Living

Books Plus runs in The Tri-City News each Friday to highlight programs and happenings in the Tri-Cities' three libraries: Coquitlam Public Library, Port Moody Public Library and Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.

Difficult financial times have forced many people young and old to alter their lifestyles in order to stay afloat financially.

Dogwood Songsters meet every Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, Dogwood Pavilion and entertain as seniors' homes weekly. If you love to sing, you can join. Info: 604-941-2375. The Alzheimer Society of BC has two active support groups in the Tri-Cities.

There's a little bit of Frank Sinatra in each of us. We all want to be independent and do it our way. I've never met anyone who, when pressed, will not admit there is a God.

There's no longer a magic number for retirement. Some people find that they want to work past the traditional retirement age while others discover they need to.

With a little sunshine and warming weather, spring certainly seems to be in the air. At least, that's what the birds seem to think.

It's hard to imagine a June garden without the mouth-watering flavour of strawberries and the good news is, planted now, both the everbearing and day-neutral varieties will produce fruit this year.

We all remember the fairy tales of our childhood but what we may forget is that fairy tales were originally spoken, not written, and often they were cautionary tales told to adults as well as children.

On March 8, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (IWD).

Irritable bowel syndrome support group meets monthly in PoMo to exchange information, to offer one another support, and to share experiences and coping strategies. Info: 604-875-4875 or www.badgut.org. Al-Anon meets Wednesdays, 8 p.m.