WRITER'S NOTE: Merry Christmas! Don't we feel a special elation and fanfare elevating the best of mankind and our loved ones and neighbors each Dec. 25? I do. And I enjoy soliciting an annual sampler of reflections demonstrating some more unique aspects of Christmas and seasonal smiles. So grab a cookie and a cup to warm your day: ...more

December 25, 2008

SEBRING — Contrary to popular opinion, the exotic meats sold in a local store do not taste like chicken, said the owners of Surf–N– Turf Market. In addition to selling seafood, steak, produce and chicken (that tastes just like chicken), the new market at 11915 U.S. 27 South, near Lake Josephine Drive, sells alligator tail and ribs, soft shell turtle and frog legs. Co-owner Pat Patterson said he would never sell something that he wouldn't serve to guests at his home. "A lot of people are apprehensive about trying something new," said Patterson. "But then they usually get invited to try it at somebody's house, and find out it's delicious." ...more

May 19, 2008

SEBRING — Inmates in the Highlands County Jail will be served a special turkey dinner today. With Tuesday's jail population bulging at 453, the cooks, along with supervised inmates, are preparing a special Thanksgiving lunch, said Detention Maj. David Paeplow. Each inmate will get three ounces of meat, a half-cup of green beens, half-cup corn, half-cup of dressing, a roll, two ounces of cranberry, an eight-ounce serving of mashed potatoes, one piece of cake and sweet tea. But jail is jail. Inmates won't get a choice of white or dark meat, Paeplow said, and no seconds. "They get whatever is put on their plates," he said. ...more

November 22, 2007

Around lunchtime, when the day betrays itself as endless and you find yourself doodling distractedly, your mind hears your stomach grumble and wanders toward that wrapped package you carried in from home. ...more

September 12, 2007