and money, recipes the whole family can enjoy, and, my favorite, a live nativity scene that’s definitely worth the drive.

Having been a resident of Jarrell for the last 14 years, I can remember when all we had was a volunteer fire department. It is incredible that in such a short time we have grown to need not just one, but two fire stations in what I still consider our “little” town. The location of the newest station is chock-full of history and memories shared with us by Chiefs Stewart and McAdams.

Hats off to the Jarrell High School Theater department for a phenomenal production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It was such a joy to watch elementary and high school kids work together to bring this iconic under-the-sea movie to life. I may be a tad bit biased, especially since my daughter played a starfish in this play, but I have to say I think Tara Grandberry and her theater students are a notch above the rest.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

PUBLISHERS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

COUGAR NATION

The Past Meets the Present

Times They Are A'changin’

In 1953, citizens began donating their time and talent to provide first response services to keep their community safe. More specifically, they founded the Jarrell Volunteer Fire Department in the Old Town district. The station was in regular use until the 1980s when Williamson County established the Emergency Services District (ESD). As part of that transition, the volunteer fire department was converted to a full-career station and designated the Williamson County ESD #5/Jarrell Fire Department.

Today, the general area of coverage for the district [map above] is 75 square miles of north Williamson County—the City of Jarrell, Sonterra, Live Oak, Green Acres, and Corn Hill communities, as well as several agricultural properties, quarries, businesses, and a 13-mile stretch of the I-35 corridor. Firefighters and EMS respond to all types of emergencies including structure, wild land, and vehicle fires as well as medical assistance, public service, motor vehicle accidents, and rescues.

A community hub rich in Cougar history, the site of Jarrell’s new fire station has been home to fundraisers, civic meetings, churches, a school, and the volunteer fire department for nearly 70 years.

by Emily Tilly photos courtesy Chief Ron Stewart

Photo courtesy Priscilla King

As part of the changeover, a new career station was built at 155 CR 313 and the original downtown property was sold. But over the years, the need for services in and around Jarrell has grown considerably due to the spike in new businesses and housing developments. As leadership assessed the growth of ESD #5, it became clear that an additional station was the answer.

Location, Location, Location

As is common in first response planning, call data was used to create a heat map—a tool that uses incident statistics to measure distribution and frequency of calls, then pinpoints a location that will provide the most efficient routes and quickest average response time. The ‘hot spot’ turned out to be the same property on which the original volunteer station had stood decades before. Former Chief Mark McAdams recalls, “It's very fitting that this became the new location. The history of this property is very deep. When I moved here, it was the hub of the community. The volunteer station was used for all types of meetings and the site was also used as the morgue for victims of the devastating tornado of 1997. So, for many reasons, this property is already familiar and important to the community.” Given the historical significance and as it was the site of the city’s first fire station, it is fitting that the new station is now Station #1, and the current station has been renamed Station #2.

Plugged-in

Located at 212 N 5th Street, the new Fire Station #1 was fully staffed on September 11 to honor the historical date. The following day, the first ceremony was held onsite and on October 29 the community was invited to an open house and Trunk or Treat event. Chief Ron Stewart says, “We've had a lot of feedback from the community that they want us to continue to host those types of events. One thing we want to make sure we accomplish and focus on is getting out in the community and being plugged in to the citizens.”

Part of that community engagement initiative for the local firefighters and officers is being available for appearances at schools, day cares, and even birthday parties. While firefighters and vehicles must stay in service, a request form for appearances is available on their website at www.wilcoesd5.org. You can also visit them on Facebook.com/wilcoesd5 for information about events, safety tips, and traffic incidents.

Holidays on a Budget

Tips for Saving Myrrh at Christmas

Christmas is indisputably one of the most expensive times of the year, and this Yule season may be one of the most challenging in recent memory. With growing energy and grocery bills, many of us are dealing with the biggest cuts in living standards since...well, the last time we had a recession. And it's not even really cold in Texas yet.

So, if your budget requires a cutback on Christmas spending, we have some ideas to share.

WANT, NEED, WEAR & READ

Instead of lining up before sunrise to beat other shoppers to all the hot ticket items for your kids, consider making it a little simpler and, perhaps, less precarious by sticking to four categories:

 WANT: A “want” gift gives us the chance to really listen to our kids and understand their passions. Rather than buying the hot toys of the season, find out what truly makes your children happy. This enables you to shop for something they will really enjoy and use, and also avoid the meltdowns that can come from gift disappointment

 NEED: The “need” gift allows us to give kids something they need that might relate to their learning or thinking preferences, without it being unexpected or a big deal.

For example, a new set of noise-canceling headphones, the latest cool fidget, a backpack that is easier to organize, or an ergonomic chair that provides stability and comfort during study or play.

 WEAR: A “wear” gift allows us to take into account each child's unique sense of style as well as any sensory issues, too. It may take a little more effort to find a soft, tag-free Batman sweatshirt, but it is worth it to see a genuinely happy reaction.

 READ: A “read” gift gives us a chance to choose titles and books that speak to their interests. We can think outside the box and not worry about making sure they are getting traditional reading materials. Children may be more excited than you think to receive graphic novels, books of LEGO-building ideas, and even cookbooks.

PRESENT ROULETTE

Instead of buying gifts for each family member, pick names out of a hat to cut down on the number of gifts you need to buy. You can keep who-has-whom a secret for some fun suspense. This method allows you to buy a nicer gift for one person rather than buying a bunch of small gifts for everyone on your list.

SHOP (HYPER) LOCAL

If your family or friends want something great, it may be that someone else wanted that same thing in the past but is ready to part with it. Check out your local Buy, Sell & Trade Facebook groups to find great deals on items your recipients have been asking for. With a bit of scrolling, you may find items in excellent condition for a fraction of the cost of new or retail. Shopping this way may help you stretch your budget that much further while still enabling you to be proud of the gifts you are giving.

Also on Facebook, there may be a Buy Nothing Facebook group in your area and if so, you will want to utilize it. Buy Nothing groups are full of items that are free. There's no telling what someone might be giving away that would be perfect for someone on your Christmas list.

STAYING SAFE

If you do decide to buy, sell, or trade on Facebook or other free sites and want a safe place to complete the transaction, City Hall parking lot (161 Town Center Blvd.) is a designated safe place. Residents are invited to meet anytime under the watchful eye of the department's surveillance cameras and spare themselves the anxiety of giving out their home address or meeting alone to exchange money.

GETTING THE BEST DEAL

Also try sites like camelcamelcamel.com, Keepa.com, or Pricespy.com to ensure you are receiving the best deal on your items from Amazon. Websites like the ones mentioned above will alert you when a price has dropped for an item on your wish list and also tracks the price history to let you know if the item has previously been offered for less than the current price.

MAKING MEMORIES

Keeping in mind that even the greatest gift item may end up on a Facebook trade page someday, consider giving a family gift or “experience” rather than individual presents. For instance, there are several skydiving centers within a short drive from Jarrell that are likely to create a memory to outlast any sweater or video game. As well, Sea World in San Antonio has a wonderful Christmas program that might make a great alternative holiday plan for the whole family.

by Camy Reynolds and Ann Marie Kennon

Holiday Lights Tours

THE HOLIDAYS ARE FILLED WITH JOY, AND ONE CUSTOM MANY FAMILIES ENJOY IS TAKING A TOUR OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN AND ACROSS WILLIAMSON COUNTY.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND BUSINESS CENTERS THAT CATER TO THIS ANNUAL RITUAL, AND IT CAN BE QUITE AN EXPERIENCE.

 37th Street- Locally known since the '80s and comprised of some of the weirdest displays near downtown Austin from giant dinosaurs and a stuffed animal petting zoo to a Santa disco party 37th Street is a collection of neighbors keeping the beloved tradition alive. Beginning December 9th the lights will be on from sunset to 10pm through New Year’s. Search "507 W 37th Street" to find them.

 Maywald Christmas The Maywald family light display at 10505 Twilight Vista in Austin is ultra unique in that it features a 15-foot Santa Claus and a 15-foot snowman. You can enjoy their display from 6:0010:00pm through December 31st

 Chinati Court Stop by to see this cul de sac illuminated in lights through Christmas day. Located in the Ranch and Cypress Creek Community in Cedar Park. You may park on Sun Chase and walk to Chinati Court.

 Butch Gap Cove More than 300,000 lights are dispersed between 12 homes on Butch Gap Cove in Cedar Park. You can park or drive, but either way you will be fully immersed in the joy and excitement of the holiday season. The show runs from 5:30pm to 10pm seven days a week.

 Rhodes Family Christmas This home was featured on ABC’s "Great Christmas Light Fight" and they have some new tricks up their sleeve for this holiday season. Located at 2410 Sharon Drive in Cedar Park.

 Warnock Court is located in Parkside at Mayfield Ranch off County Rd 175 in Round Rock. All homes from 100-124 Warnock Court will participate in the tour.

 Marble Falls Walkway of Lights You will be dazzled by the 2 million lights and more than 130 sculptures at Lakeside Park. The 32nd annual holiday celebration will be open nightly at 6pm from until December 31. The walk is located at 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls.

by Camy Reynolds

A Message in the Stars

The Mystery of the Star of Bethlehem

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2

Thousands of years since the Star of Bethlehem led the Magi on a journey to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the celestial sign continues to enchant and baffle astronomers, with various theories proposed for the cosmic mystery. If we assume the eastern Magi were made aware of Jewish prophecy by the prophet Daniel while he was in captivity in Babylon, it is reasonable to think they would have undertaken the journey to witness the great event foretold in Jewish scriptures.

 Supernova: One explanation is that the Star of Bethlehem was a supernova the biggest explosion humans have ever seen. Each blast is the extremely bright, super-powerful explosion of a star. However, no astronomers have found historical records for such a large, bright event in the sky around the time of Jesus’ birth. Even if there had been such an event, the Magi probably Persian or Arabian astrologers would most likely have walked in a circle over an assumed four to five month journey from Babylon, since stars appear to rise and set in the sky and their location changes by 1° every night.

 Comet: A bright comet pointing the way to Jesus’ birthplace is another popular theory. One of the earliest recorded appearances of these cosmic snowballs, documented by Chinese astronomers, was in the constellation Capricorn in 5 B.C. Another candidate is Halley’s Comet, which, based on its appearances since being named in 1758, would have been visible in the night sky in 11 B.C. However, as the Magi traveled to Bethlehem, it is unlikely they followed a comet because its position would have changed as the Earth rotated, so the celestial body would not have led them in one direction. Furthermore, comets were usually viewed as bad omens, so it is unlikely the Magi would have seen it as a sign that the Jewish messiah had finally been born.



Planetary conjunction: The Star of Bethlehem theory most favored by astronomers was first proposed by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century. A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial objects appear to meet in the sky from our location on Earth. In 7 B.C. Jupiter and Saturn had three such encounters in the constellation Pisces, which is associated with the Jewish people in astrology. This triple conjunction was an extremely rare event that, according to some researchers, the Magi interpreted as a sign of the birth of a powerful king.

The Christmas Star of 2020

On December 21, 2020 a rare “Christmas Star” lit up the night sky as Jupiter and Saturn crossed paths during the closest and brightest planetary alignment in almost eight centuries.

Astronomers and amateur stargazers alike wondered if it could be a repeat of the ancient phenomenon that heralded the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.

Whether or not they were the same celestial event, both served as a beacon of hope for the Jews during Roman oppression, and for 21st century hopefuls in the throes of a pandemic.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

PRACTICING MINDFULNESS

Taking time to be still and pray while reflecting on the things that have a positive or negative effect on you are several ways to find peace during the holidays. “A lot of my clients journal about what went well during the day and what didn’t, and what about them they would change. Just creating that sort of mindfulness is very empowering and helps you feel more controlled during the busyness of the holidays,” Judy says.

Reflecting on previous family interactions is also helpful. “We get triggered by others especially around the holidays. One thing you can do before having any interactions at lots of parties and gatherings is to set the intention that,

 I’m not going to be sucked into that this year.

 I can agree to disagree.

 We don’t have to argue.

 I don’t have to have the last say.

 I’m going to let this go.

We have the power to change what we’re thinking to change how we feel and how we react.” She suggests taking deep, calming breaths and talking to someone else or taking a walk and getting some fresh air to clear your mind.

TO

TO-DO

MANAGING BUSYNESS

Our brains often use busyness as a way to avoid things we don’t want to commit to, Judy says. She recommends doing a mind dump and pouring out everything you need to get done on paper. “After listing everything you have to do, it’s helpful to put a letter next to it:

 A is absolutely necessary.

 B is it would be great if I could do it.

 C is I hope I can fit this in.

Getting others involved in your to-do list is important not only for yourself but those around you.

“Let’s say you’re a working mom and you want to take care of everything for your kids laundry, lunch, or the house being picked up. That doesn’t allow kids and families to step up and learn and be part of making the household successful. It puts all the weight on the mom or the dad.”

Judy suggests letting kids make their own lunches and do their own laundry. “It’s breaking it down as to how I can get this off my plate in a way that allows someone else the joy helping or being responsible. If you really engage others, we all win, because many hands make light work and more people get to share in the success, whether it’s dinner tonight or a big project at work. They’re all part of making it happen and that’s a whole lot more fun.”

FROM PRACTICING MINDFULNESS

DELEGATING

LIST ITEMS, JUDY LESTER WITH CPB COACHING SHARES TIPS ON HAVING A LESS STRESSFUL AND MORE JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON THIS YEAR.

She also encourages people to resist the fear of missing out and to be intentional about how to spend time during the holidays. “It’s checking in with yourself and asking, is that potential fear of missing out more important than the extra rest I need or something else I need to get done? What will motivate and energize me more?”

MAKING MEMORIES

Embracing traditions and experiences over gifts is important when it comes to creating a memorable holiday season. Even if you don’t have traditions, it’s never too late to start. “Traditions are something that bring unity to whoever your people are, whether a family unit or a friend group or a combination of both. A tradition may be something that creates anticipation and excitement and is something everyone enjoys or enjoys poking fun at."

Judy adds, "Needless to say, regardless of whether you take joy in something or poke fun at it, shared memories create connection. A lot of traditions deserve poking fun at, but you do it anyway because it becomes part of your legacy.”

When it comes to experiences, families can enjoy quality time together in a variety of ways, such as taking a holiday light tour, following an Advent calendar, or simply going out for a slice of pie. “It doesn’t have to be anything big. There are great ways to enjoy the holidays together without very much money spent,” Judy says, adding, “Being present mentally and physically with other people is one of the greatest gifts you can give and at no cost at all.”

To get you started, we found some fun and funny family traditions from the best of the Internet. Hopefully one or more will get your creativity flowing on making new memories and finding ways to adapt in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Every Christmas my brother eats enough food to feed a small army then passes out upside down in my father's recliner... like I’m not going to draw flowers on his snoring face with a Sharpie like I’ve been doing, literally, since middle school.

~"JazzHands" in Tennessee

Coming from a family of construction workers and carpenters, every year we up the gift-wrapping ante with more wood, nails, welding, and duct tape. It’s kind of funny watching everyone work tirelessly for 20 minutes to get to a $10 gift card. It’s more of a bonding experience than anything.

~"Bunyon"

in Texas

When we were young, we bickered about kid things like typical siblings. One year our mom got frustrated and hollered, "If I was Baby Jesus, I wouldn't want to be born in a world with you kids fightin' all the time!" Now that we're grown with kids of our own, we repeat this as often as possible on Zoom calls, in Christmas cards, and definitely during the family dinners. We're all in our 50s and it's still funny every time.

~"E-lud" in North Carolina

While many families like to wear ugly sweaters, my family tries to outdo each other every year by making or buying the ugliest or most tacky tree ornament every year.

~"Torhook" in Oregon

Our family goes on a scavenger hunt for gifts. Since my sister and I were about 15 and 12, our dad has made it a scavenger hunt. We start out with an intro poem. It has a vague clue to the first gift and each gift after has a clue to the next. At first they were just around the house but as we got older they spread around the neighborhood and around the city when we could drive.

~"Simon" in Texas

In Salado, Cowboys and Christmas are Celebrated Together

3C Cowboy Fellowship Live Nativity Trail

Roping and barrel racing take place in the arena, but not before a short prayer service. Food is served from a chuck wagon. A milk can in the back of the church replaces a collection plate. A country western band is warming up to play.

According to Pastor Brian Miller of the 3C Cowboy Fellowship Church in Salado, his church does things a bit differently.

Affiliated with the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches (AFCC), everyone is welcome to this non-denominational church. Pastor Brian has spent much of his ministry at AFCC churches and has been hanging his cowboy hat in Salado for the past six years.

On any given Sunday, cowboys, bikers, business people, John Wayne fans, and everyone in-between make up the usual 500-plus crowd. With no dress code and a feeling of acceptance in this relaxed, nonjudgmental environment, the western ambiance of the church has been celebrated by its 800 members since 2006.

This year, the church is reprising the 3C Cowboy Fellowship Church Live Nativity Trail. This family friendly event was developed in 2019 as a way to promote Jesus and Christmas in an entertaining, down home way.

2022 NATIVITY TRAIL

Trail coordinator John Spivey, having found the come-as-you-are, welcoming culture of the church to be just what he needed after a combat tour in Iraq, has been a church member for 11 years. According to John, the trail is a labor of love. Since June, more than 100 volunteers have been designing and building props and sets, writing scripts, and choosing just the right voices to record the audio messages for the trail. There are also animal handlers assigned to care for and arrange livestock placement within the nativity scenes.

Aaron “Eddy” Howton is a church elder and a self-professed cowboy, while his wife Nelda has always supported the church’s many ongoing activities. As a former school

principal she is ideally suited to coordinate the many tasks involved as head of the actors and costumes, including her biggest challenge: making sure costumes are original and accurate to the period. "Watch for the elevated angel under a spotlight, as her six-foot wings sparkle," Nelda says.

WHEN YOU GO

Visitors begin the trail by climbing on to wagons, which hold up to 60 people, then they witness the story of Jesus' birth as seen through the eyes of a cowboy. A cowboy on horseback chaperones each wagon past seven scenes or stations, complete with live actors and animals. The cowboy’s thoughts are pre-recorded and will be broadcast, via a

by Linda A. Thornton photos courtesy 3C Cowboy Fellowship Church

speaker system, on each wagon. At the last station, the church elders, along with Pastor Brian, will share their thoughts as they sit around a campfire.

To round out the evening, trail riders can hear reflections from a cowboy poet and listen to a country western band. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available from a chuck wagon and children can have a photo taken on a horse decorated especially for the season.

ABOUT 3C FELLOWSHIP

The 3C Cowboy Fellowship Church prides itself on opening their welcoming doors to the community through other free family events.

 On Easter Sunday, you may find Pastor Brian preaching on horseback in the arena at the sunrise service, followed by a country western band performance, a “Lost Egg Roundup” for children and breakfast served from chuckwagons.

 In June, the church sponsors a rodeo featuring professional cowboys and clowns.

 Halloween’s Trunk or Treat event provides a safe opportunity for children to visit decorated cars and trucks lined up to offer treats.

 Christmas Eve’s early candlelight service accommodates those who want to get into the spirit before midnight.

Church members have also recently competed at the 17th Annual AFCC Gathering rodeo in Alabama. Chalk it up to just another church event at this spirited ministry, cowboy in name, but striving to reach everyone from all walks of life.

Festive Sweets for the Family to Share

CANDY CANE HOT COCOA POPS

• chocolate chips (1 c for 3 pops)

• marshmallow bits (1 T per pop)

• 3-oz bathroom size paper cups (non-waxed); plan to use 2 per pop

• full sized candy canes, unwrapped

• heavy duty tin foil, cut into pieces large enough to fit over the top of the Dixie but and drape over the sides

Calculate the amount of chocolate chips, marshmallow bits, candy canes, and cups needed for your batch.

Start by nesting two cups together for each pop.

MELTING THE CHOCOLATE

Pour chocolate chips into double boiler or in metal mixing bowl over a pan of boiling water. Stir often until the chocolate is fully melted.

Fill the inner cup half-full with melted chocolate.

INSERTING THE CANDY CANE

Place a piece of foil across the top of the cup. Add a slit in the middle just large enough to insert and keep the candy cane upright.

Insert the straight end of the candy cane through the slit in the foil, into the middle of the chocolate until it touches the bottom of the cup.

ADD MARSHMALLOW BITS

Hold the candy cane in place with one hand while lifting the foil above the rim of the cup. Spread 1 tablespoon of marshmallow pieces around the top of the chocolate to cover. Push some into the choco late to secure.

Slide foil down over the top of the cup. Fold foil over on the sides to secure it around the cup and hold the candy cane upright in the middle of the cup.

Place in the refrigerator to harden; about one hour. Remove the outer cup.

When they are ready to eat, peel away the inner cup and swirl the pop in a cup of 8 oz hot milk to dissolve the chocolate and make peppermint hot chocolate.

Texas Christmas Pickles

• 1 gallon jar dill pickles • 5 oz hot pepper sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 5 lb granulated sugar

Drain all juice from the jar and discard. Slice pickles lengthwise, and replace in the jar. Pour in hot pepper sauce, add garlic, and about 1/3 of the sugar. Close the lid tightly.

Gently tip the jar back and forth several times to allow everything to mix well. Leave out on the counter at room temperature for about 1 week.

As the sugar in the jar dissolves, gently tip the jar back and forth to mix and continue the process all week until all the sugar is used. When all of the sugar has been absorbed, pickles will be dark green and crispy a nice complement to a sliced veggie tray. Store in the refrigerator, and enjoy within one month.

stained glass shortbread

• ~20 Jolly Ranchers hard candies

• 1 cup softened, unsalted butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

Unwrap and separate Jolly Ranchers into each color then place in separate small resealable bags. Crush into small bits using a meat mallet, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Mix in eggs one at a time then blend in vanilla.

With mixer on low, slowly add in flour and mix until well combined.

Scrape dough out and shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap and chill one hour.

Cut chilled dough into thirds. Leave one portion out to work with and chill remaining.

Roll dough out onto a floured surface ~1/5" thick. Cut out large shapes using a cookie cutter.

Transfer cut shapes to baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat. Cut a smaller from the center of each and remove with fingernail or toothpick. Re-roll and cut scrap dough.

Fill cut out centers about 3/4 of the way with crushed jolly ranchers.* Chill cookies in refrigerator until firm, about 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.

Bake cookies until set and candy center has melted, about 12-14 minutes.

Let cool on baking sheet until candy is set and hardened. Repeat process with remaining refrigerated dough. Store in an airtight container.

*Use a straw to poke a hole at the top if you plan to hang with ribbon or string.

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Mix cake mix, oil, and eggs in a medium bowl. If dough is sticky add 1-2T of flour and knead until less sticky.

Cut dough in half and dye to desired color.

Place dough in the fridge covered with plastic wrap or lid 30 minutes.

Roll tablespoon size balls in powdered sugar and place on baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake for 8 minutes at 375°. Remove and let cool before serving.

SomePonderingMore

My Love asked me for some change to do laundry recently and I told him I would dig into my coin bank. I gave him a handful of quarters and said it was a tough thing because I like having lots of quarters. Admit it, you always count the quarters first too. Dimes are annoying to count because they're small, nickels just aren't worth much, and don't even get me started on pennies. Then he actually said, "Yeah, me too." So, as it often does for Leigh, it got me to pondering the things we do or prefer but don't really recognize some things are actually 'a thing'. For instance, and I've seen this in a meme... we all have a favorite burner on the stove. The one that is crusty and has food under it cause we always use that one first.

Other things I know about me...if I had five minutes to live and had to pick the last song I'd ever listen to, I'd spend four minutes trying to decide which song, then another minute thinking about three other songs that would have been better choices.

Something I will never un-hear since it occurred to me...ever notice when someone tries to talk while in midyawn, they sound just like Chewbacca? You're welcome.

Do you wait for someone else to disappear from the Zoom call at the end of the meeting so it doesn't look like you were the only person who couldn't wait to get out of the room? Or, on the flip side, there are just one or two others and you're all staring awkwardly at each other while trying to find the END CALL button.

Are you ever actually making a sound when you text "lol" or is it really more like "YTITMA" (yes, that is mildly amusing)? Of course, often while I'm on my phone I realize I've been scrolling for 15 minutes and I really just looked at it to see what time it is.

Next time you pick up a pair of tongs, do your very best not to give them a few test clicks...meanwhile, for all my Gen-X people, I'm going to do my best to remember, when I hear someone was born in nineteen-eighty-anything, that he or she is not still a teenager today. P.S.— Did we ever decide if Ross and Rachel were on a break?

I do enjoy having random conversations about Chinese food or cowboy boots just to see how many hundreds of times soy sauce and Tecovas ads will pop up in my social media feed for the next month.

I have no idea what to say or how to act around a person I had a dream about the night before. Especially if I have no business or reason to be dreaming about that person and, in my head, I'm pretty sure he or she somehow knows I had the dream and thinks I'm a stalker.

This one is kind of recent, although not entirely crazy. I rehearse Clint Eastwood scenarios in my head to plan my reactions and responses if someone breaks into my home then inevitably realize the reality will be more like Vinnie Barbarino... all I will really do is look blank and say, "Whuh?" "Way-ah?"

Am I the only one who can't help saying, "Thank you" to Siri or Alexa because my Southern upbringing doesn't reflexively differentiate being polite to an electronic device executing a command via 1s and 0s? I even think it's sweet that she responds with, "My pleasure." I may replace my own you're welcomes with that.

The moment you hear Morgan Freeman's name, you can hear his voice. Don't believe me? Morgan Freeman once said, "I went to a small town and murdered a whole family with a butter knife." You just read that in his voice and you know it's going to be a good movie.

If you're like me, you spend at least some of your time wishing you could come up with a meme that is so original, creative, hilarious, and true that it will live on the Internet forever. I'm not sure what skill set that is because I probably publish a half-million words a year and I've yet to come up with a good one.

I got a text this morning at 7:13. I was awake but I got so aggravated that he assumed I was and/or didn't care if he woke me up. Same thing happens after 10pm. Yes, I could put it on silent but I might miss some kind of emergency, which is what early morning and late night texts and calls are supposed to be... right?

I guess there's no need to ponder any more. I'm definitely just becoming a quirky old woman before my time.

PARTING SHOT

COUGAR NATION

Hard work, determination, and endurance are just a few of the reasons our Jarrell High School football team was able to lock in their playoff spot for the first time in seven years.

Sporting events are one of the best ways to unite a community and once again the people of Jarrell did not disappoint.

We congratulate you as Cougar Nation for fighting a hard battle and making it to the third round of playoffs!

by Camy Reynolds • photos by Lori Murr