That wilting evergreen that only days ago stood so tall and green in the living room may be running out of life, but there's no reason to throw it out with the trash. ...more

January 1, 2009

That old tree sitting in the family room, so admired during the past few weeks with all the unwrapped presents underneath, now looks pretty dry and bare. ...more

December 27, 2008

December was prime time for Jackie Clarkin. Clarkin, first in Canada and then in Sarasota, "always made a big deal of Christmas," she recalls. ...more

December 26, 2008

I've been known to cry in the supermarket when I hear "I'll Be Home for Christmas." When I'm really touched, I sob. Other people don't like sobbing in public, as I found out when I was asked to leave the movie "Imitation of Life," I was attending long ago with several high school girlfriends. So far I've never been chastised for crying over Walter Kent's well-known song. However, I'm sure I'm on borrowed time, as I make a blubbering nuisance of myself every year. ...more

December 10, 2008

Take steps to protect your pets from your holiday decorations. ...more

December 3, 2008

Christmas is over. The presents are unwrapped. The decorations are starting to look a little old. Thoughts are turning to New Year's Eve celebrations. ...more

December 28, 2007

Homeowners can haul away the mulch. ...more

December 27, 2007

For all of the families who will be welcoming a new furry friend into your family this holiday, congratulations. This new family member will bring you years of joy and love. Please remember that a little work now in training your new pet properly will make life much more pleasant for all of you. ...more

December 23, 2007

You don't have to live here to appreciate Founders Day. That's the premise, and the promise, of the annual celebration, which offers a little bit of NASCAR, a pinch of pumpkin time and a whole bunch of tunes and home-style entertainment. ...more

September 28, 2007