Florida Agenda

By AJ Cross

This week’s column is sure to be controversial with many people on both sides of the fence, but I have decided to join with the homeowner in this instance. No offense to all of my realtor friends, but I believe that a change needs to be made.

There was a time when the phrase “get a condo in Miami” was used so often that many people looking to invest in real estate in Florida actually purchased condos instead of single family homes.

If you have some extra money (which would be rare in this economy) and decide to take advantage of the downfall of the real estate industry with all of the short sales and foreclosures, you might decide that purchasing a condo is the way to go. I have seen $150,000 condos on the market for $39,000 so there is obviously an attractive opportunity there. But like most things that are too good to be true, so is the reality of condo ownership.

The state of Florida like many states has given what seems to be over-whelming powers to Home Owners Associations (HOA) or what many call Condo Associations.

The ability for an association to change its bi-laws at will to suit Board Member interests along with laws that mandate that all fees and assessment’s be paid by the condo owners regardless of the level of satisfaction or service provided by the association creates an unbalanced owner to association relationship.

The ability for an association to actually hold liens and initiate foreclosures against your condo creates a triple threat in these hard economic times.  Now you have to deal with the bank or primary lender, your second or third mortgage holder and now your evil Condo Commandos going after you.

If you have ever taken the time to look at the laws related to HOA in the state of Florida, you will find that every benefit has been afforded to the associations to not only dictate association policy, but in many cases, your very life. They are permitted to infringe upon your freedom of speech by creating a rule that you may not hang an American flag or rainbow flag outside of your door because there is a standard facade in the common area; or that you may not have biometric door handles because that is not consistent with the other door knobs in the condo complex. Almost anything that you as an “owner” would want to do must meet the scrutiny of the HOA.

It is as if you are a co-owner with the association. If that was the case, I would love it if they also paid half the mortgage payment for you.

To think that an association has the ability to actually take your home from you is incomprehensible to me. To have self-proclaimed HOA presidents that do not even live in the complex deciding the best needs of the complex is not sensible. There is very little defense in these hard economic times when it comes to a battle between you and the HOA. Almost every statute is on the side of the HOA, giving little maneuvering room for you or your attorney when it comes to battle time.

Of course, it can be said that you signed an agreement to abide by all the HOA rules and regulations when you purchased the Condo, but there was really no other choice was there? When you signed the agreement, did you know that the association could impose assessments upon you as an owner, which you may simply not be able to afford on top of your mortgage and taxes?

Imagine dealing with code enforcement and learning that unlike owning a single family dwelling, and being able to pull permits on your own, because you are a member of an HOA, you have to pay a general contractor ridiculous amounts of money to do it for you.
So with so many appealing aspects to home ownership of a condo, my recommendation is simply to buy condos as a rental property or investment property if you must, but certainly not as your primary residence. Otherwise, you may end up having someone you have never met running your life and ultimately taking your home from you – especially if this economy hits you as hard as it has hit so many.

Get a home that is yours to do what you want with, when you want to do it.  At least if something happens that forces you into foreclosure, you can stand toe-to-toe with one bank instead of getting tag teamed by a bank and your HOA.

In this week’s Style & Entertainment, we find out how Joe Esposito has kept Café Seville, family orientated, relevant and loved within the community for 25 years in Community Profile.

Michael French asks where civility has gone in Home, and we take on “the big taste of small plates” at PL8 Kitchen in Dining.

Warren Day examines the “Good and LGBT” offerings for this season’s movie line-up in Film. Tom Bonanti shows us how “Free Weights Rule,” but that machines still have their place in your workouts in Fitness, and Jean Doherty traces the history of Banana Bread in Recipe.

We also have your favorites, Out in Florida and our statewide Bar Guide.

Enjoy! H – AV

To Every Movie There Is a Season

Café Seville 25 Years and Going Strong

The Loss of Civility in America

PL8 Kitchen Is What Modern Diners Want – “Small Plates for Big Appetites

Free Weights Rule! But Machines Aren’t So Bad Either!

By Michael French

Civility does matter! Yes, it does. Some things will always hold true. The way one conducts himself or herself is one of them.

Possessing a strong sense of civility and fair play has nothing to do with race, gender or ethnicity. Since we are all equal, no group of people should think they are above, or below, for that matter, being held to behaving in a civil manner, regardless of their socio-economic station. Individuals should behave in the manner in which they’d like to be treated.

A society’s civility quotient is a barometer of its overall quality of life. Of course, civility has different parameters in various societies.

This observation is about the pandemic decline of civility in the Unites States.

Sadly, for America, the signs are soberly evident everywhere that civility isn’t valued as highly as it once was. It’s now the person who is understandably offended by inappropriate or rude behavior that is chastised for being miffed, instead of the individual who is misbehaving. It’s just easier to transfer the onus by labeling the more civil person, as “needy, intolerant or too sensitive.”

Crude, impolite behavior is an epidemic in America. Some major cities in South Florida are consistently included in business travelers’ least favorite destinations due to discourteous, indifferent, blatantly rude behavior and poor attitudes of the populace in general. We see this ominous decline of civility on our highways, in shopping malls, offices, restaurants, when traveling, the way we communicate in business, TV and the cinema. It seems the ruder or crass one is the more attention and fame they get.

What happened to protocol and decorum? Instead of being repulsed by this lack of etiquette, kindness and grace, too many Americans think it’s acceptable to behave in such a way and unwittingly or intentionally start to emulate that behavior like lemmings.

Americans have begun to believe nothing can be done to change the situation. We hear more and more, apathetic clichés like, “It is what it is,” “There’s nothing we can do about it,” “You can’t say anything,” “Let it go,” “Well, that’s the way people are these days,” etc.

It’s exactly because of these sentiments that we’ve arrived at this point! With an attitude like this, no wonder our behavior in general slides deeper and deeper into an uncultured abyss. Come on America, get a grip!

American’s obsession with “the self” at the expense of everyone else is an endemic root to many of our problems. “You can’t tell me what to do. It’s a free country!” We’ve arrived at a point where most of wouldn’t dare express our discontent with behavior that just shouldn’t be tolerated. We are virtually paralyzed with fear of being verbally or even physically attacked.

Listen, really listen, and dance too if you’re so inclined, to Lilly Allen’s song, “The Fear.” The lyrics mirror this observation.

So called “reality shows” like “The A List” and “The Real Housewives” are rife with unbelievable nasty and mean behavior. If these shows are the true reality of America, we are in very deep trouble.

Civility is a social code of behavior between members of a society with a foundation of principles for how a civilized society functions. These principles include justice, liberty, rights, freedom, citizens’ duties to the government, and, yes, manners.

Few examples of this decline in our society stand out more than how differences in political ideologies are handled. Our political campaigns are little more than mean-spirited and disrespectful mud-slinging contests at best.  At one time, respect for differing opinions accompanied criticism. Nowadays, destruction of the “enemy” at all costs seems to be the all-important goal. It’s very difficult to imagine that the endless toxic rhetoric aimed at the opposing political party is motivated by a desire for a better life for Americans, and not a Machiavellian plot for an America that reflects their myopic political ideals.

If the GOP makes it into the White House in 2012, their first priorities should be restoring the belief that people of all political stripes can work together for the good of the nation. Hopefully the American public will follow suit with more civility and a renewed sense of fair play.

By the way, thank you for reading this article!

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from

By Michael French

We’ve all been behind a car that suddenly slows down, takes forever to move when the light turns green, turns suddenly without signaling, swerves in and out of lanes, doesn’t keep a steady speed, or almost hits us when we’re stopped at a light. In the past the drivers of these cars would be suspected of being intoxicated. Now, most likely, the drivers of these cars are using a cell phone. Even worse, they could be using a cell phone and be intoxicated!

Three people at my office stormed into to work the other day frustrated with stories of almost being in an auto accident because of drivers who were distracted from using their cell phone. They are not alone. Not much is being done about this ever increasingly dangerous trend. It’s an epidemic. It’s expensive, costing all of us in higher insurance premiums. It’s deadly. At least 10,000 deaths per year are directly attributed to accidents caused by drivers using their cell phones.

Statistics establishing the risks of DWD (driving while dialing and/or distracted) were found via studies by insurance companies. It appears, however, that the mighty insurance companies have made no demands to make “Hands Free” cell phone use mandatory or forbid texting while driving. It’s amazing that insurance companies, with all their lobbying at both the national and state levels, aren’t screaming for the right to deny or reduce auto insurance coverage if the driver can be found guilty of using a phone at the time of an accident.

Might the reason for that be the insurance companies are heavily invested in the cell phone industry? Is it the same old profit without principle syndrome so pervasive in today’s business climate? It appears the insurance companies’ stock portfolios burgeoned by their investments in the exploding cell phone industry outweighs the losses they incur paying for the accidents caused by distracted, inconsiderate and irresponsible drivers.

Is there any other reason for them not to insist our state and federal lawmakers legislate cell phone use while driving?

When you don’t wear your seat belt, the only person at risk is yourself. Being distracted by using a cell phone, a driver can injure or kill several people! You are threatened with decreased or no coverage should you be in an accident without your seat belt fastened. Nationwide there are laws demanding that you and your passengers wear one or be fined. No such federal laws regulate cell phone use while driving, and only a handful of states have passed laws limiting how drivers can use them.

It’s not as if the driving public is ignorant to the dangers. Over 70% of drivers say they use cell phones when driving. Ironically, of the drivers surveyed, more than 80% said they believed using a cell phone while driving is very dangerous and they support legislation limiting their use. The message is not being missed.

There’s just no national, effective deterrent. It’s been proven even the supposed safer “hands free” cell phone use severely inhibits the driver’s concentration. They are four times as likely to cause an accident.

Distraction from cell phone use while driving (hand held OR hands free) extends a driver’s reaction time as much as a blood alcohol content of .08 percent. Along with other distractions: smoking, drinking, putting on makeup, etc., using a cell phone only heightens the danger quotient. We don’t need drivers whose concentration is further compromised. The situation is out of control. A few years ago, a Boca Raton man, while preoccupied with his cell phone conversation, sped through a red light, slammed into a car, killing six people. The EMS needed over twenty body bags to put the shattered bodies in. The human cost is immense and this is not an isolated story.

How can we make our roadways safer and drivers more responsible? Start with yourself. Set the example! Let people know you do not use the phone while driving! You’ll get some extra peace and quiet. You’ll all survive. Pull over if you must make or take a call. Florida is one of the few states with no cell phone regulation. No surprise there. Write to your state and local representatives demanding legislation that will help make the roads safer for not only you, but the people you love!

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com

By Michael French

Gossip is an unconstrained and most often derogatory conversation about other people. It can involve betraying a confidence, spreading sensitive information or making hurtful judgments. Gossip can be truly injurious to someone’s life and, in this litigious society, the perpetrator could find himself in court!

Watch the movie “The Children’s Hour” with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. A vicious rumor spewed by a spoiled, unhappy girl causes an unspeakable tragedy and ruins the lives of at least three people. It was way ahead of its time.

Habitual gossipers have very high levels of anxiety. They are generally unpopular because they become known as gossipers and untrustworthy.

Spreading private information or negative judgments is very painful to others, reflecting poorly upon the character of the person gossiping. There are many reasons people gossip:

• To feel superior. People with poor self-esteem temporarily feel better by making disparaging remarks about others.

• Out of boredom. When people can’t generate thought-provoking discussions based on knowledge or ideas, gossip can pique other’s interest.

• Out of envy. This is a big one. People gossip in order to hurt those they perceive as being more popular, more talented or having a better lifestyle that thy envy.

• To feel like part of the group.

People gossip to feel as though they belong to the group. Yet, when acceptance is based on being “in on a secret,” it is not based on a person’s identity, but on cruel exclusion or maliciousness.

• For attention. A person gets to be the temporary center of attention. Yet, spreading gossip and rumors is like buying attention: It’s only temporary and has no foundation. This person is not remembered as trustworthy and people will be very reluctant to confide in him or her.

• Out of anger or unhappiness. A person can derive a sense of retribution with disparaging remarks, but their motive is transparent to any wise person.

It’s not always gossip when people talk about others. It’s natural to be curious about what’s going on in others’ lives. The key is to look at the intent in discussing other people and their relationships. Is the goal to understand the actions of another person or to improve the quality of life and relationships? Is there a genuine concern present, or is it just drama? People often need to vent about troubles and issues in their relationships, with co-workers, families and life in general. It doesn’t take a genius to know what someone’s motive is. Is the gossiper’s intent purely to feel a sense of superiority or get attention with disparaging remarks?

How can you diffuse unwelcome gossip? It’s important not to fuel the gossiper with curiosity, agreement, and further questions. It’s best to change the subject with statements like; “I notice you talk about John a lot. I’m curious why he interests you so much” or “Let’s look at it from John’s side” or even “I feel uncomfortable listening to negative judgments about John unless we figure out how to help him”.

If someone feels compelled to tell you something another person has said about you, that person who allegedly made the comment isn’t hurting you. It’s the one telling you! With some exceptions, they have some clandestine agenda shrouded in their not-so-forthright motives.

The conclusion is: Gossipers show others his or her insecurity and mean spiritedness. This leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, as if they had just eaten a bad apple. Ultimately, insight into the intricacies of human relations is more interesting, uplifting, constructive and enlightening than caustic one-dimensional judgments and damaging rumors.

We are all tempted to gossip. When you feel that temptation, first and foremost, think of the “Golden Rule”. How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot; what really, if anything, especially positive will come of the nasty comments? The adage “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all,” holds true.

Instead of judging, be grateful you’re not the person, being gossiped about. If you’re the audience of a gossiper, take head. Associating with this person puts you at risk of being seen in a bad light. And, don’t think you’re immune from their venom. You could be their next target!

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com

• Classic, Classy and Covert – The Best of Black
• The Field Irish Pub & Eatery “Sometimes you just need to get off the beaten path.”
• Jean’s Kitchen – Gazpacho
• The Naked Truth! Popular Fitness Myths That Are Full of Holes
• What is Home?

• In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment we take a look at the hottest black pieces to keep help you get the look of an international man of mystery in Style and Michael French reminds us of the true meaning of coming home in Home.

We leave the beaten path and sample the “real deal” from across the pond at The Field Irish Pub and Eatery in D

ining, Tom Bonanti helps you dispel workout myths in Fitness and Jean Doherty lets us be the chef with a raw favorite, Gazpacho in Recipe.
We also have your favorites, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide.
Enjoy! H – AV

By Michael French

Are you desperately needing an in-home retreat?

Did you ever dream of being able to go to a spa whenever the mood hit you? It sounds like it’s about time to transform your blah bathroom into a serene spa.

Luxurious spas abound in Florida. One visit could cost a week’s pay and/or only be used exclusively by members of the country clubs where they are often found. Instead, invest the money you’d plunk down at a spa and create your very own at home. Not only will you have a haven you’ll be able to relax in anytime your heart desires, you’ll increase the value of your home. These days who doesn’t want to feel their home has more value?

Create your own spa? Yes, a spa!

A clean-lined, clutter-free, completely calming atmosphere that acts as your own personal sanctuary and getaway can be yours!
For materials, look to E-Bay, Craig’s List, E-Gravy.com, Habitat for Humanity stores and thrift shops for great bargains. You can save hundreds, maybe thousands.

The key to creating a soothing space is to ensure a full body experience

versus just getting clean in an aesthetically pleasing space, but still extremely functional.

First, clear out the clutter. You’ll never see a spa with countless bottles and products scattered on the surfaces. Making and keeping spaces organized and having a place for everything lessens anxiety and creates an instantly calming atmosphere. Look for high-quality countertop containers that will enhance and compliment your overall design. Glass, of most any color, tends to add an airy, elegant and clean feeling.

Enhance that “escape” feeling with calming colors. Most spas choose warm neutrals because these colors are very restful. Earthy tones make people feel safe. Whites lend a clean, fresh and pure tone. Pastels of soft greens, blues or yellows can be very soothing. Avoid primary colors. They are exciting, but this isn’t the effect you want in a calming retreat. You’ll want a paint with a yellow, pink or blue undertone because they will flatter your skin, depending on its tone. Dark walls look better with lighter flooring, lighter walls with darker flooring.

Bringing nature into your bathroom will help restore your sense of serenity and bring that “Zen” feel to your spa. Flooring, furniture, fixtures and decor reminiscent of nature, such as deep, rich woods, natural stones and bamboo, all add color and texture. Incorporate a variety of textures. Combine exotic woods, tumbled marble and limestone.

Include plants. Besides brightening any room, plants add to making a space healthier with their oxygen-releasing function. Spider, snake plants and the bamboo palm actually decrease the level of some airborne volatile organic toxins (VOC). The right plants will thrive in the humidity of the space. Have a less than green thumb? Choose pathos, Boston ferns or the cast iron plant. Orchids are great for a spa, but just make sure there’s enough light.

Lighting is everything! Strive for soft lighting. Use dimmers and as much natural light as possible. Skylights are great. Don’t forget candles – no spa should be without them. A light, clean scent or no scent is preferred. Candle light flatters any skin tone.
Invest in a heated towel rack. Warm towels after a bath, even in Florida, only add to that cozy spa feeling. Add a wall mounted CD player. Soothing music further enhances the experience.

In the shower, use a rain shower head and, if the budget permits, install a steam unit and put in a radiant heated bench for even more relaxation.

For finishing touches, don’t forget aromatherapy. Lavender is calming, while peppermint is invigorating. Splurge on luxurious linens that you can wrap yourself in and maybe even someone else in with you!

Voila! There you have it. The right combination of soothing colors, natural textures and materials, decadent decor , soft lighting, sensual mood music and more, all focused on creating a total spa experience in the comfort of your own home, will not only soothe your overworked body and mind, whenever your heart desires, it will – without a doubt – add a huge spark of romance!

Ahhhh!

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com

By Michael French

Photo: The Salvador Dali museum in lovely  St. Petersburg, FL

Every cloud has a silver lining.  This recession’s silver lining might be the development of the “Staycation.” (The neologism was added in the 2009 Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.)

There are benefits to a staycation. A staycation gives you more hands-on control and offers less opportunity for things to go terribly wrong; lost luggage and inexplicable delays are avoided. A staycation gives you the chance to try out fun local activities during off-peak hours when everyone else is at work.

Skip the long lines and spend more time having fun. The money you spend during your staycation will go to support the local economy, which is nothing to sneeze at during a recession. (Isn’t that where it’s needed most anyway?) Make an extra effort to try local, privately-owned restaurants, shops and attractions you’ve overlooked. Ever felt “I need a vacation from my vacation?” If the point of a vacation is to relax, why does it often seem many of us spend more of our vacation zooming from place to place exhausting ourselves? A staycation cuts down on travel time and lets us spend the bulk of our holiday relaxing.  On a staycation, you can take a day off from adventure and just stay home. You avoid travel-related stress and can be more flexible. A lot of the stress of travel comes from feeling you’re overspending. While you’ll still spend money on your staycation, you’ll feel more relaxed with a smaller budget and unexpected expenses are less likely.

Make a sincere effort not to fill your staycation with getting things done around the house, etc.; you’ll end up feeling you wasted your vacation and return to work as if you never took the time off.

Floridians are lucky. We have the privilege of living where millions around the world are only able to dream of visiting. Hordes of tourists from the four corners of the globe vacation here to enjoy what too many of us forget or take for granted. From Pensacola to Naples on the west coast, Jacksonville to Key West on the east coast, and scores of interesting cities in between, Florida has something for everyone. Of course, we can’t forget Orlando with its mega-theme parks.

Mother Nature has been extremely  generous to Florida – Florida has more miles of fantastic beaches than any state. South Beach, Pensacola, Siesta Key and Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys place among the best beaches in the country – even the world – every year. She’s been blessed with the Everglades, spectacular coral reefs in the Keys and stunn

ing sunsets.

Besides gorgeous beaches, there are unique nature centers, historical monuments, the Kennedy Space Center and world class museums like the Dali
in St Petersburg, with the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s creations outside of Spain. There are endless adventures to explore right here in our own backyard. Seventy five million visitors a year part with billions of their hard earned cash to spend their cherished vacations here. Do they know something we, as Floridians, don’t know, even though this is our home?

Imagine Florida through the eyes of a visitor. Hopefully you’ll gratefully rediscover her and all the wonders she offers you not just when you’re on vacation, but all year long. Most importantly, have fun! Make a “bucket list” of things you’ve wanted to do close to home but have never done and DO them!

Calling Florida “Home” is our beautiful reality and just a faraway fantasy to those millions that would love to walk in our shoes.

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com

Click on the Links Below to View the Articles

In this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment, we talk city  beautification and good business with Wilton Manors Main Street President & CEO Krishan Manners in Profile, Paul Rubio offers you a front seat for the feeding frenzy of Sharks in Travel and take in the SUPER eye candy of “Captain America: The First Avenger” with Warren Day in Film.

This week we go bold and beautiful with the hottest jewelry accessories for men in Style, applaud a philanthropist in The Scoop and enjoy an old friend in the Hi-Life Café in Dining.

Don’t worry we also have your favorites, Recipe, Fitness, Home, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide.

Shark Feeding, Osprey Reel Australia

Captain America

Fitness: Get Out of Your Rut!

Bold & Beautiful Accessories

Home: Reinvent Your Castle

Hi-Life Cafe

By Michael French

With our gasping, struggling economy and Florida’s real estate market, still stuck in reverse, most home owners, are realizing they will be in their homes for the foreseeable future.

Don’t let it get you down. Look at the up side. Mortgage interest, is still a tax deduction. It’s your house! You can paint it purple with black stripes if you want or knock all the walls down to have just one room like a loft. In what other part of your life do you have that many choices or control?

Why not give your home a facelift? Reinventing anything can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming.

Whether it’s a sketch on a cocktail napkin or full-blown architectural plans, some type of planning and design always comes first. Prioritize what’s important you and the area of your home where you want to focus the renovation.

Ensure that you have funding. Be realistic! Actually, it’s better to somewhat over estimate the cost of your renovation. Better to have too much than not enough and will save you from disappointment.

Draw up a simple “yes/no” list of do it yourself projects. Don’t be intimidated by doing things yourself! With some insight, patience and elbow grease, you can have quite a bit of fun too. Learning is always beneficial. Knowledge is power! Besides saving lots of cash, you’ll discover hidden talents about yourself. You’ll also have a great sense of satisfaction knowing you gave your home a new look, with your own hands, exactly the way you wanted to, and, without relying on someone else. Who knows, you may discover you really like doing this kind of thing. It may lead to extra income or even a career change!

It’s very important to have the right tools. The right tool for the job ensures the best results but saves cash because the chance of having to do anything over is vastly reduced. Don’t buy a tile saw just for one project. Go and rent one! When you’re done it goes back to the store, and you’ve saved money and space in your garage. Craig’s list or pawnshops are great sources for used tools.
Do not tackle structural, electric or plumbing projects if you are not skilled. Mistakes are very expensive and can be extremely dangerous.

Get recommendations for contractors from sites on the internet or friends and family, for projects you cannot do yourself. Always make sure the contractor is licensed! Even if he/she shows you one, go to www.myflorida.com and check for the license’s validity. Also, ask to see proof of being bonded and at least insured! These are musts! Never, never pay the total cost of the project up front! This cannot be overemphasized. Typically, agree to give a 20-30 percent down payment in the beginning, ano

ther 30 percent midway, and the final payment after you are satisfied with the results. Also, for obvious reasons do not agree to pay anyone by the hour unless the contractor has already computed the hours prior to the beginning of the project and agreed to a price.

The least expensive facelifts are painting, wall paper and refinishing furniture, mirror frames etc. Anyone addicted to immediate gratification will love the speed and results of both. Instead of buying new furniture, the thrift shops, Craig’s List and Habitat for Humanity stores are chock full of incredible buys!

A friend of mine recently purchased a sleek, Italian leather sofa, chair and ottoman for $300! He reinvented his living room, dining room and master bedroom for under $1500.00! All of it looks brand new and would have cost over $7000 at a retail store.

We are limited only by creativity, imagination and our bank account. While cash on hand is limited, imagination is infinitely unlimited. Use your own sense of style and build the castle you call home.

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com