Les Harrison is a longtime resident of north Florida, having attended public schools in three counties. He has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Journalism and a Master’s of Science from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics. He is the author of more than 2000 newspaper and magazine stories and journal articles. During his career, he held positions in private, government and educational (university level) sectors. He holds the title of Extension Agent Emeritus. He can be reached at harrison.gl@gmail.com.
The covers feel really great on cold February mornings, especially when it is time to get up and go. Warm and secure, there is a strong impulse to remain in bed for as long as possible and delay the thermal shock of the world beyond blankets and quilts. Despite that instinct, most residents of the…Read more
The lengthening days and less intense cold fronts, signifiers of spring’s approach, are speeding up the activity level of many plants, animals and fungi. Home landscape chores will soon shift from raking leaves and pine straw to mowing and edging. During this current period of mostly moderate temperatures, the installation of new ornamental plants and…Read more
The evidence in the home landscape, and in any panhandle Florida environment which includes trees, is unmistakable. The recent storm systems, with their potentially damaging wind gusts, have left limbs, and the occasional tree, on the ground. From the homeowner’s perspective, the limbs are usually a cosmetic irritant which must be removed to reestablish the…Read more
The botanical pause of winter is monotonous in its consistency. Each day, with very few exceptions, is just like the one before it, with plants in suspended animation. February brings the first inkling of the burst of activity coming to panhandle Florida which will soon arrive with vigorous growth and riotous color. One herald for…Read more
Classic mystery novels usually open with a set of unexplained occurrences that pique the curiosity of the protagonist. The clues frequently, but not always, lead to a malicious event that leaves only the disconnected evidence available for identifying the perpetrator. Add unidentifiable noises at night while the alleged offender is on the prowl, and the…Read more
North Florida in January can be cold, as recent weeks have demonstrated. However, by the standards of latitudes farther north in the United States (and Canada), the month can be considered quite balmy. As such, those who reside in the seasonally frozen geographic regions are inclined to visit this state when circumstances allow. There are…Read more
It is a frequently used theme in horror movies and horticulture. An alien species is introduced into a pristine environment, either intentionally or by accident, and quickly escapes control to the detriment of the locals. It is always better theater if the invader has as many overt malevolent qualities as possible. Parasitic behavior which slowly…Read more
The effects of January’s cold weather in panhandle Florida have many characteristics. In addition to the realistic possibility of the occasional subfreezing thermometer readings and frosts, there is the quiet. Still, the rumble of vehicle traffic remains, the whine of the occasional jet passing is overheard and the general sonic clutter in populated areas persists,…Read more
Anyone who has been responsible for children knows the reality of juvenile appetites. Their hunger is constant, their preferences often picky and rarely is there any obvious uniformity in tastes between siblings or playmates. It may be as simple as the condiments on a sandwich or the selection of an entree, but there is never…Read more
With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, the list of tasks has returned to the norm. While recovering from the parties and gift giving expenses, the home landscape now appears on the long list of New Year’s resolutions for most homeowners. The shorter daylight hours and the cooler thermometer readings have slowed, but not stopped…Read more
