Dorothea Lynde Dix, 19th century crusader for the mentally ill, was also a champion for a special blossom.

It is not surprising to be ‘ova-whelmed’ this time of year.

Bulbs are one of nature’s bright ideas.

I’ve got “nutting” bad to say about hickory trees.

Charlie Brown and his human ilk don’t have a monopoly on grieving. While humans have developed elaborate rituals when a loved one dies, we may just be following our instincts.

Emotions lead the way when dealing with death, and some research and observation has shown that we are not alone in our methods of mourning. Animals, too, show signs of sadness.

Spruce it up. That is what Islanders did when they planted spruce trees in their yards. Fairly common on the Island, spruce found its way here because of its usefulness and beauty. These conifers prefer more northern climes, thriving in boreal forests.