Christmas lighting contest going on in Ruhenstroth

Even without that familiar chill in the air, there is a lot of decorating going on.

Since Thanksgiving was early this year, we have an additional week between it and Christmas for decorating, shopping, and any other way of celebrating this time of year we may choose.

Last year we had our first Christmas outdoor lighting contest in the neighborhood and it looks like our judges will have another tough decision to make. Last year our judges were from elementary school and this year, I would like to have children between the ages of 10 and 14.

If you know of anyone who would be interested in participating in the judging, please have them contact me either by phone or e-mail found at the bottom of this column. The next column will be on Dec. 21 and I would like to have their decision no later than Monday, Dec. 17.

It has been almost a year since our neighborhood got together to discuss possible solutions to our water issue. We are unique in that we are isolated from an outside source of water. The rivers and tributaries don't flow through our neighborhood so we miss out on replenishing our ground water which feeds our wells.

Add to this the extensive growth we have seen and the lack of moisture received in the last decade that would normally replenish the underground water table and you have the makings of a potentially large problem.

Several residents have had to redrill their wells and others are facing that prospect.

We are not receiving even the average amount of moisture for the area. This means we must tighten our belts around our water usage and be more aware of where we may be wasting this precious resource.

Setting our sprinklers to water very early in the morning allows the water to seep into the ground and not evaporate as quickly as if done during the daytime. It also serves to help the plants survive our high winds - which really deplete the moisture in the plants.

Choosing plants that are drought tolerant as well as fire resistant is a good option for our area.

This time of year, before the ground freezes, is a good time to plant. It allows the plant to slowly adjust to being in the ground at a time when it is already dormant.

Hopefully, the several snowfalls we typically see during the winter months will provide enough moisture to minimize our need to supplement water.

Please remember the speed limit throughout the neighborhood is 25 mph to protect those that are out walking their dogs, riding their horses, taking a walk around the block, not to mention those that are riding their bikes. Please slow down for your own safety as well as that of others.

Have a ramblin' good week.

n To reach Gail Davis, e-mail RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com or call 265-1947.