The North Palm Beach Library is hosting author Tom Zappala on March 3 from 11 am - 12:30 pm. Zappala will read from, and discuss "his humorous new book about attending parochial school in the late 1950s and 1960s. Bless Me Sister, a slightly irreverent look at attending Catholic Grammar School, shows us a school filled with kids who had good Italian values, great parents and a rich culture - but they were city kids who were always looking for an angle. The Irish nuns who taught them were usually on top of the situation which leads to some humorous escapades." Zappala has also authored books on baseball. Find more information on Zappala and his books here.

Did it seem a little more crowded around here last year? That could be because, according to VISIT FLORIDA,  the Sunshine State "welcomed a record 105 million visitors in 2015." 

They reported: "Domestic visitors accounted for 85.5% of total overnight visitation, an increase of 8%. International visitation accounted for 14.5% of total overnight visitation, with an estimated 11.2 million overseas visitors and 4 million Canadians."

We agree with them -- what's not to like?

Who wants to wait in a long line when it comes to getting your photo taken with the fab-n-furry Easter Bunny?

You don't have to because The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens totally understands we all need to save time for planning our Egg Hunt on the beach.

So, grab your basket of fake grass and eggs and hip-hop to the front of the line with their Fast Pass.

​Bunny photos will be available available March 11-26, but March 24 is the last day to purchase your Fast Pass.

It seems easy enough. You purchase the pass, print it out and head to Easter Bunny Set at the Mall. Upon arrival, give your pass to one of Bunny helpers who will show you to the FastPass line. Your printed copy is required for access.

For information on package prices and purchasing instructions, go to the Gardens Mall Website, and look under Events.

http://www.thegardensmall.com/events/fastpass-for-easter-bunny-photos

We may see you there, but as you can see we also like to snap a few candid shots. When you live in South Florida, Easter outdoors looks extremely nice. --Pam

​There it was on February 20, a random post on Facebook.

Who knew there was a National Love Your Pet Day?

No one told me, and I had no celebration planned for my girl. No special treats or colorful hats were procured, and I felt bad about it until today when I saw another random post proclaiming today, National Toast Day.

Do we really need all these special days to love our dogs and toast?

Of course, my little fur-baby is the best, and deserves loads of love and attention every day because she is the best.

But, as constant Facebook posts confirm, most dog owners think they have the best dog.

So, all this made me wonder what exactly is the best breed of dog, and do I have it, like I think I do?

Do you?

Is there even an answer to this question?

After many years of being without a dog (cats, yes), there came a day in 2007 when my heart told me it was time to cast an eye in the general direct of a canine. I had to have a dog, and a move to South Florida from Ohio made it seem all the more perfect.

My last dog had been a Lhasa Apso, named Pasha. She was a beautiful girl, and I loved her dearly.

However, I failed her when it came to training and knowing what she needed to be the best she could be.

This time, I promised myself and my patient spouse, would be different.

So, turning to a trusted friend who was armed with scads of animal care information, the research began.

Digging into the world of canines quickly made my head spin. There was so much to learn, but I knew the world of owning a dog had changed vastly since my days with Pasha.

The changes were for the better, it was obvious. So many excellent tools and products were available.
So, I pared it all down to what I felt would work in my world.

Mark for calendar for these upcoming events at the North Palm Beach Library:

Thursday, Feb 25 at 11:00 AM (90 minutes)
Illustrated lecture by Caroline Seebohm on the art and life of Palm Beach sculptor Ann Norton.  Seebohm is the author of the book Monumental Dreams: The Life and Sculpture of Ann Norton.  Q&A and book signing after lecture.

Saturday, February 27
Are you a cunning, resourceful team player? Are you great at solving clues? Then join us for the 11th Annual Mystery Night at the Library, Saturday, February 27 at 7:00 PM. Knowledge of books, authors, and library resources will be very helpful. Free Admission but tickets are required. Limited to 24 adults so pick up your tickets at the circulation desk now.

Annual Meeting at the North Palm Beach Library, March 23
The Annual Business Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 PM.  Guest Speaker is Eliot Kleinberg from the Palm Beach Post and his program will begin at 6:30 PM.  The winning ticket for the beautiful quilt made by the Sand Dollar Quilters will be drawn at the end of the program so there is still time to get tickets!

While admiring the vintage boats at the the Palm Beach Regatta this weekend, we saw this gentleman on the Palm Beach waterfront capturing the moment in a painting, and doing a beautiful job. Read more about the Regatta here, including a tour of the Honey Fitz, the Presidential yacht used by five Presidents.