Ocala Florida 7

OCALA FLORIDA | VOL. 7

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RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

17

WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am +

JAN 29 - FEB 4

FEB 5 - 11

FEB 12 - 18

FEB 19 - 25

FEB 26 - MAR 3

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 11 - 17

MAR 18 - 24

MAR 25 - 31

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California

WM Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Scottsdale, Arizona

The Genesis Invitational +

The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California

Mexico Open at Vidanta

Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, México

The Classic in The Palm Beaches

PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard +

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Corales Puntacana Championship

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF

Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Myrtle Beach Classic Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship # Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic

Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic

TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^

The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change +

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

TBA Event

TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship

Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship

East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

JUL

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCALA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY

FEB 2 - 29 | SEVEN SEAS FEST

A wide range of outdoor markets offer a delicious mix of Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian, North American cuisine and more. Alongside headline acts bringing a mix of country, rock, latin and 90s throwback sounds. This culinary and musical tour is a worldwide journey that will give your taste buds a tingle! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3qCd54K

FEB 20 - 29 | MOULIN ROUGE!

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/mvh5udx4

MARCH

MARCH 1 - 10 | FLORIDA FAIR

Join us to enjoy a midway featuring rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, animals, livestock exhibitions and competitive exhibits, and so much more. Come celebrate the community and make lifelong memories with your family and friends! For more info visit: centralfloridafair.com

MARCH 17 | FOOD & DRINK FEST

The International Food and Drink Festival at Downtown Orlando is back! For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/y27umzsy

APRIL

APRIL 12 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Florida Film Festival is considered to be the best in international and independent cinema. It is an annual Oscar-qualifying event with over 180 films and first-class occasions, filmmakers and celebrities, hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu inside the theater. So grab your popcorn and enjoy

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCALA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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the show! For more info visit: floridafilmfestival.com

APRIL 27 - 28 | BLUEBERRY FEST

The Brooksville Blueberry Festival will have a range of activities to appeal to all members of the family including many food concessions. Enjoy Blueberry Lane, where you’ll find everything blueberry, including blueberry pies, blueberry jam , blueberry honey, blueberry plants as well as fresh picked blueberries. You can pick your own blueberries nearby at Upicktopia, For more info visit: brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com

MAY

MAY 5 | CUBAN SANDWICH

Contestants enter their Cuban Sandwich to see who makes the BEST Cuban Sandwich in The World. Enjoy a day with family and friends trying our delicious cultural food from the best food vendors in Florida! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3nc3HCP

MAY 15 - 19 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Annual Orlando International Film Festival will include films from independent filmmakers throughout the world. The festival provides filmmakers - local and state-wide, with the opportunity to display their creative talents, share ideas, learn about the latest technology and developments in their field, and network with other filmmakers, writers, distributors, and investors. In addition to films, there will be panels, workshops, seminars and an art display featuring works from a local celebrated artist.For more info visit: orlandointernationalfilmfestival.org

MAY 17 - 20 | BALLOON FESTIVAL

Hot air balloons, food trucks, retail vendors and activities for the family… What more is there to ask for? For more info visit:

https://bit.ly/3tNCwB6

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCALA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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JUNE

JUNE 9 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Orlando Seafood Festival is a family event for those who love of seafood. An amazing outdoor experience with multiple seafood vendors serving all of your favorites.For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/37998x8j

JUNE 25 - 30 | LES MISÉRABLES

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/rhxxfkc3

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Orlando is always sparkling with fireworks, but during the 4th of July weekend, it’s truly booming! Most theme parks and resorts

hold their special events on July 3rd and 4th. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3EGunmn

AUGUST

AUG 11 | FOOD TRUCK FIESTA

Bringing you over 30 of the best food trucks and tents Central Florida has to offer PLUS dozens of local artisan vendors for your shopping pleasure. Enjoy craft beer and cocktails from the bars, and live music plus we feature outdoor patios and plenty of outside tables and chairs to sit and eat! For more info visit: historicdowntownsanford.com

AUG 23 - 25 | THE JUNGLE BOOK

Shere Khan the Tiger and Mora the Peacock take center stage in this spectacular new sequel expanding on the world of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. Beloved for generations, The Jungle Book highlights the power of determination, forgiveness and acceptance in a transportive and triumphant storyline. For more info

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCALA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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visit: http://tinyurl.com/yc47d9wk

SEPTEMBER

SEP 5 - 8 | CELEBRITY IMPERSONATORS CONVENTION

The greatest gathering of Celebrity Impersonators in the world. Enjoy over 3 hours of Professional Celebrity Impersonators from every music genre, plus stage and screen. All seats are at tables. The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando Florida. For more info visit: sunburstconvention.com

OCTOBER

OCT 12 - 13 | ART FESTIVAL

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival will feature digital art work, graphic art work, fine art products, mix media, paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics art, and so much more! . For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3FHDwMW

Oct 18 - 20 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

The festival has been in operation since 1983 and is well known among country music fans. A well recognizable line-up has been prepared to play their tales of country living to a rabid fan base that many genres could never achieve. If country music is new to you, this is a perfect relaxed countryside setting to have your first experience. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3JpZMgJ

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | ART, CRAFT & WINE FESTIVAL

Art, Craft & Wine Festival features over 150 talented artists and crafters offering original and unique items. Setting this event apart from other art and craft shows are the special wine stroll taking place both days. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the cooler weather and a great opportunity to start your holiday shopping. For more info visit: aacwf.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCALA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | FEZZIWIG FESTIVAL

Second Annual Fezziwig Festival in Hunter’s Creek - delicious food trucks, beer & wine, interesting vendors, live music, LED Christmas tree shows, themed stilt walkers, smores pit, Santa Claus meet & greets, interactive scavenger hunt! And most excitingly, IT WILL SNOW this year! For more info visit: fezziwigfestival.com

JANUARY

JAN TBA | FILM FESTIVAL

Central Florida Film Festival is delighted to partner with Epic Theatres Mount Dora as the host venue for our annual festival! Featuring laser projection and electric reclining seating in all auditoriums, two Epic XL Large Format screens, and expanded concession options, this beautiful theater will assure your festival experience is the highest possible quality and comfort. For more info visit: centralfloridafilmfestival.com

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.