‘Weather Permitting’ Wears Old This Winter

The phrase “weather permitting” has been worn thin the last several weeks, in reporting and planning events. Sometimes the weather does not “permit,” so we take a wait and see attitude, and are thankful for the moisture, as we think of those in the western states that are seriously short of water, some afraid of completely running out of water in two or three months.

We’ll see if the old saying is true about the groundhog and his shadow. He surely didn’t see his shadow on the second of February, but if he didn’t go back in his burrow, anyway, he is one stupid animal for the weather of snow and sleet, was COLD, too cold for man or beast.

Elsie Hanger called from Virginia and said they have had snow. She had gone to Walmart and she said huge piles of snow were every- where in parking lots. She is hoping to be able to return home from therapy by the end of February.

Good these cold days: Quick Supper Soup. Melt 1 tablespoon shortening. Add 3/4 lb. ground beef. Cook until pink is gone. Add 1½ cups each of diced onion, carrots and celery; 2½ cups diced potatoes; 1 or 2 cans tomatoes, 4 cups water; 2 teaspoons salt. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes.

It is gluten-free and most of the canned soup we buy is not gluten-free.

Happy birthday to Ronnie Cochran, Garland Smith, Cody Danforth, Sus Heisler, Jimmy Jordan, Ramon Ramirez.

Happy anniversary to Kenneth and Gail Myers, Doug and Effie Fulnechek, Brandon and Angila Bradley, Jack and Evelyn Thompson.

Happy years, all!