The basic needs, along with the luxuries, of contemporary living are accessed through a quick visit to local shops and big box retailers. Often forgotten is the frontier period with its more primitive life when, even here in panhandle Florida, human existence was not as pleasant as today. Rare is the modern person who takes…Read more
The yo-yoing thermometer has many panhandle Florida residents in a state of seasonal confusion. Some want to know if we will have another visit from the dreaded Polar Vortex, the latest term for a dipping jet stream which will deliver colder temperatures. Others just want to know when warmer weather will be here to stay….Read more
Deer hunting techniques vary by preference of the hunter, along with state and federal regulations. The most frequently used method is still-hunting from a tree stand or elevated perch. Properly placed, the aerial platform provides a convenient and low exertion way to procure venison and a brag-worthy antler rack. While the tree stand may seem…Read more
The winter of 22/23 has been variable from a weather standpoint. Mostly dry until recently with some very cold days and seasonally humid nights in panhandle Florida. This is far better than the residents of the Midwest and New England who are enduring bomb cyclones and polar vortexes. This regional pattern portends a variety of…Read more
Some of the early blooming azaleas are already flowering in early February. Less obvious are some of the other species which add color to the environment. One of these bright spots is wild geraniums. Much like the camellias and azaleas, geraniums have been cultivated for centuries. While the details are lost to history, the plant…Read more
Hitchhiking was once a common means of low-cost transportation. A person would walk to the nearest road and hold out their fist with the thumb pointed up while attempting to make eye contact with passing drivers. In a simpler time, hitchhikers were commonly provided a ride to a predetermined spot on the map. In exchange…Read more
As winter progresses in panhandle Florida, the palette of colors gradually changes by the week.Trees, shrubs and winter wildflowers provide a muted display for anyone willing to spend the time to observe it. The hues cover the spectrum but are not as intense or showy as during spring. The few blooms are also a lure…Read more
The plants, animals and bugs know winter is here. The oaks and hickories have dropped most of their nuts, most of the wildflowers have withered, and migratory birds have made their trip south. Unfortunately, the winter season means new challenges for the homeowner and gardener. The pests which operate 12 months of the year in…Read more
One genus of plants, with both native and exotic members, is welcoming visitors to stop by for a snack or meal. Local hollies will soon be heavily laden with tiny blooms and deep green leaves. Ilexes, as hollies are scientifically known, are common in the temperate to tropical parts of the globe with species on…Read more
Words are a curious human creation. Each has at least one meaning or implication for the listener. The terms used today date back to long before recorded history began. Countless academics have postulated and theorized as to how these oral identifiers have migrated and evolved through the millennia to arrive at the languages used today….Read more
