Warmest Regards

My son-in-law is fond of saying there are two kinds of people we encounter: Energy givers and energy drainers.

Some people are so vibrant and so passionate about life. That upbeat attitude is contagious. When we're around someone like that, we, too, find our own mood elevates.

I interviewed a fascinating guy this week whose energy and enthusiasm for life had me smiling.

Ed thrives on being outdoors and studying nature. Passionate about fishing, he takes his boat out every day. He's also an avid kayaker. But he does much more than paddle.

April is always a special month for me.

One reason is because it's the month of my birth and I always make my birthday celebration last all month.

April is also special because it's one of rebirth. In Pennsylvania, we start to see trees budding and the start of spring flowers pushing from the earth.

I always loved walking about my yard and neighborhood, alert to the rebirth all around me. It's always a celebration when our world turns green.

A guy came up to me at a party with a strange question. "You know, you're a good writer," he said. "Why are you ashamed to use your real name in your newspaper column?"

He came to that conclusion because he noticed my married name and the name that appears with my column are entirely different.

It's not just the last name that's different. My husband calls me Trish and introduces me to everyone by that name.

I, on the other hand, always use Pattie.

I thought I knew a lot about food and nutrition. When it comes to those two subjects, I read everything I can get my hands on.

Yes, I like to eat healthy foods so I'm especially intrigued with comparison studies that show the calorie count and nutritional value of meals.

I'm often surprised when I read things like "Eat This, Not That" and learn that the healthy chicken salad I order in a popular restaurant is actually more than a recommended day's consumption of fat. I like to learn all I can about healthy choices, especially when eating out.