It has been a refrain heard throughout the centuries and likely originating during the Neolithic epoch. “Eat your vegetables,” is the anthem of almost every parent during mealtime when juveniles are involved. While there are many green substances on the plate which are perceived as offensive by the progeny, peas are known for their repulsive…Read more
Cooking shows are popular entertainment. Everyone from masters to aspiring chefs share their passion for specific culinary specialties and styles. In contemporary north Florida there are some colorful native insect residents which have a desire for specific plants. Monarch butterflies are one species, but another is the Gulf Fritillary. The object of its dining obsession…Read more
Large families are always an interesting collection of individuals with curious and occasionally unique characteristics, but they still have a common connection running through all the relations. Getting members together reveals both the similarities and the differences. Holiday get togethers frequently highlight the vast variations. There is always the crazy uncle with the tacky jokes,…Read more
Kudzu, Old World climbing fern, and tropical soda apple are all widely known as invaders which were introduced into the region from faraway and exotic locations. Each has its own story of how it arrived here and escaped into a welcoming environment. Once established, these and other alien plant interlopers have aggressively pushed out native…Read more
Until relatively recently in history, traveling any distance was an arduous and difficult process. The problems compounded if there was a large baggage load. Initially, there were two obvious options. A cart or wagon pulled, hopefully, by a beast of burden was the first choice. A boat or ship was the second option for going…Read more
Being sharp is usually considered a complement. It implies the recipient of the assessment has the intellectual ability and the mental agility to handle the rigors of contemporary life with ease. Sharp individuals anticipate coming events and prepare for them with preemptive actions which lead to a better than typical outcome. This proactive approach leads…Read more
Temperatures are on the rise and school will be out in a few weeks. While the official start of summer 2021 is still weeks away, that summer feeling is growing in every corner of panhandle Florida. For both the young and the young at heart, one of the traditional pastimes is to spend idle hours…Read more
Tarzan used them as a superhighway through the trees in every adventure created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Villains and scoundrels alike fell prey to the ape-man and his horde of avenging simians righteously descending on vines from the trees. Great fiction, but removed from the reality of present day north Florida. This is especially true…Read more
The old song “Pennies from Heaven” was originally sung by Big Crosby, notable crooner, actor, and co-star with Bob Hope in many On The Road To (you pick the exotic location) films. This song intones the melancholy wishes of many depression era Americans. After all, who could object to money falling from the sky on…Read more
Redundant terms emphasize the qualities which are exhibited by the tangible item or the abstract concept represented. This grammatical technique is meant to immediately accentuate the traits, be they positive or negative. For example almost everyone has some idea of how honey tastes: sweet. However there are those who must accentuate this quality by identifying…Read more
