When it comes to choosing a Christmas tree for her home in River Hills, Suzanne Carter has some say. Her two young daughters also declare their druthers each December, she said, but the man of the house decides which tree makes the final cut. ...more

December 17, 2007

Somehow, we got talking about Santa impersonators we've known in our lifetime. Maybe that's part of aging – reminiscing. Or, maybe it's simply because we came across two old pictures. One is of Lyn at age three taken with someone posing as Santa at Marshall Field's department store in Chicago. That Santa impersonator was really classy and most likely his long white beard was natural. Lyn can even remember the wool coat and matching hat she wore. The photographer caught Santa and Lyn close-up. They were engaged in deep conversation. Well, Santa was talking to Lyn. She says she doesn't recall what he said – although, she apparently wasn't buying it. By the look on her face she was saying to herself, "I don't believe a word of this. Who is this guy anyway?" ...more

December 14, 2007

Long before hospice care became familiar to most caregivers, it was well-known to Trish Melech, whose father was a hospital chaplain. ...more

December 12, 2007

At Christmas, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ...more

December 11, 2007

Bye-Bye, Officer Bailey Barbara Bailey touched many lives - both human and animal - during her 23 years at Hillsborough County Animal Services. One thing she has learned: "Some days you're the dog, and some days you're the hydrant." The Plant City resident retires Wednesday. ...more

December 9, 2007

Elves have visited the Interbay Post Office, leaving holiday cheer in their wake. ...more

December 8, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - As people in Pasco County rush to make preparations for this year's holiday season, whether it's by picking up a last-minute gift or getting a hairdo for the holidays, local merchants are providing them convenient opportunities to help those in need. ...more

December 7, 2007

Ed Gallio was shopping for a Christmas tree in the early 1990s when he pulled his car into a lot on South Manhattan Avenue. ...more

December 6, 2007

Attention Quinton Johns' family: Don't read until Dec. 25. Two days after an appendectomy, 12-year-old Quinton dragged an IV tube behind his gown as he combed tables inside St. Joseph's Children's Hospital stacked with pink nail polish, measuring tapes, ponytail holders and stuffed rhinoceroses. ...more

December 6, 2007

Freshly cut trees and holly-jolly service are the bargaining chips Christmas tree vendors tout in the hopes of luring customers from major retail stores. ...more

December 3, 2007