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.

Valentine’s day may be just a memory of roses and chocolate for some; however, love is still in the air for the raccoon. Raccoon romance reconnaissance is underway as males look for love. Mating for this species is at its peak in February, spurred on with the increase in daylight that has been noticeable over the past few weeks.

“We are happier in many ways when we are old than when we were young. The young sow wild oats. The old grow sage.” – Winston Churchill

Whether you cultivate wisdom or herbs, make sure you grow sage. Sage has been elemental in my kitchen of late: two snowstorms and many big pots of soups later, I am happy to have this culinary collaborator and mighty medicinal plant in my pantry and in my life.

Last weekend danger lurked around every corner. Sharpshooters waited ominously for just the right time to strike but luckily the weather warmed and the threat melted away.

The blizzard of 2013 left us more than just a winter wonderland. As temperatures slowly increased, glimmering, glamorous icicles formed on the edges of buildings and vehicles, causing me to consider wearing a hard hat to accompany my scarf and gloves.

Somehow I missed it. How did it happen that this naturalist was unaware of the rabbit-repeating tradition?

This convention is completely new to me. A friend recently shared that her husband says “rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of each month as soon as he wakes up. When uttered on the first it is believed to bring a month of good luck. Even better is using this phrase on your birth month, as even more good fortune will be yours, they say!