Thought of the Day
When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.
December 10th 2025
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Yarrow and Fern!
🚨 ALL DONATIONS MATCHED—Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $150,000) so it has 2x the impact. Head to the site to donate now to make sure your donation is doubled 🚨
Hey there, superhero enthusiasts! I’m Yarrow, your potential feline sidekick ready to save the day with cuddles and charm. My mission, should you choose to adopt me, is to be the most loving partner-in-crime you could imagine.Whether we’re lounging on the couch or embarking on epic cuddle quests, I promise to be the most devoted sidekick you could ever want. Are you ready to welcome a purr-fect superhero into your life? Your adventure starts with me! How did I get here? Found as a stray by a good samaritan. **I have a sophisticated medical history- please speak with an adoption specialist for details. I have tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), but the good news is I can still live a long normal cat life! Speak with an adoption specialist for more information.** ~My adoption fee is $65.00.~
Hey there! I’m Fern, and I’m here to leaf a lasting impression on your heart! I’m all about cuddles, companionship, and getting ALL the attention. When I see a potential human, I’m not shy about making my presence known – I’ll be right there with my paws up, ready to shower you with affection and soak up every single pet and scratch you’re willing to give. I’m basically the ultimate cuddle buddy who’s looking for a forever home where I can be your personal shadow. I absolutely adore being close to my humans and will follow you around like your most devoted fan. Whether we’re lounging on the couch or exploring a new room, I’m happiest when I’m right by your side, soaking up love and proving that I’m the most pawsome companion you could ever imagine. So, are you ready to put down roots with this lovable gal? Let’s grow old together and make some amazing memories! I weigh approximately 31 pounds. How did I get here? Transferred from the Wake County Animal Center. ~My adoption fee is waived thanks to a grant from the Grey Muzzle Foundation.~
Vegetable Soup
This classic vegetable soup is warm, cozy and perfect for chilly nights. Enjoy it this way, or modify with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta, rice, or white beans
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
1. Sauté the base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the veggies
Stir in the carrots, celery, potato and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Build the soup
Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
5. Finish and serve
Stir in the green beans, corn, and any optional pasta, rice, or beans. Simmer for 5 more minutes and serve warm. Then, curl up and enjoy this cozy meal!
December 9th 2025
Thought of the Day
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Classic Crêpes
This breakfast is so delicious, it could also make a great dessert! Enjoy these classic crêpes with a filling of your choice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Filling Ideas:
- Nutella & strawberries
- Powdered sugar & lemon juice
- Cream cheese & berries
- Bananas & chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream & caramel drizzle
Instructions
1. Mix the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Then add the eggs and milk, whisking until smooth, and whisk in the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Prep the stove
Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes for the best texture. Then, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter it.
3. Cook the crêpes
Pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the pan and immediately swirl to spread it thin. Then, cook for 30–45 seconds until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Next, flip and cook the other side for about 20–30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. Create your filling
Now for the fun part! Stuff the crêpes with your filling of choice and enjoy your easy yet decadent breakfast.
December 8th 2025
Thought of the Day
Don’t rush when you are faced with difficulties.
December 7th 2025
Thought of the Day
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
December 6th 2025
Thought of the Day
Have order without confusion and show compassion on others.
BBB Box Office: Win a Family 4-Pack to Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo!
Expect edge of your seat action, eight seconds at a time because the Rodeo is coming to town! The world’s toughest cowboys are “in it to win it” in their mission to be crowned Pro Rodeo’s World Champion. Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo returns to Lenovo Center, Saturday, January 24th.
Tickets on Sale now!
Contest ends Sunday, December 14th at 11:59 p.m.
Baked Soft Pretzels
This warm, chewy baked soft pretzel recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect salty snack.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for bowl)
- For the Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- For the Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
3. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 450°F.
4. Shape the pretzels
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22 inch rope and twist into pretzel shapes.
5. Baking soda bath
Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Drop each pretzel into the water for 20–30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Egg wash and salt
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
7. Bake and enjoy
Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown. Brush with butter right out of the oven and enjoy!