June 6, 1944

70 years ago on the Shores of Normandy, France the allied troops began their full force conquest of ending World War II. On that day, over 9,000 soldiers gave their lives so we could live, work, and prosper. If you have not seen “Saving Private Ryan” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/), the beginning of the move tries to capture what took place on the Shores of Normandy and it is one of the most powerful movie military scenes, in my opinion.  

In short, we are lucky to live in a world where we have our freedom and we should remember the soldiers who gave their lives on that day.

All Officers are Not Bad or is that just Bull?

Generally, when you hear the news and law enforcement in the same story it’s not good. Well this is story where the situation is different; law enforcement, Deputy Christina Ammons, was confronted with a situation and went above and beyond her call of duty. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/blogs/gone-viral/os-drowning-bull-rescue-20140330,0,1288906.post) According to the Orlando Sentinel and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, an elderly bull wandered into a pond and was about to drown when Deputy Christina Ammons arrived on the scene, entered the pond, and held the bull’s head up above water for 45 minutes while the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue assisted in getting the old bull out of the water. In the end, the elderly bull survived and Deputy Christina Ammons was safe.  Remember not all Officers are bad.

You can make a difference!!!

Sometimes you can feel that the world has too many problems and that you are powerless to fix all the problems that exist. One of my passions is animals and I just saw a great story of young photographer, Lauren Eggert, (http://www.hypeorlando.com/the-dog-blog/). Essentially, Lauren makes the point that companion animals that are in shelters may not portray their true selves while in care upon initial viewing.  Through her photographs she brings to light an animals true personality to shed light on the companion animal that exists beneath what may appear to be a scared or stand offish animal.  She is advocating for these companion animals through her blog.

Lauren Eggert, is an EXCELLENT example of someone who takes a negative, which are dogs that are in shelter, and makes it positive by showing a different side, or the real side, of these companion animals.  Sometimes life can be overwhelming and you may not be making a difference but remember every little bit helps!

Don’t’ forget Adoption is a Great Option for a life long friend.

Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida

Living in the State of Florida has many perks, one being the weather and the ability to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather.  If you have not had a chance to experience the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, it’s a must. Not only is it a good way to spend a few hours people watching and tasting a wide variety of food, but it is great to support the local economy.  

In addition, it’s a great venue to see amazing artists perform for a reasonable price or even for free if you are patient and willing to stand in line. I was able to see Rascal Flatts in a great outdoor venue. So if you have time, check out the rest of the schedule and scheduled performers. http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/345214/8/Strawberry-Festival-2014-Lineup

Blurred Lines…Divorce may be blurred…

Robin Thicke was on the Howard Stern show last year and Howard, as usual, had an interesting interview. During the interview, Robin Thicke talks candidly about his marriage and his life growing up with parents who were divorced. From his interview, it seems as though the he and his wife have gone through quite a bit, including him not going to his wife’s prom because of race relations in the United States. I hope Robin Thicke and his wife work things out because based on this interview they have had a long and loving relationship since they were 16 years old.

“Finding Jack”: An excellent book dealing with the Vietnam War and Relationships!

“Finding Jack”, by Gareth Crocker, is an excellent book that deals with my two favorite subjects, history and dogs. The book deals with a soldier and his time and struggles during the Vietnam War and the life long friends he makes and the friends he loses during the war. This is one of the best books I have read in recent memory. If you have the time, this is an excellent book, not only for animal lovers, but also, for people who may be going through family issues or grieving the loss of loved ones.

Child Custody and the GAL: Cost of a GAL?

When you are dealing with a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in a family law case, the cost can be hefty. Many times a private GAL who is retained to represent a child in court requires a retainer. The cost of a GAL will depend on many factors, such as their education, experience and the time that is needed in each particular case. Sometimes a GAL may be needed for a few hours and sometimes they may be needed for their time doing their investigation and the time needed to testify in court proceedings. It is difficult for a GAL to give an exact amount of time that is needed in a particular case, because like many things in life, the work of a GAL is fluid and not set in stone.

Child Support- It cost money to raise a child....

 

What is Child Support?

Child support is for the child. Theoretically, when parents are no longer together each parent contributes to the raising of that child. Payments are used for housing, food, clothing, and other expenses that are needed to raise a child. Usually, the amount that is given from one parent to another is just for the basics and much more money is really needed.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Child Support is calculated under Florida Statute 61.30 and is based on both parties’ income and the time each parent spends with the child. Essentially, if the minor child is with one parent that parent is providing the necessities of life. There are child support guidelines the court follows when calculating child support and when one parent is not working the income that may be used is minimum wage for that parent.

Can it be Changed?

Child support can always be modified if a parent’s income goes up or goes down. Generally, the parent who is making more or less money should tell the other party about his or her situation. Child support is for the benefit of the child and support the child is supposed to receive as though the parents had not separated. However, there has to be a certain amount of change for modification to occur.