Crocus

Crocuses are still blooming but are beginning to fade some now. These pictures were made when they were in their prime. These are the early blooming crocus with the small flowers.Most of the ones I see for sale in the stores are the hybrid giants that bloom later, and do not have the delicate beauty of these early ones. I planted a handful of bulbs 25 years ago under the oak and now they are thick and even have moved out of the bed to some degree. I think though that they may have gotten pulled out when I was weeding or thinning the old timey butterfly bushes that spread so readily. they just started growing where they lay in the grass. I start watching for them to bloom in December every year, and if the weather is mild, they often do bloom in December. This year it was after mid-January that they began. On bright days they open but when it is cloudy, they stay shut.

Alabama Farm Bureau Federation vs EPA

Alabama Farm Bureau VS Environmental Protection Agency

I feel sorry for people who can't see past the ends of their noses. I've been in that position myself, but I was helped by a good pair of corrective lenses.

It is a pitiful situation when a lobbying organization, whose mission seems to be to help farmers, takes in after a government agency charged with protection of the environment. The first profession that comes to mind when the subject of environmental protection arises should be farmers since their livelihood depends on the continued functioning of the natural systems that purify our air, preserve our soil, and keep water clean. Why would the stated goal of the AFBF be to “stop EPA”? From the article that appeared in the March 2011 AFBF publication “Neighbors”, it seems to be all about the immediate dollar in the hand.

One of the complaints against EPA is regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. Only a fool would refuse to accept the clear scientific evidence that our planet is warming. Whether it is caused by emissions relating to fossil fuel use or from natural cyclical earth events makes little difference. Our way of life is in grave danger, and we need to do all in our power to slow the warming down whatever that means. We may not be able to accomplish much if we keep our eyes glued on the almighty dollar. This is the time to think of your grand children's future, not increasing the bottom line.

Another complaint centers around agricultural runoff into near shore waters that supply enormous quantities of fish and seafood. The fertilizers and other chemicals have created and are enlarging a vast dead zone in both the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. EPA is somehow wrong to try to stop this destruction of a natural food resource (to say nothing of the fisherman’s livelihood). It would seem that time and energy spent on methods to use less chemicals in crop production and thereby lessen the expense of growing a crop would be more in order than trying to stop the regulation.

In the article I am referencing here, Ken Schmit says “Fear and misunderstanding are what drive the world. We all have problems communicating to people who've been misinformed about what we do and how we do it.” I truly agree.

Winter Tree Silhouettes

This is a great time of year for noticing the outlines or "frames" of trees. Landscapers call these the bones of the landscape when  all the foliage and flowers are gone and all that  remains are the shrubs, trees, structures and paths of the garden. I don't claim to know much about landscaping, but this time of year I enjoy the outline and limb structure of trees.

I seldom see skies this clear in the warmer months.

Some trees like China Berry and Sycamore still have fruit/seed handing on. These are interesting,too.

Film about Auburn and The Building of Chewacla

This appeared on Facebook, and for all you history and film aficinados, you gotta see this:

Giant Red Ball

Did you see the sunset tonight? It was spectacular! A big bright red ball in a grey sky. I was driving on US 431 when I saw it dropping rapidly. I stopped and tried to get a picture but I knew whatever picture I got would not compare with what I was seeing. (And it didn't).  All these pictures can do is remind me how much more grand the actual sight was. I hope you all saw it.

Daffodils :My Favorites

When I slump over into the sleep from which I will not awaken,never mind the cut flowers and wreaths. Buy bags of plump daffodils and plant them in your yard, in the park, anywhere that people can see and enjoy them. if it happens at a time when bulbs are not available, wait till they are- there's no rush.
Daffodils are as long lived as trees and in many ways more resilient. They die back when the heat of summer begins and return in February when they are needed most.

Be there a soul so crusted and dead
That it cannot smile
When a daffodil raises its head?

Unusual Ads

I found this and thought it was great.
I tried to pick my favorite, but it was too difficult. I liked Lamborghini Tractors, Heinz catsup, summer in London, and Orion telescopes, but I liked all of them actually. I used to know a man who said the smartest people in the country were writing jokes. Maybe now the smartest are doing ads.