Lifestyle

Welcoming a new pet into a family can be an exciting time. Pets are wonderful companions and can even be beneficial to their owners' overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that pets may create increased opportunities for exercise. In addition, studies have shown that relationships with pets may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and other ailments.

Initially a religious holiday to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has since evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture. In fact, it has become one of the most popular days of the year to throw a party and gather with others.

St. Patrick’s Day is made special by various traditions. Everything from dyeing major cities’ rivers green to parades to enjoying green foods has become part of the pageantry of St. Patrick’s Day.

From baseball cards and sports equipment to postcards and photographs, is that “junk” in your attic or basement dusty treasure or just dusty? We’ve all heard of families getting rich from the sale of rare memorabilia they found when spring cleaning.

The TurfMutt Foundation, which is celebrating 15 years this year of advocating for the care and use of yards, parks and other green spaces, encourages homeowners to put their own spin on their personal outdoor space this spring by adopting a “yard your way” attitude.

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates its namesake, the patron saint of Ireland who helped spread Christianity across this island nation. While it may have begun as a religious holiday, eventually the fanfare expanded to transform St. Patrick’s Day into a secular celebration spanning the world - reaching Irish diaspora in various countries. In fact, some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events occur outside of Ireland.

AUSTIN – In celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recognizes the value of CTE programs and the achievements of students who pursue highskill technical careers in more than 750 unique occupations across the state.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you,” wrote Lewis Smedes.

One night, around dark thirty, I set out on a quest of sorts. On foot, flashlight in hand, I felt the twigs crack beneath my feet, smelled the spongy earth scent you only get when it’s rained recently. It was cold, but not frigid. I couldn’t see my own breath, but gloves and fleece lined pockets came in handy. There was a visible mist in the air, making an ordinary night into a scene from a horror movie. I’ve always loved night noises because they’re private, fickle even. Some critters scuttle away underfoot. Others cackle and shriek loudly, then silence themselves altogether as you approach. I knew I was in the right place as soon as my feet touched the gravel. Down a long path, around a wooded bend, next to a mossy tree, I found my destination. As I pointed my flashlight at the target, I felt wistfulness in my heart. I read the epitaph out loud. “Here lies Kevin Moon. He said terribly rude things to his wife while putting together an antique bed. May he rest in peace.” I kid! I kid, I tell you. But really, this is a story about how our marriage has been tested like never before. Because, nothing strains a relationship like furniture assembly.

MUCH TO DO IN THE OUTDOORS

February 1, 2024

I hope that most of you know that I own Flower Basket. And today, you will all learn that my birthday was on Monday. According to my children, these two facts make it impossible to shop for me (“What are we gonna get a florist the week of Valentine’s Day? Flowers?”) so they’ve worked very hard to make my birthday gifts meaningful. And every gift they give is that much more special because I know that they gave it so much thought.

A number of people feel that nothing beats a quiet evening in with the one you love on Valentine’s Day. Watching a romantic film together can be a way to cap the night off.