Laura Higgins

The Carillon, of Bok Towers is a musical instrument that only few in the world have the ability to play. I first heard an open-air concert about four years ago when they played songs from the Sound Of Music. It was a memorable experience and even my children were impressed with the sounds they were hearing. The carillon is a unique and remarkable musical instrument and it is designed to play the bells that vary in size to obtain the beautiful sounds that you will hear. The tower itself is grand in both design and stature and is the focal point of the spectacular gardens and nature trails. The architect of Bok Tower, also known as the "Singing Tower," was the creation of famous architect Milton B. Medary. His inspiration came from the "gothic" design of the European Churches.

Edward Bok native to the Netherlands, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, and editor of The Ladies Home Journal, created the wonderful gardens with the assistance landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. The gardens are located on the highest point of the Lake Wales Ridge, named "Iron Mountain." Bok used to come and enjoy the majestic sunsets and the abundance of birds. He wanted to create a sanctuary for the wildlife and preserve the hilltop. Bok Tower today is home to over 100 species of birds open for all to enjoy.

The nature trails; lead you to the "Singing Tower," which is a favorite swimming place of the elegant swans. Zeus, the male swan is quite the showman and is sure to entertain you.

I enjoy landscaping photography and the outdoors so I am a frequent visitor of the gardens and one of my favorite places to photograph in Florida. It is lush with native trees and landscaping. The trails of which there are many are easy on the feet and you can take in the wonders of all of the native wildlife and vegetation along the trails.

You can pack your own picnic lunch or take advantage of the restaurant for a quick bite to eat. It is a great way to spend the day with family or friends. You will relish the wonderful family memories.

Today is a very special day for mom's to be loved, pampered, and spoiled. I wish all mothers a very special Mother's Day!

However, there is one very special lady in my life that I would like to recognize on this very special day. She was a former customer; has since become a very dear friend and close to my heart. Her name is Anita; she always greats you with a big hug, a kiss and lets you know how special you are to her. She is now retired, and works part time. She raised a large family, while running a successful business, and running a home. I use the word home instead of house, because when you walk into her home you feel all the love and kindness she has in her heart and shares selflessly with others. She is a woman ahead of her time. While running a successful business and working about 60 hours a week, then coming home, making dinner, helping her children with their school work, attending school functions, and then taking time to be a wife. Yet , when she shares with you her wonderful stories of raising her family she does not complain about the endless hours she worked, and then rushing home to make dinner, and make sure the children's homework was done, she truly enjoyed being simply a mom. The pride she has in her children is unquestionable. Yet, she is not bragging when she speaks of their accomplishments and success in life. She is merely stating the obvious.

She always puts herself last, behind her children, friends, and husband. She is a very devoted wife and mother, but yet opens her heart to others. She has an endless amount of love to give, and asks for nothing in return. Her children are all grown and very successful, but yet are truly devoted to their mom. They make sure that they visit her and help her when needed. Although, Anita seldom asks for help, she likes to do things on her own. When she talks about her husband, the love that she has for him...there are know words. She tears up when she talks about him and the pride she has in being his wife. She has an unbelievable sense of humor and when she laughs you can not help but to laugh right along with her.

I consider it a privilege to have her in my life and I hope that I am a better person because of her.

So this day is for you "Nita," for all the joy and love that you have give to others.

This year is the 57th Mobil I 12 Hours of Sebring, International Race, and there are several special events leading up to day of the race. Crowds begin to draw near in excess of 200,000 fans several days prior to the race. However, this year John Hendrik, Sales Center Manager of Bernie Little Distributor, arranged for the magnificent Clydesdale's of Budweiser to open the race. The race begins, Saturday at 7 am, at the Sebring International Race Track, in Sebring, Florida.

The Clydesdale's were available for public viewing today at the LakeShore Mall, in Sebring, Florida: and young and old alike came out to see the spectacular Clydesdale's, in all their splendor, hitched to the famous red wagon, accompanied by their dalmatian mascot. Special care is given to these gentle giants as they travel throughout the country. They are transported in three large semi- trucks and have special handlers that travel with them throughout the country. To prepare for an event takes over 5 hours and they are carefully groomed and their main and tails are braided. They then decorate their main and tails with ribbons or flowers.

I remember first seeing these fantastic horses at Seaworld in Orlando Florida, and it was a memorable experience for myself and children. Pictures do not do these gorgeous animals justice you have to see them in person to appreciate how truly spectacular they are.

The Clydesdales originated from Europe and were known as the "great war horses" because of their incredible strength they were able plow and transport heavy loads.

The Clydesdales were first introduced to North America in 1842 and were utilized for assisting in transporting deliveries, prior to the introduction of the automobile and the gas engine. Known for their massive size exceeding a monstrous 2,000 lbs, and being an impressive 18 hands tall.

The end of the prohibition in the early 1930's was the beginning of the Budweiser Clydesdales tradition. August A. Busch Jr, gave his father a gift of a team of Clydesdales and a "bright red brewery wagon" and the Budweiser Clydesdale tradition was born.

One of my favorite Sebring restaurants is a small eatery called Roserio's. It is a charming and cheerful family run restaurant and from the time you walk in... you know that it is not your typical restaurant.

The menu features a wide variety of comforting Italian foods, from the wide variety of pizza's that are homemade and hand tossed, and always piping hot...My favorite is a mushroom and onion combination pizza. Roger, the chef and Daryls' husband, knows that I like extra onions and I gotta tell you he always puts just the right amount of onions on my pizza. Now that may not seem like a big deal to most, but when you think about how many pizzas this man makes and he always remembers just the right amount.... My children love his pepperoni pizza and his wings. You can dine in or order out, whichever you prefer the food is just as good. If you order takeout on Friday night, I gotta warn you order ahead of time, because come 5:00 the place fills up quick. Of course it is well worth the wait! If you become a regular Daryl will eventually know everything about you, and she will always ask how you are, how are the kids, the husband, and if you miss a week, she will want to know where you were...She is truly a remarkable lady and her patrons love her dearly. Daryl, in many ways is the heart of Roserio's. I can't imagine anyone else answering the phone or greeting you at the door. They go away on vacation she will even send you a postcard to remind you when they are coming home.

If you want more of a meal they have a wide assortment of entrees from lasagna, baked ziti, fettucine alfredo; the dinners come with salad or soup and their fantastic garlic bread. They also have a wide variety of subs and sandwiches, from Philly cheese steaks, to a turkey club sub, either one I would highly recommend giving a try. Another favorite of my childrens is their large stuffed calzones, and again you can have them stuffed with whatever you like. In all the years that I have been a patron I have never made it to their dessert menu...but the one I hear the most about is their "Deep Fried Cheesecake." Of course they have the more traditional desserts from cannolis to pies if you have room for it after your meal.

So if you want to try a new place to eat ~ have great food, and even a good laugh, stop by Roserio's. Daryl will greet you and of course Michele, will be your waitress for the evening. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12- 9 pm. They are located 6132 US Highway 98 in Sebring Florida. Their phone number is 863-655-2202.

Enjoy!

Lake Jackson is approximately 4,000 acres wide, and at its deepest point is approximately 20 feet in depth, with sandy shores. There are two public swimming beaches, the most visited is Veterans beach. The beach provides, public parking and boat ramps, picnic grounds, and a play area for children. Lake Jackson originally named Rex Beach Lake, in honor of the memory of the novelist Rex Beach. Lake Jackson is a focal attraction for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Lake Jacksons evening skies light up on the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks displays.

It is also one of approximately 87 Lakes in Highlands County. The shores of Lake Jackson feature numerous homes and condominiums. The south side of the circular lake borders US HWY 27. There are sidewalks around the entire perimeter of the lake that many enjoy biking and walking. Highlands County hosts many community activities around Jackson's' shores. Highlands County Public Library, Community Center, Highlands Arts League, and Highlands Little Theatre. Lake Jackson is centrally located in the heart of the city of downtown Sebring. The city of Sebring is considered one of the oldest cities. The city of Sebring also referred to as "The City On The Circle," was founded by George Sebring, in 1911. Thus, its appearance remains much the same today as it did in the early 1920's. The city is known for the annual community activities around the popular downtown circle. Upcoming events March 7Th-8Th is the Arts Festival, the prior event February 14Th was the antique car show.

The circle is adorned by quaint shoppes, antique street lighting, and restaurants; adding to the cities charming ambiance. Highlands County Public library, Community Center, Highlands Arts League, and Highlands Little Theatre are nestled on Lake Jacksons shorelines. Probably the most famous of events for Sebring, Florida is the famous 12 Hours Of Sebring, held every year March 18th-21st. The race actually commences on the 21st of March.
Highlands County is know for its' agricultural products both citrus and caladiums.

Because a good portion of Highlands County is situated on the Ridge, it is known for its sandy soil, which allows for quick water drainage. Today there are numerous active groves and farms in Highlands County.
Highlands County continues to attract new residents because of its central location in Florida. Easily accessible to Tampa and Orlando, approximately one and a half hour trip by car. Highlands County, "Olde World Charm," is appealing to both residents and visitors alike.