As the beauty of April’s weather rolls into southwest Florida across the Gulf, I am reminded of my own childhood at the water’s edge.
Regular readers of this column will remember that my father was an ichthyologist (fish biologist) who attended...
By Michele D. Baker
March is a great month in Florida – the weather is beautiful, the skies are blue, and the season of spring festivals and great barbecue is starting up.
March brings with it the amazing holiday of St. Patrick’s Day...
By Michele D. Baker
I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it is already February. It seems 2026 is just flying by… and all the holidays packed into February will absolutely make it seem like the shortest month (oops, it...
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By Michele D. Baker
They say January 1 is New Year’s Day, but recently I read several articles that made me rethink this whole “calendar” thing.
According to Brittanica.com, in the 7th century BCE, Roman emperor Numa Pompilius decided to change the date of the new...
By Michele D. Baker
As we move into December, the great cycle of the year is slowly winding to a close. In a season originally intended for quiet reflection and hibernation, most of us instead choose festive parties, cookie swaps,...
By Michele D. Baker
To my mind, the “holiday season” begins with Halloween. That was just a few days ago, and now we’re in the full swing of all the autumn and winter fun. Then, Thanksgiving!
There is lots to love about November. The first...
By Michele D. Baker
October may be my favorite month. In my humble opinion, all the best things happen in October: barbecue festivals, cooler weather, and the best holidays ever, Florida's Oktoberfests and Halloween.
My love of beer began early. My...
By Michele D. Baker
I love September. Since fall is my favorite season, September marks the beginning of all the things I love: cool and breezy weather; snuggly warm clothing; rich, satisfying soup and bread; and best of all, the...
By Michele D. Baker
On August first I will celebrate a milestone birthday: 55 trips around the sun. It’s funny, but I don’t really feel older than 35. My hair is still 99% dark – we Leos are very proud...
