Living

I have always managed to do well with African violets. I generally keep them in bloom year round.  
Many growers complain that after the first flush of blooms fades, the only thing left is a year’s worth of fuzzy foliage.  
Well, with a little attention you can keep your African violet cycling in and out of bloom all year. The key is to create a favorable growing environment.
African violets, or Saintpaulia, are named for the German plant collector Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire.  

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts was observed Nov. 16-23.
Nearly 28,900 children will soon experience the joy of Christmas, thanks to the combined efforts of the Cynthiana community and residents from surrounding counties. Residents packed empty shoeboxes with small items like toys, school supplies and hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that sends gifts to children living in difficult situations around the world.

Gabel Zastian Stone Fryman was born to Marlena and Kregina Fryman of Cynthiana on Nov. 25, 2015 at Harrison Memorial Hospital.
He weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz., and is welcomed by his sister, Kraglynn Fryman.
Maternal grandparents are Patty and David Barker of West Liberty, Ky.; maternal great-grandparents are Geneva and Norwood Barker, Lovell and Gene Cantrell, and Myrtle and Pearl Cantrell.
Paternal grandparents are Eugonda and Lee Fryman of Cynthiana; paternal great-grandparents are Zona and Dale Fryman, and Leroy and Ruthie Fryman.

Several years ago I made the mistake of leaving the water pump in the barn instead of storing it in the basement.  
Well, I found out why Daddy always stored it in the basement during the cold days of winter.
When I got the pump out to do some irrigation the following summer, the primer tank had split right open.  
A little bit of moisture was left in the tank and it froze.  The tank is made of cast iron so imagine what a little moisture might do to your favorite terracotta pot.