Leafhead's Profile

Recent Pictures On the north side of the houser, have this beautiful hosta ( cannot remember the ...

AmiSue comments on May 24, 2018:

Magnificent Hosta! No sign of munchers on that one.

Leafhead replies on May 24, 2018:

Cocoa husk mulch repels rabbits and smells delicious. Unfortunately, it is poor mulch and washes away, so I use it as a soil amendment, as it breaks down rapidly. I reapply as needed to keep bunnies at bay. Chocolate is toxic to many Mammals.

First Monarch sighted on 5/17.

MikeEC comments on May 23, 2018:

Great news for you!. I have dozens of milkweed plants in pots throughout my yard, planted in my flowerbeds, and planted in several places in the alley. Unfortunately, because I live towards the center of Springfield Illinois, I think it takes longer for the monarchs to visit. Even though the ...

Leafhead replies on May 23, 2018:

Hang in there. Sooner or later, you will get noticed. The more Milkweed the better. Perhaps you could involve a neighbor or two to maximize your exposure. Butterflies like to go from garden to garden, so it helps if there is more than one place for them to go. Setting up hosts and attracting butterflies is the first step in raise and release.

[facebook.com] beautiful corn

EdEarl comments on May 22, 2018:

Yes, it is beautiful and wonderful that an Indian used traditional cross breeding techniques to get the right genes to grow this corn. It wasn't Monsanto, but it is a GMO.

Leafhead replies on May 23, 2018:

Monsanto ought to be banned from the USA like across the water. They are killing agriculture and our ecosystem.

Murray the cannibal didn't like skinny women. He preferred them with a little meat on their bones.

Eirteacher comments on May 20, 2018:

Two cannibals were sharing a man. The first one said "How is it going"? The second answered "I'm having a ball". The first one said "You are eating to fast".

Leafhead replies on May 21, 2018:

Q: Why didn't Jeffrey Dahmer like clowns? A: They tasted funny.

Daisies bursting out everywhere! They have started blooming, the first picture is in the flowerbed,...

AstralSmoke comments on May 21, 2018:

I mow around wil flowers as well. Takes longer which causes more pollution, but I do it anyway.

Leafhead replies on May 21, 2018:

I mow around Milkweed for now. The ones in the lawn will be fodder for future caterpillars until the Milkweed in my gardens are tall enough.

Spring is for the woodland.

FrayedBear comments on May 11, 2018:

Bee genocide?

Leafhead replies on May 11, 2018:

@Countrywoman Thank you for your good stewardship. The world needs more eco-conscious people like you.

Spring is for the woodland.

FrayedBear comments on May 11, 2018:

Bee genocide?

Leafhead replies on May 11, 2018:

There's only one safe way to use Roundup, and that's only in a cut and paint strategy for root travellers like Brazilian Pepper in Fla. and Buckthorn in the midwest. Painting does not affect bees

I'm beginning to clean out my butterfly garden today.

CraeftSmith comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I grow a few butterfly bushes, St. John's Wort, and let some native flowers grow. I try to keep an eye on what plants the butterflies and bees like, so I can grow more of them.

Leafhead replies on May 6, 2018:

@TheAstroChuck Noted. I figured what would kill the goose would kill the gander

First Milkweed of 2018 in my area of the Midwest.

DenoPenno comments on Apr 30, 2018:

What do we do with milkweed?

Leafhead replies on May 6, 2018:

Milkweed is the larval food source of the Monarch caterpillar. Monarchs are in steep decline due to eradication of Milkweed, the caterpillars' only food source. Milkweed is also good for pollinators

Do you support Trump?

SunnySmiles comments on Oct 6, 2017:

I joined this dating site in HOPES there were less conservatives here. I have walked away from family and friends who support trump and will refuse to date anyone who does. Not being snobby but its more of a moral decision than a political one

Leafhead replies on May 6, 2018:

I'm with you! Trump is the worst thing about our country since slavery. We will not be safe as Americans until he is GONE!

I'm beginning to clean out my butterfly garden today.

CraeftSmith comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I grow a few butterfly bushes, St. John's Wort, and let some native flowers grow. I try to keep an eye on what plants the butterflies and bees like, so I can grow more of them.

Leafhead replies on May 4, 2018:

@TheAstroChuck What a nifty idea! I'll have to try that. My BFF grows Evening Primrose as a trap, though I consider it to be the ugliest plant around.

First Milkweed of 2018 in my area of the Midwest.

InLogicWeTrust comments on Apr 30, 2018:

Yea!! Send the monarchs to NY when they arrive please.

Leafhead replies on May 4, 2018:

They're headed your way

Saw the first mature Milkweed of 2018 in my side yard.

MermaidSuzy888 comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I'm checking my garden daily. Thanks for the picture!

Leafhead replies on May 4, 2018:

American Lady sighted on 5-4-18 on Antennaria and Anaphalis

Saw the first mature Milkweed of 2018 in my side yard.

btroje comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I still have seed in the fridge. The last frost date here is May 19 and that is about 6 weeks in the fridge. I think I will still be growing them inside as it is very dry and windy this year

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

It's time to start them inside, I'd say...

Saw the first mature Milkweed of 2018 in my side yard.

CraeftSmith comments on Apr 30, 2018:

It makes me happy to see so many people helping out the butterflies and other pollinators. Keep it up ☺️

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

Thanx. Monarchs were my inspiration for my passion of butterfly gardening. I cannot imagine the world without Monarchs!

Saw the first mature Milkweed of 2018 in my side yard.

MikeEC comments on Apr 30, 2018:

She is a beauty! I have not seen any yet, but when the ground warms up, I will have lots of milkweed. I also am growing MW from seed and have at least a couple of dozen that I can plant plus some seeds from pods I saved last year. Unbeknownst to most of my neighbors, I consider the land ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

I grow it too. I now have 250 or so cells of it growing in sixpacks. I grow Fennel, Golden Alexander and Anaphalis from seed. The last one has seed like powder. Anise Hyssop comes easily from seed but takes awhile. Major nectar plant!!!

I'm beginning to clean out my butterfly garden today.

CraeftSmith comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I grow a few butterfly bushes, St. John's Wort, and let some native flowers grow. I try to keep an eye on what plants the butterflies and bees like, so I can grow more of them.

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@CraeftSmith Yeah, Honeysuckle is a thing here, and Buckthorn. Garlic Mustard is worse yet. For bugs we get Japanese Beetles, the terror of any garden!

Saw the first mature Milkweed of 2018 in my side yard.

MermaidSuzy888 comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I'm checking my garden daily. Thanks for the picture!

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

Awaiting the American Lady any week now. The Pussytoes has broken dormancy and the dandelions are in bloom. We've had a southerly wind for two days now. Plus, Red Admirals are due to migrate thru any time now

I'm beginning to clean out my butterfly garden today.

CraeftSmith comments on Apr 29, 2018:

I grow a few butterfly bushes, St. John's Wort, and let some native flowers grow. I try to keep an eye on what plants the butterflies and bees like, so I can grow more of them.

Leafhead replies on Apr 30, 2018:

Careful to check which region you're in before planting Buddhlea. It is banned in a lot of states because of its invasive habits into surrounding native habitats. I treat it as one big annual here. I may get a season or two.

I got a Chicago fig potted today.

Leafhead comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I got 60 Anise Hyssop into 4" pots, 192 Milkweed cells, 30 Golden Alexander and 148 Fennel cells

Leafhead replies on Apr 25, 2018:

@Donto101 Any plush will do. Last year it was a plush raccoon. Owls are best. Anything that looks predatory

Who's live in the midwest and dealing with all this snow we have right now.

Leafhead comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I'm starting all my butterfly plants indoors. Next week looks better I think. One more day.

Leafhead replies on Apr 24, 2018:

How are things? Weather calmed down a bit I hope. I've been transplanting and seeding up a storm, with almost 200 Fennel started, 256 Milkweed, 30 Zizzia aurea and 60 4"Anise Hyssops. The weather's been cooperative at last

I got a Chicago fig potted today.

Leafhead comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I got 60 Anise Hyssop into 4" pots, 192 Milkweed cells, 30 Golden Alexander and 148 Fennel cells

Leafhead replies on Apr 24, 2018:

@Donto101 So far, the birds have left things alone. I have a plush monkey I use as a "scarecrow". It seems to work.

Who's live in the midwest and dealing with all this snow we have right now.

kenriley comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I don't know about the midwest But here in KY it's best to plant in May after mother's day.

Leafhead replies on Apr 20, 2018:

@mistymoon77 My Butterfly Weed is popping, so I planted more. I repotted some Anise Hyssop and put it outside because it is tough and I'm way behind this year. Anise Hyssop is very hardy to 32 until it gets more established, when it is perennial. Big draw for bees and butterflies. Goldfinch love the seeds.

Has anyone had success with moonflower vine?

Rugglesby comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Sadly my location is far north NSW Australia, There are patches of them near a town called Murwuillumbah. I assumed they were a mutation of the Blue morning glory which is a noxious weed here. These are clearly white and grow all over an old house.

Leafhead replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@Rugglesby That's what's known as an alba or white form. Alba are not albino, which is incompatible with life for green plants. They are just pigment deficient

Do you support Trump?

Plainjane comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I support his impeachment.

Leafhead replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@Paul4747 No, there is no easy solution to the immigration problem. After all, we are former immigrants. But there is for the gang problem. Death. The Death Penalty for all gang activity. 0 tolerance Enough is enough. We need to take back our streets once and for all.

Who's live in the midwest and dealing with all this snow we have right now.

kenriley comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I don't know about the midwest But here in KY it's best to plant in May after mother's day.

Leafhead replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@mistymoon77 You'd be best off starting seeds indoors, after they have been stratified. Nonstratified seed can be planted onto the snow, where they'll gather the suns heat, sink into the snow and chill til thaw. Seeds that have been stratified can be started indoors in a very sunny window or under a grow light. I use flats that are divided into cells. After about 3 to 4 weeks, the seedlings can be planted into 4" pots and placed outdoors to harden off. Watch for freeze. When the plants have grown into their pots, they can be planted. Some perennials to try from seed are Asclepias, or Milkweed. Many different varieties, with Butterfly Weed being most favored by gardeners. Monarchs really go for Swamp Milkweed which comes easily from seed. Liatris is a purple flower that butterflies love. Also, Purple Coneflower. Agastache come in many varieties, but Anise Hyssop grows best from seed.

Has anyone had success with moonflower vine?

Leafhead comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Moon flower is a member of the Morning Glory Family, and will thrive year after year from seed if planted in a protected location. Mulching area where vines were in Fall will protect seeds thru Winter. Lots of sun and heat in the Summer

Leafhead replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@Qualia Morning Glory isn't at the top of my list for this very reason. I have seen other gardeners pull their hair out over these overtaking monsters. I have also seen MG scale trees and traverse telephone lines! The only thing I have seen using MG are hummingbirds, and I can easily top MG in that area with some Cardinal Flower and some Salvia. My advice: keep pulling and plant something there that may be allelopathy to MG. Wild Ginger may do the trick.

Has anyone had success with moonflower vine?

Leafhead comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Moon flower is a member of the Morning Glory Family, and will thrive year after year from seed if planted in a protected location. Mulching area where vines were in Fall will protect seeds thru Winter. Lots of sun and heat in the Summer

Leafhead replies on Apr 17, 2018:

It may me a little cold to grow Ipomea alba or Moonflower in your zone. Ipomea purpura or Morning Glory will grow up to zone 4.

Has anyone had success with moonflower vine?

Rugglesby comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Sadly my location is far north NSW Australia, There are patches of them near a town called Murwuillumbah. I assumed they were a mutation of the Blue morning glory which is a noxious weed here. These are clearly white and grow all over an old house.

Leafhead replies on Apr 17, 2018:

True Moon flower blooms at night

Old McDonald had OCD...E E I I O.

FrayedBear comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Shouldn't that be EIEIEIO And OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Leafhead replies on Apr 14, 2018:

No, it's how Donald Trump spells "Farm". He was home schooled

Old McDonald had OCD...E E I I O.

Nickbeee comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Do you realise how offensive this is to some people with OCD dude ? Do you have OCD? ... Do you have compulsions that literally destroy your social life and ability to interact with others, possibly leading to suicidal thoughts and feelings ... Fair play if you are diagnosed and trying to make light...

Leafhead replies on Apr 14, 2018:

I have a bit of OCD and I thought it was cute. Made me laugh at myself, which is healthy. I like to tell people that I have CDO, which is just OCD in alphabetical order..... LIKE IT SHOULD BE! LOL Mellow out alittle. It was only a joke. Perhaps the Joker is laughing at himself as well.

My Asclepias tuberosa starts for Season 2018!

btroje comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Will these bloom this year?

Leafhead replies on Apr 13, 2018:

@Qualia They are pretty tough. It's all about having a healthy and extensive root system. Tuberosa needs time to develop a good taproot. Last year I put out 81 butterflies, mostly Monarchs and the rest Swallowtails. It was a LOT of work.

My Asclepias tuberosa starts for Season 2018!

btroje comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Do you think I should try to grow them inside the first year to protect the plants?

Leafhead replies on Apr 13, 2018:

I start them early in Spring inside and wait for end of frost to pot them into 4" pots. I grow these outside, and when they are grown into the 4" pots they can then go into the ground. As long as the seedlings are properly "hardened off" and don't freeze they should be fine. Protect seedlings and young plants from birds and bunnies until well established and growing vigorously.

I’m starting to get bunches On my muscadine grapes. And my blueberries are starting to ripen.

Cast1es comments on Apr 11, 2018:

I bought a huge planter and put in a grapevine , last year , which promptly died , although the mint was very happy to be there . I bought another grape vine and put in this year ,which promptly died as well , although last year's mint , is still going strong . I think something is poisoning the ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 13, 2018:

@farmboy2017 Allelopathy

My Asclepias tuberosa starts for Season 2018!

btroje comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Will these bloom this year?

Leafhead replies on Apr 13, 2018:

@Qualia I try not to work my yearling tuberosas. The caterpillars strip young plants too fast. I've noticed the females hitting very young plants. I collect those larvae and raise them indoors on fodder from more mature plants

My Asclepias tuberosa starts for Season 2018!

btroje comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Will these bloom this year?

Leafhead replies on Apr 13, 2018:

Better next year.

How does one circumcise a whale? 4 skindivers!

TerriCity comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Very Carefully.

Leafhead replies on Apr 11, 2018:

@ebdb Lol

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue My big MOJO was cool with other lizards, but I could not take a snake out there! He was also cool with tortoises, but tried to POP my Chinese Box Turtles!

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue Had a pair of Timor and a Tristis Monitor, with some Uromastyx that fell into my lap, along with their custom built enclosures! My fave was Triscuit, my Australian Tristis. Dog tame in every sense. Timor pretty but skittish. Nice viewing lizards. The Uros were pussycats. I hated parting with them most.

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue I'll keep them in mind should I own again. I cannot justify keeping a tropical reptile in this climate. In Florida, things were different. I may own a corn or a king, something more temperate here in the Midwest. Lately I'm thinking a move back home and doing some intense butterfly gardening. I may get some small reps, fish or amphibians then.

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue Wow! I had African Hingebacks, Fred and Wilma. Pebbles came sometime after. I'm glad I got there before MOJO did! He was my big Tanzanian Blackthroat Monitor. He didn't bother Fred and Wilma, but little Pebbles could have made a snack

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue What kind of turtles?

I am reading about milkweed and noticed there are different kinds.

ailurophile comments on Mar 19, 2018:

I would suggest native milkweed, but that's my opinion, and not a comment based on research. Addendum: Milkweed native to your area.

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@Qualia They'll eat anything that isn't radioactive or chemically corrosive LOL. Badasses. They'll tackle anything but Common, Swamp and B. Weed

I am reading about milkweed and noticed there are different kinds.

ailurophile comments on Mar 19, 2018:

I would suggest native milkweed, but that's my opinion, and not a comment based on research. Addendum: Milkweed native to your area.

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@CapriKious Monarchs do have preferences for the least stressed and healthiest plants. A native such as Common Milkweed will do poorly in shade, but Poke Milkweed will do fine, and Monarchs find them delicious. As such, non native species may nor fare as well outside their range, and may be disastrous as in cases of Tropical Milkweed carrying OE. Avoid Asclepias curassavica if at all possible.

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue LOL. Other things you can give your Iguanas is dandelion greens. Loaded with calcium! I rescued two sick Iguanas (you guessed it: Vitamin D deficiency) and fed them baby food and later spring greens. Later I found a Jewish grocery store that sold dandelion greens. They worked well for a speedy recovery.

This is from Travis's garden.

Leafhead comments on Apr 9, 2018:

The Bat Flower (Tacca) is a member of the Amyrillis Family, not an orchid. It takes similar care as Spathiphyllum. Shade, loam and humidity. The purple form I know as Tacca chantierii

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@BettyColeman You're very welcome :-)>

I am reading about milkweed and noticed there are different kinds.

ailurophile comments on Mar 19, 2018:

I would suggest native milkweed, but that's my opinion, and not a comment based on research. Addendum: Milkweed native to your area.

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@Qualia Best to go with native Milkweed, for sure. I have heard of A. curassavica carrying OE, and so I recommend against it. Have heard of Swallowwort. Thankfully, not an issue here. The larvae really go for incarnata and exaltata. The latter is unfortunately bunny fodder as well. Bunnies are tough as hell here.

Anyone with experience growing butternut squash and/or romaine lettuce?

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

What kind of reptiles?

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@AmiSue Cool! I was heavy into Pythons, Cornsnakes, Monitor Lizards and Iguanas, as well as Arthropods like Tarantulas, Preying Mantis and Emperor Scorpions. I was the hit of the neighborhood on Halloween. I would get trick or treaters long after the candy and change was gone! Finally, I would offer Mealworms!

Friday Evening, I was coming out of the lab at the biggest hospital in town.

Leafhead comments on Apr 8, 2018:

When I last checked, we are guaranteed the freedom of religion and from it as well as stated by the US Constitution. You were not in the wrong in any way. If it comes up, you can always mention that the sheeples were in an unauthorized area of the hospital, esp the used car salesman/preacher

Leafhead replies on Apr 9, 2018:

@Stevil That sucks. You should find a better job. It really doesn't sound like upper management knows wtf they are doing. That's what Jesus does to the brain, though. Turns it to mush. Religion is worse than hard drugs

Does anyone shy away from using a company who promotes religious ideals?

Leafhead comments on Apr 2, 2018:

Chick FIL A Cracker Barrell Hobby Lobby

Leafhead replies on Apr 6, 2018:

@Missymaebee Good to know. They are freaky fast off my list of places to eat.

Hello fellow gardeners, I promised my youngest son he could help in the garden this year.

Leafhead comments on Apr 6, 2018:

Fennell, Dill and Parsley will do well in large pots and as a side benefit, they attract Black Swallowtails

Leafhead replies on Apr 6, 2018:

@PappyOnWings I think the Anise Swallowtail visits your range and eats Fennell and Dill

Hello fellow gardeners, I promised my youngest son he could help in the garden this year.

Leafhead comments on Apr 6, 2018:

Fennell, Dill and Parsley will do well in large pots and as a side benefit, they attract Black Swallowtails

Leafhead replies on Apr 6, 2018:

@Byrd I think you did. You turned me onto the site, I think.

If you were raised religious, how much did you dread prayer?

Anonbene comments on Mar 18, 2018:

As a Catholic I can remember praying like hell for this Mass to end so we could go to Dunkin donuts. Being bribed to attend church was ok in those days. I still love Dunkin donuts.

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

Don't eat too many. You'll end up with a lot of holes in your tummy!! LOL

If you were raised religious, how much did you dread prayer?

Marine comments on Mar 19, 2018:

Just made them up!

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

Every night at dinner we had this stupid prayer that went like this: "Come Lord Jezuz be our guest Let these gifts for us be blest Heavenly Father Bless this food To thine glory and for thy good." By the time we got to "good", I was half done. With dessert.

If you were raised religious, how much did you dread prayer?

Janilani comments on Mar 20, 2018:

I was shammed in bible school by the teacher for asking why there were no dinosaurs ? in the bible. Jesus riding a raptor instead of an ass would have been far more dramatic. ????

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

Bible school is a contradiction in terms.

If you were raised religious, how much did you dread prayer?

Benthoven comments on Mar 24, 2018:

I’ve always prayed. I did it naturally. I talked to God while I was walking down the street, I prayed about silly things, like which color I looked better in when trying to dress up. I asked God questions about anything. I told him I was bored, or that what that person did to me was painful, or ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

I prayed when I was in trouble, or when I did something wrong. I have since learned to face my guilty conscience and make amends with whomever I might wrong. That is what any good Rabbi, Priest, Imam or other spiritual leader would advise anyway. Though a nun would want you to beat yourself to death afterward.

Though not exactly the Buckle, I hail from Pompano Beach, Florida.

Charlie9365 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

@Leafhead: I grew up in Coral Springs, but moved to Lighthouse Point at 15. Small world. Lived on Leightner Dr. I've been in SC since '93.

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

Cool. A real Floridian! Christ I'm homesick...

What part of the Bible Belt is everyone from?

Twainwide comments on Apr 3, 2018:

Atlanta, GA. A blend of the modern and the redneck. My coworkers talk about Jesus a lot.

Leafhead replies on Apr 5, 2018:

Bleah!

Grew up in Lighthouse Point, the northernmost part of Pompano before hitting Deerfield.

jperlow comments on Apr 4, 2018:

I live in Coral Springs near Butterfly World. Don't need my own collection :)

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

What a WONDERFUL park to "tap into" for a source of butterflies!! Ever think about planting some Pentas, Firebush, Pipeline or Passion Vine in your yard? You could double your output. A nice Cassia bush or tree for the Sulfurs. Beware the Big Box stores like Home Depot, who are apt to use pesticides in their products.

How do you find your tribe in the Bible Belt?

Stevil comments on Mar 26, 2018:

My tribe is about 150 miles east in Cherokee, NC. Its easier to find gems in the roadside Ruby mines near there than others rhat openly share their agnostic or atheist disbelief in the Bible Belt. It can be professional suicide.

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

This is my tribe, in the heart of progressive WI. Puhh. Cold AND phony. Ready to call it quits and head home. It's the Bible Belt, but it's warm. I can always find a tribe amongst Florida's LGTB community.

How do you find your tribe in the Bible Belt?

Seeker55 comments on Mar 26, 2018:

I am a musician and around a bunch of creative types, so am fortunate to have a friend or two who are very liberal and open minded that I can talk with, but MOST of my friends are religious conservatives, so I tread carefully. Finding this site was really exciting.

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

I love this site! I live in a progressive city, but my family up here is still religious. (They call themselves "The Religious Left"). I am fully out as gay. No problem. But when I tell them I don't believe in God, they get all deaf and develop immediate amnesia. I don't DARE come out in front of the inlaws!! But I am honest. One day, I'll be asked the wrong damned question, and out it'll come. Beans and all. Was in the closet with my boyfriend!! When he found out, it wasn't long.

How do you find your tribe in the Bible Belt?

Fab comments on Mar 27, 2018:

I am so concerned about the professional impact it would have on me that I have a dog for a profile pic... she is a pretty cute pup! I am not just in the closet... I am in the closet walls. I just want a safe place where I can people with common interests who won’t be talking about their ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

Welcome! I am a newcomer to this site. I was a former troll slayer on You Tube. I don't miss all the naysayers on my favorite science channels. Feel welcome and at home here. I do.

A lot of prayers for fortunes, healing, etc, on facebook.

Seeker55 comments on Apr 1, 2018:

A great many people, event some not really religious, believe that prayer is an undisputed power that can have great effect on whatever situation the prayer is about. I personally think how one feels about, or what one believes about prayer makes them effective or not and...the prayer does not have ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

Pray in one hand and piss in the other... Prayer is just the mind's self soothing mechanism for situations beyond its control. A cancer diagnosis or illness of a close family member are examples of extreme stress that require some form of mindful activity. For some, this is the placebo of prayer; it eases their mind. The only problem is the eventual disappointment when "God" doesn't pick up the slack on his end. World class devastation ensues, with much anger at a nonexistent being for your loss.

A lot of prayers for fortunes, healing, etc, on facebook.

Stevil comments on Apr 1, 2018:

I think many people when they think they need to reply, but have no other reply, answer with preyers or some variation of that theme, its a comment on Facebook that they use to say I care and it's like gang signs to other Facebook Christians. I don't feel they really prey for anyone, its just a ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

Gang signs to other Xians!! I love it!! How do I "like" twice??

A lot of prayers for fortunes, healing, etc, on facebook.

I_dont_know comments on Apr 1, 2018:

I volunteer at a Lutheran Church in their quilting "ministry", ie. we make quilts to give to hospices, pregnancy crisis centers, etc. I have gotten from this group the fear, "If I don't believe there is a God, but there is, I'll go to hell!" There is a prayer time during the morning where "thanks" ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

Obviously Pascal's Wager at work here

I am reading about milkweed and noticed there are different kinds.

MikeEC comments on Apr 3, 2018:

I totally agree. The first couple of years I had about equal plants swamp and common, but because the monarchs have shown a clear preference for common milkweed that is about 90% of what I have now.

Leafhead replies on Apr 4, 2018:

I definitely think that preference is both regional and seasonal. In my neck of the woods, Swamp Milkweed gets them every time. Last year, however, I had equal amounts on Swamp and Common, with a whole boatload on my Poke Milkweed. Even among American Ladies, there are different preferences from season to season. Last season and in 2016, my Vanessas laid and sustained on a previously untouched species of Artemesia. My guess is that different plants do better in some years and so are more alluring. I have noticed this with a lot of host and nectar plants

I am reading about milkweed and noticed there are different kinds.

ailurophile comments on Mar 19, 2018:

I would suggest native milkweed, but that's my opinion, and not a comment based on research. Addendum: Milkweed native to your area.

Leafhead replies on Apr 3, 2018:

@PappyOnWings My theory is area native Milkweed species are more vigorous than introduced species. For instance, what works in Illinois or Wisconsin will not necessarily work in Florida, and Tropical Milkweed does miserably here in the Midwest. Monarchs avoid it in favor of natives like Swamp Milkweed.

A Carbon Tax on Beef! This is another of many reasons to eschew (not eat meat) ...

Leafhead comments on Apr 3, 2018:

I tried veganism once. I ate all the right things, and even took suppliments. Know what happened?? I ended up in the hospital with MALNUTRITION! People are omnivores. Our ancestors had to learn a new diet. Even Chimpanzees, our closest living relative, hunt. We need some animal protein. If you are ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 3, 2018:

@JackPedigo Fish, notably seafood, is your best bet for animal protein. Chicken is a second. Both can be raised and harvested humanely and without a bunch of hormones and other poisons. I'm with you there. I'll agree that beef isn't well digested by people. But there's nothing wrong with fish, which can even be eaten raw.

Do you want a funeral, or a celebration of your life?

dahermit comments on Mar 31, 2018:

Neither. As very private person, I want to be creamated without ceremony. It may have something to do with the fact that I am a High-Functioning Aspberger's Syndrome person...all ceremonines strike me as illogical and pointless social gestures. Either no ceremony at all, or a drove of naked ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 2, 2018:

Ceremony began early in our genus. It is a large part of who we are. Celebration is a way of bonding with clan members or tribe members. It is a huge evolutionary advantage. It is uniquely human. I am not surprised by your take on it as illogical and unnessary, as Autism Spectrums tend to be a little detached from others, but also being extremely intelligent

Farming for change. A lot of good information [farmxchange.org]

Leafhead comments on Apr 1, 2018:

I utilize most of my growing season concentrating on Monarch Butterflies and other declining pollinators. I say NO to pesticides! Gardens are ecosystems as well and should be treated as such. Too many people and complexes strive for that sterile, formal look when they should be incorporating host ...

Leafhead replies on Apr 2, 2018:

@Rugglesby Oh, Chix. I see. Thanx

Does anyone here have a butterfly garden?

Donto101 comments on Mar 31, 2018:

We have a fire bush planted for Butterflies

Leafhead replies on Apr 2, 2018:

@TerriCity You might also try Tithonias (Mexican Sunflowers). Mist flowers are excellent. I have tried them myself. They like it too wet. My lot is high on a hill.

Farming for change. A lot of good information [farmxchange.org]

Leafhead comments on Apr 1, 2018:

I utilize most of my growing season concentrating on Monarch Butterflies and other declining pollinators. I say NO to pesticides! Gardens are ecosystems as well and should be treated as such. Too many people and complexes strive for that sterile, formal look when they should be incorporating host ...