wildflowers – The Hermits' Rest

Earth Day Musings

All the rain has made it so green here. It’s so beautiful, like the Earth is celebrating herself.

Nature’s fickle, of course, or maybe just variable (I don’t think the planet is frowning or smiling on any part of herself). I was reminded a couple of times today by friends in North Florida, how dry it is there, and that fires are dotted all across the landscapes I frequented as I was a young girl and college student. As a Master Naturalist, I know that the pine forests of the region need fire occasionally, but you always worry about who fire displaces.

When we first arrived here, you could see wildfires on the horizon.

The lesson I have received from Earth Day in 2026 is that the planet can be in balance at a macro level but still swing back and forth from rain to fire, freeze to heat wave, extinction to replenishment. Our job is to observe and try not to push the Earth into unbalance. Humans aren’t in charge at the macro level. I just hope our small actions tilt the balance towards harmony overall.

And that’s the best I can do after pinging my way across projects and duties today. I was greatly assisted by my good fortune that I can step outside and breathe fresh air and enjoy my wild and domestic animal companions.

I hope you all get to step outside, unless you’re avoiding particulate matter, sand, or storms. Happy Earth Day!

Visiting the Official Wildflowers

Yeah, yeah, I write about wildflowers all the time. But today four of my Master Naturalist friends and I traveled to the deepest depths of Austin, Texas (which only took 1.5 hours on a Saturday with no huge festival happening). There, we found the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a regular treasury of Texas wildflowers, many at their peak of bloom.

We were prepared for rain and dropping temperatures.

I used to be a member when my children were young and I only worked part time, but it had been quite a few years since my last visit. Seeing how well the plants have grown, as well as finding new places to look around, was a great experience for me.

One new area is a circle of young oak trees, all of which were grown from acorns of trees of historic importance in Texas. The tree shown here came from the Big Tree on Goose Island, which Lee and I visited recently.

I am a lot better at identifying native plants than I was 25 years ago, so I had fun figuring out what I was seeing before checking its sign or looking it up on iNaturalist. Of course, some plants were new surprises, which added to the fun. I think I ended up being the ID guide, though a couple of my companions were pretty good, too.

After enjoying the gardens, we went to the annual native plant sale, where the group picked up some interesting plants for the urban wildscape our group is making at the church where we meet.

We rewarded ourselves with a visit to the gift shop, where we found the Texas Master Naturalist textbook among the offerings. I got a book I can’t wait to read, with plant and insect mandalas.

When we were finished, we drove up to Georgetown for a late lunch at Wild Fire restaurant. It was pretty spectacular and a great ending to our trip. Plus! When I got home it started to rain. Yay! Let’s celebrate by looking at some plants I saw.

Looking forward to a cool day tomorrow and a good rain total!

A Bit of a Break

Today was the first “normal” day in over a week. Other than work, it was just lovely, too. While the wildflowers aren’t overly spectacular this year, looking at them makes it impossible not to live in the moment.

The dandelions of many species were beautiful this morning (pre mowing)

Though the bluebonnets have mostly gone to seed, the other roadside flowers are making up for it, which makes butterflies happy.

The weather was pleasantly warm, and in the morning, the wind was just right. It was perfect for getting the horses’ hooves trimmed. Apache is still shedding profusely on his white spots, and the wind blew the hair away from poor Terry while he trimmed.

Meanwhile, Vlassic scrounged for hoof trimmings.

The horses were so good, and they all look great now that the cracks are smoothed down.

I was charmed at how Mabel and Apache waited their turns nose to nose. They have become good friends.

Even Drew was in a good mood, asking to have his face rubbed, then, get this, mouthing and licking my hand sweetly and gently. We had an absolutely relaxing and pleasant time together. He’s settling down into a fine companion.

The time spent with the horses is so good for me. Dusty and Spice are always so friendly and well mannered. We now have a happy, balanced herd. I’m glad to now have Kathleen’s help with them, too. It’s helped me move forward.

Tomorrow should be either fun or wet. We will see!

Gee, but It’s Great to Be Back Home

You didn’t hear from me yesterday, because I didn’t feel up to writing about lots of meetings followed by all the endless steps it takes to go from one place to another these days.

The only Portland photo I took yesterday.

Still, work was actually quite productive, so it was all worth it. I was pleased with myself that I coordinated packing, returning Jasmine’s nice warm coat, driving to the airport, returning the rental car, walking great distances to find planes, and remaining patient when my flight from Phoenix to Austin was delayed so the brakes could be repaired. I’d certainly prefer a delay to not having good brakes on a 737 when it lands.

One of the things flying across the country accomplishes is to remind me how amazing our landscape is.

I got lots of reading done in the Phoenix airport, so I was glad the second book I brought with me is over 500 pages long. You have that book report to look forward to!

I was quite pleased to find my bag that I’d checked (first plane was tiny) was already on the carousel when I got to Austin at 1:30 am and that the hotel driver was waiting for me. That was so nice of them to send him when the plane arrived! The familiar sight of the oddly shaped rooms of the familiar hotel was so welcoming.

After a pleasant hotel breakfast I headed home and made it through a couple hours of work before I had to nap. I was much perkier after that and got all my late meetings done so I could visit my animals. I gave the chickens and turkeys some dewberries. It was great fun watching them go after the fruit. Clint the rooster tossed one in the air and caught it!

The horses were in great shape, thanks to Kathleen’s care, and I enjoyed seeing the new horse-area flowers that came up in my absence.

Of course, I had to say hi to all the birds! The Painted and Indigo Buntings are back! What a happy sound! I also got to see this Belted Kingfisher, which proved it wasn’t a Mockingbird mocking me.

After all my chores were done, Lee and I sat by the pool and enjoyed the hummingbirds around the red yucca blossoms. These natural hummingbird feeders were a great addition to our yard. We saw both male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Lee even realized they are green! Forgive all the pictures. I had too much fun.

The palmettos are sending up flower stalks, too. Those attract butterflies.

Of course, I also greeted the dogs. Here’s Penney indicating she’s glad I’m back.

Thanks for sticking with me and being so supportive, friends and readers! You’re appreciated!

Fire Brings Beauty

On today’s big morning hike in Birch Creek State Park, I walked all the way to the far edge of the park. I quickly realized that the trail I took had experienced fire recently. I remember there was a fire in January or February at Lake Somerville, but I’m not sure if it was in the park or not. I do know there are prescribed burns in the fall and winter months.

Anyway, the point is that the number and variety of wildflowers I encountered on the burned grassland astonished me. I found myself muttering and exclaiming to myself as I encountered one beautiful plant after another. For example, there was a carpet of trailing Rhatany (Krameria lanceolata) in many places. This is a deep red blossom that’s unforgettable.

Another striking plants I was delighted to find was Prairie Nymph (Herbertia lahue), a wild iris that you don’t expect to see in a burned field.

In addition to those, there were hundreds of wild garlic plants blooming, phlox, colorful spider worts, and tiny flowers called Arkansas Leastdaisy or (duh) tiny daisy (Chaetopappa asteroides). There were winecups in large numbers, too. It was not apparent that there were so many flowers unless you looked carefully, but by stopping to look, you’d be greatly rewarded. I was in heaven.

As I moved on, I found the Eagle Point trail, which had no eagles to see today, but provided spectacular views of a large wetland area, along with some fine large oaks. It was a great place to take a rest.

I actually called Lee to come pick me up, because I didn’t feel up to walking nearly 3 miles back. I got some rest in while it rained, which gave me time to put all my plants on iNaturalist. So many photos. A few more.

I went out again in late afternoon, just because, why not? The Wilderness Trail went through dark woods and near the lake. I dodged mosquitoes, which I didn’t photograph. But it was pretty and I enjoyed all the birds.

Prickly poppies leading into a tree tunnel

No more walking after that! We had a potluck meal with the entire group then sat around talking with old friends. It was a good day.

Now for another great sleep in the motor home. I sure sleep well in it!

The Cameron contingent were together. That’s Mikes vehicle at left.

The Triumphant Return

Today had a big highlight. The day was fine, and I took a lunch break in the early afternoon between meetings. It was beautiful.

I took a little walk down the road to see if there were any new wildflowers popping up. I’m happy to report a few old friends have returned.

As I was pondering how pretty it will look when all the gaillardia is blooming, I spotted something vaguely familiar inside the horse pasture. I went to investigate and damn, there it was, one of Apache’s lost boots from last year, which disappeared after a hard April rain.

I went through the pasture over and over last year, and finally guessed the boots had washed away in flooding. Nope. I just missed it. So I picked it up and headed back home through the pasture, looking at water in the arroyo and admiring pink evening primroses.

I looked over toward the pond and something black caught my eye. Damn! It was the other boot! Now, I know I’d driven and walked by this part of the pasture many times. But today was my lucky day. I found them both.

They’re a bit worse for wear, but still usable. one had a wasp nest in it (small and empty).

I headed toward the pens to put away the boots, and saw all the horses had been napping in there. Drew spotted me and headed right over. The two paints took their time joining him, then Mabel and Dusty wandered over. Everyone was very interested in the boots, but headed off to eat that nice grass that came up.

That was certainly a nice lunch break. The mystery of the disappearance of the boots has been solved!

Keep Moving On

That’s what I tell myself when I get overwhelmed or frustrated. Just keep moving. Sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other seems hard. I have a notion that we all feel like it’s hard to keep moving sometimes. I’m glad I’m to the point where it’s not too often.

There are always thorns or other obstacles on our paths! These are thistles.

Today was one of those days. I was just wondering why I was making so much effort. Maybe I was just coming down from all that self-help book energy. I stood on the porch and looked out at the nice, full pond, took a few deep breaths, and decided I’d get back to moving forward…tomorrow.

Today I mostly crocheted, watched a variety of television shows, ranging from the rather crude Ted (Seth McFarland humor at its crudest) to art history and a documentary about lobsters. Meanwhile, Kathleen cooked a fine traditional Easter dinner, and I provided wine. I’m not much of a helper.

I’d have had more blogging time if we hadn’t reached the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The final episode was very long, since it had to neatly end many story lines and “regale” us with endless battle scenes. That may have been the next-to-last episode. I get bored watching tiny model ships pretend to explode and shoot rays of various colors. Actually I knit, crochet, or read during battle scenes of all kinds. I like character development.

No reason for this photo except I still can’t believe the false dandelions this year.

On that tangent, I’ll take my leave so I can drive back down to the Austin suburbs for a visit with the dentist. That’s just the start of a long couple of weeks!

What’s Good?

It’s not totally rosy here at the land of hermits. But it’s never all bad. Today we focused on being a kind and supportive family. That’s good!

Other good stuff? I found more new wildflowers and many blossoms popping up. Such brave and hardy things they are.

And I got to wish my ever-youthful step-sister a happy birthday, only wishing I’d been there to share an old fashioned with her and her family.

Hmm…I must say this blanket project is pretty! That’s my final good thing.

Go hug your loved ones.

I’m the Source of My Own Problems

Still feeling sick, but I was able to take care of animals and sit in the sun a bit. Kathleen and I took a slow walk this afternoon to just get out of the house. I didn’t get to go to marches with my friends, which I really regret. But my energy is awfully low.

This pretty Texas star was a surprise on my walk by the front pond today.

Right now I don’t want to drive anywhere, anyway, thanks to wars and such. Grumble.

Grumpy is a good word for me, because I’ve not been taking NyQuil or anything, so my snoring and loud breathing issues keep waking me up all night. I must have sounded awful last night, but I didn’t bother Lee with his earbuds on.

Tonight I have Chloraseptic for my throat and will sleep with my head raised. I’ve had enough of this irritating minor illness.

I need to do some writing and other things that require an alert mental state, so wish me the best! And I know there are many friends out there dealing with MUCH more serious concerns. They have my thoughts, and they help me remember to focus on what’s good in life, which there is plenty of.

For example, the chickens are back to laying in their usual nest box! Woo hoo! Plus I found a new plant!

This plant with cool seed pods is wild tantan (*Desmanthus acuminatus)*, the second sighting on iNat in our county!

Good Night, More Tomorrow

There’s a lot on my mind this evening, so I’ll be brief. Today I enjoyed talking to my friends online, finding interesting flowers, noting the return of the Black-chinned Hummingbirds, just letting go and reveling in the flying horsehair while grooming Apache and Dusty, and some relaxing crochet. I have washed off the dirt and hair.

I did not enjoy finding out Star Fleet Academy was canceled, worrying about sick people, conversations that made me paranoid, nor finding out how expensive my car’s maintenance is.

But, hope springs eternal, and the wheel of the year keeps turning.

Good night.