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Local Columns

‘Ding’ cartoon of the month

Masquerading and elections: This cartoon by Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, penned in October of 1922, continues to hold relevance in October of 2024. The Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist produced hundreds of front-page graphic commentaries for the Des Moines Register and a slew of ...

In The Garden: Salt-tolerant muhly grass is blooming grass

Fun, whimsical and versatile only begin to describe a Florida plant known as muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), with its long green stalks and fluffy blooms making its showcase amongst your landscape. This particular type of grass prospers easily throughout the year, blooming its beautiful ...

Recipe of the Week: Hazelnut Crusted Grouper with Mango Salsa

There are so many fish in the sea and so many choices at your local fish store. I like to be flexible with my fish choices and I always ask what came in that day. This recipe can be made with a variety of fish fillets. Makes four servings. (Chef tip: When purchasing fish, make sure to buy from ...

Poetic License: ‘Deport Yourself’

Deport yourself, it’s later than you think, Deport yourself, or you’ll end up in the clink. The year’s gone by, economy’s on the blink Deport yourself, deport yourself, it’s greater than you think. You’ve worked at jobs no gringos want, you’re always on the go, To make ...

Shell Shocked: Advice column to Islander readers

Once a year I devote a column to the millions of letters that pour into the Sanibel-Captiva Islander asking me for advice (well, maybe three or four). I’m flattered that readers reach out to me in their moments of anguish, concern and naïveté. They seem to take the position that I’m ...

In The Garden: Smooth cordgrass is habitat building species

Also known as Spartina alterniflora, smooth cordgrass is a perennial deciduous grass found in the intertidal wetland of estuarine salt marshes. It is fine textured with wiry leaves that form a fountain spray pattern. The surface of the grass is dark green, with the lower surfaces light green in ...

Faces on Faith: Grace abounds

As with many on the island, our Chapel by the Sea on Captiva suffered significant damage from the recent hurricanes. In particular, the chapel saw large amounts of sand pile up on chapel grounds, rising even to the steps of the chapel, the chapel office, and the parsonage, along with a minimal ...

Recipe of the Week: Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Bourbon Sauce

When apple season is upon us, make yourself a delicious treat: a creamy, apple bread pudding. I use a variety of apples, raisin and spices. The delicious aroma escaping from your oven will make your entire family gather in the kitchen to share a bite of this scrumptious dessert. Serves eight. ...

Shell Shocked: Another victim of addiction

The room I entered was spartan and dingy. It was a typical meeting room for individuals who suffered from shame, remorse, addiction and guilt. I was one of them. I had no choice. I was compelled to join these other unfortunates so that I could finally break the curse that had been plaguing me ...