Just When I'd Given Up Hope

I was beginning to think I'd never be able to post another photo again -- my internet service has been jacked for a week. Maybe whining helps. I like the way the sun is coming through the petals.

Missed photo op: The huge Mormon Tea plants in the hills outside Tucson glowing in the late afternoon amber light. Donna and I gathered some -- feeling the presence of Michael. I've always heard his voice talking about whatever plant I'm gathering -- now there's a presence, too. Thank you, Michael.

Kerfuffle

Two different news stories, one after the other on NPR a few days ago, used the word kerfuffle -- and now it's stuck in my mind, a persistent kerfuffling undercurrent. A somewhat larger kerfuffle right now is caused by my internet service, Higher Speed Internet, which I've come to understand means only slightly higher speed than dial-up. Right now it's s o o o o o slow I can't download the photo I want to post -- the always-too-early apricot blossoms in my backyard. Every year the tree is seduced into bloom by a short period of unseasonably warm temperatures in Feb. -- then is kerfuffled when winter resumes, treats the blossoms harshly and that's that -- no apricots.

Ahhhh -- kerfuffle kerfuffle kerfuffle. Perhaps this little post has exorcised that kerfuffle.

More not so unseasonable bloom observations: Bladderpod (the little mustard family yellow flower) and Perky Sue (a DYC) both seen along the trail to Valley of the Horses a few days ago when I hiked to the spot I believe will have a bloom of Pasque Flower sometime in April. I trust I'll be home from Spain in time to see it. I only have one day between that trip and the Michael Moore and American Herbalism Conference -- I've got to pack alot into that day!

Maybe I Need to Get Out More

The last couple of blogs sounded a bit testy but I was just being flip. Much as I love being flip I had to think, hmmm, perhaps all the brown and grey of winter is actually getting to me. I'm not running off to warm green places this year but just maybe I need to get out and about more. I rounded up June and Melu and off we went to the Rio Grande Nature Center where we saw Canada Geese doing somersaults in shallow water -- behavior I've never observed before at least not in geese. We also happened upon this odd crop in the xeric garden.

That was last Friday -- and yesterday I went to Santa Fe to have lunch with Lucille. Why I didn't have my camera with me to photograph her against the purple and peach walls of Harry's Roadhouse, I don't know. And then I blew it again in her wonderful shop on Galisteo -- color, color, color! I just sit there in the little "living room space" and feast on all that color (and chocolate). It's the most festive clothing store anywhere!

The Buddha, with Halo Askew...

sits sullenly in my garden waiting for Spring. Notice the neatly mounded dirt next to his companion. This would be gopher sign -- mounded dirt and dead plants. So far I've lost 2 Hollyhocks -- mmmm, those sweet roots must be irresistible. I admit to murderous thoughts involving my bb gun but this gopher is so sleek and shiny and hardworking I put those thoughts aside. For now.
And I don't need anyone to point out the contradiction between the juxtaposition of Buddha and murderous thoughts, thank you.

What's an Acequia, Ma?

This is an acequia, kid -- and shut uhhhhp!

Stalking Betony -- to no Avail

Betony was reported not only up but blooming down in the Manzanos... Hmmm, not that far south from here -- I thought perhaps I might see some up and about at the Highway 14 Open Space. Nary a hint of Betony anywhere though I searched high and low. Here's a photo of me searching high -- recognize the Gooding Willow again? And look what turned up low -- I trust you all know this one!

So -- no Betony... But I got to climb trees and hear the water rushing in the acequia, admire a Red-tailed Hawk and just generally rejoice in being outdoors on a fine day.

Searching for Signs of Spring

And this is what I found in my backyard: Filaree -- Storksbill, one of the geraniums. A tiny little flower on a rosette of frilly deep green leaves. Watch for it! I've seen it in dry places, wet places, high places and low...

Bluebirds at my water dishes today, too -- and CedarWaxwings in the elm tree...

Got to Start Somewhere Part 2

Don't even ask where Part 1 is... There was a photo with it, though -- I'll tell you that. A photo of a little cottage, a cozy little fantasy cottage that seemed appropriate to this endeavor's beginning. Oh! Here it is -- nestled cozily in my summer garden. We'll start from there and wander into the present.

Usually by this time of year I'm yearning for an environment like this: Greenery! Leaves as big as me! Warmth! Moisture! And I head south. But this winter I've stayed here in the NM mountains -- without too much whining I might add. Went walking yesterday in the blowing snow, 26 degrees, brisk wind -- and felt wildly alive. Of course I felt wildly alive atop a pyramid in Palenque last February, too.

There is much to be said for feeling wildly alive no matter where you are.