Trish Sarfert www.HouseHunterBargains.com

Congressman Jeff Miller,

I urge you and your fellow Congressmen and women to work together in a bi-partisan manner to make a compromise on the Debt Ceiling negotiations. As a constituent, I can tell you that I don't care for Republicans using the excuse of signing the "Americans for Tax Reform" pledge (which I see you have signed- I don't suppose you asked your constituents' opinions before you did so?) as an excuse not to work toward resolving this issue by creating a middle ground between differing factions. The vast majority of Americans don't give a darn about this 'pledge'- we just want you to work together to come up with a compromise. And we want both parties to stop the political posturing, and stop trying to make this an election year issue by making this become debated again in 2012. This issue is too important, and it has become the catalyst to show the American public how horrible out political system has become.

Most Americans agree that a mix of spending cuts and tax increases is the only way to fix the ever increasing National Debt. Are you listening? Tax increases and spending cuts- not just one or the other, but both. It is un-realistic to think that cutting spending alone will fix a debt that has been growing since the Debt Ceiling was first created. While we're at it, why don't we make sure this problem never happens again by not spending more than the TAXES that we bring in? I balance my checkbook every month- can't America do the same?

I personally would prefer an end to political parties in general, and especially an end to my representatives voting on behalf of special interests and lobbying groups- listen to what your constituents are telling you and get some actual work done while you are in office. Otherwise, what's the point of being there?

So, now that we've finally gotten a little rain in Pensacola, why not add a few seeds to the mix and volunteer with "Let's Grow Pensacola"? "Let's Grow Pensacola" is a Leadership Pensacola initiative aimed at curbing the 37% childhood obesity rate in Escambia County through the use of student nutritional education and the creation of school gardens.

Healthier eating in schools has long been a pet peeve of mine, especially since I like to eat with my daughter at her elementary school on occasion, and I see the horrible slop they feed our children (no offense to those that work the lunch lines- I know you can only work with what you are given). What bothers me is that even though I've personally made my concerns known by emailing the school principle, every member of the school board, and my local legislators, not one of them even bothered to send a reply. So, since the powers that be don't seem concerned with providing our school age children with healthy food options, I was glad to see that Leadership Pensacola had taken on at least part of the challenge.

As a home gardener myself, I know that it takes a lot of work to plan and bring a garden to fruition, so I would encourage you to volunteer your time, if you are able, and also to speak with the administration at your own local schools to encourage each and every school to start a school garden.

"Let's Grow Pensacola's" Mission: "We are committed to breaking new ground in the fight against childhood obesity through school gardening projects. The goal is to feed our children's hunger with knowledge and opportunity to grow with good nutrition and plant healthy roots for their future health and wellness. Our children are looking to us for guidance in making responsible choices, saying...Let Us Grow."

It's raining in Pensacola! Finally- actual rainwater splashing in our lawns! It's been a long drought- at least in my neighborhood where no rain has been seen in several weeks- so I for one do not mind the rain at all. If your yard has been suffering as much as mine has, and you've been spending loads of moolah using sprinklers to keep things green, here's a few tips to help save money on your local water bills:

-Rain Barrels are a fabulous way to water your plants between rainy days. I have three in my yard, which normally do just fine, but they were all empty for a couple weeks since it's been so long since we had a shower. Rain barrells can be an attractive addition- I painted one like a lady bug and one like a bumble bee (the third one hasn't been painted yet- any ideas???). Or, they can be hidden behind shrubs or potted plants, if you prefer. Just make sure you leave enough room to access your nozzle to fill up your watering cans. For instructions on a low cost do-it-yourself rain barrel, click here. This is a PowerPoint presentation from the Escambia County Extension office.

-Plant native plants as these plants are bred for our local weather and soil conditions. Make sure your turf grass is a native variety as well, and you should rarely need to water your lawn. For tips on what plants are best in the NW Florida region, click here.

-Plant less turf grass and use more mulch or other permeable surfaces in your yard. Even better, plant an edible garden and grow organic vegatables! You'll have to keep the garden watered, but at least you'll have something to show for it besides grass clippings!

These are just a few ideas to help reduce your water usage, and make use of the rainwater we do get. Enjoy this great time of year in a beautiful yard or garden!

Don't forget to help Stamp Out Hunger this Saturday, May 14th! Place your non-perishable food donations on or near your mailboxes this Saturday to be picked up at your normal mail delivery time. The food will then be delivered to local food banks to help those in need. Check your pantry and find items like: Canned meats and fish, soups, juices, pasta, vegatables, cereal, and rice. Do not include expired items or those in glass jars.

For more information, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com .

Holley by the Sea upcoming events:

Community Garage Sale- May 14th, 2011 7:00-noon, to be held at the Holley by the Sea Recreation Center, on Back Park Road

Summer Tennis Camp- Check the webflyer for dates and times. $100/week, ages 7-16 years.

Fitness classes offered on a continuing basis include Taekwondo, Zumba, H2O Aerobics, Yoga, Body Conditioning, and more. Check out the Facebook calendar for dates and times.

Bingo, Storytime, and Poker night can also be found on the Facebook calendar.

About Holley by the Sea:

Holley by the Sea is a wonderful community located in Navarre, Florida. They offer a wide range of amenities for residents, including a 48 acre private Community Park. The Community Recreation Center is home to three swimming pools, eight tennis courts, gymnasium, handball, basketball, and baseball, sauna and meeting room. Classes are offered throughout the year for residents.

The Recreation Center also has access to a private beach and fishing pier, campsites, playground, and picnic areas.

A semi-public golf course is also available in the Hidden Creek Estates neighborhood of Holley by the Sea.