Greater Fort Lauderdale's Superior Small Lodgings program started in 1989, as an attempt to help small-hotel owners adapt from its days as a Spring Break mecca to the beach chic destination it is today. The collection of 72 distinctive owner-operated properties has released its annual lodgings directory for 2008. Tied together by high quality standards and an annual review, Superior Small Lodgings has a diverse array of properties, each with 50 rooms or fewer, located ... [full story]

Q: Our grandson and his wife had their first baby two months ago. They live nearby, and our grandson frequently comes alone to visit. He complains his wife now gives "Susanne" all of her time, and he doesn't exist. She has taken six months off from her career. How can we help him adjust? A: Did he anticipate the fact when couples have children the family dynamics change dramatically? Today's mothers have triple responsibilities handling ... [full story]

We won't soon forget the first snowfall of the season this year. Snow fell all day and night, creating an arctic scene in early December. When my wife, Kate, went out in the backyard to put our cats on their leashes, a requirement of our homeowners' association, her feet slipped on the ice and she went crashing down, landing hard on her elbow. Kate's a stubborn woman, and despite her pain and my entreaties, she ... [full story]

Q: Because our old dog has had several episodes that resemble strokes in humans, we are wondering if strokes occur in animals. Our old dog has demonstrated partial paralysis of his left side several times. After each episode he has recovered and appeared to be normal until the next episode. We have never taken our dog to a veterinarian for this problem. We have simply given our dog a lot of tender loving care and ... [full story]

Turning winter into something to look forward to, the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania has created a Learn to Turn promotion that lets visitors save some money while learning to ski and snowboard. Learn to Turn invites midweek visitors to the 2,400-square-mile Pocono Mountains for three consecutive days of lift passes to any of the seven local ski areas, rental equipment and three group lessons when they book three nights accommodations at participating properties. ... [full story]

Q: I'm celebrating my 71st birthday in February. My husband and I worked all of our lives and raised six wonderful kids. My husband died three years ago. During his lifetime we bought a large apartment complex to secure our retirement. It works. It was a strain at times, but today the rentals provide me with a large income. I am now considering remodeling my home, buying a new car, and/or taking a cruise. I ... [full story]

Q: Someone recently told me that fleas are involved in the fevers caused by cat scratches in humans. Although this seems strange to me I am quite interested in knowing about this relationship, since I am recovering from a severe scratch caused by my neighbor's cat. The cat that scratched me lives outside, so he does not like people and is very difficult to catch. I was scratched while trying to help my neighbor get ... [full story]

The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colo., will open its doors for the 2007-08 ski season with rates starting at $199 per room, per night available through April 6. Snow enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will enjoy exploring Telluride Mountain and its more than 1,700 acres of pristine, skiable terrain while non-skiers can relax at the newly renovated Golden Door Spa.   A PEEK OF THE PEAKS - The view from ... [full story]

Q: Last week a friend of 26 years and I got into an argument about a political candidate which ended with her walking out of my house and slamming the door. Being born in the same town, we spent our girlish years laughing, finding husbands, having children and maturing together. I hope she is feeling as I do - there is no legitimate reason why we are mad at each other. Neither of us has ... [full story]

A couple of years ago we agreed to take part in a neighbor's campaign to win election to the Maryland legislature. Before we knew it, we were standing in the rain for hours handing out her material at the primary election. Then, days before the November election, we spent hours on Sunday making cold calls urging people to vote for our choice. We had fallen victim to "volunteerism" - agreeing to take part in an ... [full story]

YAP, Micronesia - Yap, a speckle of gold dust floating on the far western Pacific Ocean in the heart of the Western Caroline Islands, is an inspirational step back to the cultural magnificence of Micronesia. For those exhausted by 21st century commercialism, Yap, an island state of the Federated States of Micronesia, 541 miles southwest of Guam, has maintained a glorious tranquility, proudly celebrating the ancient traditions of the Yapese languages, cherished legends, olden handicrafts ... [full story]

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Boca Raton boasts more than sunshine and beaches. Beyond the pristine, white sand and swaying palms is a burgeoning arts scene. Centrally positioned within the heart of Florida's Gold Coast in Palm Beach County, Boca is a tidy package of cultural surprises - from world-class museums to internationally acclaimed performers.   ELEGANT ENTRANCE - 'The Slave Girl,' a sensual statue created by Italian sculptor Ettore Pellagatta, stands at the Boca Raton Resort ... [full story]

ABRUZZO, Italy - Teenagers in skintight jeans and T-shirts were coupled on stone benches, sitting face to face with their legs entwined, gazing into each other's eyes and leaning in for gentle kisses. I was on the outer rim of the flat, rectangular park in Sulmona, a small town in Abruzzo, Italy, trying not to stare. Back where I live in Los Angeles, I never see these live, sigh-inspiring reminders of my long-ago high school ... [full story]