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Memories and Christmas traditions

The Christmas tree finally went up yesterday. Yes, I know I’m running kind of behind this year. Usually, the tree and all the decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving. But it’s been a busy month for everyone at our house. But I’ve got to figure we still have time to break out a few family traditions. Today, it’s cookie baking time. Tomorrow we’re wrapping presents. Traditions and family memories are right at the top of my mind in these days before Christmas. Most of my extended family are scattered to many different locations around the country — Delaware, Missouri, ...

Holiday Cactus ID

Did you know that there are actually three different types of holiday cactus? These three types can be distinguished by their different leaf forms, flower color and their different bloom times. The most popular and widely grown holiday cacti is the Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata. This plant typically blooms from Thanksgiving through Christmas. This cacti can be found in greenhouses and retail stores in a wide variety of colors, including reds, white, lavender and salmon, in many shades of each. Thanksgiving cacti have sawtooth leaf edges. The actual horticulture ...

Two favorite techniques for catching fish

I was with some fishing friends recently, and, as usual, the conversation turned to fishing. At some point the topic of “My favorite fishing technique” came up. I was asked what my preferred way to catch fish was. I couldn’t answer. I like to catch fish, any species of fish, and I ...

No treats for Rudolph

With Santa and his reindeer soon to be arriving, it is a good time to discuss our other deer friends. Many gardeners have experienced deer damage to their gardens, but what steps can be taken to help prevent Bambi and his relatives from feasting on your landscape? Although prevention of deer browsing is difficult, gardeners may be able to avoid some damage with careful plant selection. The best defense against deer is to plant things they don't care to eat. Deer are less likely to eat plants with fuzzy or coarse foliage, and leaves or stems with strong odors or spines. Some ...

What has happened to Eb Griper?

I was sitting in the coffee shop, by myself, sipping on a tall Columbia Supremo. It had been a difficult week and I need some alone-time to think. A voice from behind surprised me. “Well, you’re looking mighty glum today, big boy. What, did you lose your best friend?” It was my old buddy, Eb Griper. He’s usually a grim old man but not a bad guy. “In fact, Eb, I did lose my best friend,” I replied. “My mother passed away last week.” Normally, Eb has a smart aleck response to anything I say but today he said nothing. He pulled up a chair and sat down. After a ...

Honoring a former president

Like many of you, I watched the funeral for our former President George H. W. Bush last week. It was sobering, enlightening, awesome, and somehow comforting for me, all at the same time. As one commentator said, “Ceremonies are very, very important to the U.S.A. Ceremonies allow us to reflect on what it means to be an American citizen.” There was an abundance of ceremony as our country honored and bid farewell to this man who served his country honorably for decades in numerous positions right up to the presidency. Because both of my parents are World War II Navy ...