The snowflakes I saw last weekend were a gentle reminder that we are only a week away from the first official day of winter. The last major winter storm bypassed our area, although I understand that places just a few miles east of Hughesville had some accumulating snow, and the folks in some southern states had their first snowfall in years. While I know some would prefer to have things stay as they are, I always figure that if the temperature is going to be below freezing, I want to have the ground covered with snow, instead of the dismal gray cast that everything shows this time of year.

Once again, we began a major home improvement project in the early fall, with the hope that we would have it completed well before Christmas. We are always much more optimistic than experience should dictate. A major push last week made it possible to get the drywall completely hung after wiring and insulation were finished. There is much finishing work to come, plus installation of new wood flooring, but at least the room is now warm enough to be comfortable.

Although the annual GHBA promotion is over, local businesses are still a great place to shop for all those on your gift list, or for those needed items for you and your home. I have heard many great comments from people who recently shopped downtown, and they were delighted with their purchases. Be sure to visit and support these local shops and save the drive to further destinations. You can find original artwork, collectibles, live plants and cut flowers, home dcor items, and much more in just a short section of Main Street. Visit our local shops soon!

On December 16, a curious “rock comet” called 3200 Phaethon, the parent body of the Geminids meteor shower, is going to be sweeping past Earth. The Geminid shower is an annual occurrence, but may be more spectacular than usual due to its proximity, so bundle up and do some meteor spotting late in the evening. Meteors will be visible in most areas of the sky, so see if you can be one of the lucky folks who see more than one or two! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for clear skies that night!

Hughesville Events:

Thurs. Dec.14 “Wee Make Music” for children aged 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth Street, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fri. Dec. 15 Pre-school Story Time for children 3-6 years and their caregivers, at HAPL, 146 S. Fifth Street, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Sat. Dec. 16 HAPL will host an ornament making party for kids of all ages from 2 to 4 p.m. All materials are supplied for this fun activity. Bring your imagination! Please pre-register by visiting the library or call 570-584-3762.

Tues. Dec. 19 “We Build Block Party” at HAPL, a self-directed, walk-in activity for children aged 3 and up. No registration is needed for this great program.