Plant the image of Bambi traipsing through a garden in the minds of most suburbanites and they'll coo with pleasure at the thought of Mother Nature gracing them with her presence. Mention deer to a gardener, however, and you'll often get a decidedly different reaction.

As cute as they may be, deer hold a place right alongside moles, rabbits and grubs in the minds of those who invest hours in planting a beautiful garden.

In my memory, the corruption of children has been attributed to everything from books, music, television, movies and the latest scapegoat, video games. At every turn there's some podium-thumping authority figure crying out for the salvation of our youth and the banning of the entertainment source du jour that, they assure us, is turning our children into drug abusing, amoral, Satan worshipers.

Short of an actual vacation, nothing sets a mood quite as tropical and intimate as a backyard party complete with tiki torches. The warm, flickering light casts inviting shadows, sets a sparkle to the eye and invites close conversation and a merry, festive mood. But there's so much more to making the party something your friends will be talking about with their coworkers around the water cooler on Monday than just firing up the torches.

I'm always happy to hear that somebody is considering adopting or purchasing a miniature or potbelly pig. They are fantastic animals and if you plan on getting one you'll have years of fun together.

Before you make the leap, make sure you know what you are getting into. You, your family, your other pets and, of course, your potential mini, all deserve the best and that means making an informed decision.