Off the Porch

Most of us have snow memories. Some are magical and special, and others are nightmares. We, locals, have experienced quite a rollercoaster in recent days. No snow, but temperatures are bouncing up …

Walking is good for us — we know that. Over the years, I have enjoyed many amazing walking trips. I am inspired by my sister, Betsy, an intrepid walker who, at close to age 80, still puts in a …

As our cityscape continues to change, I find myself missing pieces. Never thought I would be talking about the good old days, but here I am. As I walk down today’s Centre Street, I think of some …

We all probably remember asking someone to read us a story, and certainly remember being asked to read a story by a child. Stories are a big part of the growing-up process. As a young girl, I loved …

Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to experience history. Fernandina Beach's Historic District is a living museum. Like sleeping beauties, the …

I feel like I have gotten off a speeding train. Maybe the Polar Express? Starting after Thanksgiving, it seems like the pressure is on, no matter how you try to control it. You can not avoid all the …

Christmas can be hard on dogs. Dogs like routine. They like to be fed and walked at regular times. They want their people to be home. I decided to sit down with our two pups and ask them their …

Every December, our island experiences a dramatic change. Even the grinchiest Grinch has to smile. Thanksgiving is old news, and it's time for Christmas lights. I like to think of our community’s …

Not many people actually get to don the traditional Santa suit. We have been among the lucky. We have all experienced a variety of Santas. Some are very sad, with beards that look like roadkill and …

There was great excitement recently when a celebrity was sighted in the historic district on Centre Street, Amelia Island. Heads turned as an elegant foreign sports car moved down the busy street, …

This year, Thanksgiving comes at the very end of November. Shortly after digesting our turkey, we will be racing through December and arriving at Christmas. Many of us will travel, which presents a …

Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to experience history. Fernandina Beach's Historic District is a living museum. Like sleeping beauties, the …

I often fly into Washington, D.C. to visit my oldest son’s family. It never fails to impress me — flying in along the Potomac River and spotting the iconic landmarks dotting the …

Who doesn’t love comfort food? It is an edible hug. When we want to feel better, either from an illness or emotionally, we turn to comfort food. As the weather gets cooler, my soup and chili …

Looking back on the many trips my sister and I have taken through the years, the most unusual was exploring the Amazon River. This was not our usual walking trip. We spent three weeks on a small …

Many of us remember doing jigsaw puzzles when we were growing up. It was a family affair. It was a predictable part of holidays and vacations. The puzzle would be laid out on a card table in a …

There has been great reason to celebrate in Northern Florida. Our professional football team is winning games. The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the big boys – the Kansas City Chiefs, the losers in …

Some people count the days until Christmas. More and more, folks are counting the days until Halloween. The decorations start to appear in stores in mid-to-late summer. It might be easier just to …

Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to experience history. Fernandina Beach's Historic District is a living museum. Like sleeping beauties, the …

Routines are comforting. I have a very predictable schedule each morning. Dogs make sure I am up to let them out to explore the back yard while I make coffee. Settling down, sipping my cuppa, I read …

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