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One of the features of the new "Field Guide to the Water's Edge" is a series of notes labeled "Look for, Listen for," "Safety Tips" and "Did You Know?" Here are a few examples:
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What if you could visit the world's largest library, home to millions of books? And what if that library also was an architectural feast for the eyes and filled with educational exhibits? No, you don't have to die and go to heaven to visit this real, physical place.
Almost Summer Strawberry CakeAdapted from Martha Stewart; should serve 8, but I make no promises.
Q: I have a friend who's really gotten into eating flowers. She says the petals are all edible on plants, and that as long as it wasn't sprayed recently with pesticide, they're safe to eat. She puts them in her food, and recently has started picking flowers along the street and eating them as we walk. How much truth is there to all this?
Q: To sofa or not to sofa? I acquired my sofa a few years ago and have moved it from house to house intending to get it reupholstered. I have yet to do so and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Springs have sprung and some metal parts holding them are loose. The wood frame is in good shape. What do you think?
For anyone familiar with the original long-running television series "Dark Shadows," one of the biggest surprises of Tim Burton's big-screen remake may lie with what's behind the massive front doors of Collinwood Manor.
Q: Can a president of a homeowners association make a motion or second a motion at a board meeting? Our bylaws say that we must operate under parliamentary rules, the latest edition of Roberts Rules.
An advocacy group is petitioning President Obama to ban photographs of him and all cabinet members eating any food that is unhealthy, mainly burgers and dogs (hot dogs, not the other kind of dogs although they are probably against that, too).
Q: My Girl Scout troop would like to plant a rain garden at the school where we meet every week. The girls are 12 years old. I was hoping to get some advice regarding the type of native Florida wildflowers and ground covers they should use and whether there needs to be a border.
We hear from so many proud gardeners every week, it seemed a shame not to share their photos and advice with others who are passionate about their plants.
Kick the FCAT to the curb. Do it with malice, and break all the No. 2 pencils for good measure. We need to give up on this idea that testing will solve our schools' problems.
Q: How do I make sautéed chicken breasts that are tender? I've tried low heat and lower heat, with and without butter in the pan. Almost always they are tough, not juicy and tender. Help!
My history as a cook is checkered.
I don't know about you, but this year's Florida blueberry season went by in a blink. One minute I was craving that fresh blueberry flavor and the next, poof, they were gone.
Editor's note: In celebration of the release of the 1940 census, this Heritage Hunting column over the past few weeks has concentrated on the genealogical values and pitfalls of using all census records. This is the final column in that series.
Q: My neighbors have a beautiful water-conserving landscape, and it would be great to recognize what they have done. Are there any programs or awards programs through which they could be recognized?
Q: Our homeowners association has an architectural committee that approves paint colors for our homes. The members are volunteers and unpaid for their services. This leads to little action or follow up. My problem is the recent color approved on homes in our neighborhood. It is quite obvious that the recent colors clash with the older colors. I have complained to the board of many failures with rules, but they have not responded to my concerns. Enough is enough; can I sue for damages and loss of value to my home?
Q: I have sent you photographs of a vase marked "Turn, Austria." It is 12 inches high and is decorated with a rose. It has large handles, decorated with gold. It is in perfect condition. I would like to know how old it is and its value.
Q: I am wanting to plant Indian Hawthorn bushes along the front of my home as a hedge. I am wondering how far apart I should plant them so that they form a hedge versus individual bushes. Any ideas?
What were they thinking? Through plastic smiles or gritted teeth, moms often have to suck it up at gift time.
Editor's note: In celebration of the release of the 1940 census, this Heritage Hunting column over the next few weeks will concentrate on the genealogical values and pitfalls of using all census records.
We make decisions every day in life that could have a profound impact on our future.
White Chocolate Pots de CrèmeAdapted from La Tartine Gourmande
— OK, you walked in the ocean and got sand in your picnic snacks. Now what?
Q: : We are a small homeowners association that was formed about 26 years ago. We recently elected a new board, and a practicing attorney was voted president. He has assumed some of the duties as our attorney. Some members are thrilled that we do not have to pay for legal advice; others question the conflict of interest in his being a resident and attorney representing our association and interests. Do you have any advice on this situation?
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