Wednesday, May 1, 2024
84.8 F
Orlando

Life

A Lesson in Trust

A part of me worries that they will come to be too accustomed to humans, through me. Still, I can't seem to stay away. Watching them is one of the great joys in my day... and they visit almost daily. I have wished since the beginning that I "could" reach out and touch them, but I don't try. Once or twice, I have nearly brushed against one or the other, and immediately, they take two or three steps back and then keep their distance.

Caring for Your Flowers

Poinsettias, African violets, cyclamen, azaleas, holiday cacti, and kalanchoe - all are popular holiday gifts to give and receive. But once they are settled in their new homes, how do we keep them healthy and thriving? Here are some tips to keep in mind. Include the key points on a care tag with the plants you give as gifts.

An Anole’s Legacy

Last week, my sister shared the news with me that Evan had some type of head injury resulting in a concussion, and that it was quite serious. He apparently fell, and doesn’t remember anything. It got me thinking hard about my brother, though. I suspect that if something were to happen to me, he is the one sibling who would not attend my funeral.

Education is Needed to Help Stop Bullying Epidemic

In the month of September 2010, there were four US teens that received local, regional, and national exposure from the media, because they committed suicide as a result of bullying. It is obvious that there is a fundamental problem in our culture, when teenagers are threatened, intimidated and abused because their sexual orientation is different.

I Am Not an Artist

People used to ask me how I learned to draw so beautifully. I did not learn; I just did.

Made in the Shade – Shade Pergolas

In early times, backyards were mere utilitarian areas. By 1950, these spaces were popular for entertaining, featuring grills and folding lawn chairs. More recently, backyards were transformed into outdoor rooms with appliances and furniture. Today's modern exteriors call for yet more flexibility.

Running From Within

On March 30th 1968 a bright red colt was born to parents literally chosen by the toss of a coin. The colt was born to Somethingroyal, and stallion, Bold Ruler. Bold Ruler was considered one of the most significant stallions of his time. He was known to have both the speed to be a frontrunner, and the stamina to run 1 1/4 mile tracks.

Female Fix-It-Yourself Revolution

From pink screwdrivers and mini toolboxes to a surge of female-targeted home improvement sites and guidebooks, the fix-it-yourself revolution has come for women in the U.S. More empowered females are taking on household problems themselves instead of spending the money to hire a plumber, electrician or contractor.

How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Health

Maintaining a healthy home means promoting a healthy lifestyle. But Americans aren't aware of the important role indoor air plays in creating a healthy home. In fact, nearly half of Americans (49 percent) believe indoor air quality has little to no impact on overall health, according to an online 2010 Indoor Air Quality Consumer Survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Dow Building Solutions.

Falling for Your Yard

When you've mulched the last of the leaves, your fall lawn care isn't quite done. This transition time from your lawn's active growth to its healthy dormancy is when you need to take some extra care to help prepare it for next year's growth.

Patience, Patience…

I began to dread going to work, as she shadowed me every day, and the questions she asked seemed inane and foolish. I have always believed there is no such thing as a stupid question… but hers certainly seemed that way.

Three Tips for a Greener Garage

You may be one of the millions of people making eco-friendly changes around your home, but have you thought about going green in the garage? Garages store more than just cars. They store paint and cleaning supplies, tools and lawn care equipment - all of which can pose environmental hazards. These tips from the experts at Black & Decker® will help you green your garage.

A Healing Testament

This is not meant to be a criticism of the religion I was born into, but Catholicism never was “my bag.” My dear, departed grandmother would be crushed to hear that, but even when I was a small child, I remember thinking that “The Church” just didn’t make sense to me.

A Small Project with Big Savings

A cost effective and easy-to-install energy savings project could pay back homeowners with significant savings on their home energy bills, according to a new study commissioned by The Dow Chemical Company. The study found that homeowners save an average of $50 annually on their energy bills by air sealing gaps, cracks and other exposed areas of the home with an insulating foam sealant.

The Perfect Wind!

Sailing a boat from what I'm told is an extreme joy, very calming, very relaxing and an activity that removes one from the stresses of the outside world.

A Gift of Purpose

It truly is a gift, you know. These memories, hell at the time I was making them, have changed my life.  I cursed my life and wished it different for so long that when wisdom caught up with me, it took my breath away. A memoir based on many of...

Finding My Voice

My mother once told me that she thought the reason I rarely spoke was that I was so used to being drowned out, growing up as I did in a large, primarily male family, that it was not worth the effort.

Fear and Loathing in Everybody Loves Raymond…

When last we met: I was discussing the dichotomy of the American family and how we see our own faults in them thus we project our inner turmoil outwards and wind up fighting over something stupid. What we’re really trying to say is “I hate myself and you look just like me.” Find out why 'Everybody Hates Justin!' In this installment.

New Memoir, Worthy, by Local Author Announced

PublishAmerica on Thursday announced the memoir of Orlando author, Julie Gaskins. The book, entitled, Worthy: Drinking Hope from a Well of Despair, will be released on September 7th.

How To Discern The Madness Behind The Masks

When the Bible speaks of “spirits” that wander about the earth seeking to devour, we know that it is something unseen to the eye that we wrestle with every single day of our lives. But most individuals do not understand that those very smiling faces you so easily allow into your private space and inner circle potentially contain these wayward evil entities that you would otherwise seek to avoid!

The Pain Of Living With The Motivationally Deficient

Why is it that the strongest of us in an extended family unit become the designated weight bearer of all when our weaker kin refuse to commit to rectifying THEIR bad choices?

A Small Project with Big Savings

A cost effective and easy-to-install energy savings project could pay back homeowners with significant savings on their home energy bills, according to a new study

Broke Americans Cut Back on Little Things to Save Money

There are many big changes people can make to save money - cut back on all entertainment, for example. But there are also a number of smaller things people can do to save money, and with the economy not yet turning around, it seems many Americans have opted for this approach.

Don’t Fall Victim to Wildfires

Wildfires pose a real threat to residents across the country, and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of loss and to protect those you love.

Weekend Home Projects on a Budget

While the outdoor living trend continues to grow, many homeowners are electing to do projects themselves - and opting for simple and cost-effective outdoor improvements.

Watering Wisely: Tips to Properly Maintain Your Garden

As we enter into the summer months, the increase in water use comes during a time of year when there is actually less water available

Guilty By Association – Trapped In The Web of a Tampa Cop Killer

When many of us awoke last week Tuesday morning we were shocked by the news that two Tampa police officers had been gunned down overnight during a routine traffic stop, that turned out to be anything but routine.

Humility – Something Unknown in Politics

I see American politics as The Huppmobile Corporation. Politicians want to be known for great accomplishments and with some success under their belt they plow deep into the soil of the American psyche and economy with little care of the outcome as long as it benefits them.

12 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Attend Your Family Reunion

Happy 4th of July! With summer upon us so is the tradition of Family Reunions. It's time to travel to grandma's house or the hometown of our parents beginnings. I wonder, and maybe you have too, what would happen to the family relationship if there were no family reunions.

Edging Closer to the Next Great Depression

For the third time in the past two weeks the Senate has failed to pass H.R. 4213 – The American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010, better known as the Tax Extenders Bill or the Unemployment Compensation Bill.