I noticed a clutter of bikes lying in the driveway of a nearby home the other day, and I smiled as I remembered the cluster of bikes in my own yard, so many years ago. There was the time that my small daughter learned one of life's lessons the hard way with her own bicycle.

She had been riding with a neighbor's child up and down the big hills near the lake where we lived when they decided to stop at the boy's home for a drink. They deposited their bikes on the lawn near the driveway while they went inside.

It seems that the boy's mother, a Mrs. H, shortly thereafter got into her car and, without looking, backed out of the garage up over the lawn and ran over my daughter's bike. It ended up with a bent frame and was beyond repair. She was broken hearted because she was so proud of her shiny, gold twowheel bike, a gift for her birthday.

She was even more shocked to learn that the boy's mother denied culpability and told my husband and me that she had left it in the middle of the driveway herself.

When my daughter came home she said, "But Mom, why would she say that when it isn't true? I thought grownups never lied!"

I had to admit that maybe we all have to learn some things the hard way. And, as mothers, we all learn growing up is hard to do.

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If you are looking for something 'upscale' to do, Alzheimer's Family Services spring fundraising event, 'Mozart and Margaritas,' will be on Friday, May 4th, at the Pensacola Yacht Club. This casual-attire event will offer both classical and dance music, an expansive buffet of delicious hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and much more.

Major sponsors include Covenant Hospice Inc., the Russenberger Foundation, and many more.

Here's your chance to do a good deed while having a great time - and high-toned too! For more information call Alzheimer's Family Services at 478-7790.

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Picking some spring beauties by the side of the road today, I was reminded of an April vacation I spent at my grandfather's rectory during a very special time on his church's calendar. My younger sister and I always seemed to be chosen to sing a duet, which I fear may have had more to do with his being the minister than with our musical talents.

Nevertheless, we put our hearts into the appropriate music, and I still remember the first stanza of the song to this day:

The little flowers came through the ground

At Easter time, at Easter time

The raised their heads and looked around

at happy Easter time.

As I think about it, I have to admit that the song would seem very sappy today, even to little girls.

Well, when I got home I chose a vase from the closet for the flowers. Those Easters and my grandparents are long gone, but the flowers keep coming back, and I still have the memories. How about you?

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Some more quotables:

Making mistakes simply means you are learning faster.

(Westin H. Agor)

Asense of humor is just common sense, dancing.

(William James) See you next week!