Articles by Shannon Bardwell
Possumhaw: It’s all in the dirt
The mornings are cool enough, shady enough and enjoyable enough to work with the flowers and tomatoes, even if you’re not a morning person.
Possumhaw: The pleasure of a plover
Leaving town by way of Waverly Ferry Road, near Plymouth Road, down near Water’s Truck & Tractor, I curved left toward the Highway 82 West on-ramp. It’s my preferred way of returning to the Prairie, avoiding traffic and stop lights; not to mention it’s much more interesting.
Possumhaw: Late breaking news on the black-bellied whistling duck
As good fortune would have it, my walking partner, Shirley, and I encountered a gentleman at Plymouth Bluff who was outfitted in dust-colored clothing, a vest full of pockets, and looking altogether like a National Geographic “birder.”
Possumhaw: New digs for the earthworm
It was a beautiful day, not too hot, windy, or humid to enjoy working in the yard.
Possumhaw: It’s how you play the game
I write on the subjects of birds and bees but this week I thought I’d infringe on sports editor Adam Minichino’s area — basketball. Something I know little or nothing about.
Possumhaw: Of butterflies and bees
Several neighbor ladies sat on the Prairie porch enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon while admiring masses of butterflies on blossoming trees.
Possumhaw: The gift that keeps on giving
Sam asked if I was ready for him to cut the grass. I had asked that he save the area on a little hill that runs from the house down to the lake.
Possumhaw: Fatal collisions rock the bird world
The insects are out, as the red-bellied woodpecker knows.
Possumhaw: The vernal equinox is upon us
This very morning at 5:29 CDT the vernal equinox took place while some of us were sleeping. We in the northern hemisphere were officially ushered into spring while at the same time the southern hemisphere ventured into fall.
Possumhaw: Everything you wanted to know about crappie fishing
I tried to tell Sam fishing the crappie spawn is a lot like spring shopping.
Possumhaw: Ash Wednesday and sugar-coated donuts
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. I love these 40 days as they march toward Easter. It happened that Ash Wednesday fell on my birthday — a new year for me. Also, it’s the day Sam asked me to marry him. It was a fitting day to remember and evaluate the past while beginning afresh a new life together.
Possumhaw: Everything you wanted to know about water
Early in the week we had a much-needed rain. This was a good thing as the lakes were low and the gardenias dry.
Possumhaw: Observations of a crappie fisherman
When the lakes, creeks and rivers fill up and when the flowers bloom and the grasses green Sam’s out to find the first crappie “spawners.” Every few days the big brown delivery truck leaves a package from “Monk’s Crappie,” Sam’s favorite fishing supplier.
Possumhaw: Harbingers of spring
Last week, in the early morning, daffodils were standing 4 inches tall, topped with buds.
Possumhaw: Oh, for the love of cats
Roy walked into the Oktibbeha County Courthouse and said he’d been reading about my animals, the cats, ducks and rabbits. Said he wasn’t much of a cat person though. Then he started telling me about his cat.
Possumhaw: A world gone crass
Sometimes the world is too much with me, making me forever grateful for things that bring me joy.
Possumhaw: A couple of lucky dogs
It’s not easy being a cat person in a canine world. Sitting on the porch while studying and occasionally letting my eyes and thoughts wander over to the lake or into the woods, I noticed the cats pouncing on butterflies.
Possumhaw: Wintering well in the Prairie
Stepping off the front porch, I saw the season’s first blooming dandelion.
Possumhaw: Social order of buzzards
Who knew there was a pecking order among buzzards? First off, we don’t actually have buzzards here in the Prairie; we just call them buzzards.
Possumhaw: To reap what you sew
What if a New Year’s resolution had more to do with finding your passion than restricting your diet, exercising more or spending less?
