untangled

We spent the morning wrestling with the overgrown wisteria vine in our side yard. There was something very satisfying about yanking on a tendril and watching as a whip the length of a football field untangled at my feet. The vine had overtaken a mulberry tree and was threatening to romp on to the oak trees down the fence. We ended up with a huge pile of vines that we reassembled into two 4 foot high by about 8 foot wide nest sculptures. Just hoping that nothing takes root and that we don't invite a passing pterodactyl to roost.

compost heap gives back

Didn't plant it. Didn't plan it. Wouldn't have thought to do it. The compost heap has given us a squash vine worthy of praise. Leaves the size of dinner plates, the vine travels in three directions and probably measures over 50 feet long. We actually need to name it since it has started to climb over the back fence to greet us. I'm looking forward to a plate full of baby yellow squash in about a week. And now that the worst of my gum surgery convalescence is over I might even be able to eat it.

Amazing bounty.

squash vine, 2012

bedazzled

SO taking a walk this afternoon I load up my pockets with MUST KEEP leaves. Hard to stop myself the colors are so inspiring. I put one on my scanner and zoomed in to a section. Here is what I found. ©2001, Paula Kovarik

Poison ivy

Isn't it interesting that poison ivy shows up in areas trod on by humans? I have very rarely seen it in deep wilderness areas. It must have a wicked sense of humor. This post in honor of the 10 days I spent taking cortisone pills to rid myself of the rash on my face last month. I snapped this pic near the entrance to the Memphis Zoo. Watch out little ones!