Lifestyle

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity around the nation is increasing. Vaccination can help prevent serious illness, especially in high-risk groups, like pregnant women, but the CDC says that’s the group showing lower vaccination rates.

While summer months require you to protect your skin with layers of sunscreen, you’re not out of the woods when winter arrives. As the air turns from hot and humid to cold and dry, skin can quickly lose moisture.

Breakfast with Santa

LIMA —A popular holiday show is set to make its return to Veterans Memorial Civic Center and all parties involved seem to be excited.

LIMA — Most people who celebrate Christmas know the story of George Bailey, the main character of the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

When a stray chimney spark started a fire on the roof of a Shawnee Township home in late April 1912, the Lima Times-Democrat marveled that “within ten minutes after the alarm had been given there were automobiles, motorcycles, buggies, etc., completely blockading the road in front of C.A. Rusler’s home, everybody eager to help put out the fire.”

FICTION

About six months ago, shortly after Maylie lost a tooth, we were doing her hair in my bathroom when she stopped me, looked me square in the eye and asked me if the Tooth Fairy was real. Immediately, I panicked. Although I knew eventually this day would come (and that she was showing signs that it wasn’t far off), my heart sank.

Q: Several months ago, my husband and I allowed our 5-year-old daughter to sleep with us for a couple of nights. We thought this was innocent, but she began crying hysterically when we tried to move her back to her own bed. We compromised by letting her keep her iPad with her until she fell asleep but quickly realized that her device keeps her awake well past OUR bedtime. If we try to make her turn it off, she becomes highly agitated and it’s just not worth it. How can we get her back in her own bed without dramatics?

Here’s a short-cut version of a Southern favorite: Gumbo Soup. It’s comfort food that can take hours to make. This gumbo captures the flavor without the hours. It’s a one-pot vegetarian meal.