Baltimore MD

BALTIMORE MARYLAND | VOL. 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE.

SCAN THE QR CODE

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

* Schedule subject to change

DATES TOURNAMENT 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

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

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

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change +

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 BALTIMORE

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.

JANUARY

JAN 26 - 31 | RESTAURANT WEEK

If you’re exploring Baltimore’s restaurant scene for the first time during Restaurant Week, you’re in for a treat. Our restaurants have received recognition from Food & Wine, Zagat, Open Table and more, and multiple city chefs have been nominated for James Beard Awards. See, it’s more than just crabs and seafood. We have diverse international flavors, historic public markets and food halls, delicious vegan options, cocktails that will hit the spot and locally beloved breweries. Plus so much more you won’t want to miss out on. For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/mryy69zk

FEBRUARY

FEB 1 - 4 | MRS. DOUBTFIRE

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed out on tour! Rob McClure will reprise his Tony-nominated Broadway performance on tour alongside co-star Maggie Lakis in this internationally ac-

claimed hit musical critics call wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny!

For more info visit:

http://tinyurl.com/mrzpndpt

FEB 3 | MARDI GRAS

We’re turning Baltimore into Bourbon Street for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration and party. It’s an incredible day of green, purple, and gold New Orleans style fun! For more info visit: mardibarcrawl.com

MARCH

MARCH 2 - 3 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Leave the cold winds of March behind! Tour landscapers’ beautiful indoor gardens bursting with cheerful blooms and demonstrating new trends. Get tips and check out products from more than 400 home improvement exhibitors. Take home artwork and unique creations from juried artists and crafters. For more info visit: mdhomeandgarden.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE

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 20)

MARCH 22 - 23 | BEER, BOURBON, & BBQ FESTIVAL

Baltimore’s Favorite BBQ Festival is Back and Better than Ever! Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures to live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s two great days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. For more info visit:

https://bit.ly/3lO5fm7

APRIL

APRIL TBA | FARMERS MARKET

We’re Maryland’s largest farmers’ market - a gathering place where Baltimoreans can connect, shop for fresh produce, and support local businesses, organizations, and performers. For more info visit: farmersmarketbaltimore.org

APRIL 12 - 14 | IRISH TRAD FEST

Some of the world’s finest traditional Irish musicians will gather in Baltimore to teach workshops, perform and lead sessions. We

work hard bringing in and hiring some of the best Irish traditional performers and teachers for your entertainment. Spend this day learning and enjoying Irish Culture! For more info visit: baltimoreirisharts.com

MAY MAY 3 - 4 | BLUEGRASS FEST

What could be better than sitting outside, listening to live music, enjoying a local brew and letting your grandkids play with bubbles? Each spring Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park hosts the best in national and regional talent from across the old time, bluegrass and roots music traditions at Charm City Bluegrass Festival. For more info visit: charmcitybluegrass.com

MAY 11 | BBQ & BREW FEST

A day filled with great food, beer, and fun! What more could you ask for? Come join us and enjoy all this delicious mouth watering BBQ. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3FGLo1l

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE

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 20)

MAY 19 | ARTS FESTIVAL

There’s something for everyone at the Arbutus Arts Festival. Whether you’re in the mood to browse handmade arts & crafts, savor delicious food and drink, listen to great local music, or just relax in the beer garden, you can do it all at the Baltimore area’s premier one-day arts & crafts show. Mark the day on your calendar now! For more info visit: arbutusartsfestival.com

JUNE

JUNE 7 - 9 | JAZZ FEST

Capital Jazz Fest is a musical culture and art fiesta that is held every year at the start of June. Local and tourists reach the town to enjoy quality music shows and lots of surprises. The festival is not about concerts alone but it is an event that brings together jazz and soul lovers who reach the place from all over the US. They come to enjoy quality music, good food and drinks, parties and festive atmosphere. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3rnUdoL

JUNE 8 | FOOD & WINE FEST

Experience The Revolution. Don’t Let Wine Drinking Be Intimidating, let us introduce you to new drinks and cocktails that are soon to become your favorites. The Annual Baltimore Wine & Food Festival offers fun, food & spirits in a day-drinking party that will have you bubbling as much as the champagne. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3vWEv7p

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore are excited to announce that 4th of July festivities are returning to the Harbor! After the concert, there will be street performers and activities along the promenade. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3g5XEAv

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE

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.

JULY 7 - 9 | CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

The Baltimore Washington One Carnival sees two cities joining together in celebration of Caribbean island culture. The festival includes traditional cuisine, music and dance performances as well as arts and crafts and other family activities. With exquisitely colorful costumes, delicious choices of food and irresistibly funky music, the Carnival is sure to delight all of the senses! For more info visit: baltimorecarnival.com

AUGUST

AUG 2 - 4 | ARTSCAPE FESTIVAL

Spanning over 3 days, this Baltimore festival attracts more than 400,000 attendees each year. Featuring over 150 artists. Artscape Festival has something for everyone, whether it is visual art exhibits, outdoor sculptures, craftspeople making wares of all types, or even art cars! For more info visit: artscape.org

AUG 25 - 27 | BALLOON FESTIVAL

Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival is held every summer at Triple Creek Vineyards. The three-day event in the picturesque Talbot County features over 20 hot air balloons, over 75 crafts and art vendors as well as over 20 food vendors that offer a wide array of meals from TexMex to ice cream. For more info visit: chesapeakebayballoonfestival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | CHALK FESTIVAL

This 3-day cultural event showcases elaborate chalk paintings created by artists directly on the streets of Little Italy, as the streets are transformed into fine works of art! Event includes Italian food, wine, music, theater and magic. For more info visit: littleitalymadonnari.com

OCTOBER

OCT TBA | ANIMATION FEST

Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival is a juried international festival of the world’s most

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE

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.

boundary-pushing, mind-blowing animation. For more info visit: sweatyeyeballs.com

OCT 19 | RUNNING FESTIVAL

Join us at the event that many are calling one of the best races on the East Coast. With five distances to choose from, and all runners snagging a great Under Armour shirt for participating, this event is for you! For more info visit: thebaltimoremarathon.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 | BULL & OYSTER ROAST

Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, food, and fundraising! Our “Party with a Purpose” event is all about coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of children in foster care in Baltimore City. Every dollar we raise goes directly towards improving the lives of these deserving youngsters. For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/47wmnbvw

Nov 8 - 10 | IRISH FESTIVAL

A celebration of Irish culture featuring music, dance, traditional cuisine, vendors, exhibits, and more! For more info visit:

http://tinyurl.com/bdz4hyb4

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

* Schedule subject to change

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.