Columns

As we approach the end of the year, I chose topics that relate to that very subject.
Buying, selling vehicle at end of year
If you have sold or intend to sell a vehicle before the end of the year, be sure that the buyer transfers the vehicle at the county clerk’s office. Just signing the title and having it notarized will not remove the vehicle or the tax obligation from your name. Whomever’s name is in the AVIS System (state transportation system) on Jan. 1 of that year is responsible for the property tax on that vehicle for that entire year.

The holiday season is a time to not only give gifts that you can buy or make yourself but also to provide special service and visits to people you love.
The homebound often appreciate a visit as much as having a gift. With limited access to the outside, a person’s world can shrink considerably and he may feel disconnected from people and the community.  

Hot soup is a welcome addition to lunch or supper when the days turn cold. I love tomatoes of every kind except for green tomatoes. The recipe below calls for canned diced tomatoes but you could substitute fresh tomatoes in season and add about 1 1/2 cups more liquid, half broth and the other half milk.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Makes 5 servings (1 cup each)
2 (14) ounce cans diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Like it or not winter is rolling in on us and Mother Nature is doing her best to get us used to it.
Cold nights, with a low of 19 so far at the farm, and 50-degree days help our bodies adjust to the upcoming change. It’s like having continuous nudges that winter is on its way. Still, how many had to scramble to find their ice scrapper the other day?