There are two kinds of Floridians: natives and refugees. I'm a refugee from frigid Minnesota winters. So imagine my chagrin when it snowed (Jan. 19, 1977) the first winter after I moved here.

I tell people who ask that I am in the business of telling other people what to do and, if they would just take my advice they could put me out of business. I cover local governments, growth management, the environment and civil rights regularly and take up the slack on other topics as needed or because they interest me.

I believe our job on the editorial board is to inform, enlighten and expand understanding in the community.

I live in and love Fort Lauderdale. My son Brad just moved from Minneapolis to Denver where he sends me e-mails titled "Rocky Mountain High'' because he likes it so much. My son Stephen, his wife Natalie and their son Nikolai live in San Antonio, which is too far away for this doting grandmother.