Are you taking a stay-cation?

Gas prices are hovering around $4.00/ gallon (diesel is $4.75/ gallon on a good day,) airlines are charging for checked bags and talking of fare increases and surcharges, and restaurants are raising prices because their suppliers are raising prices. The family budget is feeling pinched and you might not be able to eke out the traditional road trip vacation.

Personally I am faced with the children being out of school and I am trying to come up with fun things to do on the cheap for 2 ½ months. I have already checked out The Eustis Memorial Library summer reading program and put it on the schedule. We will travel to exotic locales through the pages of books. We will be limited only by our imaginations. We will also go to the park, take some nature walks and go to the Eustis Pool.

We have several options for weekend getaways all within a couple hours of home. These mini-vacations are fabulous and affordable. I usually find these getaways more relaxing than the week-long road trips. There is less planning, less packing and less preparation.

We are 45 minutes northwest of Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld.

Fabulous beach locals such as Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach are as close as one hour.

Historic St. Augustine can be reached in just under two hours.

This summer -- as you are feeling the budget crunch, yet yearn to get away-- select a destination close to home and explore your own backyard.

Benefit Basketball Tournament for Kyle Thrush

Kyle Thrush is a Mount Plymouth youth who suffered serious head injuries in a dirt bike accident in April. He was given a 4% chance to live. Through his own determination, the power of prayer and skilled specialists he has beaten those odds. Kyle is currently in a rehabilitation center in Jacksonville, FL. He is on track to return home before the end of summer.

Friends of the Thrush family have coordinated several benefits to help offset the family’s medical expenses and other related expenses.

This weekend Florida Hospital Waterman is sponsoring a charity basketball game for Kyle. Faith Lutheran School (coached by Michael Repass) and WESH-TV 2 (coached by Greg Fox) will team up on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Faith Lutheran Christian Life Center, 2715 South Grove Street, Eustis, FL.

The basketball warm up begins at 6:30 PM and game time is 7:00. Tickets are available at the door and seating is limited.

A silent auction including sports memorabilia and a bake sale will begin at 5:30 PM.

All contributions are appreciated and will be directed to the Thrush family to help with the financial burden. Direct donations may be made at any of the five branches of The First National Bank of Mount Dora or mailed to: FNB, P.O.Box 995, Sorrento, FL 32776. Please note “Kyle Fund” on the check’s memo line