Though it is December, Northwest Florida weather fluctuates between winter and spring temperatures. 

Our nice days are wonderful opportunities to do outside landscape chores to prepare for spring. 

But, it is also a good time to plan for next month’s colder temperatures. 

Since we don’t experience frozen soil, winter is the best time to transplant hardy trees and shrubs. Deciduous, or shedding, trees establish root systems more quickly while dormant, versus installing them in the spring with all their tender new leaves. 

Here are a few suggestions for tasks you can perform this month:

●Plant shade trees, fruit trees and evergreen shrubs.

●Plant pre-chilled daffodil and narcissus bulbs (late December/early January).

●Do major re-shaping of shade trees, if needed, during the winter dormancy.

●Water live Christmas trees as needed, and water holiday plants, such as poinsettias, as needed.

●Check houseplants for insect pests such as scale, mealy bugs, fungus gnats, whitefly and spider mites.

●Continue to mulch leaves from the lawn. Shred excess leaves and add to planting beds or compost pile.

●Replenish finished compost and mulch in planting beds, preferably before the first freeze.  

●Switch sprinkler systems to ‘Manual’ mode for the rest of winter.

●Water thoroughly before a hard freeze to reduce plants’ chances of damage.

●Water the lawn and all other plants once every three weeks or so, if supplemental rainfall is less than 1 inch in a three-week period.

●Fertilize pansies and other winter annuals as needed.

●Protect tender plants from hard freezes.  

●Clean, sharpen and repair all your garden and lawn tools. Now is also the best time to clean and have your power mower, edger and trimmer serviced.

●Be sure the mower blade is sharpened and balanced.

●Provide food and water to the area’s wintering birds.

Sheila Dunning is a commercial horticulture agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DUNNING: 15 things Northwest Florida gardeners can do in December

Christmas is right around the corner. We just celebrated the third week in Advent, and there are just two more candles to light: one for the fourth Sunday, and then the Christ candle typically lit on Christmas Eve.

Are you ready for the season? Here's a checklist:

Are your cards written and sent? My husband, Jim, and I have received a few cards, but I have noticed a radical decline in the amount of cards received the past few years. We get a few emailed cards, but I think the trend is to ignore the traditional sending of Christmas greetings, probably due to the time and cost involved.

Are all of your gifts purchased and wrapped? Have the ones that need to be mailed gone out yet? Mine are still in process of being wrapped, and I am waiting on a few more items that were ordered online to arrive. As the News Bulletin's editor, Thomas Boni, recently wrote, perhaps you can find some last-minute gifts on Main Street or at other local shops here in Crestview. It is nice to help out our local economy.

Remember: local food banks need contributions this time of year, whether financial, or canned goods and staples. Your church may have adopted families in need, and your family can contribute this way. I know people in our community experiencing financial hardship who could use a kind hand this time of year to provide food for their children as well as some gifts. Check with your church or the Salvation Army.

Have you decided what you will serve for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners? On Christmas Day, my husband and I will have ham, baked sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and pie for dessert — very traditional. 

There are many wonderful Christmas Eve services here in Crestview. The News Bulletin has listings for churches that shared their information. I hope that you and your family can attend one or more.

Jim and I will sing at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist and then we will attend the 11 p.m. candlelight service at First Presbyterian. 

Make your plans now to attend the church of your choice and celebrate the greatest Christmas gift of all, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 4 last-minute Christmas questions

"It's the most wonderful time of the year," Andy Williams sang in a 1963 hit that has become a Christmas standard.

But what makes this time of year wonderful?

Yes, we get to spend time with our family and friends, and kids look forward to presents, but what makes this season special is the celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ's, birth. 

"Joy to the World," a Christmas carol, has these lyrics: "Let every heart prepare Him room…."

What preparations are you making for the Lord Jesus? 

My husband, Jim, and I prepare gifts and food for others.

The faithful can serve God by giving these no- or low-cost gifts that reap lasting rewards:

●Visit residents of nursing homes and assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. Even better, assemble a group to sing Christmas carols at local nursing homes. You will bring many smiles to the residents and staffers.

Call ahead to request permission before you go.

●Donate blood. Blood donations are always needed, so your blood might save a life, or make a cancer patient more comfortable.

Crestview's OneBlood Donor Center is at 2400 S. Ferdon Blvd. Suite B. Call 306-2455 for hours.

●Adopt a pet. Many cats and dogs need "furever" homes this Christmas. Dogs and cats are sweet, loving and longing for a special home.

Feline Friends of North Okaloosa County — 682-7273 — is running a special this month: The adoption fee is just $25 per cat or kitten.

Panhandle Animal Lovers — 683-4104 — has wonderful dogs that need good homes. Many times, loving pets have been surrendered due to a change in their owner's circumstances.

The kind people who run these local rescues could use some Christmas cheer, and they always need these items:

●Dry dog food

●Dry Purina cat and kitten chow

●Canned Friskies cat food — no beef

●Puppy pads

●Clay cat litter

●Towels and blankets — new and used

●Paper towels and drawstring trash bags

●Donations for spaying and neutering, and heartworm treatment

●Foster homes

Have a wonderful week as we count down the days until Christmas.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 3 low- or no-cost Christmas gift ideas

Editor's Note: These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

One way to raise attention to roads

The (courthouse) annex in Shalimar should never have been rebuilt; the one in Fort Walton Beach should have been sufficient for the south end of the county.

Maybe if (county officials) had to drive to Crestview more often our road problems would get some attention.

Cheryl Bunyan 

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About Main Street gifts list

You left the best one out — Rustic Reflection!

Terry Englebright 

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'Great time' at parade

We loved the parade! This is our first Christmas in Crestview and we had a great time!

Jess Golden 

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Why at night?

I love that it's on Main Street, but why in the world at night? I left early because my toddler was already tired, and nearly fell on my face after stepping in a ditch trying to find my car in a dark alleyway.

Amber Nicole

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: One way to raise attention to roads, 'great time' at parade

Our Facebook fans shared their views on Crestview traffic, runners' safety, a Holt home invasion halted by a gun-toting resident, and blood donation.

Here are some of their comments.

Gridlock over traffic worsens

I've lived here since 1991, and have watched the Crestview City Council twiddle their collective thumbs over the traffic issue as gridlock grows worse and worse.

If they invested as much effort into fixing this issue as they do about downtown and Main Street, which most of the population (couldn't) care less about, our problems would be well on the way to being solved.

Kurt Burgess 

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Runners need to take precautions

I myself do a routine run, but I'm seeing people out in the middle of nowhere!

South (State Road) 85 between Duke (Field) and North 85, all the way to Bill Lundy Road!

You gotta get your dig, but you're seriously putting yourself at risk, as well as other motorists!

Think about where you run and what you have on, as well as what time you are doing it!

Scott Howard

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Surprises await home invaders

(People) who break into houses here in Northwest Florida are truly stupid. This isn't the liberal northeast — you will get shot by a homeowner here!

Robert Rohlfing

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About the victim

So glad she had the right to have her gun!

Lori Hulion

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More perks for blood donors

Donors should be paid more than a $10 gift card. The blood will be sold for hundreds to you or your medical insurance. You will not get it free.

Suzanne C. Walcheck

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Our Facebook fans shared their views on whether Florida should accept Syrian refugees.

Here are some of their comments.

Homeland security comes first

Keep them out. We have to protect our families after what happened in Lebanon, Israel, Paris, Britain and several other nations in the last year.

ISIS is a real and valid threat, and air strikes are not helping. French and Russia are doing more than what our weak leadership is. Even the FBI and (intelligence personnel) have said we have no proper way to ensure those coming are properly vetted and verified.

We have got to take care of our own issues before anyone else's.

Frederick Butts

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Have some trust

Other countries — some our allies, in Europe and the Middle East — have taken their share. We should all share in helping with this crisis. We are only talking maybe, at the max, 425 of them in the entire state of Florida! And screening can be done.

Let's continue the spirit of America in helping those in crisis — that is what has made this country great. The U.S. is one of the best countries at assimilation, integration and vetting. Let's let our government do what they do best, and have some trust.

Erica Louise

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Priorities first

Take care of our veterans and homeless — then we can talk about refugees.

Linda Boutwell

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Keep tabs on them

I say let them in! But, of course, only after a proper vetting by intelligence agencies — and also keep tabs on them.

These people are just trying to escape ISIS. If ISIS wants to attack us, they have many other avenues besides posing as "refugees."

Jamie Parkin

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Better safe than sorry

I say don't let them in. You can't trust any one of them. Better safe than sorry. Yes, women included.

Laurie Rodriguez Ward

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Just one lone wolf

Don't want them here. It just takes one lone wolf out of the 10,000 Syrian refugees.

James Tinsley

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Veterans are more important

Allow none in. Have you not seen that they are training kids to attack us? Not to mention the woman who had a bomb and tried to kill the police in France.

Get your heads out of the sand, people. There are other places they can go, and America is not the place.

Take care of our veterans — they are more important.

Pudge Sanchez

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No more long-term dependents

It's not just about the potential threat coming in with them. Where are these people going to go? Who is going to feed, clothe and house them? I don't see those saying "let them in" stepping up and offering room and board.

Government is not supposed to be in the business of providing those things. That's why we are a country of dependents waiting on someone to take care of us.

I feel for these people, but would rather see our money spent once to get them set up elsewhere so they can then provide for themselves.

If not, we create just more long-term dependents.

Amanda N Bryan

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Don't ask for more problems

We should share in no such burden because we have not caused this burden.

During Vietnam, we failed the South Vietnamese people, and took in those who already worked for the American government. The same is true of the Iraq war. The Cuban refugee crisis was unavoidable, and we turned many away. The Syrian crisis was caused by a president who failed to act when the line was drawn in the sand, and (he) could have thwarted the refugee crisis all together.

So the answer is no — this economy can't even help the homeless families or homeless vets we have now

… Fix the problems we have already, not ask for more!

Larry Ratliff

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Thoughts on Crestview traffic, home invasions and refugees

Did you score some amazing deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

I'm sure many people filled their proverbial sleighs with lots of toys and goodies for Christmas gifts. There was no Black Friday shopping for me — too much chaos — but to those of you who endured, I salute you.

Now, with all of your treasures in hand, it is time to wrap them and, in some cases, ship them to the appropriate destination.

And Christians are observing the season of Advent, the period of preparation and reflection on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Webster's 1828 online dictionary states that Advent "is intended as a season of devotion, with reference to the coming of Christ in the flesh."

Many churches decorated over the weekend for the season, with the traditional hanging of the greens.

How do you celebrate Advent?

My husband, Jim, and I have a traditional Advent wreath, and we try to keep our focus on Christ, rather than the hustle and bustle of the season.

Far from hustle and bustle are upcoming local events to celebrate this joyous time.

For instance, the Main Street Crestview Association and city of Crestview's Christmas Parade is set for 5:30 p.m.  Saturday, Dec. 5 on Main Street.

And Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's living nativity is set for 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8115 Fourth St.

Look in the newspaper and see what events are taking place that you and your family would enjoy.

Make some family memories, and take pictures to record those special moments.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

What: Main Street Crestview Association and city of Crestview's Christmas Parade

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

Where: Main Street, Crestview

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What: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's living nativity

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

Where: 8115 Fourth St., Laurel Hill

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Make Christmas memories — and take pictures

Thanksgiving is a remembrance of blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon our lives; gratitude for what He has given and all He has done for us.

The church hymn, "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" embodies this season.

I am grateful for these things and many more this Thanksgiving:   

●Salvation through Jesus Christ

●The Bible

●A loving, kind husband

●Family and friends

●A warm home, with plenty of food and water

●Freedom to worship the way we desire

●This beautiful world

●Loving pets and animals

●Health and medical care

●Jobs that support us

●Military that protects us

●Police, deputies, firefighters and EMTs

●Electronic devices that allow me to stay in touch with my family in California

●A reliable vehicle

Of course, the list could go on and on; we are so blessed.

Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." 

Since we have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, why not write a list of 10 things for which you are thankful?

Take the time to thank those who help you at church, school, stores, restaurants and other places that you frequent.

Everyone, including the pastor, teacher, janitor and cashier, loves to hear "thank you." 

Even better, sit down and write an old-fashioned thank-you note to someone who has touched your life in a special way. Mail it to them, and you will bless their life in an unexpected way.

Gratitude is missing in so many people's hearts these days. Let's all be grateful, not grumpy, and act gracious throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: What's on your Thanksgiving list?

Our Facebook fans have strong opinions about local and county officials who say poor driving habits contribute to Crestview traffic. Here are some of their comments.

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Can't be driving habits

I don't believe it's poor driving habits at all. Driving habits can't be that bad in bumper-to-bumper, 10 mph traffic.

Greg Porch 

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Can't compare to metros

Poor driving habits are a symptom, not the cause. Of course, traffic here isn't as bad as a metropolitan area with a few million people, but in my experience the traffic here is worse than in other towns of comparable size.

Aaron Jacobs 

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Just one main road

Maybe if there was more than one road leading to the north side of town, traffic wouldn't get so backed up.

There are no other ways to get north of town without being on (State Road) 85. You can take Antioch (Road), but that runs into PJ Adams (Parkway), where there is also a lot of traffic.

Heather Carmack 

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Similar to Nashville

I commuted to and from work in downtown Nashville while living 25 miles north of the city.

We now live just north of Crestview in a subdivision about 5 miles past Winn-Dixie, and it takes me just as long to drive to Walmart as it did to commute home in Nashville rush hour traffic. It's crazy!

Deanna Perry 

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A different perspective

I just came back from the St. Pete/Tampa area. This traffic is a breeze. It's all about perspective.

Sheila Prater

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Can't be driving habits, just one main road

Gratitude, according to the dictionary, is a sentiment of kindness or good will toward a benefactor.

It's thankfulness. 

How many of us have genuinely thankful hearts for what we possess and have been given?

We seem to live in a self-centered world. Some people want things they haven't earned, and ask others to pay for them.

Taking someone else's possessions shows a sense of entitlement; the thieves didn't earn the money to buy the possession, but they want it, so they take it by force.

You may have seen the college student (Keely Mullen) wanting taxpayers to foot the cost of a college education for all students — another example of entitlement.

Click here for video of Cullen discussing the issue with Neil Cavuto

This young woman has stated that she and her friends would be happy to pay a 90 percent income tax on wages over $250,000.

While that income sounds enormous, I am sure that anyone earning $250,000 would not be content to keep just $25,000.

No matter what she says now, I guarantee she would not be content to see 90 percent of her income go toward taxes — no person would be thrilled to see their hard-earned money evaporate.

Does she really think anyone would continue to work and earn this amount of money, only to have it taken away so she and her friends can have "free" college?

Where is the gratitude that state and local colleges exist, and that their tuitions are reasonable?

Many of us went to state colleges and paid our own way. I worked while I went to college. Some students got family assistance. Others, like my husband, went into the military so he would have the GI Bill. Still others took out loans, which they repaid.

These days, some students take out huge loans to include living expenses — comprising expensive rent, cars, computers and other "necessities" — and then can't afford to pay them back.

Why should taxpayers be burdened with these costs?

Are we grateful for what the Lord has given us?

We live in a society where it seems to be the norm to desire more; not be content with what we have.

Contentment is satisfaction with what one has. I think it is a gift to be content with what the Lord has given us.

We should strive to honor the Lord with our time and talents; work hard and glorify Him; and be content with the resources He has given us.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

"These days, some students take out huge loans to include living expenses — comprising expensive rent, cars, computers and other 'necessities' — and then can't afford to pay them back," Janice Lynn Crose says. "Why should taxpayers be burdened with these costs?"

The key is having an attitude of gratitude, she says. "Are we grateful for what the Lord has given us?"

Gratitude and loans

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Have an attitude of gratitude

Our Facebook fans have strong opinions about the media blackout on Houston McTear's death, an engineer's efforts to boost North Okaloosa County STEM education and the economy, and other topics.

Here are some of their comments.

Forgotten athlete's life should inspire

We had a work luncheon (and) were discussing area athletes that have made it big. I brought up Houston McTear.

I was surprised how many people didn't know of him.

I remember when he ran the 9 in the 100, tying the world record as an 11th-grader.

… His life should be an inspiration to all that come from poverty and/or bounced back when beaten down by life. I can't wait for the movie next year.

George Crisco

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Gratitude for Paul Hsu's efforts

Thank you, sir, for remembering our North Okaloosa area students.

Too often they are totally forgotten and disregarded by the rest of the county, and they deserve this type of assistance just as much as other Okaloosa County schools and students!

Jo Ann Reeves Manasco

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Music for traffic

I actually listen to the "Mad Max: Fury Road" soundtrack every time I commute from Crestview to Eglin AFB. It fits.

Chad R. Harvey

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Festival music too loud

I went to this event (the Baker Heritage Festival) with my son, daughter, grandson and mother-in-law. The live music was so loud, we couldn't talk to each other without yelling, and we were sitting far away from the enormous speakers … We left after 30 minutes.

Doris Foley

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Forgotten athlete's life should inspire, festival music too loud