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 end of summer has many wishing to enjoy their lawns barefooted for merriment and dancing before the onset of the inevitable cooler weather. Even the ongoing hot weather can be enjoyed, or endured, better with the soles of one’s feet in contact with grasses. Unfortunately, there are some cautions which must be taken in…Read more
Redundant terms emphasize the qualities which are exhibited by the tangible item or the abstract concept represented. This grammatical technique is meant to immediately accentuate the traits, be they positive or negative. For example almost everyone has some idea of how honey tastes: sweet. However there are those who must accentuate this quality by identifying…Read more
The unexpected arrival of visitors off the highway has a variety of implications and consequences. Some can be positive and some negative. The surprise appearance in many cases leaves the host scrambling to react appropriately and recover from their lack of awareness to the potential of a stopover. The soon to arrive holiday season has…Read more
Classified as a “first magnitude spring”, Wakulla Springs is a world-class liquid resource which is expelling water from the Floridan aquifer on to the surface of north Florida’s coastal plain. Within the confines of the Edward Ball State Park, the spring and the first few miles of the resulting river are protected in a tightly…Read more
Few experiences in life are as comforting as having a companion who answers needs and is there to serve without being summoned. Ideally, the relationship benefits both parties, each providing something needed and each receiving enough through their service to engender continuation of the bond. In many cases this reciprocal arrangement is a lifelong relationship. …Read more
The current potential for extreme foul weather has many residents of north Florida concerned about the safety of the trees near their homes. While it is almost inconceivable to imagine the area without these important plants, in the wrong circumstance they can be quite hazardous. While any debilitated or unhealthy tree has a high risk…Read more
The hot days of August can be endured in a variety of ways. Of course there is always the ever present air conditioned environment, but it is getting a bit claustrophobic in these days of social distancing. Another alternative is a trip up north, way up north. A change of scenery combined with a drop…Read more
Word association is an interesting mental connection into the personality of the responding subject. A word is given and the respondent is to reply with the first term which pops into their mind. Some psychologists believe the response reveals how people subconsciously group concepts, ideas and experiences. The theory is this linkage influences how individuals…Read more
As summer of 2020 progresses into its hottest months, the local growth of trees, and warm season plants and weeds is accelerating rapidly. Fortunately, the rain has been sufficient, its distribution wide, and the timing good (at least so far) to support the development. Leaves, frons, and needles are producing green tones and shades which…Read more
The State of Florida is known worldwide for its natural resources and hospitable environment. In the range of 26 to 30 degrees north latitude on this planet, most land masses are barely inhabitable and devoid of water. On the tropical edge, Florida is a lush land with forest, beaches, lakes and rivers. Unfortunately, in the…Read more
