Good News for Florida State Parks

Governor Rick Scott says no to closing many Florida State Parks, proposing to cut spending by water management districts instead.

I am so glad that my family will still get to enjoy these resources!

We went to Devil's Millhopper this weekend.  It's such an amazing place, and it's surprising how many local residents don't even know this beautiful place exists.

Our parks are treasures and should be treated as such!

Potential State Park Closings

Recently, the state of Florida announced that they may be closing up to 53 State Parks.
You can find a listing of the parks that may close here.

Devil's Millhopper State Park, Gainesville, Florida

Two of the parks that are closest to the Gainesville area are the Dudley Farms State Park in Jonesville, and Devil's Millhopper in Gainesville.



It's such a shame that they're even thinking of closing these parks.  They are one of the least expensive ways to get out and about with your family, and enjoy the natural beauty that this beautiful state has to offer.
They're a great way to have technology-free times with your family.

Check out the list, and then visit these amazing natural resources, while you still have a chance!

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

This weekend is the beginning of one of Gainesville's most fun family events: the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.
The faire truly has something for everyone.  Jousting, street performers, amazing food, a marketplace full of unique items, bird of prey on display, and so much more.  All of the participants stay in character, using Ye Olde English and dressed in medieval clothing.  It's a great time!
The faire is this weekend, January 29th-30th, and next weekend, February 4-6th.
For more information, check out this website: Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.

Have fun!

Tasty Buddha

Today I had lunch at the Buddha Belly a.k.a. Tasty Buddha in Gainesville.
This was my first visit and I loved it!
I had the grilled mahi 'burger' and fries.  Delicious, and the 'burger' was so big, I took about half of it and half of my fries home.  It was served with a delicious mustard sauce.
My husband had the philly cheese steak and his was delicious as well!
The staff was very friendly, and I love the unique decorations.  It was a very nice lunch, and I highly recommend it!

Cold Florida Days

What I'd like to be doing this weekend: sunning by the beach....basking in the WARMTH of the sun.

But unless I could travel to a tropical island, that's not a possibility!
I can't believe how COLD it has been so far this winter.  And I can't believe we're the only state in the entire United States that didn't have snow today!

So, what I will be doing is looking for indoor activities to do with my kids on this long weekend (no school Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr holiday!).

This weekend is the last weekend to visit CSI: Crime Scene Insects at the Florida Museum of Natural History.  It looks like a fun & educational experience.  It's recommended for kids ages 8 & up.

Bowling also sounds like fun....we could check out Alley Katz or Splitz.  

It's also a great time to just snuggle up at home and have movie nights.  You could even check out DVDs from your local library - they have a decent selection and it's free!  Visit aclib.us for more info.

And as they do every weekend, Petsmart will be hosting several pet rescue groups.  There will be cats, dogs, rabbits & maybe even some other animals available for adoption.  You may find your next best friend!

Hope you have a great weekend, and stay warm!

Paws On Parole

This Saturday at 10 a.m., the 12th Class of Paws on Parole will have its first outing.
They will be at Earth Pets, the organic pet food & supply market, at 404 NW 10th Avenue, in Gainesville.


Check them out on Facebook and become their friend!  They're a wonderful organization.