ARA Content
The home-buying process can be daunting to someone who's never purchased a house before.
But, through seminars offered in your community, and with the assistance of an experienced loan officer, a first-time buyer can get a better understanding of the financing options.

Trees and plants damaged by recent tornadoes may be in a state of shock and need some pampering this spring and summer.
"Give them extra care, watering and fertilizer this season," said Susan French, Virginia Beach horticulture extension agent.

Day in the garden "Favors, Flowers and Fun, the sixth annual Portsmouth Master Gardeners Plant Sale and Open Garden, is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 17 at the Portsmouth Extension Office, 105 Utah St. Gardens at the site have been enlarged with the addition of a vegetable display.

Of all days to celebrate spring, May Day is really the best. The first day of spring is in cold wintery March. Easter weather is usually not much better, but by May 1, spring is truly here in Hampton Roads.

Just imagine taking a Wii in your bathroom. Now add a laptop, a big-screen TV, an iPod with speakers, a DVD player, a foot bath, a refrigerator.

On Wednesday morning, the ingredients for this arguable fantasy sat piled in front of Sally Urban's house in Norfolk.

She was randomly chosen from 270,000 entries nationwide in Roto-Rooter's "Pimped out Powder Room" sweepstakes.

The Pilot's Daily Break asked readers to share the ways they are trying to help the environment. Here’s what  they said:  

A fungal disease threatening some of Virginia’s strawberry crops has been largely brought under control in Hampton Roads.

Finding signs of spring in Smithfield is as easy as browsing its shops. We launched ourselves mid-morning in a westerly direction, passing rural signs advertising boiled peanuts and nurseries and one church marquee's admonition that "Every time you speak, your mind is on parade." Loved that.