Tales From Elaine
Frog vs. Toad: Nature’s Unlikely Villain
One of my most unique characters, Curtis Curlytail, is set to star in his own movie, a production by the Tucson-based animation movie company, Luck
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Science Education
Electric Connections: Tingly Moments with My Horses
Is there someone in your life that makes you feel all tingly when you’re with them? Not necessarily giddy emotionally, but someone who sends shivers
Science Education
The Science of Sizzling: Experimenting with the Perfect Bacon Cook Method
When I moved into my house in Tucson, a good friend gave me this statue as a housewarming gift. He is St. Anthony, a 4th-century
Science Education
A Rare Find! All About the Rustic Sphinx Moth
A friend shared a captivating photo of a uniquely patterned and stunning moth on social media. The sheer beauty of this moth piqued my curiosity.
Living with Reptiles
A Tale of Unexpected Tortoises
Caring for my diverse group of tortoises, which includes four different species, is a constant challenge. I make a conscious effort to keep the sexes
Lizards
Monitors: From Lizards to Screens and Beyond
My writing workplace is in need of a new mouse pad, as the one with iguanas of the world has faded. At the Tucson Reptile
Birds
An Enchanting Tale of Birdwatching and Mockingbirds
As I navigate the captivating landscape of the Sonoran Desert, always on the lookout for intriguing subjects for my Fun Fact videos, I am constantly
Science Education
Adventures in Algae!
I’ve been having trouble with algae growth in my pool this summer. My crawling pool cleaner broke and was removed for repairs—it hasn’t returned. The
Science Education
Spectacular Saguaros!
The saguaros, Carnegiea giganteus, are magnificent on the property where I board my horses. The owner has a cactus garden, a vibrant and diverse collection
Living with Reptiles
The Omnivorous Adventures of My Red-Footed Tortoises
Many tortoises are vegetarians, but my red-footed tortoises are a unique bunch. They roam free throughout my house, enjoying the heat lamp and UVB basking
Conservation
Tales of Turtles: A Look into the World of Sea and Freshwater Turtles
Many places in the world have sea turtles, which live in the ocean, and freshwater turtles, which live on land, often in lakes and rivers.
Iguanas
Meet the Desert Iguana!
While wandering through nature the other day, I passed an exciting hole-up in Marana. Fortunately, the occupant came out to greet me. I was delighted
Birds
My Desert Oasis
Living in the Sonoran Desert, I realize the importance of water. Many animals have adapted to getting the water they need from their food. However,
The Sonoran Desert
The Science of a Sunset
Tucson is known for its spectacular sunsets. One survey ranked them second only to Key West’s sunset over the ocean. I think it was the
Adventure!
Whose Paw Left a Print?
I have a natural desert dirt driveway. Most neighbors have opted for fancy rock, but I like the natural substrate. I have holes dug by