Stinkhorns and Other Lawn Squatters

what sort of fungus

This has to be one of the strangest mushrooms!

It seems we have the perfect environment for them, as I had five pop up at the same time a few weeks ago.  I did a quick online search and found that it’s a Stinkhorn, only edible at the puffball stage, so I’d have to mark the spot and dig it up if I wanted to try it out.

I have to tell you, it certainly doesn’t appear appetizing at this stage.  I’ve not leaned in close enough to smell it, but from what I’ve read, it’s earned its name.  I’ll trust the source.

The plant below is one I’ve fought in the lawn every year.

This year it had reached flower stage before I caught it, so I’ve let it be.  I’ll pay for that later, because this thing multiplies like rabbits!

invasive plant

I’ve pulled out weed identification books and native plant books but have not been able to name this invasive.

invasive leaf closeup

The flowers certainly aren’t eye-catching until you’re right up on them.  They have a very subtle charm.

invasive flower closeup

The plant below is another that grows here and there.  I allow it because it’s just a lovely little plant that makes me think of daisies.

aster like weed

close up aster weed

I’ve noticed an influx of guests to our lawn and gardens this year, and I’m hoping they’ll put down stakes and stay awhile.

It’s all come about since I’ve become more relaxed about weed growing and done some purposeful planting of those things that attract beneficial insects.

The lacewings have been very active, as have the ladybugs.

We’ve got dragonflies for the third year along with returning hover flies and parasitic wasps.

Additionally, I’ve seen an abundance of honey bees and butterflies.  I did not harvest lavender or hyssop this year, allowing the insects full harvest rights.  The drought has taken a toll and even the white clover has suffered.  A busy little community has moved in, making good use of the pampered nectar.

I know it’s a stretch of the terms, but it makes me feel like I may be doing something similar to leaving the corners for the poor of the land.  Torah style.

That’s all for now…

Later!

Dreamin’ Girl

Coming Home and Transitions: Hillbilly to Hebrew

Hubby was released from the hospital on Friday, home by noon, and asleep within an hour.  His body has demanded a lot of sleep since, for which I’m so very grateful.  He’s not an easy one to keep down, let me tell ya!

I chuckle at his selective independence.  At the same time that he was teasing me about being a babysitter that he didn’t need, he would point at an obstacle for me to move/remove/undo, expecting me to respond expediently to the sign language.

Twenty-two years will do that to a couple.  Give you simple expectations of your mate and the freedom to say what you think, whether it’s right or not.

Today, Hubby is transitioning.  He is exerting his right to be independent:  making the coffee, putting on real jeans rather than sweatpants, talking big about what he’s going to do against doctor orders, and grilling me about my lawn mowing methodology.

Some things are just going to have to be as they are.  I set the mower two inches higher when I mowed this morning; and I didn’t detail the lawn afterwards – but I didn’t do it the way he would have…

The grass is mowed, so mission accomplished!

The great thing about manual labor is that it frees your mind to delve into spaces and realms that aren’t tied directly to “what’s for supper”, or the grocery list, or the bill paying, etc.

My mind wandered past the mundane and into the archives today, and it occurred to me that I have been in transition mode for a while.

Hillbilly to Hebrew

I recall during the early years of grade school, a teacher had asked us to find out about our ancestry.  So, I went to my best resource, Mom.

I asked “what are we Mom?”

Well, she must have been in fine humor that day because she answered me “hillbilly”.

And that’s what I reported back to the class.

I’m really glad that I don’t recall the reaction, as I’m certain that teacher was moved to either shock or laughter!

Seriously!

I thought Hillbilly was my label for a long while.

It did make sense, somewhat.

The family reunions for Mom’s side were happy, musical affairs, always including acoustic guitars, tambourines, banjos and mandolins.  Bluegrass was always the theme, and quite a few of the relatives could play and sing.

There’s a small town (population 200 or so) that several of the relatives call home, so when we all assembled to enjoy each other’s company, moving from house to house – mostly barefoot –  it seemed like it was “our town”.

They’re fabulous memories to have:  My hillbilly memories.

For the record, it turns out I’m mostly German/English.

Whatever that means.

You see, I’ve transitioned.

I don’t want to be thought of as hillbilly

 or German

or English.

I have a preference now, and no – it’s really not Hippy either, hehehe.

Because I’ve taken the label of Hebrew – in fact, it was a label that was given me by my Priest.

Accepted; willingly, eagerly, and with great respect for the serious implications that it requires.

You see, I have agreed to keep the law of Torah as best I can in a world that is not conducive to Torah.

It’s sobering.

It’s complicated, yet breathtakingly simple.

If only Hubby were so simple to handle post surgery!

Later!

Dreamin’ Girl

A Home Surrounded by Beauty

cosmos seed head

Darling Hubby is resting after a successful back surgery.  It seemed an appropriate time to put my mobile PC to use and share some of my recent pics.

I’ve been engaging the camera lately, trying to catch the glimpses here and there of lovely things found in our yard, waiting to find some time to share.

But first I have to tell you, I generally don’t pray.

It’s one of those spiritual issues that confounds many, but has been part of my makeup for several years.

I didn’t say that I don’t believe in God.  I just don’t make requests of Almighty.

Not often.

Rarely.

So, I didn’t pray today.  I didn’t feel overly worried, so it didn’t even tempt me.

Once the surgeon talked with me and let me know that Hubby came through the back surgery just fine, I returned to my game of Spider Solitaire.  Then I realized that there would be about forty-five minutes of recovery time, so I was free to go outdoors for a little while.

As soon as I breathed in the outdoor air, I felt the tension that I was not aware of loose itself from my shoulders.

And I made comment to Almighty:

Thank You!  Praise YHWH!

Hubby’s well-being is reason for thanks, and for that I feel no reason to hold back.

Big sigh of relief.

Now, without further ado, a  photo log of beauty:

monarch in lavender

ragtag monarch on lavender

poppy mallow – my favorite wildflower

lillies and hyssop and sage

larkspur close

larkspur and birdbath

larkspur

hollyhock flower

plantain and oregano

plantain closeup

cosmos seed head

walking onions

verbena

hyssop close

coreopsis

clematis

chard and cosmos

hyssop and sage

Now that was a nice break for beautiful things.

Life is beautiful.  I’m glad to have a home surrounded by beauty.

Dreamin’ Girl