On Thursday, July 31st, I finally got around to reading an e-mail I had received
containing a coupon for $5.00 off of a purchase of $20.00 at Walgreen's.
Of course, I had received this e-mail days before, but neglected to open it.
Looking at my kitchen clock, I noticed that it was 4:30 P.M, my supper was
not prepared, and I was being picked up at 7:30 for a card game.
Quickly gathering my coupons (I never shop without coupons), I drove to
the corner of Jog and Piper's Glen, where I knew there was a "drug store."
In a matter of ten minutes, I had everything on my list that had been featured
"on sale" in Walgreen's. After waiting for my turn at the register, the cashier
and I had the following discourse:
"Ma'am, this coupon is not good."
"Why, of course it is good. Its expiration date is July 31st. That's today, I
stammered."
(By this time there were at least four people behind me on line and a few others
nearby at another register.)
"Ma,am, these are coupons for Walgreen's and you are in a CVS, exclaimed the cashier."
Feeling flushed, embarrassed and surely blushing, I edged as far away from the
register as I could without hitting anyone or any displays. I returned my items
to the shelves and exited the store. I could hear gentle laughter behind me,
including several comments:
"Oh, I forget stuff all the time."
"See what happens when you get older, you get mixed up."
Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I drove to Walgreen's on Jog and Woolbright.
As I entered, I noticed a young woman with a counter full of baby products
and diapers. The register total was already over $30.00. I handed the
woman my coupon, told her, "Here's a gift," and I drove home.
I enjoyed a nice glass of red wine, had supper, and waited to be picked up
for my card game.

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I never really learned how to relax. I guess I am a "Type-A" personality. I always
find "stuff" to do.
Keeping a pad and pen near my night table has relieved my mind of
many things I want to remember in the morning, but, I still have great difficulty
falling asleep.
I've tried napping during the day, however, unless I'm ill, I can't "tune out" of the world.
I have some friends that are into Yoga and meditation, but I have always insisted it
could not work for me. I was clued into a terrific website Wildmind
It's an adaptation of a pranayama yoga breathing that is easy to learn.
Meditation for Beginners: Techniques for Awareness, Mindfulness & Relaxation
by Stephanie Clement - Body, Mind & Spirit - 2002 - 264 pages
(Featuring step by step exercises, this book introduces different ways to meditate)-
and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation
by Joan Budilovsky, Eve Adamson - are two books I'd recommend, if you
have interest in learning more about meditation.

It takes about a half hour or so to learn the basics, and, if you really
concentrate, you will feel calmer, clearer, and more in control. Solutions to
intense problems are often easier. Patience and tolerance for other people
increase. I'm trying it to help me fall asleep at night.
PREPARATION & ATTITUDE

TIME AND PLACE: Make sure you've carved out a place and time in your
day- about 15-30 minutes -- where and when you won't be interrupted.
Take your phone off the hook and shut down all beeping things.
POSITION & POSTURE: Find a comfortable chair that supports your back,
buttocks and thighs and lets your feet touch the floor completely. Find a
comfortable position in the chair. But try to be as symmetrical as possible:
both hands on your thighs or crossed in your lap, shoulders and feet balanced.
CLOSE YOUR EYES and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a
bit, let it out through your nose. This is a cleansing breath.

FIRST BREATHING EXERCISE

Breathe in through your nose fairly deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs.
Breathe out through your nose slowly and smoothly.
When you finish exhaling the breath, Count "1." Say it in your mind.
Repeat until you count to 10.
Don't worry if your breaths are uneven in rhythm or depth.
Focus only on your breathing and counting. Don't worry if other thoughts or
sounds intrude.
Repeat as many times as you wish... until you "Get" it or you're bored with it.
SECOND BREATHING EXERCISE

When you feel you understand the first exercise, move on to the second one.
It's totally up to you when you feel you're ready to try it.
Before inhaling the first breath, count "1." Say it in your mind.
Breathe in through your nose fairly deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs.
Breathe out through your nose slowly and smoothly.
Just before you're ready to start the next breath, count the next number.
Repeat until you reach 10.
Start over and do repetitions as many times as you wish.
When you feel you "get" this exercise, when you're ready, do the First Exercise
and then do the Second Exercise afterwards.
As you get good and comfortable, your sessions should start with the First
Exercise before doing the Second Exercise.
You'll quickly realize the first and second exercises are exactly the same but
somehow completely different. You are performing the actions in the same
order, except in the first you are counting AFTER the breath, and in the
second you are counting BEFORE the breath.
So what's the trick? I won't tell you because amazingly, you'll soon realize
the difference yourself. But I'll give you a hint: the first is called "Closing"
and the second is called "Opening."

THIRD BREATHING EXERCISE

When you feel you "get" (understand) both the first and second practices and can do them in a satisfying way together, you're ready to start this Third Breathing.
Go through the First and Second Exercises patiently.
Now do this third exercise, do the same as above two exercises, but don't count.
At first you may feel a little lost, but instead of counting the ends and beginnings of each breath as your guide, now you should Follow the Breath.
Stop when you feel satisfied.
In fact, that's the name of this exercise: Follow the Breath. Don't worry if you don't understand at first. You will.

Information and suggestions from David, Spongefish.com

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Many Florida residents have favorite restaurants where they enjoy bringing family
and visiting guests for special occasions. Our favorite restaurant is one of the
Bonefish Grills located at 1880 N. Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach, (Renaissance Commons). Although it is part of a "chain" of Bonefish Grill restaurants,
this one has a charming and friendly atmosphere, excellent service, pleasant
decor, and moderate prices for 8 different very fresh fish every night.
4:00 – 10:30 pm Monday through Thursday, Friday; until 11:30 pm on Sat.
Sunday, from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. While reservations are not required, they do take them for parties as small as 2 people, and they honor call-ahead seating. (561) 732-1310.

Managing Partner, Neal Kelly, dressed in chef "whites," often greets patrons at
the door or comes to your table. The decor includes beautiful woods, metallic
sculptures on the walls and fishing scenes. It's has a really nice ambiance.
I did some research on the background of the restaurant and learned that it was
founded in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 2000, by Tim Curci and Chris Parker. Their idea
was to cook their fish dishes over an oak-burning grill, which gives the fish a savory flavor. Patrons can choose different sauces, so that every time you eat there
you can try your favorite fish a different way.

For land-lovers, they also serve steaks, pasta and chicken dishes. Wait until you taste their "bang-bang shrimp." I love their fresh bread, too! Yes, they have early bird specials - like a glass of wine for less than $3.00!
Now, for you single people! What a great place to meet someone! Their bar
is the gathering place and destination. Community tables at the bar are first
come, first serve. Everyone is friendly, and the menu at the bar is the same as
at the tables.

Enjoy Father's Day.

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GIFTS FROM MY MOTHER

She was articulate and bright and feisty, my mother.

Brutally honest, perceptive, all-knowing, like no other.

She raised three children: myself, my sister, and my brother.

Teaching us: "Give charity, be strong, and love one another."

Macular Degeneration slowly robbed her of her sight,

So, the smell of fresh air and flowers brought her delight.

Her family love, a zest for life, and enjoying good health

Were other riches that became her wealth.

We experienced E.S.P., shared by two, so close

There was no need to be verbose.

I'd be driving, alone, and suddenly I knew

She needed me; Mom was feeling blue.

"Like mother, like daughter," I've heard people say,

I can't believe I do things exactly her way!

She taught me so many things, often causing confusion

But, I have a kaleidoscope of memories, without illusion.

I'll be mourning for her in my own unique way,

By celebrating her life, through my actions each day.

She'll be with me, from now on, in so many places

As I glance at her photo or at her great-grandchildren's faces.

Mom made our traditions stay strong and our faith stable.

Her delicious holiday recipes will remain on our table.

Goodbye Mother and thank you for gifts I will treasure.

Being your daughter was my lucky pleasure.

(In memory of Gertrude Gudin Weiss – 6/25/09 – 4/20/02)

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Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11th and Boca Raton Blogger, Lori Berman, suggests
these fine restaurants to enjoy with your family. I especially like the message she
offers at the end of her recommended list.

Carmen's Top of the Bridge - Open from 11:00 until 3:00 in the Bridge Hotel this is Boca's most picturesque spot for a traditional Sunday brunch. While enjoying views of Lake Boca Raton, you can gorge on the buffet which includes shrimp, oysters, omelets, antipasto, a carving station and deserts. The price is $36.95 per person and includes a champagne cocktail or mimosa.

Max's Grill - Check out the street life in Mizner Park and enjoy the brunch menu from 11:30 until 3:00. Max's serves the regular lunch menu and supplements it with a la carte items such as smoked salmon, omelets, quiche, french toast, corned beef hash and crab benedict. Max's describes itself as a modern American bistro and is well situated for post brunch window shopping.

Abe and Louie's - As befits this well known steak house, several of its Sunday brunch selections include the house specialty. Steak and eggs and even steak benedict are offered. Rounding out the a la carte menu are the tradition omelets, pancakes and french toast. Served from 11:30 through 3:30, lunch items including salads and steaks are also available.

Grand Lux Cafe - Conveniently located in the Town Center Mall this restaurant offers a weekend breakfast from 11:00 until 2:00. The menu features omelets, egg dishes, pancakes, french toast and waffles. Try the fried chicken and waffles for a southern breakfast option.

If you prefer a traditional breakfast restaurant, check out Tom Sawyer's or First Watch. Bagel Works, Toojays and Flakowitz are great for bagels and lox as well as eggs. Alternatively, breakfast in bed is always a welcome treat. Whatever choice you make, take the time to tell your mother how much she means to you and have a Happy Mother's Day.

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Night Explorers at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Stars, owls, frogs, bugs, things that go bump, some that glow and much more to know! Peek at the night sky through a telescope in the company of an astronomer. Hike with creatures of the night along the flashlight illuminated boardwalk. See the tanks under a different light. Explore the nightlife at Gumbo Limbo with a naturalist in tow, family fun in a natural setting. Ages 7 and up with adult participation.

Friday, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
March 28, 2008
Members: $6.00 per person
Non-Members: $9.00 per person

Come one and All! Lets wish for clear skies!

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Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located in Boca Raton, Florida at
Red Reef Park, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton
561-338-1473 - Volunteer Line 561-338-1588
gumbo@gumbolimbo.org OR www.gumbolimbo.org
Twenty acres of Boca Raton's Red Reef Park include a nature center and sabal palm
hammock, coastal dunes, and mangrove wetlands. There are a variety of mammals,
birds, reptiles and fish. Rare and endangered species such as the manatee, the
brown pelican, the osprey and sea turtles can sometimes be observed. A beautiful
butterfly garden and a boardwalk offer tranquil settings for a lovely stroll. Climb the
40 foot observation tower and look out over the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal.
This center aims to make visitors aware of the need to preserve and protect nature.

Gumbo Limbo is open from Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM and
Sunday: 12PM to 4PM. They are closed on New Year's Day, 4th of July,
Thanksgiving and Christmas day. There is no charge but a “suggested ”donation
of $ 3.00 per person. Their nature-themed gift shop has imaginative gifts.

The Great Backyard Bird Count - February 16th - 9:00 A.M.
Free - Must Register Naturalist Rick Newman plans a 2 hours walk around
the grounds of Gumbo Limbo to search for birds and count them for the 11th
Annual Great Backyard Bird Count! Bring binoculars and field guides if you
have them. Open to beginners and experts alike! Space is limited so register
today! Supervision Required: An adult must participate with children - all ages.

Third Annual Sea Turtle Day - Saturday March 8th -
10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Sea turtle nesting season kickoff, exhibits,
educational talks, games, crafts for kids, food, and more. Must register.
Call for further information. Children must be accompanied by adult.

Would you like to see more articles like this about places to visit nearby?
Please post a comment. Your e-mail address is never posted.

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Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is located
two miles south of Boynton Beach Boulevard, off U.S. 441. It is one of 538 refuges
in the National Wildlife system. There are many activities to enjoy and lots of wildlife
and nature to see. The refuge was established in 1951. In total, the refuge includes
over 221 square miles of Everglades habitat, and is home to the American alligator
and as many as 257 species of birds may use the refuge's wetland habitats.

In addition to being a home to wildlife, the refuge offers many recreational opportunities:
Walking trails, a canoe trail, bike trail, boat ramps, fishing platform,
observation towers, butterfly garden, and a visitor center.

There is a 400 acre cypress swamp. A boardwalk into the swamp even gives the visitor
a chance for an up-close swamp experience, without any danger.
Daily Schedule: Refuge opens at 5:00 A.M. and closes at 6:00 P.M.
Visitors Center: Open Wed - Fri 9:00 - 4:00; Sat and Sun 9:00 to 4:30.
Golden Age Passport gives you free admission.
$5.00 per vehicle.

Saturday, February 9, 2008. Ninth Annual Everglades Day.
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Cost: FREE - For more information: (561) 734-8303
What's Happening: Canoe trips, animal presentations, walking tours.
Brazilian music. Storytelling at 2:00 and at 3:00. Sign up for tours when
you arrive. Wear hats and sunscreen and walking shoes.

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The West Boynton Park and Recreation Center is located at 6000 Northtree
Boulevard, Lake Worth - directly behind the Park Vista High School.

Ground Hog Day Celebration 2008 - will be held on Saturday,
February 2nd from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. for pre-school aged children. Program
is free. No pre-registration is required. Parents are invited to bring their children
to enjoy an educational morning with ground hog tales, dancing with their mascot
ground hog and outdoor games and music. Bring your camera!

Spring "Egg"stravaganza 2008 will be held on Friday,
March 21st from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Bring your children and your
camera to record photos with the bunny. Children will enjoy a great egg hunt!
Program is appropriate for children under 11. Rain or shine.

For more programs and information, log on to www.pbcparks.com

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At the West Boynton Branch Library, 9451 Jog Road:
Free tickets are available to see the Folk singers
Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson at 7:00 p.m. Feb. 4,
This group hails from West Townshend, Vt.. They use a range of styles in their
music, from bluegrass and country western to soul and Celtic music.

Sense of Place - Adult Book Discussion Series continues
on the second Tuesday of the month. 2:00 P.M. - 3:30- P.M. with Nora Natke.
The February 12th selection is "Orchid Beach," by Stuart Woods.
Pre-Register at the registration desk, and pick up a copy of this book, so
that you can participate in the discussion.

Tues., Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. - Socrates Café -
Jack Berger leads a discussion group for amateur philosophers on a variety of topics
such as integrity, tolerance, friendship, happiness, and more. (90 min.) Preregister.

Tues., Feb. 19, 2:00 p.m. Hohner’s Heroes
Enjoy harmonicas and humor performed by this popular local group. Tickets
available beginning Feb. 12. (60 min.)

Sat., Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. Adult/Child
Celebrate The Chinese New Year of the Rat in this
multicultural program with singing, dancing, and Chinese musical instruments
as performed by the Joy Club of The Chinese Association of Science, Economics,
and Culture. Afterwards, children can make a craft and hear a story. Ages 4 & up.
(30 min.) Preregister.

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Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road,
west of Boynton Beach between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.
The wetlands are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Nature center
hours are 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday; 8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Saturdays and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Sundays.

On Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M., and on Saturdays at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.
and 1:00 and 3:00 P.M., free guided half-mile tours are offered to visitors.
There are no reservations required.

For more information, call 561 966-7000. OR www.pbcparks.com/nature

If you are looking for a lovely morning or afternoon walk with visiting relatives or if you
need a destination to take your grandchildren, Green Cay Nature Center is a great refuge
for the eyes and the soul. Bring your camera and your binoculars. There is a lot to see!

The Nature Center has indoor exhibits, restrooms, and a lovely gift shop. Volunteers
are friendly and knowledgeable.

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West Boynton Library has many interesting free programs for
residents of our community:

On the Second Tuesday of every month, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M.,
there is an adult book discussion group called "Sense of Place,"
led by Nora Natke. Sign up at the reference desk to receive a copy of the book
to check out.
Don't forget to pre-register. This group began in October and will continue
each Tuesday afternoon through March 11, 2008.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (Boynton/DelRay branch)
President, Oscar Segal, will hold a seminar for hearing loss people at the
Boynton Beach Public Library, Friday January 18th at 1:30.

Beginning February 4th and continuing through March 21st, Winter Story times
is accepting registrations. Call 561 734-5556 for information about the hours
and programs.

Chess classes are offered by volunteers on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 P.M.
Registration must be done in person. Class is limited to the number of chess
sets available. Free to ages 8-12. Call 561 734-5556 for more information.l

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Friends have e-mailed me about senior citizens who have forgotten how to say "please" and "thank you." The word "please" can open a lot of seemingly closed doors at restaurants, theaters,
parties, and even in our private relationships. "Thanks yous" often come with smiles, too!
Recently, I witnessed a rather unpleasant restaurant experience where a patron insisted on immediate service, while the waitress was assisting a gentleman to retrieve his walker.
Harsh words were exchanged instead of pleasantries, in the middle of the restaurant, during dinner time. The dozen or so diners who witnessed this exchange all murmured the same thing, "Why didn't she just say 'please'"? Instead, the waitress asked her, "Would you please wait for me - I have not forgotten about you - but, I have made this gentleman my priority, since he needs assistance now. I'm sure you won't mind waiting while I help him." The rude patron was put in her place by an intelligent and thoughtful waitress, while the gentleman and the others who were also waiting all secretly applauded.
Many opportunities abound for saying "thank you" for anything that is offered and accepted.
Children seem to learn it and use it - often! What has happened to people when they get older? Is everything taken for granted? Are we entitled to get everything handed to us, because we are old?
Thank you for letting me say this. It pleased me very much.

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This story was told to me by Bobbi Solomon,
(retired teacher, Long Beach, N.Y.) in her words:

Let me see if I can remember. We were living in our first home here in Lido. It was a small ranch and the living room window was next to the front door.
My husband, who to this day has still not grown up, decided to rig a speaker attached to a microphone in our tape recorder and put the speaker inside our Jack O' Lantern who we sat on the step out side our front door. From the window we could see the children as they arrived to Trick or Treat. As they approached the door our pumpkin would say "Excuse me, would you please tell the people in the house that I'm cold?" The children were so adorable. They would bend down and talk right to the pumpkin. Of course they'd ring the bell and tell us he's cold and needs a scarf or a hat. We would play along and say, "Pumpkins can't talk". They would insist that he was in fact really speaking..
One Halloween night, a boy named Steven had a whole conversation with the pumpkin and after we gave him candy. He went home and insisted that his mother come down to see the talking pumpkin. It was dinner time and she was so busy, but Steven insisted that she leave her food on the stove and see this miraculous pumpkin.
As we saw our neighbor approaching my husband said to me , "Don't speak."
Steven commanded, "Mommy talk to him."
Of course, our pumpkin didn't say a word. His mom was livid!
She said "Steven, you made me come all the way here for nothing. I told you pumpkins can't talk."
She turned on her heels to leave, and as she got to the bottom of our walk, the pumpkin said, "Bye, Thelma."
You had to see her face!
Steven yelled, "You see, mommy, I told you he talks!"
We did this year after year, for a number of years, until it was drawing too many people from all over Long Beach. It was fun while it lasted .

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