The ability to communicate is one of God’s greatest gifts, enabling us to express the deep feelings of our hearts through words and songs. When we’re hurting, emotionally or physically, we can describe our pain to another person who may … Find out how to read more online.

Just when you thought it was safe to forget all about Mother’s Day for another year, I come along and say, “Nice Try.” I may be a bit presumptuous, but I assume that mothers everywhere were honored, pampered and doted … Find out how to read more online.

This column will present the answers to historical research questions posed to the DeSoto County Historical Society. Longer versions of these articles will be published in the Society’s “Recollections” books. If you have a question or an answer, contact Carol … Find out how to read more online.

The Manatee Rare Fruit Council will be hosting its Annual Rare Fruit Tree Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 at the Manatee Civic Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. (For more information call 941-776-0222 or see … Find out how to read more online.

Love bugs are curious creatures that appear a few times a year and then vanish. While more of an annoying phenomenon than anything else, love bugs have curious behaviors and life cycles that are underappreciated and misunderstood by the general … Find out how to read more online.

Larry Brady did what he normally does this time of year. The 70-year-old South Gulf Cove resident went to the Englewood post office to forward his mail temporarily for the next few months he’d be living in New York State. … Find out how to read more online.

ONA — I see empty dog food cans, beer bottles, soda cans, juice jugs and milk bottles in my recycling bin. Howard Solomon might see an octopus window-washing team (“they really stick to it”). Solomon sees art and irony in … Find out how to read more online.

This column will present the answers to historical research questions posed to the DeSoto County Historical Society. Longer versions of these articles will be published in the Society’s “Recollections” books. If you have a question or an answer, please contact … Find out how to read more online.

S he was but a young girl when she made her first serious vow: “I will never do anything that will hurt my mother.” And, young as she was at the time of her vow, she remembered and kept it … Find out how to read more online.

If you saw several limousines making their way around town a couple of weeks ago, it wasn’t because the television industry was scouting in DeSoto County for ideas for yet another redneck reality show. Not that it’d be hard to … Find out how to read more online.