While I was heading out on my morning walk, I noticed a large number of pine cones littering the street. Most were very dry and not much fun to kick along as I was walking - I couldn't get much distance with them. But there were still a few solid ones, and I managed to get pretty much accuracy when aiming at a goal.

So, as I was bouncing along, I had targeted a mailbox across the street and the pine cone went right to it, hitting with a loud thwack. A man who was backing his car out of a garage on the other other side of the street called out "Wow, good shot!"

We both laughed, and I had to agree. I used to play all kind of sports, and sometimes not only the spirit was willing, but the flesh was also. Well, anyway, I am not going out for a team this year. I'll let the Gulf Breeze High School girl's soccer team be the all-time winners this year. Aren't you proud of them too? They're good.

********* If you've been meaning to pay a visit to the Pensacola Museum of Art, but just don't seem to have gotten around to it, you might want to try this coming Tuesday. Tuesdays are freebies, no charge for admission, and right now works by many painters whose names we all know are on exhibit. Among the famous modernists such as Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Louise Nevelson, etc., you are bound to find a favorite artist whether it be abstract, realist or 'pop' art.

The Museum is located at 407 South Jefferson Street, close to downtown Pensacola and Seville Square with many choice locations for a festive lunch that will make the day complete.

************ Recently, on one of our very cold, windy days, I sat inside my car, warm and comfortable, watching my daughter filling my car's gas tank. And of course, I remembered those days way back when...do you remember? The customer would pull into a gas station and an attendant would rush forward to take over.

While gas gurgled into the tank, he would check the oil, wiper fluid, and tire pressure, and he'd clean the windshield while you sat inside, warm and dry, with unruffled hair and clean hands.

If you long for those good old days, think positively - at least you don't have to walk those ten or fifteen steps into the store to pay. Just swipe that overloaded credit card through the gizmo on the gasoline pump, and then get in the car and be on your way.

Hey, do you remember when gas was 15 cents a gallon? I do!

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The Western Gate Chapter of the Florida Trails Association will have its monthly meeting Thursday Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m., at the First Christian Church on Langley Avenue. This group is a family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors and is for all ages. The monthly meeting will give you a chance to learn more about the events they sponsor.

This month, they have hikes planned for Feb. 19 at Big Lagoon State Park, and Feb. 25 at the Juniper Creek Trail. To find out more, call 994-5944. We have a beautiful area and much better weather than almost anywhere else in the country at this time of year, so why not take a hike?

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Here are few interesting quotes I have recently come by:

Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long time.

Character is doing what is right when nobody is looking.

See you next week!