For pets, the house isn't a warm home full of festive colors, smells and and sounds of the holidays. It's a place packed with peril. "Dogs and cats can encounter more dangerous things at Christmas than are normally around them," said Jim Strickland.

Unless the debates in Washington throw a shock into the system, Georgia farmers can look for normal, modest increases in their expenses during 1996. "Farm input costs will be basically just keeping up with the general rate of inflation," said Forrest Stegelin.

Georgia hog producers had a roller-coaster ride in 1995," said John McKissick, a livestock economist with the University of Georgia Extension Service.

Cotton took over many Georgia acres in 1995 and adverse weather damaged crops on other lands, but for many grain farmers, good news came out of the bad. "The decreased acreage for whatever reason in corn, wheat and soybeans decreased the available supply of all of these grains," said George Shumaker.

A fireplace can be warm and wonderful. But the evening news is sprinkled with stories of tragic fires that rob families of possessions, homes and even loved ones. "Used correctly, your fireplace is a source of warmth and cozy atmosphere," says Dale Dorman.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. The race is on for holiday gift buying. But you don't need to throw away good shopping judgment just to win the hearts of family and friends. "You need a holiday-spending game plan lined up long before you get to the stores," says Esther Maddux.

A cuddly puppy sporting a bright ribbon on Christmas morning could start a lifetime of special memories for some lucky child. "The best thing about owning a pet may be that special bond that develops between the animal and its owner," said Jim Strickland.

One of my fall pleasures is to go outdoors on a clear, still, sunny morning and hear the call of the white-throated sparrow.

There's nothing as inviting as a warm, cozy bed on a cold winter night. That's what your landscape plants would be saying if they could talk, reminding you not to forget them as winter approaches.