Whoops! It seems like the "bug" going around takes 7 days to arrive and depart. Check out the reputable Cleveland Clinics's information and advice: What’s the Difference Between RSV, the Flu and COVID-19?

Many of the libraries' regular kids programs will be taking a break for the holidays. All Storytimes, Toddler Times, and Make and Explore programs will pause 12/17-1/6. Homework Help and R.E.A.D. will pause 12/17-1/23. We can still borrow books to take home for our quiet times in between celebrations.

In the mood to volunteer? The Volunteer Center has a list of organizations that welcome your help over the holidays here.

If you're looking for a copy of the original classic Santa Mouse, be sure to get Book 3, A Treasury of Santa Mouse, because it contains three stories: Santa Mouse, Santa Mouse Where Are You? and Santa Mouse Meets Marmaduke. Why is this a classic? A nice mouse who overcomes challenges is rewarded for his kindness and becomes Santa Mouse, and Marmaduke, a naughty mouse with whom we can all relate, changes his wicked ways.

Have a wonderful December weekend, Parmalee

"This was the first book that my Mother ever read to me starting in 1963. I couldn’t get enough of it! I made her read it to me practically year round.

What was really cool about my Mom is that she started the Santa Mouse tradition in our own home. On Christmas morning there would be a little package tied in yellow ribbon in the tree branches for us to find.

At first when I was little it was stuff like a Matchbook Car and as I aged became a lovely token like a pendant. It became such a beautiful part of our holiday celebration. I give this book to every child that I know along with my story in hopes that maybe someone else can find their own Santa Mouse tradition." A reader's heartfelt review.

Computer science education creates career opportunities and has been shown to make a positive impact on students’ academic achievement, yet many students continue to lack adequate exposure to the field.

This year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education is offering an expanded series of computer science related events and resources as part of Computer Science Education Week . From December 5-11, CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. Read more

The rains send the little ants (Terro gets rid of them) into the house seeking anything good to eat, but they are a minor nuisance compared to the hammerhead worm, an invasive species that prefers tropical, humid climates, but with the recent rains, have been seen in Aptos.

"For starters, earthworms should be on alert because hammerhead worms consider them prey. But humans and pets should be wary, too."

“They actually produce a pretty nasty neurotoxin for paralyzing the earthworm prey, so there is certainly the potential for people and pets to be harmed if eaten or touched,” Read more here > > >

Last week we shared your favorite places to buy tamales. Perhaps you want to make your own!

The pros suggest that you begin with a family size recipe, sort of a practice session. So we went directly to Youtube and found several good tutorials. The one we chose is easy to follow. Watch it once and make your list of ingredients. Get them from one of our local Mexican markets, Costco or Walmart. Tips for making tamales the way you want them > > >

The in-person Holiday Sale grew to three days of savings: Friday to Sunday, Dec. 9-11 from 10 am to 4pm. at four Park Store locations:

Receive 20% off on select iconic Michael Schwab park illustrations on apparel and more, plus jewelry made by local artists, maps, nature guides, local history books, educational toys and other gifts that represent the natural and cultural history of our parks. Non-members receive 20 percent off.

Become a member to receive the 30 percent discount. Proceeds from the Holiday Sale benefit local state parks and beaches.

Check out the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks 2022 Holiday Gift Guide on Pinterest for gift-giving inspiration this holiday season.