A pond is not always just a pond
Since the earliest civilizations, societies have wrestled with a love/hate relationship with the "almighty agua." We are no exception. In countless ways, we are...
Forensic ornithology is an interesting science
I made a new friend last weekend at the annual Berkeley Springs (W.Va.) Fall Birding Festival. Marcy Heacker and I spoke to the group...
The history of the Nixon & Co. of Alliance, Ohio
The other day my friend, Ed Brenner, asked if I knew anything about a Nixon Co. from Alliance, Ohio. I confessed that I didn’t...
Looking to ‘lots of good years ahead…’
Such a dear letter in response to my column about being temporarily "out of order" and finally back on schedule feeling much better than...
Things that nag in the night
As we head into the heart of the haunting season, I have a confession to make. As if my life weren't colorful enough, I...
The old gray mare has loped
The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be. You know the one — she galloped in and got you all excited...
On the road to France, where buckets of butter and veal fill their stomachs
When the lovely Catherine and I travel, we often follow a plan that is purposely vague. Sure, we know where we’re going, but the...
Goldenrod unfairly fingered as allergy culprit
Though most wildflowers have faded by late September, goldenrod is just taking center stage. More than 100 species of goldenrod (genus Solidago) brighten North...
Too much of a good thing?
One of the prides of my life is being complimented with the opinion that I take really great photos. I credit this to a...
This is the real farmer’s daughter
“I was haulin’ hay, I was feedin’ the hogs and that summer sun had me sweatin’ like a dog. So I cooled off in...
