My father was always a good gardener. One of my earliest memories is standing without shoes in the freshly tilled soil, my hands blackened from digging in the ground.

    As a child, I loved following Dad around in the garden. I remember Dad pushing the tiller(耕作机) ahead in perfectly straight lines. Dad loved growing all sorts of things: yellow and green onions, watermelons almost as big as me, rows of yellow corn, and our favorite — red tomatoes.

    As I grew into a teenager, I didn't get so excited about gardening with Dad. Instead of magical land of possibility, it had turned into some kind of prison. As Dad grew older, his love for gardening never disappeared. After all the kids were grown and had started families of their own, Dad turned to gardening like never before. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he still took care of his garden.

    But then, the cancer, bit by bit, invaded his body. I had to do the things he used to do. What really convinced me that Dad was dying was the state of his garden that year. The rows and rows of multicolored vegetables were gone. Too tired to weed them, he simply let them be. He only planted tomatoes.

    For the first few years after he died, I couldn't even bear to look at anyone's garden without having strong memories pour over me like cold water from a bucket. Three years ago, I decided to plant my own garden and started out with just a few tomatoes. That morning, after breaking up a fair amount of soil, something caught the corner of my eye and I had to smile. It was my eight-year-old son Nathan, happily playing in the freshly tilled soil.

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    LakeLander·2 hours ago

    Today, a man talked very loud on his phone on a train between Malvern and Reading, making many passengers upset. I wonder how he would react if I were to read my newspaperoutloudonthetrain, Ihave never had the courage to do it, though.

    Pak50          ···     ·57 minutes ago

    Why not give it a try? Perhaps you should take lessons on a musical instrument. The late musician Dennis Brian is said to have asked a fellow train passenger to turn off his radio. When his request was refused, he took out his French horn(号) and started to practice.

    Angie O'Edema·42 minutes ago

    I don't see how musical instruments can help improve manners in public. Don't do to others what you wouldn't like to be done to yourself. Once, a passenger next to me talked out loud on his mobile phone. I left my seat quietly, giving him some privacy to finish his conversation. He realized this and apologised to me. When his phone rang again later, he left his seat to answer it. You see, a bit of respect and cooperation can do the job better.

    Taodas                          ·29 minutes ago

    I did read my newspaper out loud on a train, and it turned out well. The guy took it in good part, and we chatted happily all the way to Edinburgh.

    Sophie 76                                     ·13minutes ago

    I have not tried reading my newspaper out loud on a train, but ,several years ago, I read some chapters from Harry Porter to my bored and noisy children. Several passengers seemed to appreciate what I did.

    There are many events you can do in our city. Now have a look at them.

    Mindfulness Meditation（冥想）: Learn how just five minutes a day of meditation can benefit emotional, mental and physical health. The Hernando County Public Library System will host this seminar, which introduces some meditation techniques. Presented by Diana Reed of Gaya Jyoti Yoga. 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Free. S. T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave, Spring Hill.（352）754-4043.

    Book Discussion Group: Each month, the group discusses a new book. The group is designed for adults. This month's book is The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. Contact the library for a copy of the book and discussion questions. 1:45 pm to 3: 15 pm. Free. Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.（352）754-4043.

    What to Do When Your Landscape Sleeps: Seminar participants will learn how to care for a landscape during the cool season and prepare it for spring and summer. 10: 30 am. Free. Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.（352）540-6230.

    Writers Workshop: The group meets every other Thursday. All levels of experience from beginners to published authors are welcome. Bring pen and paper. 1 pm to 3 pm. Free. East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West.（352）754-4043.

    Low-cost Pet Vaccination（预防接种）Clinic: Sponsored by the Florida International Teaching Zoo veterinary（兽医）staff. Vaccinations are administered by a veterinarian. 6: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are $ 7. Tractor Supply Go. , 18471 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville. (352) 867-7788.

    Sure it's good to get along with your teacher because it makes the time you spend in the classroom more pleasant.

    And yes, it's good to get along with your teacher because in general it's smart to learn how to understand the different types of people you'll meet throughout your life.

    "But really there's one super-important reason why you should get along with your teacher. When you do learning bursts right open " says Evelyn Vuko a longtime teacher who writes an education column(专栏) called "Teacher Says" for the Washington Post newspaper.

    In fact, kids, who get along with their teachers not only learn more but they're more comfortable asking questions and getting extra help. This makes it easier to understand new material and do your best on tests. When you have this kind of relationship with a teacher he or she can be someone to turn to with problems such as problems with learning or school life such as bullying.

    As a kid in a primary or middle school you're at a wonderful stage in your life. You're like a sponge (海绵) able to absorb lots of new and exciting information. On top of that you're able to think about all this information in new ways. Your teacher knows that in most cases is very excited to be the person who's giving you all that material and helping you make it. Remember teachers are people too and they feel great if you're open to what they're teaching you. That's why they wanted to be teachers in the first place-to teach!

    Some kids may be able to learn in any situation whether they like the teacher or not. But most kids are sensitive to the way they get along with the teacher and if things aren't going well they won't learn as well and won't enjoy being in class.

    Introduction

    Blenheim Palace is one of the Europe's largest and greatest palaces. It was built between 1705 and 1722 as a reward of the British government to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, for defeating King Louis XlV's army at Blenheim, a small Bavarian village on the Danube River. The palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, which displayed strength and arm glory. It is the largest non-royal building in England and is now listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

    Winston Churchill

    In 1874, the palace was the birthplace of the duke's most famous descendant. Winston Churchill, who was to become the UK's Prime Minister (some would say Britain's greatest 20th-century politician) and Nobel prize winner for literature. It is also in Blenheim that Winston got married to Clementine Hozier in 1908.

    A lasting exhibition is devoted to the man's life, work and writings. Winston and his wife are buried in Bladon Church within the palace.

    Opening Hours & Admission

    Blenheim is still the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and is therefore not open all year round (although the park is). The palace opens its doors to visitors from 12 February to 11 December. Entry to the palace, park and gardens cost £11.50 during the low season and £13 during the peak season (Easter weekend and from 28 May toll September), or £6/£8 for the park and gardens only.

    The park is open all-year round from 9am to 4:45pm (last entry). Admission is £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.

    Note that numerous discounts exist for seniors, students, children and groups. Please refer to the official website for more details.