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
The pollen clouds typical in panhandle Florida’s spring have at last departed. The yellow, sneeze-inducing dust has given way to other aerial occupants of a much larger magnitude. Of course, there are a variety of insects now active during the warming days and nights. Lovebugs in the former and mosquitoes in the latter make their…Read more
In panhandle Florida’s native plant environment, the yucca genus established a survival protocol long before even the earliest human residents arrived. Its sharp pointy spines accentuate its visual image and enforce its tactics. Local yuccas are perennial shrubs which may grow into small trees with irregular shapes. There are approximately 50 species in this genus…Read more
The grassy like leaves emerge green and ready to soak up the spring sun. Unfortunately, not all are the turf preferred for home lawns. Purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus, grows from every possible sunny location with soil capable of supporting the plant. This non-native pest is a rapidly spreading perennial which will take every opportunity to…Read more
Given the warming weather, yardwork is a productive choice and provides the necessary space to stay safe. Keeping a well-groomed yard and home landscape requires regular clipping of the foliage, some of which voluntarily appeared. Unfortunately, some of the “volunteer greenery” which has recently emerged is quite difficult to control and nearly impossible to eradicate….Read more
The rollercoaster nature of recent temperatures has been blamed on a variety of problems, primarily respiratory ills. The temperature was up, then down, then up and down again. The uncertainty makes it difficult to know if the heat or a/c should be on and whether to dress warm or cool. The weather’s wide variability has…Read more
Red is a curious color with an almost endless collection of meanings. It is on one extreme end of the visible light spectrum, at least for humans, and has served as an indicator of caution for people since ancient times. Recent political identifications aside, red is the color or part of the color scheme of…Read more
The leaf litter and pine straw so common to panhandle Florida’s lawns and landscapes this time of year hides a variety of items from sight. The mulch in the making is a resource which literally falls from the sky, or at least that direction. In addition to the benefits, there are some drawbacks. This plant…Read more
