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ENHANCE CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY

In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest version of the Hardiness Zone Map. This mapping system categorizes geographic regions according to their average annual minimum winter temperatures. The map helps by assisting gardeners, horticulturists and landscaping experts in choosing plants suited to specific climates.

Before venturing to our community’s Downtown Christmas Celebration, I halfway decorated the Christmas tree in our family room.

Among the many enchanting elements of the holiday season, the family traditions and familiar flavors of favorite foods enjoyed year after year bring loved ones together better than perhaps any other occasion. From decorating wreaths and trees to crafting ornaments and preparing classic recipes, it’s a season of cherishing memories and creating new ones.

Land-grant universities, including Louisiana State University, are committed to advancing agriculture in America through research and innovative growing and farming methods. Another part of our mission is disseminating research information to the public. I recently had the opportunity to attend a training program focused on urban tree health, an initiative aligned with this mission, and I’m excited to share some of the great techniques we learned.

When I look back at photographs of Thanksgivings Past, I always laugh at the lineup. There we are on Aunt Hazel’s porch, standing like majorettes in a row. We’ve turned to the left to look slim, with interlocking arms to look familiar. It’s the aunts, the girl cousins, and me, in my teenage years. Everybody has on something brown, green or orange.

(StatePoint) From getting your home ready for guests and finding the perfect gifts to preparing a delicious meal, the holidays can seem overwhelming and expensive – but they don’t have to be. Take the following steps to save time and money on seasonal essentials.

(StatePoint) As we enter the holiday season and Americans across the country look forward to spending time with family, thousands of service members deployed overseas – many to the Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war – will not have that luxury and will be spending the holidays far away from loved ones.