Of the Faith: Nativity Open House features unique international scenes

Enjoy musical extravaganzas and special worship services at one of Williamson County’s many houses of worship.First United Methodist Church at 410 East University Avenue in Georgetown offers two events to brighten your holiday experience. The Nativity Open House is 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Melancholy Paradise: An attack on one is an attack on all

Round Rock turned out, in all its Norman Rockwell glory, for the July 4, 2013, Independence Day parade through downtown.Reporting for the Round Rock Leader – and just a sucker for all things Mayberry – the community cross-section unfolded in a feast for my eyes and ears.

Playtime: Southwestern kicks off theatre season

Southwestern University opened its theater season November 7 with Men on Boats. The story centers on an American expedition. Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus calls her comedic retelling of events “true-ish”.

Tastes of the Town: Soup makes everything better

It’s time to “fall back.” Daylight Savings ends November 2, and cooler weather invites outdoor activities. Fortunately, we can also come home to hearty homemade tasty soups without spending hours in the kitchen.

Melancholy Paradise: What will your legacy be?

Pastor Dave Roberts, from Grace Bible Church, gave us a point to ponder during the recent memorial service for my friend Algie Pulley.For about three years, Algie was one of my Gift of Time Alzheimer’s buddies. There, at Algie’s going-away party, the pastor talked about legacies.

Family fall events at area churches for Halloween weekend

Williamson County has more than 100 houses of worship. Many are offering fall events from family fun activities, soothing grief support to meals, quilting fun and a volleyball game.Trick or Treat Youth Outreach is 5-7 p.m., October 31 at St.

Cook's Corners: Some fall temps call for tortilla soup

Last weekend, that wonderful little cool front blew in, bringing lovely rain and a feeling of fall. Today, I have a new and delicious recipe for a creamy tortilla soup, along with a new idea for football-watching-snacking and a much-loved pumpkin bread recipe….all perfect for this time of year.

Yesteryears: 1900 mystery murderess confesses to killing constable

125 Years Ago (October 18, 1900)Woman confesses in Constable Gamble assassinationOur readers will remember the assassination of Constable Gamble, of Taylor, two years ago, full particulars of which appeared in these columns at the time.

Classic mystery on the Playhouse stage for October

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery opened at the Palace Playhouse October 10. The crowd pleasing performance was directed with precision by Meredith Connely.The retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 Sherlock Holmes story, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” was created by Ken Ludwig.

Cook's Corner: A sampling of wonderful finger foods

I love a gathering with a table full of great tasting finger foods, and at a club meeting last week, there were lots from which to choose. Today, I’ll share four recipes that I recently sampled (or made) and really liked. This first recipe is one I’ve had for years but haven’t made in years either.