Yesterday I opted to spend some time with a very special and dear mother, Earth. It seems she goes unappreciated all too often. I enjoyed the simple pleasures of uninterupted solitude listening to the birds chirp and tending to my vegetable garden. A day like yesterday is good for the soul. It helps to keep me grounded and focused on the true importance of life.

On Wednesday, May 7, volunteers and staff with the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter gathered for the annual volunteer recognition luncheon to thank volunteers for giving of their time and talents to help serve the community through their local American Red Cross.

Five Outstanding Young People Honored

Why should palms be pruned? 1) Removing dead or dying fronds improves the appearance of the palm. 2) Dead and dying fronds can fall from a tall palm and injury someone below. 3) Pruning can remove messy fruit clusters. and 4) Pruning can remove sprouts from the base of the trunk. Unfortunately, many palms are pruned in an aggressive manner which may affect the life of the palm.

Now that the Indians are gone forever, isn't it a good idea to construct a safe and exciting playground [such as Auburndale's City] for our children and grandchildren. For a city the size of Winter Haven please, please tell me this is in your Plan for the Citrus Dome/Indians' property. This would involve all children, all ages. Every time we go we see people from Winter Haven there. That says something...

If you're a small-business owner, you put your heart, soul - and most of your time - into your business. Unfortunately, sheer hard work doesn't always translate into financial security - so you'll need to take some additional steps.

A day at Lake Morton with my daughter

Maggie Limbaugh, an experienced editor, will be speaking about self-editing and grammar to the Greater Polk Writers Association on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the Michael Holley Chevrolet Community Room on 925 U.S. 98 South in Lakeland.

The investment world can be complex - and trying to navigate it by yourself is a daunting task. That's why you may want to work with a professional financial adviser - someone with the experience and resources to help you reach all your important financial objectives.

Benefiting Susan G. Komen 2008 Breast Cancer 3-day