As summer fades to autumn in less than a week, the color pallet of the region’s landscape is gradually changing. Unlike latitudes to the north, panhandle Florida’s fall colors come in a rainbow of wildflower shades. Generally speaking, early fall’s wildflowers come in one of four tint categories. White, yellow, green and purple cover the…Read more
There is nothing favorable about being compared to a roach, having roaches, or appearing roach-like. It is all negative and an insult to boot. In panhandle Florida one of the native species is the woods roach, Eurycotis floridana. Commonly referred to as the palmetto bug, this insect can reach almost two inches in length and…Read more
The consistent heat and humidity of 2023’s summer has produced an abundance of blooms, both native and exotic. The range of colors helps compensate human residents, somewhat, for the physical discomfort of venturing into the often-sweltering environment. For many insects, the current crop of flowers is a signal that pollen and nectar are readily available…Read more
The consistent rains this summer have produced many positive results. The lawn grass is greener and growing fast enough to require weekly mowing, temperatures notwithstanding. Vegetables in the summer garden and fruit trees in the home orchard are flourishing under the ample precipitation. Shrubs and trees in residential landscapes have little to no need for…Read more
With panhandle Florida’s schools back in session, the summer break of 2023 is done much to the relief of many parents. Still, the heat and humidity remain typical to August. Even though a bit extreme this year, the heat should come as no surprise to anyone who has been in panhandle Florida for more than…Read more
Misery loves company, as the old saying goes. And working outside in the heat and humidity of August 2023 certainly qualifies as challenging. In this light, being a social creature has somewhat positive aspects since the task will be completed sooner. Having collective experiences is an important social activity which assures the continuation of the…Read more
Walking through a forest in Maine is similar to walking through a Florida forest, but there are many differences too. Both have trees, underbrush and ground cover. The trees, underbrush and ground cover in Maine are mostly of a different species than those in Florida, even though some are in the same genus. In the…Read more
One similarity Maine has with Florida is mosquitoes. While my limited time in the far north indicates these endemic pests are not as intensely bothersome as the ones which reside in Florida, either native or exotic, they still appear too plentiful. Almost anything in plentiful quantities will sooner or later encounter another creature which will…Read more
There is one absolute certainty about August 2023 in the panhandle Florida area. It is hot, humid and by most standards generally unpleasant to intolerable during the middle of the day to the late evening if you stay out too long. Granted, it is summer in Florida which is usually associated with beach weather and…Read more
A mistaken identity can cause an assortment of problems, especially for the subject of the incorrect assumption. The misidentified individual may be credited with negative attributes which have no basis in reality. In fiction, a plot about erroneous identification has delivered many hours of entertainment for the readers. Even Hollywood has used the falsely accused…Read more
