Wind, Bees and Flowers!

  The area was supposed to get a lot of rain last night and today.  Areas around us did...we did not.  We got wind. Tonight, thankfully, thunder rolls and showers come and go.  I am ready for a good soaking rain on the gardens.  If this happens, a couple of hundred little plants will be set in their "growing" spots in the morning.  The cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli plants really need to be spaced a bit further apart than I had sowed the seeds but it would have been pointless to transplant them during the drought.  So...we (the plants and I) wait on the rain.

  This morning, I headed to the pier to check the skiff and any fishing gear.  The winds were picking up a bit so it is better to take care of things before it gets too rough.  It was on that quick dash that I had to stop and watch a bee.  Yep, even during iffy weather, I watch the critters.  At the end of the pier, there is a lovely groundsel bush with its poofy white blossoms.  Right in the midst of the bush, there was a single goldenrod branch. I had stopped to admire the beautiful "floral arrangement" when I noticed another goldenrod branch had tilted over the end of the pier.  That was where I found my lovely, little friend.  The bee was hunkered down among the flowers to escape the wind.  While the blooms gave the bee something to grasp, it was still having a wild ride.  The whole thing was bouncing around with each gust.  At one point, the wind lulled and I was able to photograph the bee.  The bee, however, had a different idea.  After just one picture, it up and flew to the oak tree and nestled in among the lichens.  There, it would be safe from the whipping winds.  And I headed back up the hill to the Little Bayou House.

No One Will Notice

   If one is watchful on hikes during the early morning hours, a lot can be learned...not only about the wildlife encountered but, also, about life in general.  This enlightening can be applied to oneself, as well.  Take this morning, for instance.  As I meandered the Small Gardens, I had to stop and admire the goldenrod.  (Yes, I am one of those gardeners that lets thing grow wild and free.  Since goldenrod is quite lovely, it is allowed a spot in the gardens.)  The admiration led to the discovery of a small bee nestled deep in the blooms.  This bee was not "busy".  In fact, the tiny critter was still asleep.  (Yes, bees do sleep.)  The coolness of the morn had left it a bit groggy so, until the sun could warm it, the bee would remain idle.  

 Watching the bee and not wanting to disturb it, I left it as I found it.  Bees need rest.  We need rest.  I keep having to remind myself that selfcare is a thing and it is highly important.  Working myself to a frazzle each day is taking its toll on my body and mind.  Hopefully, there will come a time soon that the chores can be shifted aside and I can apply a little selfcare.  The bee, this morning, was simply a reminder that not everything has to be completed during my lifetime.  If it is....no one will notice.  If it is not...no one will notice.  Just that...no one will notice.

Oh, those beautiful weeds!

   It occurred to me that my gardening skills sure are a lot different than most folks.  I garden as to what appeals to me and not what others push.  At least, I can say that the Small Gardens are interesting, if nothing else.  You never know what you might find lurking beneath the plants.  At any given moment, you may come across a ribbon snake, a few toads, frogs of all sorts, turtles, butterflies, moths, bees, birds, squirrels, rabbits and, if at night, raccoons...tons of raccoons.  Besides the numerous critters that are welcome, a goodly number of weeds are also on the "ok" list.

  Late this afternoon, I had to smile as I watched the goldenrod plumes nod with the breeze.  Honeybees were busy among the blooms which is always an added bonus!  I like goldenrod even though there are those who claim that it causes their allergies to act up.  I beg to differ...it does not...that is ragweed.  Goldenrod is insect pollinated so is not drifting about on the wind.  I leave the goldenrod wherever it grows and, in the fall, it is a glorious sight to behold!

  As I meandered through the Small Gardens, the wild ageratum or purple mist plant was putting on a delightful show with its blooms as it tried to attract butterflies and bees.  This, too, is considered a weed by many but, in my eyes, it is gorgeous and has every right to be on display.  The plants are perennials so other "garden annuals" are carefully planted between the rootstocks.  Marigolds and purple mist plants do well together so I try to remember this as I plant marigolds.

  Weeds!  Oh, those beautiful weeds!  Weeds that are the bane of most gardeners sit well in the Small Gardens and never disappoint with their lovely blooms.  Folks, never look down on things because you have always heard them described as "weeds".  Sometimes, those weeds outshine all others.  Be kind.

Bees Do Sleep

   The Bayou area is full of surprising finds.  With nearly every hike about the place, something new catches my eye and causes the wheels in the old brain to start whirling round and round.  With each new discovery, there comes a thousand questions.  What?  Where?  Why? When?  And the big one...How? How is usually spread out into a bajillion segments.  It makes life interesting and keeps the brain working.  

  My hikes, as a norm, start before dawn and then wind up when the sun rises above the pines.  That is when the outdoor chores begin.  This morning, Mark went fishing so I wandered about the place.  At one point, I stopped to admire the goldenrod that was in full bloom.  Goldenrod is one of those misjudged plants.  People give it a bad rap thinking it causes their allergies.   I have given up trying to explain that ragweed is the culprit as no one wishes to ever admit they may be wrong.  Oh, well, so be it.  But, I like the goldenrod and wish it would bloom year round instead of just the fall.  It seems that the bumblebees wish it would, too.  Early this morning, a tiny bumblebee was found asleep nestled down in the downy soft blooms.  Obviously, the little bee had been busy last night and decided to sleep the night away in the bloom.  It chose a full cluster that would completely surround it.  This would camouflage it from any predators.  Once it awakes, it does not have far to go before it has breakfast!

  Bees, butterflies and other insects do, indeed, sleep.  Bees and wasps that make hives usually head back inside for the night but solitary bees sleep where they find shelter.  Flowers provide that nicely.  Butterflies choose a thicket and then hang upside down among the leaves.  Just as an added note here, the cutesy butterfly houses are not a good idea.  Butterflies prefer bushes not houses.  While it may look adorable, you are more likely to attract wasps than butterflies.  Red wasps love to build their nests in these things.  (That spoken by the voice of experience.) Yep, I was given a butterfly house.  Yep, every year red wasps have claimed the house.  Nope, nary a butterfly has even looked at the adorable little house. 

  The next time you are out at the crack of dawn, check the insides of flowers.  You may find loads of little friends are using them as their beds.  During rainy times, be sure to look inside of lilies.  The cup shape provides a nice shelter for our insect friends!  Bees DO sleep!  

Pollen, Pollen Everywhere!

  Folks usually have the idea that pollen season is in the spring.  While that may be accurate, it is incomplete.  Pollen can occur any time of year.  Right now, the Bayou is tinted yellow with pollen from ragweed.  Both ragweed and goldenrod are in full bloom around here.  Between the two, ragweed is the bane of all those with allergies.  It is a rare thing for someone to be allergic to goldenrod.  To cause problems, the pollen has to be windblown.  Ragweed does, indeed, have windblown pollen but goldenrod does not.  The goldenrod depends on insects for pollination.  The goldenrod has sweet nectar that attracts the insects to do the job.  The pollen is not floating about the air causing watery eyes, sneezing and headaches.  Put the blame where it belongs...on the ragweed.

  This morning, I headed to the pier to check the crab traps.  At first, I was fully distracted by the big, ole gator that was lingering by the mouth of the Bayou.  This gator demands attention by its sheer size alone.  It is huge!  After a bit, my attention turned to a yellow sheen atop the water.  At the marsh edge, the rising tide left interesting patterns as the filmy pollen wrapped around the grasses.  The long feathery streaks seemed to be clinging for dear life to the grasses.  As I peered into the water, I pondered how many folks would be heading to the drug store this morning asking for their allergy meds. Goofy ragweed and its airborne pollen wreaks havoc on some folks' sinuses.

Gardens of Yellow

 One of my favorite things about fall is the wildflowers that dot the hillside and marshes.  It breaks my heart to cut grass during this time of year simply because so many pretty flowers sprout up and bloom where I need to mow.  I have become fully tempted to strew seeds over the entire yard and call it a wildflower garden!  Life would be easier as I would not have to push the lawnmower for several months!  

  I have a bad habit of letting the gardens go to ruin during the late summer so by fall, things are a bit overgrown.  Last year, three goldenrod plants grew in the chive garden so this year, there are goldenrod plants everywhere!  While I think they are beautiful and wish for more, others do not see the allure. When explaining my love, I list three things.  First, bees love them!  The blooms are literally covered with honeybees and bumblebees!  Second, they add a bit of "fall" color to the drab gardens.  Yes, this is color that towers over my head but it is color, just the same.  Third, if I call them wildflowers, I do not have to explain why I have not weeded the gardens! (See, there is some method to my madness!)

  Goldenrod is one of those plants that has gotten a bad rap simply because another plant looks similar.  Ragweed is the actual culprit that causes so many allergies.  It is highly rare that goldenrod causes the watery eyes and sneezing attacks.  Ragweed is the one to blame for that, my friends.  

  This morning, the goldenrod swayed gently in the north breeze.  It was simply lovely and the garden was abuzz with bees and other pollen-seeking insects.  Then came the rains and my gardens received some much needed water but the goldenrod was sagging,  The blooms were heavy with water causing the stalks to bend close to the ground.  It appears that I probably should clear the gardens now.  I am glad I was able to enjoy the colors when I had the chance.


                                                                                                                   

My Butterflies are Missing!

  Normally, September and October are the months when the yard is filled with butterflies of all sorts.  Of those that visit, the Monarchs have all ways been the most prevalent.  They would come in swarms as they migrated.  There were times a few years back, when the Asclepias and Ageratum were simply covered with the orange and black butterflies.  For the past two years, however, the sightings have been sparse, to say the least.  I miss the butterflies.

  I was reading the other day how the plight of "missing" butterflies was not just a local thing.  It seems that the Monarch population is on a sharp decline in this country.  Part of that is due to weather changes but a good bit is due to the loss of habitat.  One of the main sources of food for these butterflies is the milkweed plant and, as the name implies, most folks see this as a weed.  The plants are promptly destroyed to keep those "well manicured" lawns and gardens in shape.  No one wants a weed in their garden.  This is a shame.  Sorry, folks, those things you deem as nasty weeds are actually wildflowers and should be left to grow where they will.  Here on the Bayou, I leave as many as possible.  Yes, I do cut the grass but wildflowers are welcome to grow in the flower gardens and vegetable gardens because I know the importance of having native plants.  The native flora helps the native fauna survive.  Cut out one of the two and both are soon decimated.

  The milkweed plant is of the Asclepias genus.  These plants grow readily in just about any type soil.  (I have one that grows in sand!) These plants require little to no work so can be a lazy gardeners dream plant!  Mine is dubbed "Butterfly Weed" and it truly seems to attract the Monarchs.  This type Asclepias has orange, red and yellow clusters of blooms and looks quite striking when mingled with the purples of the Wild Ageratum and the towering fluffs of Goldenrod!  My wild gardens are never boring but they sure miss the butterflies!

Happy as a Goldenrod...

  Down by the marsh edge, I sort of let Mother Nature take her course and decide what grows.  It is obvious that I do not keep the impeccable yard that Pop did but I rather like the wild look of the place.  Granted the upper two acres is kept relatively cleared but the rest of the acreage is let be wild and free.  The critters need a place to feel safe and underbrush provides perfect hiding/nesting areas.

  While on this morning's hike, I came across the fluffy seeds of the goldenrod.  During the fall, goldenrod fills the marsh with such beauty and during the winter months, the seeds do much the same.  Actually, my hike took me there just at the right time because later in the day, rain and high winds probably scattered the seeds about the hillside.  Now, all that is left, is a bit of warm sunshine to come this spring so a whole new crop of the "weeds" will sprout.  

  While there are those who will argue that my idea of beauty is a bit frazzled, I figure that Mother Nature has much more experience about decorating the Bayou than I do.  When viewing the seed tufts this morning, it made me realize more than ever that seeing beauty is all in how you look at things.  The Bayou and I are a lot alike.  We are both a little unkempt at times but deep down, we are both happy as a lark...or goldenrod...happy as a goldenrod...if a weed can be happy.

Let It Bee!

  I figure that we all should do our part, no matter how small, in taking care of this old planet.  It is the only one we have so if we kill it, we kill ourselves.  Not a happy thought, now is it?  So, whenever I get the chance, I try to improve things a bit.  This usually involves me picking up and properly discarding other people's trash.  I have long gone by that mantra of leaving behind only footprints but it appears that others want to leave behind half of their belongings.  It is my observation that these same folks are the first to complain about the fine fix the world is in.  People whine far too much and do far too little to suit me.

  That said, I also try to leave Mother Nature alone when it comes to the Bayou.  She has a firm grasp on what is needed for the ecosystem to survive and thrive.  Wildflowers, also known as weeds by others, grow where they will and I refuse to clear them.  My gardens are filled with the volunteer plants as is the marsh and woods.  The plants not only make me happy but play a huge role in Mother Nature's plan.  Those "weeds" have a purpose. 

  Just this afternoon while out on a stroll with the old dog, I pondered that purpose.  I watched as a small bumblebee was busy gathering pollen from the goldenrod near the pier.  The bee was heavy laden but still went from plant to plant.  Yes, it was gathering the pollen for the winter.  While these bees do not overwinter in a huge hive, the queen needs sustenance to survive until spring.  Sometimes, she is the only one to overwinter.  Come spring, she, alone, will start the colony again.  By allowing the goldenrod and other wildflowers to grow in the yard, I, in a sense, am aiding in the pollination process that is so important.  Without the bees (of all sorts), the pollination of plants would diminish and, thus, begin to die out.  Without plants, our food source will die out as well.  So, by leaving the wildflowers, I am doing a tiny part in helping Mother Nature in her vast plan of our survival. 

 

Be a Goldenrod!

  When you come to think of it, plants are pretty resilient.  They can be battered to the ground yet still push back with new growth.  They can be wilted flat with the lack of water and yet let a small rain come they bounce back with renewed vigor.  Plants can pretty well be neglected, mangled and mutilated yet with a wee bit of encouragement, they survive.  It is that will to survive that lets them cling on in the most direst of situations.

  This afternoon during a short break in the rains, I headed to the pier.  It was there that I spied some rather hardy plants enduring some pretty harsh growing conditions.  It is hard to comprehend that plants can flourish with their roots soaked in saltwater.   Across the Bayou,  a splash of brilliant yellow told me that a whole patch of goldenrod was doing rather well even though the roots were embedded in a saltwater laden marsh.  The plants were doing so well, in fact, that they rivaled some of the plants in a well tended nursery.  These, goldenrod plants, however, had never known the love and attention that most garden plants receive.  The seeds were scattered haphazardly by the wind or birds then the tiny plants took root and grew.  The blooms told me that the next generation of goldenrod will be strong and sturdy!  The new plants will beat the odds and grow well in the marsh.  

  It is too bad we cannot do the same.  It is hard for us to adapt to our surroundings and flourish after being put in a position that is not to our liking.  Most of us wither and become fragile under harsh circumstances. It is the rare person that pushes to flourish when things are not perfect.  Be a goldenrod!  Grow where you are planted and flourish!  Bloom and make a difference in this old world!

Blaming the Bad One

  Thankfully, (at the moment) I have very few allergies.  I know that could change with the drop of a hat but, for now, I can wander the hillside with little or no ill effects.  This fact was one to ponder today as I sat on the pier.  Throughout the marsh, the yellow blooms of goldenrod were bobbing in the slight breeze.  These gorgeous blooms were intermingled with the (not so showy) ragweed blooms.  As I sat watching the softly swaying blooms, it occurred to me that that poor goldenrod catches so much flack by allergy sufferers.  The accusations are misdirected, however, as it is the ragweed that causes all the sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.  It is easy to understand the misconception, though, as the two plants usually grow side by side and, since the goldenrod is much more noticeable, folks tend to believe that is the culprit.  Not so.  It is those little nondescript blooms of the ragweed that are the meanies!

  In reality, goldenrod can actually be used as a treatment for the allergy to ragweed.  Many sufferers find great relief when using goldenrod.  While many of us "old-timers" resort to actually using wild plants for our remedies, recently, herbal remedies have hit the market.  Folks are returning to old time cures from our grandparents' era.  Herbal capsules, pills ointments and syrups can be found  lining the drugstore shelves whereas just a few years back, these methods were ridiculed.  A lot changes with time.

  So folks, take you allergy meds as directed but put the blame where it is supposed to be.  Goldenrod is a wonderful plant to have about the place.  If you are sneezing, look closer and you will most likely find a plant that has some teeny, tiny almost green, knotty blooms hidden in with the showy goldenrod blooms.  THAT is the source of your problems and not my pretty goldenrod!

As Good As Gold

  There is just no pleasing so folks.  A throughout the winter, they whined about the cold, ice and snow.  Now that springtime has come, they are whining about the pollen and their allergies.  Granted. folks have been having a rough time with allergies and the symptoms are no fun whatsoever.  Pop always used to say, "Whining just makes things worse.  Instead of complaining, do something to make things better."  He was a wise man.

  Contrary to what a lot of people think, their allergy flareups are not due to goldenrod.  This is another misconception just like the one about pine pollen.  Goldenrod, like pine, can be used to remedy the sniffles, excess mucus and headache that accompany the allergic reactions.  Before you think that I am off on a tangent here, I have tried goldenrod as a home remedy and it works.  Actually, it worked so well, that since the "trial run", I have had no allergy problems.   That was three years ago.  

  Goldenrod is oft maligned as the culprit by folks with allergy problems.  It is not the goldenrod but rather the ragweed that is doing the dirty business.  Ragweed is one of the plants whose pollen is scattered by the wind and, hence, right in your face!  Goldenrod, on the other hand is pollinated by bees and butterflies so the pollen is not "all up in the air". 

  It would not be a bad idea for folks to give the goldenrod a try but I do recommend consulting a doctor before just grabbing a handful of the beautiful blooms from the roadside.  It is best to be aware of any interactions with other medicines before starting a new regimen.

Spotlight the Positive!

  I love the predawn hikes to the pier that Mark and I take each day.  There is just something about being out and about before the hubbub of daily life takes control of the day.  The peacefulness of the morning can be seen in everything from the sunrise to the critters that are either waking from a deep slumber or just settling down for a nice nap after hunting all night.

   I also love the way the sunlight plays with shadows as it dapples the yard with tiny spotlights.  Even the most mundane thing suddenly becomes a spectacular showpiece.  This morning as I was returning from the pier, I was astounded by something that I walk past dozens of times each day.  Some simple weeds that most folks mow down or spray with herbicides were highlighted by the sun's rays.  Now those "weeds" were allowed to shine!  The goldenrods' beauty was suddenly brought to attention.  Any other day, I would notice the goldenrod but not fully appreciate what I was viewing.  

  Seeing things from a different perspective or in a different lighting can make all the difference in the world.  Instead of just "looking", perhaps we need to start "seeing".  This could apply not only with plants in the morning sunlight but also to people.  If we would truly try to see the person, we might appreciate their individualism.  In other words...stop lumping everyone in one big category and look for the positive traits of each person.  Let the light shine on the individual and do not let the vision be dulled by the actions of an ilk.  See the beauty of the so-called weed.  It is there....I promise.  Spotlight the positive instead of highlighting the negative.

Mother Nature's Fall Decorations

  It is no secret that fall is my favorite time of year.  What is not to like about this season?  My goodness!  Things are nigh on perfect!  The temperatures are dropping, the gnats are fewer, the Little Bayou House can be decorated to the hilt and no one thinks it is crazy and Mother Nature puts on a show like no other!  While everyone else is oohing and ahhing over pumpkin spice everything, I am doing the same about the sights, smells and sounds around the Bayou.  

  One of my favorite things that Mother Nature grants to us is the gorgeous Goldenrod blooms.  These things spring up in the oddest places but I always leave them when I find them.  The golden spikes just ooze the beauty of fall!  Down near the pier, there is one section of the yard that I did not mow for some time now.  This area is filled with the bright yellow blooms.  It is relaxing to see their golden noggins swaying in the gentle Bay breeze.  

  Yep, the marsh never looks so pretty as it does in the fall!  Along with the goldenrod, there are marsh asters, groundsel bush and duck potatoes.  Each are supplying a lovely bit of interest to an otherwise bland bunch of reeds.  The blooms are like little jewels!  Beauty is where you find it.  I find it in the marsh.  Mother Nature has done well with her fall decorations!

Coming and Going

Out early..down to the pier..too cold! The wind this morning was down right bitter! Ezzy and I decide it was far too cold to sit out in the open so we headed back to the house to find the only spot that was out of the wind. Here we could not view much of the sunrise but were forced to look at things in a bit different way. In front of me was an old hickory tree. In the Fall, it had been gorgeous..golden from limb to limb, but now was laid bare. Nary a leaf adorned the branches. It was cold and stark..barren..but in some strange way quite beautiful. The branches splayed out from the trunk like a huge hand reaching for the sky. To all appearances it looked dead..as if all life had gone from it. I thought to myself..it is only asleep.. hibernating! It shall awaken again come spring. I had to wait until the sun was full in the sky to photograph the tree but by early dawn it was most interesting and most thought provoking. These trees give so much life with their hickory nuts and protective branches, it seems odd to see them so vulnerable to the wind.

Then beside me, another remnant of the Fall. The once brilliant goldenrod was now soft fluff. The wad of seeds was just waiting to be strewn by some unsuspecting animal or bird or even by a good gust of wind. Then my garden will be ablaze with gold come next Fall! That is a happy thought..natural reseeding! Now if I could only get my vegetable garden to get the same idea! The rising sun illuminated it reminding me of a torch of white! Haha, a fluffy white torch..I told you that I had a vivid imagination! Here was a reminder that life goes on..what seems to have died, yet lives. The root of this plant will produce new shoots come the warmth of Spring. It, too, gives so much. The goldenrod is an herb with wonderful healing properties. It is much maligned as a plant..often being labelled as an allergy-causing weed. Most people will immediately remove it from the garden.

I say..leave it be! This plant can only help us all! Plus! The beauty of the golden spikes perk up any

garden! I do concede that I am perhaps the only gardener that loves to see these "weeds" pop their little heads out of the ground each year. I like them! And if you remember rightly, we had an abundance of butterflies that appreciated the blooms, also. The "flying flowers" add a tremendous amount of color to the garden as well! Think of how ugly most roadsides would be without the brilliance of the goldenrod bobbing above the sea of purple ageratums!

By this time, Ms. Ez and I were shaking in our boots! My goodness! It sure seemed cold! Even out of the wind, I was chilled to the bone! It was time to head back inside, I guess viewing the sunrise was out of the question. Ezzy had lost all interest in chasing the squirrels and was trying to sit as close to me as possible. I would move a bit and she would inch closer and closer until she was right against me again. I will admit that the body heat she was producing was welcome but..ummm.. let's just say she really needed a bath! A hasty retreat to the front door and one last look to the East gave me an interesting perspective of the dawn. The sun was framed between pines and even though, I did not get the effect of the light on the water, I do like this shot! Somehow, each sunrise is more spectacular that the previous! Or maybe, it has something with that perspective stuff! Doesn't matter..I am about to the point that is the solitude of an early morn that does the body and mind good! (On mornings like today, solitude was definite!)

Brr! I am glad I have woodburning stoves! After being out in the cold, they give off a very welcoming warmth! The parlor stove we refurbished was having problems with smoking every time we used it so we pulled it out again. The problem was discovered! The stovepipe was too long and was blocked off. The smoke was literally being reverted back into the stove! After much discussion, lots of pondering, two pinched fingers, several trips to the local supply store and a few grunts and groans the parlor stove is back in action! I am quite sure this did not come without a few thoughts of tossing the stove out the door. My husband wonders what possesses me at times like this! "Why in the world must you have THIS stove?" I just do..that is why! This time it was installed correctly and has not smoked in at all. This little stove really puts out the heat for its small size. It was made in Gadsden, Alabama in the mid 1800's and is highly ornate. The sides are embellished with ivy vines and there are acorns and oak leaves on it, also. The name of "Florence" is proudly displayed across the front. That is about all I know of the origin of the little parlor stove but I do know that I absolutely adore it! Joanna will be delighted to know it is finally burning brightly! She keeps my woodburning stoves well stocked and keeps this old house very cozy!

The parlor stove is in the dining room, (which seems strange, but I have no parlor) while in the living room we have a large stove. This one is a bit different as it is made on the order of a kitchen stove. It has two cook plates and a large oven. This is the stove that bakes the best sweet potatoes ever cooked! On very cold days, I would rather put a pot of soup or chili on top and maybe potatoes or cornbread in the oven than cook on my electric range. There is just something about cooking this way that seems to make the food taste much better. Perhaps it is just the slow cooking or maybe I am just a tad more attentive of what I am making. A beef stew might just be in the making soon! Maybe that will make up for all the hassle of the parlor stove! Hubby will be happy again!

The Forgotten Path

Sometimes things are pushed to the back of our minds and there they linger just out of reach of our present thoughts. We know they are there somewhere but it seems that try as we might, the recollection is futile. This begins to be more prevalent as we age..only sort of in reverse. Memories from years ago seem to be far more vivid than where we laid our glasses or car keys just moments before. I read where to improve the memory, we should try to petition new thoughts and ideas into our daily lives. Hmm. That is provocative..new thoughts to revive the old memories? Or could it be the other way around?? Old memories to create new thoughts?? Anyway, today as I was out enjoying the Fall-like weather, I wandered over to what used to be my aunt and uncle's home-site. I love this place. I spent much of my childhood here playing with my cousin. I suppose you could say we were much closer than just cousins, I saw her as my best friend (and still feel just as close even though we are miles apart). As I walked, I came across the place where the driveway led to the house..it was so different ..so overgrown. This forgotten path lured me further..I knew there was nothing at the end but still I could not turn away. Each step I took invoked memories..each memory nurtured anticipation. This went on until I could see beauty in everything. There was a certain beauty about the unkempt surroundings that was almost ethereal. The setting sun cast shadows but also caused the brambles and weeds to glow as if in a spotlight. It was almost mesmerizing the way the sunlight changed the appearance of even the most mundane of things. The giant of the old oak tree loomed overhead while the goldenrod gleamed like torches. The birds chattered announcing my being there to all within earshot but they seemed equally at ease with my presence. The rabbits and squirrels accepted my intrusion with just a mere glance. There was an amazing peace among all beings. With memories of the place flowing freely in my head, I wandered aimlessly about..not wanting to leave. I had become so enthralled with the tranquility of the place that time passed way to quickly. The sun had almost slipped behind the trees before I turned to retreat down the forgotten path. It was dark by the time I reached home but it was as if a light had been turned on deep inside me. Happy memories danced through my mind.. memories of old times that were long forgotten. Memories that are now burned into the mind and are sparking new thoughts and ideas. Ideas of things to come..of memories to be made..all because of this forgotten path. Or could it truly be labeled "Memory Lane"???

Mistaken Identity

One mention of the name Goldenrod and many people will immediately start telling you of their "hay-fever" attacks or how their allergies have been acting up lately. Little do these sometimes well-educated folks know that this idea is a total bunch of crock! A mistaken identity so to speak. It is not the gorgeous Goldenrod that is causing their problems but a look-alike plant, the Ragweed. Ragweed does indeed cause allergies to flare up. The itchy eyes, sneezing attacks and congestion are all caused by the pollen of the blooming Ragweed not the Goldenrod. To actually get enough pollen from these flowers to make you sneeze, you would literally have to bury your nose in a bunch of them! Goldenrod pollen is not designed to be wind pollinated. I have been told on many occasions that I need to pull out the Goldenrod plants that adorn my gardens and those that line the marsh edge near the pier. I love these plants! Their bright yellow spikes gleam in the afternoon sun and are the epitome of Fall.

Not many people know the benefits of Goldenrod or they would all be planting it in their gardens. Not only is it an incredible lure for bees and butterflies, it has many medicinal uses as well. It actually can be used to treat respiratory problems such as allergies, colds and the flu. (That is sort of ironic now isn't it?) It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Can be useful in treating cystitis and nephritis and topically can be used to treat eczema. Wow! This is pretty amazing considering how the plant is usually portrayed! I think I will keep my Goldenrod!

Today, I had the opportunity to watch a beautiful swallowtail butterfly flit around the garden. It would go from the marigolds to the asclepias and then back to the marigolds. It was as if it could not make up its mind which it desired. Finally, it decided that neither were the preferred choice for dinner and went to the lantanas. The asclepias or butterfly weed was left to the monarch.