Columns

Don't count on the dogwood and redbud flowers just yet. Even though some of them are popping out, they won't last. Another freeze is scheduled for this week.

Every few years we manage to have one more March hard freeze in North Central Florida, just enough to kill off any blossoms that have formed on fruit trees and other flowering fauna. And, that's not to mention the vegetables that will be wilting unless they're covered. You planted your garden early this year, right? I did.

I am absolutely certain without a doubt that the global warming stuff is true. Here is my scientific, can't-be-wrong evidence. For the past seven years (or seems so) my whip-poor-will has returned to the woods next to me on EXACTLY March 21, a.k.a. the first day of spring. But this year he returned on St. Patrick's Day (March 17), which is a full four days early. I can also add an extra day for leap year, which means that he actually returned five days early. No doubt now, the icebergs will be melting, and those of us who live toward Otter Creek will soon have ocean-front property.

We have all read, or heard, the horror stories from people that have had a major virus infection on their computer. Today, with easy access to the Internet from anywhere in the world, the virus threat continues to increase. But there are steps you can take to keep your computer (and your data) secure.

I remember an old saying that March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. Well that is certainly true for this March so far. High winds and bitter cold (for Florida) dominated much of the first half of March, so I am expecting very mild temps to escort the second half of this month out like a lamb.