Opinion

Kindling of a Kind January means colder weather which means we get to set things on fire! Okay. Best fire practices include a fire pit or, in my case, a fireplace.

Punxsutawney Phil made his appearance last Thursday and predicted six more weeks of winter. The annual hoopla surrounding the Groundhog Day tradition seemed to pass with little enthusiasm locally. We are probably all ready for the snow melt to begin.

I’m writing this next to a fragrant pink hyacinth in a glass jar, finally blooming; I bought it on a particularly cold day last week, and through chattering teeth told the Aldi cashier, “I know it’s January, but I always feel like spring is on its way when you guys start selling these.”

Each week, the Advocate Tribune will share a photograph from our archives for you to “guess who”. To submit your guesses, send us a message by email to jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com or message our Facebook page. We will publish the answers the next week.

Bitterly cold air has been with us for the past several days. The Arctic air mass moved in late Friday, and stayed with us for Saturday and Sunday.

OF THE WEEK Submitted by Myrna Stölen A note from Myrna: Quick as a mix bar recipe - I used to make these years ago. So simple, just throw everything in a bowl, mix and bake - easy! Lemon Cake Bars 2 cup flour 1 and 1/4 cup sugar 1 package instant lemon pudding 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 1/4 cup soft butter 1/2 cup currants (if wanted) 3 eggs 1 cup milk Put all in a bowl and beat on medium speed for two minutes.

I have always enjoyed receiving Christmas letters and “catching up” with people. Sometimes I learn things about someone that I never knew before.

The Minnesota Legislature is back in session and moving quickly on a number of initiatives. As usual, we are watching the Legislature’s work very closely to see what the impact of their actions will be on our community. A good part of that effort is with, and through, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), of which Granite Falls has been member for about 25 years.