By Sara Goodman There’s not much an insomniac hates worse than a hotel room. After describing my hotel routine to a fellow traveling sports mom, her comment was, “Wow, you are definitely a princess and the pea-type person.” Unfortunately, yes, I am. That’s how people generally become insomniacs as far as I’m concerned. If the exact right conditions don’t exist (i.e. there’s a pea under the mattress), this gal ain’t getting any sleep. I know insomnia can be caused by a million other things, but in a hotel room, my insomnia is caused by that dang pea of unfavorable conditions.

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia I last left you canal side at the wonderful rental condo we shared with our son and daughter-in-law near Anna Maria Island on the Florida Gulf. It was a little before 2 p.m. that faithful Tuesday when our private tour boat navigated the canal, pulling up behind our rental unit. We were greeted by a very tan and amicable gentleman who greeted each of us as we boarded with, “Welcome aboard, I’m Captain Kenny!”

Did the bunny find you? Ours came and went pretty quickly, but we managed to feed ourselves and enjoy some delicious chocolate eggs and, of course, the sunshine. I’m including a couple pictures that I find exciting this week.

Easter felt a little different this year – caught somewhere between winter and spring. Even in that in-between season, we find ourselves holding onto the traditions that bring us comfort.

By Sara Goodman Last week, something happened that doesn’t happen to me very often. I found myself completely overwhelmed with the week’s activities, and when the deadline came due for my article, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. When Mitzel skips a week, no one notices, but when I skip a week, I know it’s a huge letdown to turn to the columnists’ page and not see your favorite Sara without an “H.”

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia Last month Di and I escaped the NoDak cold for a week in the Florida sun. In the past we’ve enjoyed trips to Miami and the Keys. In recent years, Di and her girlfriends have had great getaways in the Clearwater area. This time, we decided on Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area.

As the snow melts away, it’s that time of year again when we dog owners become a little overwhelmed by just how much our dogs have, well … left behind. It all got covered up by the snow. Out of sight, out of mind. If you think about it — two dogs × one mess a day × 120 days of snow = 240 little land mines scattered sporadically throughout your yard.

How do you think we’d all get along if we didn’t have a weather forecast? Just wake up in the morning, and it is what it is. No planning around the weatherman or the word on the street.

There are weeks when putting together a newspaper feels routine. Then there are weeks when it feels like something more.

Easter has always been one of those holidays that feels…layered. Growing up, it meant early mornings and sleepy eyes, waking up before the sun for sunrise service.