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 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
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
