Sorry for being away so long....

Sometimes life can just take over and what you usually did just takes a back seat. Well, that is what has happened to me. Not unsual, but sure makes a significant impact on giving the information that all of my visitors expect. I promise to be more in tune with providing what I have promised.

Keep a look out for more interesting topics regarding Miami and it's surroundings.

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The Fair’s Coming to Town!!!

When you mention the word Fair at home, everyone gets very excited. Why? Well, it has everything a family could ask from a fair: kiddie rides, monster roller coasters, cotton candy, elephant ears, roasted corn, and much, much more.

We’ve been going to the fair for decades and enjoying all the fun and food. The exhibits at the fair, although not the main attraction for some, is something me and family enjoy seeing. They have livestock and other animal, as well as, student exhibits that encourage and reward student achievement in a variety of educational and informative presentations. What makes this fair exceptional is the rich tradition of education, art, horticulture, agriculture, livestock and entertainment.

Did I mention the food? Well, be prepared to enjoy a variety of things to eat that will fill you up and possibly slow you down from walking the long stretch of the fairgrounds. Just prepare that stomach and palate of yours and your kids. Expect some fantastic food, with over 200 vendors. But don’t expect any alcoholic beverages, which is a good thing since you don't want all those people getting out of the parking lot all drunk.

Children of all ages, from the tiniest tikes to the more mature (sic) of us, enjoy the fair immensely. Just be ready to spend money, whether it’s for food, the rides or games.

Just be sure you take some sunscreen, comfortable shoes and drink lots of liquids….it can wear you out. But, all in all you will all have a very fun family day and your kids will thank you!

The fair is located on Coral Way and 112th Avenue (map it) Fair starts Thursday, March 26th and ends Sunday, April 12th.

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An Underwater Natural Park in Miami

Our first thought about parks reminds us of grass, trees and running around. Hardly ever do you think about an ocean, but while we enjoy our Miami parks, we should remember there’s one underwater. Biscayne National Park, within sight of downtown Miami, is accessible to us at the Dante Fascell Visitor center located at:

9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL

Kids of swimming age will enjoy the 181,500-acre wonderland. They can explore vibrant coral reefs in various ways, whether by glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and fishing. And if they would rather do things inland, they can go through the various hiking trails or camp on Elliott Key or the more rustic Boca Chica Key.

The entrance is free and if you decide on camping out with the kids, it is $10/night, plus the cost of boat transportation. If you bring your own boat, the docking fee is $15/night, including a camp site. Any rentals and guided trips, you’ll need to pay for that too, but well worth it.

Trust me, the kids will love it and will thank you for taking them. There is evidence of thousands of years of human history there, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. And if your kids love the outdoors, there’s no comparison to all the snorkeling, camping and wildlife watching you can do in this wonderful US National Park. Heck….if you just want to sit down on a rocking chair and watch the bay, you can do that too.

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Nice areas to visit down South

Because we are surrounded by lots of tourist, sometimes we tend to go the the places tourist go, but there are places close to home that bring in a flavor not found in those touristy places.

For instance, did you know that we have a winery in South Florida? Yes, and it's in the Redlands area of Miami Dade County. They are located in 30205 SW 217 Ave in Homestead. I will be frank with all of you...I didn't know it existed until a couple of years ago and I get the feeling that a lot of you didn't until now.

The founders, Peter and Denisse Schnebly started this place in 2003 by setting a goal to start an agro-tourism business right out of their farms in the Redland. In the spring of 2003 they invited the owner of Wagner Winery in New York for a visit. During that visit Wagner inspired the Schnebly's to start a winery with wine made from exotic fruits.

In the fall of 2003, the Schnebly's began experimenting with the fruits, making wine out of their garage in the evenings. Friendship played a strong force once again when Doug Knapp, a friend for more than 2 decades and the former owner of Knapp Winery (Finger Lakes of New York) provided guidance in the process of making wine from tropical fruits.

Sustainable farming became a top priority as Schnebly wines are made from only the finest fruit. Each mango, Lychee, guava, passion fruit, and carambola is personally picked for fermentation. And so a winery was formed in South Florida.

And you have to try out the new tasting room. As you enter, you are treated to grandiose doors, a lush courtyard and a natural coral waterfalls that provide an excellent backdrop to great afternoon tasting. Each day there are tours and wine tastings, as well as occasional events. The hours of operation are:

Monday through Friday - 10am to 5pm
Saturday - 10am to 6pm
Sunday - 12pm to 5pm

Go...take a trip over there and you'll enjoy a fabulous time with the family!

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Murder Suicide in Miami...and other places

Every time I read or hear of a murder suicide in Miami, my heart skips a beat. I understand that life is full of pitfalls and difficulties that each person must face, but to take it to the extreme of killing others and ... also yourself? I just cannot fathom doing in my loved ones or myself just because things have gone so astray that it affects me very deeply.

What makes a person do this? Is is pure desperation or pure cowardice? Is a person simply trying to escape their problems?

I understand the power of being rejected, but why would you kill others and yourself simply to avoid that rejection?

I tell you all...please think before doing something as profound as this. Please. There is so much to live for in this life....even if it's not the way you expected it.

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Going down to the Keys? 7-mile Bridge May Delay You

The Seven-Mile Bridge connecting the keys will be closed for up to four hours between Mile Marker 39.9 and Mile Marker 46.7 between the hours of 8pm and 6am the following days:

• Wednesday, March 18th


• Monday, March 23th


• Monday, April 6th

Much needed maintenance work on the bridge...but wanted to let you all know that it may mean significant delays to your trip to the keys!

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Calle Ocho This Weekend

It's that time of year where thousands of people get together and dance in the streets of Miami. Yes, Calle Ocho is back! Do you enjoy latin music (salsa, merengue and reggaeton)? Do you love ready made food for you to dance with? This Sunday, March 15th is your place to go.

If you don't mind the crowds and and the loud music....then enjoy Calle Ocho. It is ... simply put...a gigantic block party that spans several blocks and bring in the best in latin music. If you're taking your family with you, make sure you keep them close or they can easily get lost.

From the beginning, this celebration of latin heritage has been promoted by the Kiwanis Club of Miami. And for the first time this year they are asking for each attendee to contribute one dollar to fund college scholarships and support local schools.

The celebration started back in 1978 to promote the local Cuban culture and has grown to show off Miami diverse latin community.

It is located on 8th Street (Calle Ocho) between 4th and 27th Avenues. So...go out there and enjoy it!

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Miami Baseball Stadium

A topic of great and contentious discussion in Miami is the publically funding baseball stadium. It's funding is tied to a multi-billion dollar revitalization project for Downtown Miami, which will bring in lots of jobs. I am all for the idea of placing money to revitalize Miami.

What I am afraid of is that money being spent where it was never intended to be spent, which happens so frequently in this area. Case in point the half penny sales tax referendum, where tax payers voted to increase the sales tax another half penny in order to boost the currently Miami Dade transit system by buying more buses and extending and renewing the currently old Metrorail. Well, now the money is no where to be found or misused and not only that...we are paying additional fares in order to just maintain what we have.

So, you must understand a normal taxpayers worries about major public projects. Granted, most of the money is coming from tourist bed tax monies, but I still believe we need to keep a careful look at how it's spent.

Of course, this project has to still cross over several hurdles before going forward (one of the hurdles is our own economy mimicking the rest of the nation's downturn)....less touris dollars in the near future.

Please don't misunderstand me...I would love Miami to be revitalized to maintain it's international flair...just want to keep everyone under the careful eye.

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How Does the New Stimulus Package Affect Us As A Family?

South Florida, as other parts of the world, has been hit hard by the recession. There's been so much talk about how the new Obama Administration's stimulus plan will help the economy...but how does it help a typical family down here in South Florida? Yes, there's money set aside for tax rebates, mortgage assistance...some money for transportation, but what about us? I'd like to see money set aside for things that help us as a family. It's gotten so bad that we've had to think before spending even on typical groceries. It is the worse slump since the 1930's...not typical to my generation. We are hoping the benefits of this stimulus package will help us in some way...whether directly or indirectly.

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Miami Family Life: Best Time of the YEAR!

Miami Family Life: Best Time of the YEAR!

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Best Time of the YEAR!

This is the very best time of the year to enjoy the outdoors in and around Miami. Since the weather is much more pleasant temperature-wise, there are many things a family can do outdoors. For instance, bicycling around the many bike paths can bring the family closer to nature. I enjoy when my wife and I go out with our two children on our bikes. We can exercise and enjoy the wonderful weather. Also, what about going to one of the many parks in the Greater Miami Area...some even off the bay or water. Be sure to take some refreshments with you and, although not as prevalent, mosquito spray...don't want them nasty little critters to just take all the joy out of being outside.

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Miami Family Life

Miami is well known for it's glitz and it's glamour, but what about it's family life? Miami is a great place to enjoy life with every member of the family. So many places to see and enjoy! This place is for everyone that has a family to share their experiences and consider all the possiblities we, as families in South Florida, can enjoy. Please feel free to be a part of our family's pleasure living in Miami, Florida.

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