Emily Paine Carter

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Time for my annual question: Is it good luck or bad luck to take down the Christmas tree before New Year's Day? Not that we're terribly superstitious, but just in case ...

We've tried it both ways, and can't say that either way made any difference in the year's outcome. Nor does hollering "rabbit, rabbit" on the first morning of every month.

But hey, it's fun to play along.

So -- like every year, I reckon -- 2006 was your basic mixed bag of best-of-times/worst-of-times, zeniths and nadirs and what-have-you.

Now, to answer some whatever-happened-to questions:

n Before you declare your New Year's "get fit" resolutions, consider our local doughnut news. Salem's Donut Shop on Fourth Street ("the truck route") changed the hands that daily and lovingly craft its hand-cut temptations. Previous owner Dave Wagner retired in June from the demanding job because of health issues.

New owners Tim and Pam Greigg of Boones Mill are excited to operate a family business -- quite a change from Tim's previous long truck-driving stint. Sons Tim Jr., 10, and Robby, 7, help with all aspects when not in school, said Tim Sr.

They now offer some lunch items (hot dogs, sandwiches and Bastian's barbecue) and may add that Southern breakfast staple: sausage gravy and biscuits.

Hours have also been expanded (as will my waistline): 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Greiggs hope to add Sunday hours -- a sweet boon to local church school classes. (You can see that this thrills me.) (389-4938)

n While we are thinking of sweet indulgences: perhaps you have already found "The Chocolate Bar" at the corner of East Third Street and College Avenue. I wandered in just before Christmas, lured by the rumor of pralines, as well as by that cornerstone of my daily "therapy" -- chocolate.

I was surprised and delighted to see Dean Pittman, whose previous candy shop on Salem's Apperson Drive had been the subject of a column a couple of years ago. She was cheery as ever, despite having faced some distressing setbacks: getting flooded out of that first location (near the Roanoke River, across from Bastian's), and tending to her ill husband, who later died.

"It was my friend Lourine [Davis] who told me that I needed to get back into making candy, to cheer me up. She said that she had this room available [next to her beauty, wig and prosthesis salon]," Dean said with a smile.

So, it was good to see Dean busy -- in fact, very busy. Some goodies are on display, while others (such as those pralines) require a special order. Gift boxes are available. (444-0330)

n Salem High School's "Delphi" holiday coffee sale went well, said literary magazine adviser Fred Campbell -- but it is $2,000 shy of its goal. So, here's another chance to perk up our winter by buying bagged Mill Mountain coffees for the cause, from Tuesday through February. Find Fred, editor Molly King or any staff member.

n The above topics remind me to waddle back to my local exercise emporium, Curves of Salem. This past year we enjoyed watching two trainers plump up nicely -- although they had pregnancy as an excuse. Both birthed girls: Danielle Ramirez had Hannah; Erin Love, Asher.

n I'm sad to report that centenarian Claudell Pitts died. Her friend Pat Buckley said that the very day in November that the column celebrating "Miss Claudie's" long-lived feisty spirit appeared, she suffered a broken hip, then a short, fatal bout with pneumonia.

Many folks had stopped me on the street to add their own stories and smiling testimonials of the little woman with the big personality. All could be summed up: "She was a true Salem character." And we so love our Salem characters!

We'll consider more characters next week. Until then, Happy New Year! Now, what do you think that taking down the Christmas tree on Jan. 1 would bode? We need all the help we can get.