Let's Start the New Year Right

Last night's balmy weather was driven out by thunderstorms and a cold north wind early this morning - not exactly the way I would have welcomed the new year, but we did get another one of those watercolor sunsets out of it.
Regardless of the weather, a new year has begun, and optimistic people everywhere are making resolutions. We're making a few as well, ones that we hope will help us keep My Florida Backyard a Florida-friendly wildlife habitat throughout 2010.

1. Pull at least one weed every day.
2. Fill the bird feeder at least once a week.
3. Keep the palm tree free of dead fronds and fruit (which draws wasps).
   

We also have a few goals for the year, ones that can't really be called resolutions because it won't be entirely our fault if the wildlife refuses to comply.

1. Draw sulphur butterflies and caterpillars to our yard by establishing cassia plants, native when possible
2. Lure in some hummingbirds, both with plants and a feeder
3. Provide habitat for tree frogs by installing a few treefrog houses

Mark Twain said, "New Year's Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." Still, we'll do our best, because our resolutions are for the good of everyone who lives in or visits My Florida Backyard.

"The old year has gone...
All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"
Edward Payson Powell