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Happy Easter!

Whatever your beliefs, Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal and hope.  My wish for you is to live your life in full bloom!

 

 

Frivolous Friday - Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

You don't have to be crazy to use flickr but apparently it helps.  This photo had 30 views in just a couple of hours.  LOL 

 

Got something to share on Frivolous Friday?  Send me an email & I'll put your name up in pixels and give you some link love <3  The link is just to your right.

 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Take A Walk On The Wild Side

Florida has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the U. S., perhaps the world.  From the red clay and gently rolling hills of North Florida to the sandy beaches of Key West our state is a study in contrasts.  Nowhere is this more evident than at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

A walk down the boardwalk at Corkscrew will take you through Pine flats, grasslands, hardwood hammocks, Palmetto heads and of course, wetlands.  The variety of plants, animals, birds and insects that populate this dense area is mind boggling.  No two walks are alike.  Even though it may seem to new residents that there is no change of season in Florida, the changing seasons bring new wonders to keep you coming back for more.

 

Corkscrew Swamp is one of my favorite places anywhere.  I've spent my birthday here - that is how much I love it!  I treated myself to a day off and a walk on the wild side this past Sunday.  If you want to see wading birds, Wood Storks, wild bromeliads and orchids in bloom, now is the time to do it.  I may even slip away for a couple of hours later this week to go back.  If you see me, be sure to say "Hi".  I'll be the one in the new new flip-flops ;-)   

What Does The Stimulus Plan Mean To Florida? New Web Site Has The Answers

We are all familiar to differing degrees with the federal stimulus package.  We have certainly seen what it has done and failed to do on a national level.  Many of the provisions of the recovery plan are to be carried out by state and local government which are responsible for applying for the funds and meeting certain criteria within a set time frame.

In an effort to keep everyone informed the State of Florida has just launched a new web site that addresses what the state is doing to meet these requirements and eventually, the availability of funds. The Florida Office of Economic Recovery will be updating FlaRecovery.com on a daily basis.  There are many exciting opportunities out there for individuals, business and communities that stay abreast of the programs and requirements.  Please don't forget to bookmark this site when you visit.

Frivolous Friday - You May Be A Cracker If ....

... this is your idea of new lighting for the porch lanai.

 

(Guilty as charged!)  Are you a cracker?  Got any guilty cracker pleasures you would like to share?  Tell us about it in the comments or drop me an email. 

 

Frivolous Friday - Derby Party Prep

Spring is the time of year when the world turns its attention to horse racing.  People that have never set foot on a track or laid down a bet find themselves fully invested in the Triple Crown and the races leading up to the Kentucky Derby.  Rich with tradition, it's hard not to get caught up in the heart pounding excitement with renewed hope of seeing a Triple Crown winner.  In Florida the hoopla begins in earnest the last Saturday in March with the Florida Derby.  Big Brown, the winner of last years Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes was the winner of the Florida Derby.

Whether you are lucky enough to be attending the races, throwing a party, going to a party or just watching on television at home with your family the traditions of the races are half the fun.  So get out your finest Derby hat, print out the words to My Old Kentucky Home and make yourself a nice Mint Julep (or Mojito for the Florida Derby) and enjoy!  And just maybe this will be the year that we see the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.  Cheers!

Got an idea, photo or blog post to share on Frivolous Friday?  I'd love to feature you here!  Please drop me an email - the link is just to your right.  Thanks!

Join The Pledge To End Hunger

Hunger in America is a very real problem for a rapidly growing number of people.  12.6 million kids are at risk of going hungry every day.  What can we do to help?

 

CLICK HERE!

Thanks to Tyson Foods, Share Our Strength, Kimball Office and Media Sauce help is just a click away.  For every person that signs the Pledge To End Hunger, Tyson Foods will donate 35 pounds of food to be delivered to Austin, Texas during the South by Southwest Festival (March 13 - 22).  35 pounds of food can feed one child for more than one month.

Please join me in taking the Pledge To End Hunger.  All it takes is a click and less than one minute of your time to feed a hungry child.  So please click and please share.  Click the share this button at the bottom of this post to spread the word and the love.  Thank You!

Orchids

 

 

Reminder: Have You Filed For Homestead Exemption?

Just a friendly reminder to those that purchased a primary residence in the state of Florida in 2008.  The deadline to file for homestead exemption on your property taxes is March 1, 2009 - that's Sunday!  You can save up to $50,000 on taxable value and who doesn't need to get all the savings available to them?

In Collier County:  www.collierappraiser.com or call 239-254-4444.

In Lee County:  www.leepa.org or call 239-533-6100.

P.S.  In Lee County, you have the ability to file on line, not so in Collier County.  In Collier you must file in person which means that you need to have done so by this Friday, February 27, 2009.  There are supporting documents that you will need to present so please check the Collier Appraiser's web site for a complete list.

Frivolous Friday - Lucky Enough

 

If you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough.

 

If you have anything you would like to share on Frivolous Friday please send me an email (link is to your right).  It can be a photo, blog post, cartoon, etc. - anything fun!