March 29-30 and April 5, 2008
Tyler County Dogwood Festival
Woodville, Texas
409/283-2632

Western Weekend includes two day rodeo, parade, crowning of the Rodeo Sweethearts and the annual Western Weekend Dance. On Saturday, April 5, enjoy the coronation, parade, pageant and queen coronation and fireworks. Call for up to date information.

March 29-30 and April 5-6, 2008
Texas Dogwood Trails Celebrations
Palestine, Texas
800/659-3484Bicycle race, parks filled with magnolia and dogwood trees, Texas State Railroad, museums, Dulcimer Festival. For event schedule, download PDF here.

RVers: The campground in Rusk was once a state park. It has two RV camping sections, approximately 55 sites. One campground has full hookups (30/50) and pull-through sites. The group camping area, with water and electric only, are back-in sites. Must make reservations by calling (903) 683-5126. There is camping on the Palestine side, but sites are water only, and available on the first come, first served basis.

Through April 6, 2008
Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
Tyler, Texas
800/235-5712

Download event schedule here or call for more information.

RVers: Family-oriented Whispering Pines RV & Cabin Resort is located on 47 acres of beautiful pine, oak, dogwood and sweetgum trees. 5583 FM 16 East, Tyler, TX 75706. Call (800) 559-3817.

Through April 13, 2008
The 24th Annual Dallas Blooms
The Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas
214/515-6500

The largest flower festival in the Southwest explodes with 400,000+ bulbs blooming–tulips, daffodils, iris and hyacinth. Blend 3,000 azaleas and 100,000 pansies, violas and poppies with 1000s of native annuals and perennials. Top with Dogwoods in bloom and The Star of Texas, a giant flower-filled red, white and blue star.

We lost our best friend yesterday. Rags, the finest dog I have ever known, passed on at approximately 4 PM. He gallantly struggled against his failing body, but his body won. I feel like my heart has been torn from my body and that I will never be able to breathe again without pain.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. Josh Billings (1818 – 1885)

I may offline for a few days, as I learn to live without my fluffly little dog. Say a prayer that he finds his way to where all good dogs go.

My brother-in-law became very involved in fantasy football a few years ago. I never understood how it worked, but he spent hours picking his players, trading them, and losing money on them. I think the players were just as real to him as his wife.

Recently, I read of the challenges of managing a fantasy baseball league. Why you would want to spend your nonworking hours on the computer, rather than coaching a little league team is a bit beyond me. I guess any activity that makes you use your brain is a good one.

Someone has developed a helpful tool to winning fantasy baseball leagues. Below I have posted the pertinent design features. You may want to try this out.

Fantasy Sports Prophet’s Fantasy Baseball software:

• Is web-based, so you may access it from anywhere.
• Ranks all the players based on predictive modeling programs developed by scientists.
• Assists with draft picks with a draft assistance tool, which provides you with up-to-date data so that you may make the right decision about any player.
• Manages a full season roster, complete with mid-season projections.
• Allows access all stats, injury reports and major updates available,

If you are thinking of purchasing this software, use this 10% off special promo code: BMC200. If not, visiit the website and see about improving your fantasy life.