Let's talk about those critters. I know that opening picture might be off-putting. But stay with me. I thought now might be a good time while most of us and them are are enjoying out winter ways, and we’re not as worried about bumping into each other…well, except maybe the spiders. But, when the time comes, they can be found anywhere… Just the sight of a snake in the yard, a spider tucked into the corner of the porch, or the thought of a scorpion hiding under something you

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”— Matthew 6:28–29 Here we are in the New Year —and in the dead of winter—when most of the natural world is resting, dormant, or quietly hibernating. Yet a few valiant plants refuse to give up entirely. Thyme, oregano, sage, chives, mint, parsley, rosemary (with protection), winter savory, and lemon

In many locations across the world, autumn with all of its glorious changes is showing off in the brilliant warm colors of fall. The last remaining spring and summer flowers are fading quickly, giving way to falling leaves, dried stalks, and wilting grasses. The urge to tidy up is overwhelming for many people as they relish being out in the cooler, sunny days and anticipate the wintry blasts quickly approaching. But as you survey your landscape while deciding what to tackle,