Many native plants and trees have finished their assigned annual task in the closing days of 2023 and are now in a state of rest. Their ultimate job is to produce seeds which will hopefully continue the species. While a majority of the seeds are small and easily overlooked, there is one “seed pack” which…Read more
Sometimes surprises can puzzle and perplex, and yet be pleasant. Finding a twenty-dollar bill, for example, in a parking lot would certainly be a positive experience. The occurrence would likely be tinged with pity for the person who lost it, though. Even if they were totally careless with their financial resources, the discovery would make…Read more
“Gone to seed” is a distinctly American agricultural saying from the time when most of America’s population was living on a farm. This adage usually denotes very negative connotations when applied to people, places and many objects. The implication is the subject of the remark has reached terminal depreciation after delivering all they are capable…Read more
As the year progresses to its terminal date in about three months the landscape, in areas both domestic and wild, is beginning to take on subdued tones. Native wildflowers and flowering trees will soon begin their season of repose. The artificial holiday decorations which irradiate panhandle Florida with colors not found in nature are already…Read more
In literature and religion, colors have an implicit meaning. This allows the theme to be communicated subliminally to the well-read and visually to those who see the iconography. There are, of course, differences between cultures. White in the western world indicates purity, but it represents death in the far east. Green has been associated with…Read more
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
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
Having a notorious relative brings with it some usually unpleasant baggage. Acquaintances, and the public at large, assume there is the likelihood that the genetic tie will result in similar behavior. The negative expectations are reinforced by those celebrities which are in the news, usually for their questionable behavior. From a historical perspective Jerry Lee…Read more
In a few days, the dog days of summer begin in earnest. Historically this is the season when Sirius, the dog star, is visible in the northern hemisphere. This celestial event is reputed to indicate the onset of the year’s hottest weather. Additionally, ancient lore attributed mad dogs, bad luck and many other negative characteristics…Read more
Dogs are always happy to see “their” humans, the wet nose and worshipful gaze usually a comfort. Cats are a bit different. Sometimes they will purr and cuddle, and at other times they will stare blankly as if weighing the pros and cons of consuming their human companions. Unfortunately, both domestic species have a well…Read more
