Used to hardwood forests, pine trees, pine cones, evergreens, and non-deciduous plants still seem miraculous, more so in snowy areas. In California, plants for the most part retain their leaves throughout the year but become a dusky color. We also have pine trees, native and imported. Seldom do we find pine cones that are as grand as this one, nearly a foot long, and not chomped up as a tasty treat by the local squirrel gourmands.
The lilies are quite crazy this year!
The prickly pear cactus is a beautiful plant. Paddles of green rise up from one another, and the flower buds appear on top. The buds are the “pears” and are very tasty! The paddles of the plant (which are really trunks and branches, with the thorns for leaves) are also quite edible. The paddles are cut off, quite carefully, and held over an open flame to remove the thorns. Once done, slice and stir-fry. Very good in scrambled eggs.
Personally, I like looking at them more than harvesting them!
I’m trying to reclaim my life in some ways – the hours I’ve worked have been awful, and since changed for a bit more humane schedule. So, to reclaim my life, it means I cannot let the whiney, lazy me take over and say, wah, not enough time! This morning, up at 6, coffee, pulled on my stinky clothes from yesterday, and went out, film cameras and phone in hand. What a delightful thing to do! No one around . . . the birds were singing their mating songs (especially lovely were the mockingbirds) and flitting about. Everywhere, the pungent scent of the chaparral’s resinous plants. The sun was still low in the sky. As I walked, I looked, and saw . . . a wild rose in bloom . . . quails running for cover . . . mourning doves within a few feet of me. A slice of heaven!
I cannot recall the name of this flower, but it is large and tall if I remember correctly, part of a stalk of flowers. The symmetry and curves of the petals are what catch the eye.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 