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.
Holiday correspondence of all kinds, from party invitations to campaigns of charity, was making the rounds via every possible means just a few short days ago. While most seasonal decorations in panhandle Florida’s parks, businesses and places of worship have been removed, a few still remain up, and the memory of them all is still…Read more
Out-of-the way corners in abandoned places conjure up a variety of disquieting images. The early winter silence in these neglected locales gives way to the subtle scurrying of unknown creatures attempting to avoid contact and confrontation. While most of the residents of these unkempt sites are harmless, at least from the perspective of venal intent,…Read more
A walk around the neighborhood or forest will confirm winter is here. Of course, there are the recent thermometer readings and the shorter days. Other signs are the thicker coats on animals which, by choice or situation, must remain exposed to the elements. Some, like the native reptiles and amphibians, are absent from sight, having…Read more
As the colder weather sets in, the need for heavier outerwear in panhandle Florida becomes quickly obvious for most warm-blooded creatures, people included. Nature provides for the forest animals through them instinctively growing additional fur and feathers as the temperatures dip. Reptiles, insects and amphibians retreat to secure locations with enough protective insulation to wait…Read more
Last minute Christmas bargains are being hurled at the panhandle’s citizens through every conceivable mass media channel known to humanity. The retail establishments are packed, and the package delivery services’ abilities are straining at the coming deadline. The indecisive are now at the panic point where choices must be made or disappointment (and unending recriminations)…Read more
With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing, many are scrambling to find the perfect item for that special person on the receiving end. As the old saying goes, good things come in small packages. Well, most of the time. There are always gift cards to preferred retailers, the 21st Century equivalent of cash, or…Read more
Shoes are a necessary implement of civilization and an indispensable part of the human wardrobe. They come in an incredible array of sizes, shapes, materials and colors. This vestment has been in use by people since before recorded history, insulating against cold and protecting the human sole from all manner of damaging contrivances which could…Read more
Walk into any retailer and the evidence is in plain sight. Christmas is a little over three weeks away. Decorations, gifts, cards, and wrapping paper are prominently displayed for the buyer’s convenience, along with red and green pillar candles wafting holiday fragrances. In the wild, shorter days and lower temperatures in north Florida are the…Read more
From a bird’s perspective, 2021 has been a pretty good year so far. There was enough rain for plants to thrive and provide ample sources of food for the plethora of avian species residing or visiting locally. The lush bounty of greenery produced seeds and fruit for the birds which require those commodities in…Read more
For those with any level of visual acuity, November is the beginning of an overwhelmingly colorful season. Holiday lights, decorations and merchandising efforts all vie to use the most conspicuous and unavoidable selections of shades, many of which cannot be found in nature. Fortunately, panhandle Florida has many wondrous colors in the leaves of plants…Read more
