Christmas In November

Day 32: I would boycott the stores where I saw Christmas merchandise on the shelves prior to Hallowe'en, but I'd go naked and starve if I did. Here at home, however, I don't mind Christmas coming in November when my Zygocacti respond to the transition of seasons. After all, they bloom when they're supposed to bloom once they've resumed their natural rhythms after having been forced into a one-time December display. It might be that they're giving us some sage advice: give from the heart when the time is right, not by the calendar (and certainly not because you feel forced).

Hovering On Winter's Edge

Makeup Day (last one!) 13: Today, I discovered a rather unusual visitor in my garden: a hoverfly, aka "tiger fly." Normally something I associate with the high country and its dual attractors of Sitka Valerian and Rosy Spiraea, this wayward critter nevertheless exhibited the species' fondness for pink, and spent quite some time engaged in exploring all the nooks and crannies of a floppy Shirley poppy. Was he driven here by a falling barometer, or blown off course by the rising winds? In any event, I hope he finds a safe place to spend the night for despite his resemblance to something which might give you a nasty sting, Hoverfly is an innocent being and a vital pollinator.

With this entry, we conclude four calendar years of 365 Caws. I got a bit off in my numbering, hence the "makeup days" to bring this blog back to its starting date of October 14. Seasons willing and "the creek don't rise," I hope I may continue to entertain my readers with at least another year of essays, photos and ramblings.