Smile. Beauty abounds.

  The last week has proven to be one of cold nights and breezy, cool days.  Michael and I prepared the garden, pets and house the best we could and settled in for the long haul.  No problem.  Our weather here on the Bayou is not nearly as harsh as our neighbors to the north.  We get freezes but not subzero temperatures and we get sleet or even a dusting of snow but not several feet.  Needless to say, our preparations never involve too much work.  The fall garden has quickly turned into a winterized plot with the cabbages, broccoli and mustard greens braving the cold quite well.  All other plants have been housed within the confines of the well-built greenhouse and shall there reside until springtime comes.

  What does surprise me is one lily that insists on blooming even though its counterparts have long succumbed to the cold.  Under the Black Gum tree, a lone Gloriosa Lily spews forth bloom after bloom regardless of weather.  Its bright red and yellow flowers are a welcome sight among the drab browns and greys of winter.  Each time I take Ms. Ez out for her daily run, these six-inch blooms make me smile.  They are offshoots of Pop's lilies.  He always said they were some of his favorites and I have to agree with him.  I think he would be proud that mine are doing so well.

  The Gloriosa Lily is considered an invasive species and if left unchecked, they soon multiply enough to be a nuisance.  Not so here. Mine have occupied one corner of the garden for the past thirty or so years without ever spilling out into parts unknown.  Even if they did, I can't say for sure that I would object.  To me, anything that brightens and beautifies this old world in any way can't be all bad.  The Gloriosas stay, I am happy and the flowers bloom.  Seems like a win/win situation.