photo by Katiesftbl   Many of us long for the simpler, quieter life amidst the busy frantic pace that we sometimes find ourselves living. We want to connect with nature and our surroundings and our families. What staging ideas do we have for projecting a "Haven" to prospective buyers?Creating a corner reading nook with book and magazine props, a cozy arm chair, soft throw and a footstoolFluffy luxurious thirsty towels, candles and flowers in a bathroomA game set up to play, a crossword puzzle or Sudoku book A bedroom so perfectly pulled together it appears as a feathered nest with plump pillowsA spotless kitchen with few accessories     These convey: time to read & study, time to ind... 11/09/2007

     The apple growers at the University of Minnesota need a name for their newly developed apple.  It will have an unusual flavor - tropical, like pineapple or sugar cane were several of the descriptive terms used for the flavor. Apple number MN447 is blocky and rather small in size.  Jim Luby, the university's top apple expert said "By the time it's ripe, it's a really strong flavor...Some people really hate it, some people really like it"       I have several University of Minnesota developed apple trees and had a bumper crop this year.  Although I don't really need to add to my orchard, this new one sounds like a winner.    Can you help pick its name?  The winner will receive bragging rights and a bag of apples.  The contest runs through October.                                     ... 10/02/2007

                                                                                                        photo credit to  Minnesota National Guard       Coming home from a  client shopping trip to Minneapolis last night we saw signs on overpasses and dotted down the highway, welcoming home the last of 2,600 Minnesota National Guard soldiers.  The Red Bulls were supposed to be gone 18 months, but their deployments were extended.  The Red Bulls served longer in combat than any other Minnesota unit since World War II and were the longest-serving U.S. military unit of the Iraq War.     The last contingent of 270 Iraq War veterans arrived on Wednesday.  Almost all waited in a single-file line from the plane to again see Sgt. John Kreisel, who was waiting for them on the tarmac.  Kreisel lost ... 07/20/2007

 The Nation's schools which have been often criticized for unhealthy school lunches, well-stocked vending machines and cuts in their physical education programs - may actually do a better job than parents in keeping children fit and trim.A study found that 5-6 year olds gained more weight over the summer that during the school year, casting doubt on the assumption that kids are generally more active during their summer vacations time.  Researchers speculate the extra pounds during the summer months come from the lack of the structure of the school year with all its activities and daily comings and goings,This is particularly interesting to me as a former Physical Education and Health Teacher and long time Public Health Educator.  It should be of even more concern to those who have child... 07/14/2007