Keeping bird feeders filled often wanes when cold temperatures drive us indoors.

My family's pet population was recently cut in half within five days. It was a week I would never want to relive.

Judging 50 pots of chili can be a tongue-numbing exercise, but when the cause is United Way, judges persevere.

All three area Casa-Rolls Dinner Drive-Thrus are offering free tastings Saturday to remind customers why their foods are a good fit for the holiday season.

Gotten your flu shot yet? If not, or even if you have, get a shot of Spigola Ristorante’s advice when it comes to using certain foods to fight the flu.

* Where: Panera Bread, 417 Market St. (266-2253); 620 Northgate Mall (877-0223); 1810 Gunbarrel Road (899-2253); 2620 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe (706-866-2293); 375 Paul Huff Parkway NW, Cleveland (472-5444); 303 W. Walnut Ave., Dalton (706-260-

Martha Harp considers herself a fairly accomplished cook. She can bake great cornbread and cakes, but biscuits leave her frustrated.

October’s almost over, but anytime during the fall is a good time for German cuisine. There’s something hearty and filling about it. Serve it up with a cold beer or good German wine, such as Clean Slate’s excellent 2008 Riesling, and you have a memorable meal in the making. I recently sampled a bottle of Clean Slate and can’t tell you how good it is. It has a fresh taste with lively fruit flavors. Excellent.

* Where: Food Works, 205 Manufacturers Road.

The long-awaited opening of Lindsay Street Hall, the former First Congregational Church on M.L. King Boulevard, has happened. I've gotten several calls from people looking for information, wanting to hold events there. Now, it's possible. It's a great space for weddings, holiday parties. Really, most any type gathering you have in mind.