I love conveniences and don't think I would have done well had I lived during the 19th century: Horses, buggies, dirt floors, outhouses, boiling laundry, carrying buckets of water to rinse the clothes and do dishes, no reliable refrigeration and so on.

We have an abundance of useful and time savings devices at our disposal these days.

We have electricity that powers our microwaves, lights in our homes, beautiful refrigerators, washers, dryers, as well as indoor plumbing and reliable vehicles. We also have grocery stores and restaurants galore, as well as fast food places.

More: More Janice Crose articles

We also generate a lot more trash because of these conveniences.

We receive our fast food orders in bags, wrappers and other containers, which is convenient, but generates a lot of trash. I don't have a solution, but realize that we are generating huge amounts of trash with our addiction to take-out food. I know there must be a solution to this problem.

Some jobs are becoming disposable. We now have self-serve check out stands in grocery and other stores; self-serve kiosks where we can order our own food, both in sit down restaurants as well as fast food.

We now have ATM machines that can accept deposits as well as dispense cash and we can pay our bills online.

While some of these may save time and money for the business, jobs are being lost and some people are suffering as a result of these job losses. I don't use self check out as I don't want to replace an employee with a machine, but the days are coming when we will have little choice.

There is "Flippy" the burger robot that is being used at some White Castle locations and the company is planning on expanding the robots to more stores in 2021  (https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/what-is-flippy-burger-flipping-robot).

Flippy uses artificial intelligence to assist in the kitchens of fast food restaurants. He never needs breaks, time off or vacation, so he is a great employee. However, as wonderful as Flippy is, he is replacing employees in the kitchen, which means less jobs.

There are certainly two sides to this innovative robot.

With the innovation of robots like Flippy, employees need to pay attention to their positions by being on time, paying attention to their job, and treating customers and management with respect, as well as keeping up with current industry technology and standards.

This ensures they will be a valued member of the team and grow with the business.

Let's not allow our jobs to become disposable. We can do better than that!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Our disposable lifestyle impacts jobs

After the intense cold we experienced, it appears that spring may actually be on its way. Spring will be here on Sunday, March 20.

Daylight Savings Time will be implemented on Sunday, March 14. Shortly we will be out of winter, with spring and then summer following.

For those of you who enjoy gardening, now is the time to prepare your flower beds and get them ready for planting.

More: More Janice Crose articles

Azaleas do well in our area and have such beautiful blooms. They come in a variety of colors and hold their flowers for about two weeks. I like having different colored azaleas in my front garden.

I need to replace some of them this year, so I will make a trip to the nursery. Some of the new Encore azaleas will bloom for longer than two weeks, so these may be an option if you want your  blooms to last longer.

Impatiens, salvia, petunias and verbena do well in the Crestview area and have flowers in a variety of colors. Sunflowers, asters, wild petunias and goldenrod also do well.

Check with the nursery if you aren't sure that a certain plant will thrive in our area.

A great resource for wildflowers is flawildflowers.org. This website has an immense amount of information about wildflowers and how to attract birds, butterflies and bees to your garden.

Crape myrtle trees are deciduous and beautify our area and flower in the spring and summer.  Florida Dogwoods and Redbuds also have beautiful flowers.  There are also a variety of ornamental trees that flower. Ask about them at the nursery.

Hibiscus are one of my favorite flowering plants, but they don't do well in the winter or cold months. I keep them in pots and bring them in during cold spells. I like the blooms on hibiscus and the fact that they bloom most of the spring and summer.

Hibiscus also come in a variety of beautiful colors. I buy plants that will bloom right away, but you can plant seeds and watch them grow.

Roses can also do well here in the Crestview area. Make sure you choose a variety that does well in our plant hardiness zone. On the USDA zone map, we are zone 8b. (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/)

Choose your plants carefully as they will thrive in the correct zone. Nurseries are a tremendous help in choosing the right plants and trees for your yard.

Enjoy the warmer weather and let's beautify Crestview with our flowers, shrubs and trees. Happy planting!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Spring is headed to Northwest Florida

Monday evening, I ordered some snacks from Walmart. I often order dog or cat food, snacks, coffee and other nonperishables from them and a few days later I receive a box in the mail with my order. Tuesday morning, I happened to look on my front porch and there were three bags of groceries on my front porch from Walmart.

What is interesting is that online it states that "next day delivery" is not available, but since I received groceries the next morning, this service is obviously being tested in the Crestview area. The future of easier shopping is coming quickly.

More: More Janice Crose articles

When I was a child in Southern California, we had a Driftwood Dairy milkman who had a key to our home. He would bring milk into the house and put it directly into the refrigerator. He would leave eggs, sour cream and other dairy items needed. If we wanted chocolate milk, we would leave him a note.

He would leave a bill once a month. Mom or Dad would leave him a check in the refrigerator. Having him deliver fresh milk was very convenient for my mother, who worked and had four kids.

I remember asking my dad if it was safe for the milkman to have a key to our house, and he said he trusted the milkman implicitly.

We never had any issues until the dairy quit offering this service. Then my parents switched to the grocery store. The milk wasn't nearly as tasty, and we ran out of eggs and milk.

Many stores now offer grocery delivery of some sort. In some cases, you can order what you need online and the store's employees pull your items. They then bring them to your car when you arrive at the store.

There are also online services, such as Instacart, that have their employees shop specifically for your needs and then deliver the groceries to your home for a fee. Instacart advertises that their shoppers know how to pick fresh produce and fruit. For those who are mobility challenged, this is a very beneficial service.

My mother used to tell me stories of the "bread man" coming around in a truck with fresh bread, as well as the milk man. In some ways there were more conveniences in the 1950s and 1960s, but it looks as though the tide may be turning.

I look forward to getting more groceries delivered and am thankful for delivery services provided by Walmart, Amazon, Instacart and others that deliver. Life is changing before our very eyes.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Shopping is becoming more convenient

We have entered a new calendar year, but there is one piece of business still left to handle from 2020…taxes! 

I know many readers probably cringe at the thought of filing taxes, but there is a relief to be had in a financial tax refund for some. This year, the IRS will begin accepting and processing individual income tax filing on Feb. 12.

A variety of options are available to individuals seeking to file their taxes, such as visiting a business or financial professional specializing in offering tax preparation services; or purchasing filing software to prepare individual taxes on your own.

Qualifying individuals may utilize the IRS Free File Program to file taxes electronically, on-line for free, with partnering tax preparation companies. Visit the IRS Free File Program website at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free to see if you qualify. 

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This year, the Okaloosa County Extension office will be offering the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program for eligible individuals. This program is a free service and will begin in mid-February.  

Volunteers with training will be available to prepare and file individual taxes by appointment only for households with a total income of $66,000 or less; additional qualifying criteria will apply. 

Call 850-689-5850 to schedule an appointment beginning Feb. 12; limited space is available. CDC guidelines for COVID-19 at the time of the appointment will be observed. 

For more information on filing individual taxes, contact Jill Breslawski, family & consumer science agent with the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension, at 850-689-5850 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Free VITA tax filing available in February

As families, not only have we have moved away from each other, but in many cases we now live clear across the country. Because of these long distances from our core families, we are losing some of our family stories and traditions.

In many families, not only do the family stories have a moral or a point, they also may teach family religious traditions, such as the Seder Passover, Easter and other holidays.

If we aren't careful, we may lose these family stories. We don't want to lose some of our traditions and important family history.

More: More Janice Crose articles

This story doesn't matter to anyone outside our family, but it is still a fun story and a good learning experience.

My grandfather was the youngest of 10 children and was reared on a large farm in rural Missouri. His first cousin was six months younger than him.

They truly were best friends and managed to get into plenty of scrapes as kids. Nothing ever went unnoticed in their tiny town; his parents always found out about the shenanigans and mischief.

It was hot and humid in the Missouri summer, and there was no air conditioning when plowing, so these two cousins would take off as much clothing as they could get away with and still be decent to other farmers passing by, or church friends, while they plowed.

One Sunday after church, my 8-year-old grandfather rushed home to finish some plowing in order to sow seed the next morning.

He was so hot, he began to leave a trail of clothes at the end of the rows he was plowing. The amount of clothes he was wearing at the end compared to what he had begun with was noticeably smaller.

He figured he was fast and could race and get his clothes before his parents got home from church, which was true.

He didn't count on his cousin hiding his clothes. Somehow, his cousin figured out what time his grandparents would be getting home from church and took my grandfather's clothes and hid them. By this point he was about down to his underwear.

In the 20s, neither children nor adults undressed that much in public, so this was a matter of embarrassment to our grandfather.

He learned that one can't leave their clothing where someone else can take and hide it, and one must stay decently clothed, no matter how hot the weather or how fast a runner they might be.

I know there was much laughter over that one incident in our family as well as many more funny incidents. Start writing these stories down so you don't forget the memories.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Stories, oral traditions help retain family history

We don't know what tomorrow holds or may bring, but we can rest assured that the Lord will be in control, no matter the circumstances.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? Anything is particular? It appears many states will still be locked down, so there won't be much travel allowed.

The cruise ships have cancelled their sailings until at least May 1. We are fortunate that we live in Florida and have freedoms many other states don't enjoy.

We can still go out to eat, go see a movie at a movie theater as well as attend theme parks in Central Florida. We can go to the beach and get a haircut, which aren't allowed in other states.

So, what goals would you like to accomplish this year? The year will pass, but having clear cut goals will help us stay focused.

Here are some of mine:

•Spend at least 20 minutes more per day in Bible reading.

•Spend at least 15 minutes more per day in prayer.

•Exercise at least 15 minutes per day or more.

•Eat more vegetables and fruits.

•Cut out processed foods.

•Work on achieving financial goals in order to eliminate debt.

•Maintain relationships by phone or mail during this pandemic.

•Declutter one room at a time and organize what is left.

•Learn to listen to others, not just formulate your answer while they are speaking.

•Learn a new skill this year, sewing, gardening, knitting, and so on.

•Put the cell phone away during family dinners.

•Spend time with my spouse every day, and dwell on what drew me to him in the first place.

•Make someone smile every day.

•Encourage someone every day; give them a compliment.

•Journal my prayer requests, along with the answers the Lord provides.

•Memorize scripture.

•Memorize the Preamble to the Constitution.

•Learn who my local, state and federal representatives are and let them know my concerns.

•Plant some beautiful flowers.

•Join a weekly Bible study. There are many available on Zoom.

•Volunteer at the community garden.

•Study U.S. history and learn how our government should operate.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Plans for 2021 and beyond

In recognition of James Bond's 100th birthday, the Crestview Public Library is observing this literary character's birthday. 

While Ian Fleming never gave James Bond an exact birthday, the agreed upon date is Nov. 11, 1920. This, of course, is a guesstimate as the author never confirmed it.

Brian Hughes has considerately set up an exhibit about the literary character, Ian Fleming, and the other authors of Bond books. There is also a side mention of the films and in the lobby center table case and a display of James Bond toys.

An avid fan of James Bond, Hughes has an impressive collection of movie posters, books, model cars and other memorabilia. He has graciously shared his collection for us to view at the Crestview Library.  

James Bond books and movies have become a phenomenon, something I am sure that Ian Fleming could have never predicted when he wrote his first book in 1953.

The first book he wrote was "Casino Royale," which received favorable reviews. The next book written was Live and "Let Die" in 1954. Thus the legendary James Bond was created.

Fleming was a prolific author and one James Bond book was published each year until 1966. Fleming died Aug.12, 1964, from a heart attack at the age of 56.

In 1954, a television adaptation of "Casino Royale" was shown live on CBS. James Bond was played by an American actor named Barry Nelson and the antagonist was Peter Lorre.

This was a one hour production and is now available on DVD as a short with the 1967 release of "Casino Royale." It is quite interesting that the iconic British spy James Bond was first played by an American actor.

Through the years several actors have played the part of 007 James Bond on the big screen, beginning with Sean Connery in 1962 in the movie "Dr. No." George Lazenby starred in one James Bond film in 1969, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

Roger Moore then played Bond for 12 years, followed by Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Most people have their favorite James Bond actor.

The library has many of Ian Fleming's novels just waiting to be read. Immerse yourself in a good book and enjoy the spy world.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Library celebrating James Bond's 100th birthday

We have many things for which to be thankful this year. Many of us can spend time with friends and family. We live in a state where we can actually celebrate a day of thanks to the Lord for our bountiful blessings.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you and your family? My mother would put popcorn kernels at every place setting and we were asked to share what we were thankful for. We started with two kernels and worked up to five. It was difficult to figure out which five things were most important in an entire year, since there were so many to choose from.

My relationship with the Lord would be first on my list. He redeemed me from my sins and has given me the gift of eternal life.

Family would be second on my list. Our family is getting smaller as the years go on, so each year becomes more special as we don't know who may or may not be with us next year.

This is something we all face, so we need to make time to be with our families so we don't have regrets about the time we spent with them.

I am very thankful for my wonderful husband, Jim. He is a hard worker and provides for our family. He is kind and patient, not only with me, but with my entire family.

Our church family is also important. These are the people with whom we will spend eternity in heaven. I am thankful for the written Scripture, the fact that I can read the Bible for myself.

I am also thankful for my precious pets, my darling collie and my sweet kitty cats. They make our lives so much more enjoyable by providing companionship and love.

I am also very thankful for the gift of music; I so enjoy listening to different pieces of music as I work. I thank the Lord that He gave me a voice that can sing His praises.

Friends who love us the way we are, even when we are cranky, are certainly a blessing in this life. Are you a friend that loves unconditionally? Do you have friends that love you unconditionally? I am thankful for my friends. They care about me, even when I am stressed, overworked and perhaps not very lovable at times.

Our freedom and the fact we can move about and worship freely are a blessing.

We have many things in our lives for which to be thankful. Count your blessings and see the wondrous joy you have in your life.

This Thanksgiving, let's not forget to thank our Creator for His blessings to us. II Corinthians 9:15 states, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." Psalm 100:4 states, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His Name."

Have a happy and joyous Thanksgiving!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: There are many things to be thankful for

We have looked at jobs and careers that don't require a college education in order to make a good living. I thought we should look at some jobs that may require a certificate or an associate's degree that don't cost a fortune to obtain.

Cybersecurity is a career with many openings these days as more companies are realizing their need to safeguard their own information, as well as the personal information of their clients/customers.

From hackers outside the company to dishonest employees, information needs to be secure. Networks must also be protected from power surges and power outages as well as equipment malfunction. There are many areas in cybersecurity, therefore different specialties.

Cybersecurity positions pay from $90,000 up to $120,000 per year.

These positions require an analytical mind and an understanding of computer code, as well as in-depth knowledge of how computers function.

Many of these positions are taught in the military and carry across into businesses. A bachelor's degree is not required for many of these positions, however, sometimes a certificate and classroom training is required. Also required is an intimate knowledge of computer security.

One needed position is that of an ethical hacker. An ethical hacker, with the approval of management, finds vulnerabilities in a system, then notifies the IT manager and others on the management team. A fix to the vulnerability is then designed to halt it. Another hack is attempted in order to make sure the fix is secure.

Obviously, one would have to be very ethical for this position.

A security administrator is an entry level cybersecurity position that is in demand. This position requires the person to look at the entire system to make sure it is working correctly, not just focus on one aspect of cybersecurity.

More (March 22, 2020): Practice kindness

They will monitor the system to make sure there isn't any unusual activity, configure firewalls and other security and work with other specialists to keep the entire system running and free of viruses, hacks and other breaches. A certificate or associate's degree is generally preferred and the median salary in 2019 was $80,000.

Many cybersecurity positions require an IT certificate in order to be considered. They also require in-depth knowledge of encryptions, protocols, firewalls and so on.

The required certificate is obtainable online or at a local college. Northwest Florida State offers IT classes and certificates. For a management or director position, generally a four-year degree and experience would be required. A chief information security officer's position would require a bachelor's degree and 5 to 15 years of experience depending upon the company. The average salary for this position in 2019 was $184,900.

Many companies help pay for degrees, so look into that once you have a job you enjoy. This is a great way to earn a degree or certificate. There are many positions open in the Information Technology world.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: The need for cybersecurity positions has increased