Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve at Pelican Beach there will be a bonfire and chance to meet some new folks as the Brevard Outdoor Adventures members assemble. Bring your own chair and snack/beverage and meet this wonderful group. You'll want to join - starts at 7 p.m. No need to hang out in a bar when you can sit by the fire on the beach - does it get any better than that? Happy New Year!!

Last minute holiday shopping

Please keep this photo in mind as you grumble about having to stand in line or fight crowds. It's not about the material things - or it's not supposed to be...Merry, Peaceful, Meaningful, Memorable Christmas everyone.

Verbenia!!

Don't forget Verbenia Street in Satellite Beach when you set out to satisfy your craving for holiday light displays. The entire street looks like this and that doesn't include the sidewalks and arches across the road. Tomorrow night Santa will be receiving visitors but better go early! It is always a huge crowd-pleaser! For more information, read on...

Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration

Cocoa's Family New Year's Event

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Dec 31, 2011

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Bring in the New Year with this family friendly event in Riverfront Park from 5-9pm. The only event in Brevard County where kids can experience the children's countdown with a balloon drop, see entertainment on 3 different stages and participate in a variety of art activities. There is a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, please contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500.

New Year's Week-end

Trop Stock New Years Eve In Cocoa Village & Merritt Island - For the whole week-end! Friday, December 30, 2011, Saturday, December 31 & Sunday, January 1, 2012. A whole week-end of fun, music and entertainment! Details at: http://www.TropStock.com Includes Friday Pirate Party, Saturday Live Bands, Sunday BBQ, & MUCH MORE! This event sold out in just three weeks last year!

They have tickets and will happily meet you or mail them or take credit card info over the phone! Contact Gary@MadHatterPromotions.com
MadHatterGary@yahoo.com
321-543-1346

When shopping this year...

"The average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion... If that money was spent entirely on US made products it would create 4.6 million jobs... If each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs."

Snow in Florida?

Snow in Florida? That?s right, come out to Riverfront Park from 5-8pm Friday to play in real snow. Listen to holiday carolers and drink some hot chocolate. Also watch a holiday movie (A Christmas Carol) on the big outdoor movie screen at 7pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. For more info, contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500 or visit www.cocoafl.org

Holidays in Space

Kennedy Space Center presents "Holidays in Space" - a completely unique idea! Besides learning about each of the countries that are currently represented on the International Space Station, visitors can send holidays greetings to the ISS. Throw in a skating rink, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus - plus a 42' tree with mini flags representing the countries - and you have a new slant on Christmas on the Space Coast. Read more here.

While you are there, be sure to take the new close-up tour which includes the VAB and the shuttle Atlantis (see photo). It is so-o-o worth it!!!!

Happy Repeal Day

In 1920, the 18th Amendment did something that had never been done before, in the history of the United States - instead of granting citizens a right, it took one away: the right to consume alcohol. Thirteen years later, Amendment 21 repealed the Amendment, voting on Dec 5, 1933.

Good news for some, not for all. Bottom line: drink responsibly.

Let the Christmas parades begin!

Brevard County Parks and Recreation invite the whole family to the Merritt Island Holiday Parade which will take place on Saturday, December 3 along Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, Florida. The parade starts at 10:00 am and will begin at Merritt Island High School and wind its way down Courtenay Parkway.

There are parades scheduled for the next 3 week-ends. More holiday events here!

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

This weekend, Sat & Sun, Historic Cocoa Village will present their ever-popular Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and better get there early because parking is always a challenge! This is the time to support the individual business owner. As I have previously mentioned, the people who are involved in this are working for precious little. For some of my things, I earn about $1 an hour. Those who aren't crafty have no idea how long it takes to create some of what you'll find. Which brings up the point that you'll find things there that you simply don't see elsewhere. So start your shopping early or just go out to support the foundation of America - the individual business-owner!

Best Thanksgiving leftover recipe out there

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

1 large slice pumpkin pie
1/4 cup whole milk
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs

Toss everything but part of the crumbs into a blender and stir things up. Pour into a glass and sprinkle the leftover crumbs on top.

Yield: Heaven!

Christmas gift idea

(Todd Holland - one of the pros that teach at Cocoa Beach's School of Surf).
Just in time for holiday gift-giving we have the perfect solution for the person who is part dolphin and wants to put that love for the water to use with a surfboard. Why not have them learn safely, from pros, in the smaller waves that blanket our shores. You can with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get a one-hour group surfing lesson at School of Surf in Cocoa Beach (a $40 value). Participants must be at least 6 years old and know how to swim.

School of Surf's CPR-certified pro surfers teach the radical art of wave riding to participants of all experience levels. During each lesson, groups of up to eight surfboarders coast through the fundamentals of the splashy sport, learning how to properly stand on the board. More experienced surfers can refine their style with tips from the experts, and each lesson also includes formal CPR instruction and an ocean-safety course. School of Surf outfits each student with equipment for the class, but guests are also welcome to ride the waves on their own boards. School of Surf is in Cocoa Beach. The Groupon deal is good for 2 more days.

The Fine Print
Expires Mar 1, 2012
Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts.
Limit 1 per visit.
48hr cancellation notice required.
Must be 6 or older.
Must sign waiver.
Subject to weather.
Must know how to swim.
Sessions valid for 3 - 8 people.

Cyber Monday

I find it less than amusing that today is THE day for shopping for us that don't have/can't get Black Friday off to shop - and my computer is going to BCTS for repair at 8:30 a.m. That is so not fair. However, be warned - I do everything online and I have excellent state-of-the-art spyware/virus protection (several, in fact) - and I still get in trouble. So enjoy, all you lucky people...but check your email tomorrow for Viagara offers in broken English and be careful!

Thankful for...

Thankful to be close to the water's edge on Thanksgiving morning. Thankful the cold front has stalled and it's warm enough to walk in the water. NOT thankful for the erosion that has taken place this year. A1A is right over the hill. Not a good thing...
Where's the beach!!?? Not even high tide and look where the water is. Exposed roots in the dunes = sadness...will they replenish?
10 a.m. and no-one in sight on A1A - am I the only beachbaby who makes a bee-line for the beach on a day off??!! Happy Thanksgiving to me!

The good old days

I remember when Thanksgiving meant having family come to dinner, watching football, and Macy's Parade. When did it become a race to lure shoppers to stores at the expense of allowing employees time to spend with their families? When did the day shift from easy to frenzy? I will contemplate all that as I sit on the beach in the morning - my gift to me - before I run home, cram the stuffing into the turkey and get out the Christmas lights. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Palindrome Day

A palindrome is a word, phrase, number or sequence that is the same forwards and backwards. They date back to 79AD. Today is 11-22-11 - Happy Palindrome everyone!

Sunday's Beach Clean-up

This pile is what I collected at Hangars in Satellite Beach, on a recent evening stroll. Heavy bag!
Tomorrow's clean-up event is at Pelican Beach in Indian Harbor Beach from 8 a.m. - noon.

25th annual Space Coast State Fair

Sunday, Nov 20: Fair opens at 1pm

LAST BLAST DAY

• Banana Derby: 2pm, 5pm, 7pm
• Torres Family Circus: 3pm, 6pm, 8pm
• Onvi Sound System in concert: 1pm – 3pm – Coors Lite Stage
• Pie Eating Contest: 2pm age 14 and under, 2:20pm age 15+ – Pavilion tent
• Hot Dog Eating Contest: 2:40pm age 14+, 3pm age 13 and under – Pavilion Tent
• Fun Dog Match: 3:30pm – next to Pavilion Tent
• A1A Band in concert: 3pm – 5pm – Coors Lite Stage
• Pro Bull Riding Bash: 4pm – Jack Moore Arena
• KD3 in concert: 5:30pm – 9pm – Coors Lite Stage
• Monster Truck Madness & Xtreme Motocross Show – 9pm – Jack Moore Arena

Pay $10 or $12 at the gate and the rest is free! New location: Space Coast Stadium!

FREE surf movie!

Tonight, the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum will show the surf movie Children of the Sun. This event will be hosted by the Cocoa Beach Public Library. Enjoy (free) organic pop corn and soft drinks along with this free movie! The movie will run from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees continues into Sunday and there is still plenty going on! There are trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gifts galore. Sunday the awards are announced and there will still be live music. And bring the camera!!
Admission is $10 and photos with Santa start at $12.

Location: Maxwell C King Center for the Performing Arts 3865 North Wickham Road

Thursday Nov 17 is Beaujolais Nouveau Day!!!

Beaujolais Nouveau is officially available everywhere in the world tomorrow, November 17. If you haven't experienced it, here is a brief description: It is a red wine that isn't aged long, therefore hasn't picked up oaky taste and is NOT puckery - like fruit juice with a large kick! It is fresh, cheap ($10), and pleases most crowds. To read more, follow this link.

America Recycles Day

Started in 1997, America Recycles Day (ARD), November 15, is the only nationally recognized day in the USA dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. It was organized to be a national campaign whose goal was to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling and buying products made with recycled materials. All across America schools and youth groups will participate in numerous activities aimed at instilling the recycling habit in youngsters.

Recycle Brevard! is co-sponsoring a Toy Swap/Drop Off to benefit Brevard kids through the 4 The Kids of Brevard organization on Tuesday, November 15. Parents and children are encouraged to bring their gently-used toys to swap for another or to donate to 4 The Kids of Brevard.

Location for the Toy Swap and Drop Off will be at the Viera Regional Park, in the Rotary Pavilion. The street address is 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Wat, Viera. Toys may be brought between 2 - 6 p.m. What a great way to teach your kids to share and care.

Brevard Zoo Holiday Happenings

Naughty or nice - if they're cute, it doesn't matter - at least for the critters at Brevard Zoo! The zoo has lots of good things happening during the holidays. Read about them here and then get registered quickly! Zoo membership for someone is a great gift idea - details on the perks here.

Beach clean-up

The winds of tropical/or not tropical Sean have lashed the beaches and brought in masses of junk. I personally collected 12 empty liquor/wine bottles on one walk - not my favorite kind of case of good cheer. Tomorrow morning, Paradise Beach in Indialantic will hold a clean-up from 8-12. This beautiful weather is just perfect for a stroll on the beach, anyway, so please come help!

Thanks

Liberty in Pearl Harbor - 1941.
My favorite vet. Whenever I feel like whining about something, I get out my Dad's WWII Navy diary. The stuff horror films are made of. Thanks to all vets and active-military reading this.

11/11/11

Numerology is the study of numbers. Nov. 11, 2011, the date when three 11s will align for the first time in a century. View it positively - like good luck in marriage, or...
Spend the day in deep thought. Where are you? Where you want to be? No? Yes? Sort of?

Today's date, 11/11/11, is a once-in-a-century occurrence, adding to a November has been a very fun month for recreational mathematicians. Some people believe that the date 11/11/11 is a mystical day of good luck, or that 11/11/11 is a good day to make money.

After today, 11/11/11 will next occur 100 years down the road, on Nov. 11, 2111. Interestingly, in 2111, 11/11/11 will be followed by an eight-digit palindrome day, 11/12/2111, which is quite exciting for palindrome fans.

Veteran's Day 2011

All gave some; some gave all - let's make a point to thank all that we can tomorrow, Veteran's Day 2011. For a list of just some of the freebies available to vets and active-military, check this article out!

Finally !!

Kelly has won title number eleven for the second time. In stormy onshore peaks at Ocean Beach, Slater was able to out-surf the Brazilian duo of Medina and Pupo to claim his round 4 heat, book a spot in the quarterfinals, and mathematically clinch his unheard-of 11th world surfing title. Congrats Kelly !!!!

Erosion

Saturday evening, Nov 5 - Main Gate (just south of Cocoa Beach). Looking south.
Main Gate, looking north.
Hangars, just south of Main Gate and just north of Pineda. Looking north.

I'm not an authority but after walking below these same sand dunes day in/day out - 2011 has been a costly one for the local beaches. Much, much erosion...

Darkness

For those of us who work during the day and look forward to walking the beach in the evening - better hurry! Who cares about early morning anyway? Oh well, don't forget and be an hour early for work Monday!

Halloween candy buy-back!

In thousands of locations across the country, during the first week of November, dental offices will be “buying back” children’s uneaten, wrapped “leftover” Halloween candy. All the candy that is “bought back” will be shipped overseas to American troops. Children and parents also have the opportunity to sign cards for our troops as well.

As of this writing, only one dentist has advertised a buy-back program in Brevard: Dr. Ronald Richardson of Melbourne Cosmetic Dentistry. The drop-off date is Tuesday, November 1 from 3 - 5 p.m. The location is: 1704 Airport Blvd., Melbourne. Here's how to participate:

• Bring your child and the candy they wish to donate to the office.
• The candy will be weighed and the child will receive $1 per pound of candy.
• Children will receive a free toothbrush and a coupon for a free Happy Meal.
• The candy will be shipped to troops as outlined above.

Dr. Richardson's office has asked that any questions be directed to the office at 321-723-3477 or their website. Children are asked to please bring a letter for the troops, which will be included with the candy.

Veterans say that the donated candy is put to good use in working with and befriending the “locals” to get intelligence information about IEDs and other dangers in the war zones.

Dog adoption event at Longdoggers

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In celebration of October being National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, the Central Brevard Humane Society will be partnering with Long Doggers Radically Relaxed Grill & Brew to host a dog adoption event. The event will showcase some of the Central Brevard Humane Society’s (CBHS) shelter dogs, and will provide the public with fun educational information about responsible pet ownership. There will also be CBHS merchandise there for purchase. While at the event, donate an item from the Humane Society’s Wish List (pet supplies) and receive a FREE raffle ticket for a drawing to be held on October 29th. Proceeds will go to help provide care to the homeless animals in Brevard County. For more information, contact the Central Brevard Humane Society at (321) 636-3343 or visit www.crittersavers.com.

Location: 4260 Minton Road, Palm Bay
Time: 12 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct 29

Donavan Frankenreiter tonight

7 p.m. Coconuts on the Beach - part of Slater Bros Invitational. His web site not generating tickets so good luck with that. Coconuts has event listed for 7-11 p.m. and tickets for $25.

"The Slater Brothers Invitational has brought thousands of spectators to converge on this exciting event, hosting amateur and professional athletes in surfing and skateboarding.

Jay Alders is proud to be a sponsor again this year of the event and donating a limited edition signed gallery wrapped canvas print of “Burning Inspiration” to help The Slater Brothers to raise money for the World Skin Cancer Foundation. Additionally Jay will be live painting on stage with Donavon Frankenreiter and painting a skateboard deck on the beach.

This year, we will also include our 2nd annual 5K beach fun run and, for the first time, a volleyball tournament, stand-up paddle board contest, a Friday night concert by Donavon Frankenreiter and Saturday night movie premier.

The event will also include a vert ramp exhibition with high-profile skate professionals which has been very popular among the spectators in past years. "

Schedule here.

Pumpkin ideas

This Old House Pumpkin Carving Contest winners for 2011: HERE - wow...

Halloween in Historic Cocoa Village

On Sunday, October 30, the historic Cocoa Village invites all Space Coast residents to they Halloween in the Village. The planners for this event " hope to bring little trick-or-treaters and their families down to Cocoa Village and Riverfront Park for a fun and safe Halloween adventure. " Hours are from 4 -8:30 p.m . Children will be able to visit merchants for treats, stroll the park for fun family activities and entertainment, get Ghost Tours of the village and visit the haunted Porcher House! Coraline will be playing on the big screen in the park beginning at 7 p.m..

Children's activities will include a bounce house, kid's area games, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, ghost tours and much more. There will be a $5.00 activity band fee and Porcher House haunted story telling tour has a separate fee. Trick or treating and stage entertainment will be free. For additional information interested parties may contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500 or visit their website .

Haunted House season

On Saturday and Sunday, October 2and 30, the Eau Gallie Self Storage will host their second free Haunted House. Created and maintained entirely by volunteers, the 3,000 square foot house promises to be scary for all ages. Treats will be available at the end of the tour. The storage unit is located in the downtown Eau Gallie area, at 914 Saint Clair Street. This Haunted House is free and all they request is a donation for Breast Cancer Research. Hours for the event are 7 - 10 p.m. both evenings.

Halloween Howl

On Saturday, October 29, the Satellite Beach Dog Park will host their annual Halloween Howl. The times are 10 a.m. - noon. Dogs must be accompanied by an adult handler, but the entire family is welcome. Those planning to attend are asked to please bring their dog in costume or come earlier if they need to “costume prepare.” The event cost is $3.50/dog paid on the day of the event. Note: Dog Park entry requirements apply (printed rabies shot records must be provided & county tags worn on dog’s collar) The Dog Park is located at 751 Jamaica Blvd, Satellite Beach. And don't forget the camera!

Boo at the Zoo

This weekend is your last chance to experience the Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo event! Don't miss one of the best and the most infamous family fun Halloween event, Friday - Sunday, October 28 - 30 from 5:30 to 9:30 nightly. Last admission is 8 p.m. each night. If you'd like to avoid Saturday's long lines and big crowds, go on Friday or Sunday. There will be live entertainment, The Haunted Trail, Ooz Draverb, Boo Choo train ride, a costume contest, witch's lair, and trick-or-treating at more than 25 treat stations. For details, read this article.

Tickets are $10 per person. Zoo members receive $1 off on all admission prices. Reduce your wait time the night of the event by ordering your tickets in advance online. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets. And for more local Halloween events, check out this article.

Making Strides Against Cancer

Saturday, Oct 22, over 10,000 men, women and children gathered in a celebration of life for those who were breast cancer survivors, those who knew someone who was - and those who weren't, didn't, and still cared enough to show. The assembly marched from The Avenue Viera to Lexus of Melbourne. My group raised a total of $3,800 for the local ACS - dollar by dollar. The final amount raised by all of Brevard will be announced soon. Never doubt what a small group of people can do when they put their minds to it!

Seriously?

Tebow-mania has gotten out of hand. As seen on eBay yesterday:
Tue Oct 25 11:48am EDT
Treat yourself to the pants of Tim Tebow

The nation has been set aflame with Tebow Madness in the wake of his glorious fourth-quarter comeback victory in Miami on Sunday. With football magic in his fingertips and boundless love in his heart, Tim Tebow(notes) elevated football, nay, sport itself, past mere fun and games and into a new universal language of joy that turned us all, if just for a minute, into towering beacons of healing spiritual light.

In doing so, he helped the 2-4 Denver Broncos beat the 0-6 Miami Dolphins in overtime. And that makes his pants worth five grand. Via eBay, the shroud of Tebow can be yours.

The pants, which I understand Tebow puts on two legs at a time, were worn by No. 15 when he threw his first NFL touchdown pass against the Chiefs last season. They have not been laundered and come complete with " multiple hit marks, stains, and tears."

These pants held the legs that held up the torso that turned the arms that flung the football that landed in the arms of Spencer Larsen(notes) and changed the sporting landscape forever.

Seriously?

Just Between Friends

This week-end - the kids' consignment sale of a lifetime is happening at Melbourne Auditorium! To read a review of the last sale, in April, link up here. To find out more about this weekend's sale, go here! No matter what - try not to miss this. It is amazing! Maternity thru teens - wow!

Golf ball drop tomorrow at 1pm

Hold Name of Jesus golf ball drop is tomorrow at 1pm. This is one of the best Fall Festivals in the area, which explains why it is four days long and still attracting enough people to make it so!