The Tell was a quick read by AmyGriffin. It’s a memoir. The author has ran from a hidden occurrence in her past since it happened when she 12. Using a drug it surfaced and she remembers again. It’s about facing trauma and trying to heal to live again. Amy reminded me of myself. I have tried to hide and run to forget. Just speaking what happened helps. But…it’s hard to trust and tell as you blame yourself.
Yesterday, I saw thistles growing along my path. They are called Milk Thistles and are an highly unwanted plant. They have sharp, pointy prickles found all over. The stickers cover the flowers, stems, and leaves and act like a shield to protect the plant from animals that might try to eat it. Birds love the thistle seeds. I will carry my loppers and cut them down.
The thistle the National emblem of Scotland. During the Battle of Largs on 2nd October 1263 an invading Norwegian force tried to sneak up on the sleeping locals but went through a patch of thistles. Their cries of pain (and probably profanity) woke up the sleeping Scots who defeated the invading force.
The thistle has been used to treat many ailments—bleeding, sores, abscesses, fever, dysentery, and worms. Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver and gallbladder disease. Milk thistle gets its name from the white veins on its large prickly leaves. An active ingredient is extracted from the plant's seeds called Silymarin— believed to be an antioxidant. You can still but milk thistle.
In Genesis 3 the thistle is first mentioned in the Bible. After eating of the forbidden tree, God tells Adam that the earth will now bring forth thistles. Thistle is a symbol of sin.
When I went out early to walk, I saw Floppsy eating clover. Then just ahead hid from Farmer MacGregor, I spied Peter Cottontail. On a little farther, I ran into the winner of the race going slow but sure just like me.
My Library has a book for me—The Frozen River by Ariel Lawton. It’s fiction but based on the life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife. I think the setting is Maine. I’ve read 5 chapters online and I am happy to get a real book. I’m working on a baby blanket for my yoga instructor. She’s going to be a grandmother in October. Sister Fleta is coming this weekend. We’ll work on our family tree. Astrid and Logan are back home in Galla Meadow after a week at the beach. I’m trying to stay positive. Still not keeping up with the news and the wars and poverty around the world. I can’t stop the insanity so why watch it.
Mowed yesterday! I couldn’t wait longer even though it was just a week! It was hot but I’m glad it’s done. I mowed the sides of my lane with the rider. Finally dry enough! I’ve been having to push mow it! Down and back is 1/3 mile. With the push mower it was lots of down and back😂 It took two hours. It was 95 degrees. I wear a long sleeved white shirt and a wide brimmed hat. Since the rains seem to be over it won’t grow as fast but I’ll miss the rains. I water my few flowers morning and evening. I carry water to my chickens every afternoon. I am thankful for my chores as it gives direction and purpose!
In December 2008, Larry bought me a Mule for Christmas. I use it everyday. Yesterday, it died. I need a way to move things, go out in the pasture, take things here and there. I asked Hubbard in Russellville if they’d pick it up and fix it. No. They don’t do that. My Logan is out of pocket, but Sister Helen said it was probably just the battery. From Coin, AR, she called around my town and found a battery. A young man at OReilly’s helped. Sister said take an old battery to trade it. I know nothing. All I did was sit on the porch and sip tea and Larry took care anything broke.
I looked in the little battery box. And thought oh dear, this looks difficult! I called the girl that has always figured out what to do. She came and together we got the old out and the new in. We used a few zip ties to hold things as Logan can really tighten bolts good. I am humming again. She even gave the mule a bath. I’ve worn out two seat covers riding around on her. She’s an old friend💚🫏💚
When I walked at Lake Dardanelle, I saw geese cooling in the water! A heron arrived and slowly the geese edged away. People and birds have much in common was my thought.
I try to tell the truth but sometimes I fail. It’s hard to remember what is true when one tells a pack of lies! Practice makes perfect. Often someone says he/she said and if you ask they don’t know who she is! If i repost something on Facebook that isn’t true am I a liar or just a gossip. Deliver me from my own sin nature, Lord!
Ecclesiasticus 27:9 “The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her.”
Today, I spied the Buttonbush full of blooms. I call it the “Covid” bush. You can see why. Laura and I have one in our yard. Hers blooms. My house sets on a small knoll. The Buttonbush likes a wet spot. Mine may finally die.
Buttonbush is a wildlife lover’s dream. The fragrant flowers are called honey balls and attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Moths and butterflies frequent the plant for its sweet nectar. The fruit is a good food for birds. The Buttonbush is native to the United States. It grows on stream banks, shorelines and in swamps. In fact, it can tolerate growing in water.
Spotted this little sunflower in the weeds on my morning walk. I have fed the birds for a long time. Seeds from my feeder produced this little flower. Ten years ago a tall sunflower would have been produced. I think they use a different variety now because the flowers are not tall from the feeder seeds.
Mowed two hours and burned my limbs yesterday! It was like cutting hay! I have Bahiagrass in my lawn! I really don’t like it but it was here before me! It has a tough stem!
Bahiagrass is valued for outstanding drought and heat tolerance and an ability to thrive where many lawn grasses falter. Bahiagrass first came to the United States in 1914 for use as a pasture grass. This South American native is still used extensively in agriculture, conservation and erosion control programs. As its origin suggests, Bahia is a warm-season grass. Its most active growth occurs from late spring through the hot summer months. In its proper climate, this perennial grass persists year after year. Within this area, Bahiagrass produces a relatively durable, low-growing, low-maintenance turf.
