The storm whips long arms across the Florida peninsula as it travels northward in the Atlantic Ocean. Over on the Gulf side where I am there are sudden changes in weather and barometric pressure, like the day itself has a split personality. It is seriously confusing for a lawn mowing day, but the rest of the week is busy, so soggy grass is cut between sudden, strong showers, during moments of bright blue sky and strong sun. Steam heat!

My neighbors will appreciate the effort, even though my cats are happier when they have taller grass for camouflage and shade. They become more panther-like and alive, in a rather non-suburban way, when their territory is more wild. I leave the backyard to be their jungle, balancing my own split personality between attractive suburbia, and a tropical wildness. Although we get no Florida Panthers, we do have a family of raccoons that stops on its way through, and an occasional opossum or two. For the most part our wild visitors mind their manners.

At my house we do try to be respectful of the environmental needs of our area. There is a certain look that is appropriate to the general ambience of the neighborhood, and there are also some habitat needs for the non-domestic but suburban creatures that live among us. "There are many things people can do to help take care of the planet. They begin with the idea that one should.", L. Ron Hubbard. www.thewaytohappiness.com @waytohappinesstampa