SPECIAL NOTE: I am saddened, angry and disgusted by the BP oil spill.  Our beautiful beaches and wildlife all foresaken for oil profits.

Visit my friend’s Blog Coast of Living and read her poignant insights into the lives of those affected by this horror.    Through her blog, you can make a donation to Gulf Aid, a 501(c3) nonprofit corporation, has been established in response to what has been called one of the biggest oil spills in history just 50 miles off of the Louisiana Coast.

Written in happier times …when the waters were blue & clear.

White sand, blue water, splashing dolphins and beautiful sunsets.   These words might conjure up beaches in Mexico, Greece, and other exotic locales.  However, when I let my mind wander to beautiful beaches and lazy days, I don’t have to travel any further than the Gulf Coast of Florida.  Known as the Emerald Coast, or the Redneck Riviera, there is a lovely strip of beaches that rival the most famous beaches of the world.

Popularity: 9% [?]

My daughter goes to a French immersion school. In the summer between her 1st and 2nd grade, my husband and I thought it would be a good idea for her to have some sort of French experience (of course, not thinking of us). After some initial research, it became apparent that a trip to France was just not feasible. We resigned ourselves to the fact that we would just have to resort to French films, books and music. Then, it came to us – Montreal! A mere four hours away by plane and at a significantly reduced cost, our daughter could continue her French education during the summer (again, not thinking of us).

Popularity: 65% [?]