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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

CONTENTS

2024 SCHEDULES

18

LPGA Tournaments

22 PGA Tournaments

38

39

Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - Australian

Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - French

40 Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - Wimbledon

41

Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments - US Open

54 Recommended Service Directory

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.

JUL

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

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

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am +

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

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

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

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

Corales Puntacana Championship

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

Myrtle Beach Classic

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

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

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

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change +

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

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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 18 | CHINESE NEW YEAR

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Boston’s Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year Lion Dance Parade! The parade starts at Phillips Square at 10 am. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3saezzdt

MARCH

MARCH 10 - 23 | DINE OUT

Dine Out Boston is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of delicious deals at participating restaurants.Dine Out Boston formerly known as Restaurant Week Boston® is brought to you by Meet Boston twice a year, providing locals and visitors an opportunity to sample area restaurants at special prices. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/537hh5zt

MARCH 17 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Make March memorable and magical with a variety of activities that celebrate Irish heritage! Find good cheer with cross cultural

activities, in-person and virtual performances, or a traditional Irish meal. For more info visit: southbostonparade.org

APRIL

APRIL 15 | BOSTON MARATHON

The Boston Marathon is the world’s largest annual marathon, traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April. The Boston Marathon ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events. It is one of six World Marathon Majors. For more info visit: baa.org

APRIL 20 | CRAFT BREWERS FESTIVAL

Get ready to raise your glass and celebrate the art of brewing with our exclusive Massachusetts Craft Beer Festival! Crafted for beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, this vibrant tee embodies the spirit of camaraderie and good times! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mr3cjdhb

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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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MAY

MAY 17 - 19 | ARTS FESTIVAL

This sprawling Linda Plaut Newton Festival of the Arts takes place across four villages in the town of Newton, showcasing more than 20 musical performances by local and national musicians. In addition to music you can also catch dance performances, slam poetry, classical guitar, opera, jazz, and Baroque instrument demonstrations. For more info visit: newtoncommunitypride.org

MAY 24 - 26 | BOSTON CALLING

Celebrate the sport, history and culture of the Boston’s Dragon Boat Festival. Gather at the Weeks Footbridge on Memorial Drive in Cambridge and enjoy the races on Saturday and a vibrant free festival on Sunday with arts, crafts, food, martial arts and more. For more info visit: bostoncalling.com

JUNE

JUNE 8 | STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

There is nothing more refreshing

and satisfying than fresh picked strawberries. Luckily, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the juicy red sweetness in the Boston area. Celebrate the succulent strawberry at one of our favorite local Strawberry Festival this June! For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/2kabjsj2

JUNE 9

|

DRAGON BOAT FEST

There are cultural performances during the day, ranging from traditional Asian dances, martial art demonstrations, and live classical Chinese music. The Arts & Crafts section has origami, coloring, and zhong-zhi making. Food vendors are also available to help your family and friends cravings during the day as you explore the Festival. Also, root for your friends who are racing dragon boats all day on the Charles River!. For more info visit: bostondragonboat.org

JUNE 22 - 23 | Pizza Festival

Bring your appetite to the Boston Pizza Festival and discover

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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.

(. . .continued from 30)

for yourself who is ‘best in pie’ in Boston! Bring along your family and friends and relish in a 2-day outdoor festival featuring live music, fantastic food and giveaways. What could be better than an event that brings the best pizza makers together for a celebration of pizza! For more info visit: bostonpizzafestival.com

JULY

JULY

1 - 5 | HARBORFEST

Harborfest is always the best birthday party in the country! What better place to celebrate the nation’s independence than on the streets and places where it happened? Boston Harborfest, one of the largest Independence Day festivals in the United States, celebrates Boston’s Colonial, Revolutionary War, and maritime history and heritage. For more info visit: bostonharborfest.com

JULY 19 - 21 | SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL

Come on down to America’s first public beach and enjoy the magnificent sand castle competition, delicious Food Trucks, & lots of amusements and fun for the whole family! For more info visit:

internationalsandsculptingfestival.com

AUGUST AUG TBA | MOON FESTIVAL

The August Moon Festival is also known as the Harvest Festival, a time of thanks for the harvest and good crops. Come enjoy stage performances of Asian folk dance, lion dance, Chinese opera, and other entertainment. You can also browse the many vendor tables throughout the streets of Chinatown for food, gifts and souvenirs. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/2szs66re

Aug 9 - 11 | Bolton Fair

The quintessential New England Fair with fun for the whole family. Great entertainment, animals, midway, live music, craft village, tractor pull, demo derby and mon-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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.

(. . .continued from 34)

ster trucks. The Bolton Fair will be open three full, fun-filled daysFriday, Saturday and Sunday - with a Midway preview on Thursday night. For more info visit: boltonfair.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 8 - 7 | ARTS FESTIVAL

Located in Christopher Columbus Park, free art and music festival featuring more than 70 juried local visual artists, craftspeople, and local musicians performing on the Waterfront Stage throughout the day. including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture, and much more. For more info visit: thebostonartsfestival.com

SEPT 13 - 29 | The Big E!

Join the best of New England at The Big E! Bring your appetite and prepare to graze the unique and spectacular foods at the ninth largest fair in North America! There’s no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste

tempting aromas of the fall season than at The Easter States Exposition. For more info visit: thebige.com

OCTOBER

OCT 4 - 14 | TOPSFIELD

Enjoy a day at the Topsfield Fair

- America’s oldest and finest agricultural fair w/ New England‘s largest carnival midway, cool demos, a Grange Museum, pumpkin weigh-offs, live entertainment and the 4-H Agricultural/Arts and crafts exhibits. For more info visit: topsfieldfair.org

OCT 8 | OKTOBERFEST

The Annual Oktoberfest and Honk Festival features six stages of live entertainment, over 40 restaurant vendors, outdoor beer-gardens, street vendors, sidewalk sales, and HONK bands from around the country! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4jp8x8cx

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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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OCT 18 - 20 | REGATTA

Since 1965, the Head of the Charles Regatta has brought thousands of rowers to the Charles River to compete in the world’s largest 3-day regatta! For more info visit: hocr.org

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | CRANFEST

Cranfest is a two-day festive celebration of the cranberry, its enduring history in the Commonwealth and role in the culture, livelihood, and culinary traditions of the region. Come enjoy all the fun seasonal activities that will take place on the grounds of Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Live music sets a festive mood all weekend long and each day has a different theme! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2uz6z5ep

NOV 29 - 30 | CASTLEBERRY FAIR

This three day holiday shopping bonanza includes over 250 of the nation’s finest Craftspeople, displaying and selling this American

made works; including Holiday Décor, Pottery, Tile, Lace, Fine Jewelry, Resin and so much more. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/3n35j2pj

DECEMBER

DEC 31 | FIRST NIGHT

Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the December events season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration continues to be free and open to all. For more info visit: firstnightboston.org

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.