Recently, I suggested in this space that it was time to retire that irrelevant word from past centuries - "retirement." After all, many of us don't "retire" to the front porch or the golf course when we stop getting paid for working at a full-time job. We start new careers, take part-time jobs or embark on vigorous rounds of volunteer work. We needed a word that was, well, more 21st centuryish, I concluded. Something that ... [full story]

Q: In the springtime, along the roadside near my house, there were some phlox plants blooming. I kept track of them and now I see they have long seed pods. I collected a few pod's worth of seeds, but I am not sure what to do with them. Do I plant them now or wait until spring?  A: The best thing to do when planting wildflower seeds is to do the same thing that nature ... [full story]

It's not unusual for people to equate bass fishing with the shallow-water flipping and pitching that goes on so many places throughout the country. True, largemouth bass, when they inhabit structure-filled water sheds, will be found regularly around the bank, near blown-down trees, hydrilla, lilipads and other places that provide them outstanding places to both forage and hide.But these types of fisheries haven't exactly cornered the bass fishing market. In fact, largemouth bass inhabit all ... [full story]

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): There is a lot of tension or stress this week. After you have done all that you can to remedy a situation, relax and go with the flow. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid stepping on toes or alienating others. Watch your temper and make a special effort to be more agreeable with a friend or associate in a social setting. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21): Domestic ... [full story]

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Set your priorities and avoid overextending yourself in too many directions. Find a way to conserve your energy whenever possible. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The promise of fun, romance or social bliss is imminent. Place cheerfulness and forgiveness ahead of judgment and sentiment, and have a great time. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21): Do your best to avoid disagreements with family members or arguments leading to ... [full story]

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Avoid getting involved in intense negotiations, negative thinking or pessimistic moods. See beyond petty problems and stay focused on the solution level. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You have very important lessons on tap this week. Throw yourself wholeheartedly into a social situation and learn from just being present and active. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21): There could be positive or negative results from a confrontation with ... [full story]