Lifestyle

The Bosque River Chapter of the Children of the Republic of Texas met on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Squaw Creek Cemetery in Somervell County.

Blanca is an 11-month-old female Aussie/Catahoula mix. She can be timid when being approached and will usually crawl her way toward you with a cute little smile on her face. She is sweet as she can be with people! She loves toys and will usually carry a squeaky toy when she gets very excited or happy. She does seem to be housetrained, but will have an accident if not kept on a schedule. Blanca is spayed, fully vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm negative and on prevention.

While prices have risen for turkey — the No. 1 consumer choice for a holiday meal entrée — they have also increased for other potential holiday meat entrees many consumers may choose in lieu of a gobbler for the holidays, according to Texas A&M AgriLife experts.

One of the best parts of the Christmas season is the chance to spend time with friends and family. What better way to do that than by throwing a great holiday party? There are plenty of parties during the season, though, and you’ll want yours to stand out without adding too much stress to a busy time of year.

While the holidays are a great time for tradition, spice up your holiday meal this year with these festive alternatives to the usual roasted turkey. TURDUCKEN This unusual dish was born on the bayou and is exactly what it sounds like: a boneless chicken stuffed inside a boneless duck inside a boneless turkey, usually with a cornbread or other traditional Southern-style stuffing inside.

Don’t forget about our less-fortunate animal friends during the holidays. Offering your help this holiday season is a great tradition to start. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year.

Mortgage is a 7-month-old female domestic shorthair. She is a silly little cat who loves to play. She would benefit from a home that can offer her lots of scratching posts and toys to swat around. She has the sweetest little meow and leans into your touch when you pet her. She is an indoor only cat. She is litterbox trained and loves to cuddle. She can be a trip hazard because she likes to dance around your feet when you walk. She is microchipped but has not been spayed yet, but if you adopt her, we will make an appointment for her to be spayed and she will need to be brought in for us to take her. Text ECHS to 89871 to donate. For more information or to adopt Mortgage, contact the Erath County Humane Society at (254) 965-3247. Erath County Humane Society

Jake is a 3- to 4-year-old male pit mix. He is a very loving and playful boy who needs an active home. He is not good with livestock or small animals and best as an only dog. He is mostly house trained and will probably do well once he has a routine outside the shelter. He can be quite vocal so probably not good in an apartment. Jake is neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative and on prevention. Text ECHS to 89871 to donate to the Erath County Humane Society. For more information or to adopt Jake, contact the Erath County Humane Society at (254) 965-3247. Erath County Humane Society

In some areas of the country, especially the South, sweet potatoes make regular appearances at the end of the meal, yet for many of us elsewhere, it’s a surprise to encounter them in dessert form. But they are called sweet potatoes for a reason! This comforting, pretty and very simple pie makes a nice alternative to the more traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.