TGIF to all my working friends. The forecast this weekend is for beautiful weather so get out and enjoy.

Orlando is bursting with things to do - check out the Sentinel Calendar section. If you're looking for some freebies - the Orange County Library has a full weekend of activities planned: Art After Hours tonight, Tracking the Case of Central Florida's Women Trailblazers tomorrow and on Sunday, Meet the Author with Bill Belleville discussing his new book: Losing It All to Sprawl.

Speaking of books, I've recently finished Stuart Woods, Iron Orchid, a fun fast read and I'm in the homestretch with Jodi Picoult's hot new one, The Tenth Circle. This morning, I found nestled on my doorstep, courtesy of PEP Express, The Poet of Tolstoy Park and A Thread of Grace. A quiet, shady spot is calling my name.

Cooking Tip: Cry No More

Do you tear up when slicing / dicing onions? I use so many onions and even with a good sharp chef's knife, my eyes tear up like crazy and my nose runs. But the solution is just a flame away - place a lighted votive candle on the cutting board or counter close to where you are dealing with the onions. Amazing solution! Worked beautifully as I whipped up a batch of stuffed cabbage rolls this morning. Try it and let me know how it works for you.