Columns

When my mom was born, her parents named her Darlene. Seymour and Anne Horton thought they had coined a new name for their daughter, whom they called “Darling” in a domestic language of love.
Once a strong voiced loquacious performer and confident matriarch of 10 children and a clan of about 100 –counting in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – my mom speaks mostly gibberish now in a weak, high, thin voice. Hers is a pigeon language of heartbreak and lucidity.

Tom and I decided this summer that we have finally reached an age where we don’t need “stuff” so we made a pact not to buy expensive gifts (over $50) for each other.
We have most everything we need–and a lot of what we want. Anything we might consider as a gift, we can buy for ourselves. With those thoughts in mind, we decided to channel any extra money we have into traveling.
“We’re making memories,” he told someone recently.

By Ruqayyah Nicholas
Social Security District Manager Gainesville

Question:
How do you replace a damaged Social Security card?
Answer:
While you can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen, you may not have to do so. Knowing your Social Security number is what is most important. You may need a new card if you are starting a new job and your employer asks to see the card. For more information about getting a replacement card, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question:

I think it is safe to say that by this time of year most of us Floridians are ready to let summer go. Cooler days and nights are almost within reach and the change of season for me is always anticipated.