TAMPA — Rising gasoline prices, hotel rates, food expenses and an unfavorable international currency exchange continue to wreak havoc on vacation plans.

Your mom spends all year worrying about her family’s health - and ends up neglecting her own.

For people who can’t digest wheat, rye and barley, socializing and eating out in a gluten-filled world is tricky. It helps that awareness of celiac disease is growing and food manufacturers are responding to growing demand for gluten-free items.

State and local government leaders participated in a National Day of Prayer event on the state Capitol grounds yesterday that attracted a diverse crowd of about 100.

May is the month that the Chinese ground orchid blooms. Like those of many orchids, its blooms are brilliantly colorful and fascinating. But unlike many orchids it is easy and prolific. It is a simple plant to grow in semi-shade in the garden where it will gradually form into great masses, and each pair of pleated leaves will surround a slender stalk topped by a group of rose purple flowers.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla.—For 11 days, Stinky was laid low, suffering from wounds from an attack by a pit bull terrier. His owners didn’t care enough for their pot bellied pig to get him medical care.