It currently looks like the winter of 2024 has finished a bit ahead of schedule, at least in panhandle Florida. The storm systems which are still heaping snow and ice on the northern tier states are producing showers locally. Those showers, hopefully minus the destructive winds, are producing copious flowers, both wild and domestic. That…Read more
The warming weather and lengthening days of late winter/early spring instigate a variety of events, both natural and otherwise. The frenetic spring break traffic heading to sunny coastal spots is one example of “otherwise”. The emergence of dormant plants can be credited to the natural cycle, and local reptiles are more active, too. In addition…Read more
Living in panhandle Florida has a variety of exceptional benefits. The natural environment is a feature that visitors travel great distances to experience and enjoy during their leisure periods. While some residents may take this advantage for granted after a while, a short stopover to another part of the state or country helps put this…Read more
The pace of 21st century life continues to accelerate unabated. There seems to be an unending stream of new, improved, and enhanced products and services at every sunrise. The stress and expense it takes on the citizenry is difficult to gauge and measure. The adjustment may be as simple as a change in a food…Read more
A clue, by inference, directs the viewer to a conclusion. The deduction which is based on the exhibited evidence may provide some insight into an activity occurring at some point in the past. No matter how good the data, much depends on the effective detective work of the individual attempting to understand the situation. The…Read more
The winters in north Florida are always (relatively) pleasant, especially when compared to the rest of the country. While ice-age conditions may be inflicting a polar environment on the Midwest and New England, here in the panhandle the season of short days and long nights only means the lawnmowers get a rest. Even with the…Read more
There is nothing quite like a guest which stops by for a visit, and then stays forever. Departure is expected at any moment, but it never comes. As the visitor makes itself at home, their less than stellar qualities become evident. They may be noisy, greedily take the food of others and display some really…Read more
There is a lot to be gained from having a tough reputation. Only those with an excessively stalwart disposition or lack of good sense will dare to make a challenge to the individual who holds this distinction. Unbending, rigid and durable are descriptors which invoke a firm, if not dogmatic, state of resiliency. With this…Read more
Christmas decorating traditions reflect the culture where the holiday is celebrated. The use of red and green as the colors for the celebration arrived with the European settlers centuries ago. Without the readily available accessories which could be delivered to home porches with the click of a button, the newcomers had to innovate. Local foliage…Read more
An often-heard refrain is “I hope it gets cold enough to kill all the bugs.” While the thought is understandable from some perspectives, it is totally impractical. Most bugs and other tiny critters, be they insects, arachnids or worms, are beneficial to human habitation of the planet. They provide a myriad of important, but often…Read more
