At any point in time a subject under inspection may be in a transitory state which soon passes into a form more representative of the creature’s primary existence, but which is very different from its starting point. Most local insects are excellent examples of this principle. They may appear bright and colorful, only to change…Read more
The bright colors of spring’s blooms have faded into the inviting shades of early summer. While spring’s brilliance stands in stark contrast to winter’s muted tones, summer has an easy and inviting appearance. Still, there are splashes and patches of bright foliage in all parts of panhandle Florida. Tropical sage, for example, adds red flowers…Read more
Hair styles are a curious reflection of the culture in which they exist. Some are ornate and complex, with others being simple and, in some cases, completely “natural”. The mane can be straight or wavy, long or short, and in a variety of shapes. Spikes, tufts, swirls and many other forms are displayed by the…Read more
As the weather warms and summer beckons, the landscape reshapes daily. New blooms pop out and are soon followed by fruit, seeds or nuts. Some are useful to the human residents, but many are eaten by insects. As with people, there are some bugs that are picky about their meals. Panhandle Florida has some native…Read more
While the official beginning of summer is still weeks away, the temperature is warming and spring break activities are everywhere in panhandle Florida. While the major home landscape and garden chores are ongoing, for many the springtime cleanup of raking leaves and pine straw has been done for weeks. A few hours here and there…Read more
Chief among the developing caterpillar pests is the southern armyworm. This insect is native to the warmer regions of both American continents. About 30 to 40 days on average are required for a complete generation, with environmental factors restraining even more reproduction. In northern Florida moths which produce this caterpillar can be found throughout the…Read more
The 2022 holiday season, with all the wonderful traditional dishes from recipes passed down through the generations, is here. Historically, these treats have been assembled from locally produced foodstuffs, but also with that distinctive and unique quality identified with a family’s status and pride. Chief among those family culinary treats are the desserts, or offerings…Read more
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” wrote Charles Caleb Colton. Colton was a sometimes cleric, essayist, wine merchant and gambler who bounced around Europe and North America during the early 19th century. It is likely many of his financial lenders hoped the public would not imitate his borrowing practices. Aside from his few literary…Read more
Guests which are picky eaters are no fun, especially for a host. No matter what dish is served, there is always something wrong with it. It can be the wrong flavor, incorrect seasoning, improperly prepared or some other culinary offence which repels the persnickety visitor, and it frustrates the gracious and long suffering person who…Read more
Looks, as the old saying goes, can be deceiving. It is a cautionary pronouncement from experience in springs past, usually painful and expensive, to serve as a warning to those who follow and hopefully to avoid similar complications if the advice is heard. In most situations a threat in nature can be easily identified and…Read more
