NOV. 25: How many times does this happen after Thanksgiving?

Valerie Meacham of Bradford writes, “Reading about the warm
weather and flowers popping up that shouldn’t be yet … My husband
was out digging leeks on Saturday, Nov. 25. Small, of course, but
he got his ‘fix’! He does, however, keep a jar in the fridge
through the winter (pickling). He’ll be bringing those out for the
holidays!”

We also had a call Tuesday from Linda Lawrence who had just seen
a big fat robin on her backlawn on the back Valley Road outside of
Smethport. “He’ll be surprised,” she said, pointing to the
anticipated change in the weather.

IN THE NEWS: Barbara Stambaugh writes, “I was in Akron, Ohio,
over Thanksgiving and saw the Nov. 24 LIFE Weekend Magazine insert
(it’s like the Parade section) in the Akron Beacon Journal
newspaper. It featured a two-page article about Jamie Dana and her
dog, including two photographs. The article mentioned Smethport a
few times.”

GOOD ADVICE: Our friend from the Cooperative Extension in Elk
County, Robin Kuleck of Ridgway, adds a proviso to our item Tuesday
about using HALT as a resource for end-of-life issues:

“This is an area of folks’ financial lives that is ignored as
you pointed out.

“However, just as you wouldn’t perform do-it-yourself surgery
because that type of work requires a skilled professional,
do-it-yourself law can be fraught with peril, too!

“Using available resources, such as those provided by HALT,
AARP, or the Pennsylvania Bar Association, to develop an outline of
end-of-life wishes, people should then consult an attorney who can
play devil’s advocate to close all possible loopholes and bases
folks haven’t thought about in finalizing the requisite legal
documents.

“They can use their professional experiences with previous bad
situations other families have undergone to make sure your wishes
are carried out in your absence.

“For example, disinheriting a child without adequate explanation
can cause all kinds of grief between siblings through no fault of
their own.

“Because laws change and vary by state, it’s also important to
review your legal documents with an attorney every five years or so
to assure that they still meet the requirements of the law and your
current intentions as well as correct any deficiencies in your
estate planning.”