Good Natured: Keeping an eye, and ear, out for chickadees
Well, it happened again the other day, just as it does every year about this time: The realization that Christmas is less than a week away. …
Good Natured: A bird with supreme acrobatic talents
Every grade school has one. You know what I’m talking about – the kid who could climb onto the monkey bars and, in one or two deft maneuvers…
Otto: Thankful for the cockroaches
It’s the season for gratitude, a time of year when people make a special effort to list the things for which they are thankful.
Otto: There’s really no such thing as ‘just a bug’
When was the last time you, or someone you know, uttered those fateful words, “Oh, it’s just a bug,” then proceeded to spray, swat or stomp …
Learning to Grow: Fall clean up and spring planning
Even as a young child, fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love the cool, crisp air, and it is a pleasure working outdoors.
Learning to Grow: Fall – when nature prepares for coming months
Regular readers of this column may recall the enthusiasm with which I embrace autumn. I just delight in the smell of wood fires at dusk; lea…
Otto: Road trips with roaches and a great, big snake
Regular readers of this space may recall the time, 21/2 years ago, that I arranged to trade a few reptiles from my personal collection for a…
Learning to Grow: Amaryllis are available in wide array of colors
After we finish our garden chores and head indoors for the winter, we long for a way to satisfy our green thumbs. Mine scratch their proverb…
Learning to Grow: Saying goodbye is for the birds
Shortened daylight hours and cooler temperatures signal that winter is on its way. This also means that some of our feathered friends will s…
Otto: What’s up with water snakes? They’re out and about
Holy Nerodia, Batman! The water snakes are everywhere!OK, maybe “everywhere” is an exaggeration. But…