I used to say I could live at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Melbourne, now I’m beginning to have my doubts. My plan was to hide in the store till closing every night, pitch a cot somewhere amongst the business and science books and then get jacked up on mocha lattes all night while perusing my private library.

That is now getting less appealing since our local B&N is beginning to more resemble the Toys-R-Us just up the street than it does the once hallowed library like atmosphere of nerdliness. For a good coupe of years Barnes and Noble was apparently working right along side my tastes in reading as I could migrate to my favorite section and look at the latest in books on business, finance and entrepreneurship, then move to the other side of the real wood bookcase to view what cutting edge artists were doing with Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, moving over to the web design books, then to a short look through the mind numbing world of computer programming and finally on to some scientist or philosopher’s pontification as to how the universe came into existence out of nothingness.

B&N somehow then decided to replace that entire section with teen fiction which consisted of nothing but ashen faced vampires, with just a hint of sexiness, sucking the life out of each other. When the copy-cat Twilight phenom, along with a few zombie stories and some goofy novels you read backwards, finally ran its course (presumably because literary agents tired of such predictable boy-vampire-meets-girl-non-vampire-while-making-non-vampire-girl’s-dad-a-little-testy plots), then came Lego land complete with bright yellow and red colored plastic shelving.

I’m not sure what other B&N Booksellers around the country are doing (I’ll bet probably the same), but Barnes and Noble in Melbourne Florida has turned at least 25% of its store over to toys, puzzles, games and all things related to mindless kid fun. This is to presumably make happy a guilty mom and dad’s quest to please young junior’s pleading for the latest Lego innovation and to keep them from gnawing on a tired parent’s ankles.

What started as a section with games and a few puzzles, including someone’s twisted idea for a Jackson Pollock puzzle (just plain sick, although it is fun to contemplate who I would give that to), has grown like a blob into a confusing array of stuff (probably ending up under your Christmas tree) that makes the old fashioned book store hard to define any longer. The memories of plush chairs, lots of room, plenty of books, eclectic indie music and the smell of freshly brewed coffee is unfortunately, old school these days. In the spirit of baby Jesus (of course), we must sell to the masses.

I’m sure plenty of so-called market research went into decimating 25% of their floor space of real paper books and turning it over to kid friendly colors and plastic toys that will eventually end up in a landfill or floating around in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in a few months. However, there are customers who appreciate things that somehow were missed by the number crunching accountants-turned-market-researchers who birthed the “new” Barnes and Noble plan.

One of the more aggravating things this new plan has done is seemingly turned the science section into a nomadic tribe of paper, thin cardboard and binding glue that appears to have no home. I’m sure in the last 4 months this genre of books has occupied 4 different, now carpet indented, plots of the store. Just 2 weeks ago I purchased a book from the science section which today has since moved 25 feet to the south. The space it used to occupy is empty, I assume waiting to be filled by more toys.

While I do miss the old bookstore that was a book store, there may be uses for some of this cluster of mishmash aimed at a more Merry Christmas. If you open that mysterious unmarked package under the tree on December 25th morn and it’s a Jackson Pollock puzzle, you will know who it came from.

If I wanted to shop for kid nicknacks I would go to WalMart and wade through the Transformer action figure knock-offs strewn about in the vast toy section amid the new rubber smell of knobby tires on cheap bicycles. Interestingly enough, WalMart has greatly decreased the size of their magazine and book section. I’m hoping this tsunami of non-book related paraphernalia in Barnes and Noble vanishes in a 50 to 75% off door busting stampede on December 26th.

Honestly, I’d rather spend a little more money for groceries in a place that has the good sense to keep their establishment clean instead of shopping at a grocery store that for some reason doesn’t seem to think those things are important. I’m guessing that if the part of the store that I can see is clean, there’s a better chance the part of the store that I can’t see that handles and moves the food is clean as well. We stopped going to Winn Dixie on Malabar Road a long time ago because the part of the store we could see smelled and wasn’t clean. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to what the hidden part of the store looked like.

While other stores like Walmart, also on the border of West Melbourne and Palm Bay, are fairly clean, Walmart is just too big to really enjoy shopping there. We do go to Walmart occasionally, but it is like shopping in an airplane hangar and really more of a chore than a pleasure. If you forget something, it always seems to be on the other side of the store and you have to hike a ways to retrieve it. My wife and I now bring our phones if we go to Walmart just so we can find each other if we need to.

We only go to Walmart occasionally, but do the majority of our grocery shopping at Publix except for the bi-weekly produce box we get from the Happy Healthy Human in Indian Harbour Beach. Another reason I like Publix is that they frequently have food tasting at various stations around the store and I do like to sample the goodies once in a while. Of course, Publix is extremely convenient to shop at as their location is just right across Palm bay Road from us. We could almost walk, but it might be a little bit of a hassle carrying the groceries home.

I do appreciate Publix’ cleanliness, that’s probably the biggest reason I shop there. They’ve figured out the obvious and they obviously make sure someone sweeps the front of the store and keeps everything in the store orderly. It doesn’t take much, but sometimes businesses ignore the obvious to their peril. Publix West Melbourne on Palm Bay Road has my business for a long time.

If you are looking for an outdoor farmer’s market that sells produce (some local), breads and other baked goods, honey, crafts, and yes, even more produce, then look no further that the Eau Gallie Farmer’s Market. It is located in the downtown Eau Gallie section of North Melbourne and have something for everyone that loves good produce.

If you didn’t know it, Eau Gallie used to be it’s own town and was incorporated into Melbourne back in the early 1970′s. That’s why we have Eau Gallie High School, The Eau Gallie Civic Center and many other things in the north part of Melbourne with that rather strange name.

But anyway, back to the farmer’s market. It is open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm and features quite a wide variety of everything you would expect in a farmer’s market. Although it is a bit small, my wife and I have found everything we need to get in the way of produce at the market. We used to buy our local honey at a health food store right near our home, but when the cost went up to $45 per gallon we had to look elsewhere and luckily we found honey from Umatilla, Florida for quite a bit less than $45 a gallon. I think it comes out to $38 a gallon, but one is measured by weight and the other is by liquid ounces.

Downtown Eau Gallie has a very home town feel and the people you meet are friendly and talkative as you would expect at a market such as this. People also bring their animals and we met the sweetest old English sheep dog the last weekend on August 2010. This sweet animal greeted you by extending her paw and shaking hands with you. That’s just another benefit of enjoying your local farmer’s market that you probably won’t get to experience at your local Publix.

Remember the market is open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm and is located at the intersection of Eau Gallie Blvd and Highland Ave as pictured in the Google map below. See you at the next market.

View Larger Map

Who loves tea? Who loves gourmet tea? What could be better than sipping iced tea on a hot Florida afternoon?

Or when it gets cold here in Florida, whenever that happens, how about a nice cup of hot tea.

Now I’m not talking about a regular cup of tea. I’m talking the about loose leaf bursting-with-aroma-and-flavor real gourmet tea. I’m talking about the kind you can’t get at the grocery store.

In fact the grocery store manager might give you an odd look if you asked them for loose tea.

One of our favorite spots to visit in the Melbourne / Palm Bay area is the Melwood Creek Tea Company.

What a great little shop. If you are a gourmet tea lover this is your shop. At Melwood Creek Tea Co. you will enjoy shopping and taking tea and in a small, quaint 1919 circa building with warm Dade Pine paneling, high ceilings and rustic wood floors.

Do they have tea…

Yes, they have every kind of gourmet tea you can think of…

How about Black Teas, Classic Tea Blends, Fantasy Teas, Oolong Teas, Green Teas, White Teas, Decaf Teas, Herbal Teas, Tisanes, Dried Floral and Herb Teas and a wide assortment of gifts and supplies for the gourmet tea lover.

I like to go in just to smell the loose tea. Have you ever smelled real apricot tea? There isn’t anything like it. Some people do like to drink it though.

Your host and hostess at the Melwood Creek Tea Company are Steve and Donna Schnatz.

If you have a tea question, Steve and Donna have a tea answer. Not only do Steve and Donna love tea, they have a passion for it.

Donna has so much of a passion for tea when they go out or stay at a bed and breakfast, she takes her own tea with her.

Don’t bring Donna a tea bag, oh no, don’t do that, she already has that taken care of. That’s what tea passion is. And she shares that passion with her customers.

So, if you are strolling around old downtown Melbourne on a nice afternoon or just need a cool, refreshing, real ice tea, stop in at the Melwood Creek Tea Company at 2013 Melbourne Court and explore. Or you can visit their Web site at www.mcteas.com.

I’m sure you will leave with some refreshing iced tea, a few bags of gourmet tea or a new passion.

Unfortunately our favorite tea company is no longer in business.

If you need power where it isn’t, then you need a Dewalt Generator. Dewalt is well known for their rugged and reliable tools and they’ve built their generators the same way.

So when you need power because of a recent hurricane or to power your tools on the job, get a Dewalt. Many of us that live here in Florida remember the two hurricanes that hit within just a few weeks of each other back a few years ago. During that time we were without electricity for almost 3 weeks. If that isn’t enough to make you want to get a generator, than nothing will do the trick.

Get a Dewalt before you have to go without electricity for an extended period.

Click the Get More Info buttons below.

Other Recommended Generator Brands:
Generac Generators • NorthStar Generators
Whole House Generators • Yamaha Generators

DEWALT Gas Generator with Honda Engine 2900 Watts, 5.5 HP , Model DG2900 Quality Honda OHV GX engine provides jobsite reliability, with low oil shutoff and a maintenance-free, brushless alternator for increased durability. High amp surge capacity is ideal for starting high-amp tools like air compressors and for running power tools. Max. 120V power switch ensures peak performance of 120V and 240V tools. Features jobsite-tested frame with panel protection bars, super-quiet muffler and idle control for fuel economy and noise reduction.

DEWALT Gas Generator with Honda Engine – 7000 Watts, 13 HP, Model DG7000 Quality Honda OHV GX engine provides jobsite reliability, with low oil shutoff and a maintenance-free, brushless alternator for increased durability. High amp surge capacity is ideal for starting high-amp tools like air compressors and for running power tools. Max. 120V power switch ensures peak performance of 120V and 240V tools. Features jobsite-tested frame with panel protection bars, super-quiet muffler and idle control for fuel economy and noise reduction. Includes wheel kit, handle kit, lifting hook and spark plug wrench. Truck ship. 1-year limited warranty.

The generator parts listed below include generator transfer kits, power cords, wheel kits, covers batteries and much more.

With these parts you can make using your generator as easy as possible. Get a transfer kit for your generator and never worry about running out of outlets again. You can hook up your generator directly to your home and transfer the power without having to plug anything in. Easily provide emergency power to your home when you need it most.

Click on the Get More Info buttons below:

Reliance Loadside Generator Transfer Switch – 50 Amp, 10 Circuit The safe, code-approved way to provide emergency power to your home or business during a power outage. The proper connection between a portable generator and selected circuits in a load center allows the user to efficiently and easily operate appliances such as a furnace, refrigerator, sump pump, TV, well pump, lights and more. Power can be manually transferred for each appliance independently at user’s choice without danger of backfeeding the electrical utility. Internal wiring compartment allows for optional hardwiring to remote power inlet boxes. Dual wattmeters monitor load in generator. Completely pre-wired with individual wires marked by circuit. Indoor surface-mount design. UL listed. 5-year limited warranty. U.S.A.

Reliance Generator Power Cord – 30 Amp, 20ft. For connecting generator output receptacles and either Reliance Raintight™ power inlet box or transfer switches with appropriate power inlets. Four conductor 120/240 Volt. Sturdy, all-weather construction. UL listed. 5-year limited warranty. U.S.A.

Reliance Generator Transfer Switch — 60 Amp, 240 Volt This economical single–load transfer panel provides safe single–load transfer from generator to an office, garage or farm building where the entire circuitry is to be powered by a generator during a power outage. Compact, all–steel design completely isolates the generator from the utility with manual switching action. Can be used as an economical alternative to a DPDT switch. Maximum generator input is 15,000 Watts. Indoor surface–mount design. Can also be used for tractor–driven farm PTOs. UL listed. 5–year limited warranty. U.S.A. Factory shipped.

Reliance Generator Transfer Switch — Single Circuit, 7500 Watt Ideal for control of farm buildings, irrigation systems, community wells, telecommunication substations, traffic signals and more! Weather-resistant cabinet is zinc-plated steel with powder-coat finish, gasket lined and lockable (padlock not included). Built-in power inlet can accommodate a generator cord with door closed and locked. Safe transfer switch gear keeps the generator isolated from the utility at all times. Outdoor surface mount. UL listed. 5-year limited warranty. U.S.A. Factory shipped.

Classic Accessories Generator Cover – Large Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric protects against sun damage, rain/snow, dirt, dust, tree sap and birds.Will not shrink or stretch. Handy integrated stuff sack. Large size fits generators up to 7000 Watts

Generator Battery — 12 Volt Cold Cranking Amps 170Amp/Hour Rating 18 Use with Item #s 165967, 165923, 165930 and 165939

NorthStar Generator Wheel Kit Bolts easily onto our #165917, #165923 and #165925 generators. Has 10in. pneumatic tires. 3/4in. axle. 3/4in. steel axle Axle length: 30.32in. Wheels are placed near the center for stability Non-slip grips (not included) 1.25in. diameter tubing

Reliance Transfer Switch – 10-Circuit , 50 Amp, Model# Q510C 50 Amp, 10-circuit transfer switch with 15, 20 and 30 Amp interchangeable circuit breakers is designed for use with portable generators up to 12,500 Watts. Patented switch can handle a double-pole, 30 Amp circuit for powering central air conditioning, water heaters or large well pumps while retaining the easy-use toggle switch control panel. C-UL 1008 listed. 5-year limited warranty. U.S.A.

NorthStar Gas Tank — 10 Gallon Durable tank comes complete with valve grommet and needle valve. Cap has fuel gauge. 5 1/4-20 x 1/2in. tapped mounting holes. Molded-in warning decal. 23.75in.L x 17.5in.W x 8.93in.H. U.S.A.

Keep your yard and garden watered with a garden hose from Northern Tools. All the accessories you need to keep your hoses from being tangled or scattered throughout the yard are available to, such as faucet attachments, hose reels and carts. Choose from standard hoses to commercial strength hoses.

The hoses and accessories you will find featured below include a Galvanized Garden Hose Clamps 2-Pack, 3/4in., Gardensmith Brass Faucet Manifold 5 Way, Bon Aire Ultimate Hose Nozzle, Model# HN-10AL, Handtite Garden Hose End Mender 5/8in.,

Rapid Reel Heavy-Duty Parallel-Mount Hose Reel, Rapid Reel Heavy-Duty Water Hose Reel with Cart, Rapid Reel Perpendicular-Mount Hose Reel, Rapid Reel Heavy-Duty Hose Reel on a Wagon Tackles Any Terrain, True Temper Wall-Mount Hose Reel, Model# 2388500 and more.

Brevard County MLS
The Brevard County MLS is a great way to check on properties available anywhere in Brevard County. Find out more about how to use this valuable tool.

Home For Sale In Florida
We’re working on your new home for sale in Florida. It is convenient to shopping, I-95 and has some great amenities.

A bathroom vanity sink will add a rich and old world feel to your bathroom like almost nothing else you can do with your decor. Go beyond your standard contractor’s fixtures and cabinets and really add some charm to your bath.

Shop our vanity sink store to see what you can find to add that high end touch to your bath for less than you think.

A vanity sink with a custom design will give your home and more importantly, your bathroom the look you’ve always desired. If you want to customize your home, the bath is one of the most common places many people start. Start customizing your bathroom today with a new vanity.

Home For Sale In Florida
We’re working on your new home for sale in Florida. It is convenient to shopping, I-95 and has some great amenities.

Brevard County MLS
The Brevard County MLS is a great way to check on properties available anywhere in Brevard County. Find out more about how to use this valuable tool.

Kitchen islands or kitchen carts can sometimes be just the thing you need to bring everything together in your cooking space. Islands and carts are so practical and functional because you can use them to store your food prep equipment and you can use them to prepare your scrumptious dishes as well.

Is your kitchen not as functional as you would like? An island or cart is sure to solve that problem.

My wife and I recently had a kitchen island made and it has been a huge convenience for us. We now have so much more room in the kitchen that we almost don’t know what to do with it.

You will be so glad you put a new island in you kitchen and soon afterward you will wonder how you ever lived without one.

Nothing brings your yard into focus more than garden lighting in the evenings. What a nice touch lighting will bring to your outdoor spaces, walkways, rock gardens and more.

If you have noticed your neighbors or the hotel when you may have taken your next vacation and there was beautiful lighting on the paths around the hotel property.

Shop below for hanging lamps, garden markers, solar lighting and even some very unique solar powered, lighted stepping stones. I’ll bet there aren’t too many people in the neighborhood that have those.

Click on your selections below:

Aurora Solar Light – 4 PackThe Aurora Solar Light (4 pack) is a solar powered rechargeable light that gives an ambient glow for mood lighting of borders, paths, patios and driv… more	Carriage Light with Shepherd’s Crook – Single PackThe Carriage Light with Shepard’s Crook (Single pack) displays lantern style solar lights on a shepherd’s crook style stake. They are ideal to use alo… more
Carriage Light with Shepherd’s Crook – Twin PackThe Carriage Light with Shepard’s Crook (Twin pack) displays lantern style solar lights on a shepherd’s crook style stake. They are ideal to use along… more	Multi Solar Lights – 10 PackThe Multi-Solar Lights (10 Pack) will accent your garden with solar powered lights that can be positioned almost anywhere in the garden. Solar panel r… more
Orbis Stainless Steel Solar Light – 4 PackThe Orbis Stainless Steel Solar Light (4 pack) is made from stainless steel. These lights are contemporary looking and functional. They light up a pat… more	Orion Stainless Steel Solar Light – 4 PackThe Orion Stainless Steel Solar Light (4 pack) offers contemporary styling and superb quality. They are perfect for mood lighting of borders, paths an… more
Solar Marker Lights Two-PackSimply push the stake into the ground and you’re ready to go. Two way switch for a flashing or steady light. Solar panel on top. Photo cell for automa… more	Solar-Powered Stepping StonesSolar powered stones enhance and illuminate your pathway. Even better than their beauty, is the easy set up. There isn’t any! No wiring needed because… more