Doctor's Notes: How to celebrate without a trip to the ER this holiday season

By the time December rolls around, many of us are knee-deep in planning holiday dinners, stringing lights across our rooftops and packing the car for a trip to grandma’s house.

Art Scapes: Georgetown Arts and Culture grants deadline approaching

The Georgetown Arts and Culture Program distributes grants twice a year for art, music, theatre, dance, literary and cultural heritage events and programs taking place in Georgetown.

Out and About: State pride lives

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but for most of us, our homes change over a lifetime.Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to honor the two states we spent most of our years in. It started with a presentation by Georgetown’s local celeb, Chet Garner.

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.