Designed Fit

Have you ever noticed that pollinator species tend to choose specific flowers?  I am certainly no expert on the subject, yet it seems to me that species such as Hummingbirds, Bees and Butterflies are very discriminatory in the flowers they choose to land on.

We have different types of flowers, most of which are either native species, or closely related to native species, in our flower beds.  The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds like the Texas Lantana right now, but we know from past observations that they will go to the Texas Sage equally when they are in bloom.  However, they seem to ignore the Gaillardia and the Coneflowers.  Likewise, we see certain species of butterflies that prefer the opposite and still others that only visit other species of flowers which are in the meadow.

Design is important.  I'm referring to the specific shape, size and function of various body parts of these creatures.  The long beak of the Hummingbird is well-suited to reaching into trumpet-shaped flowers whereas the butterflies appear to be more suited to flowers that don't require reaching into a deep well to access the food supply.

Everything we see or build is designed with a specific use in mind.  Whether it be a rocking chair on the front porch or a military aircraft, design is based on use and functionality.

Why do humans sometimes think they should ignore their own design and attempt to be what they are not?  It puzzles me.  It's their choice, but still, it puzzles me.  We don't see that in nature.

Below is a Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) perched on a domesticated Gaillardia.  Their caterpillar stage is especially fond of oak trees of which we have many.

 Establishing Routine

When I first started Blogging it was a response to being challenged to do so.  I decided that committing to write something every day for 30 days was enough to either establish the habit or to decide that it was not for me.  The result of that commitment led to writing a couple of columns for a trade publication and to writing and publishing a small book of poems and illustrations (the book can be found in a small ad at the top of my Blog page).

There have been times through the years since that beginning that I have lapsed for extended periods for various reasons.  Sometimes it was due to significant life changes such as a job change or a move or both.  At other times it was likely due to discouragement resulting from a lack of readership.  I had to learn, or re-learn, that I was doing this for myself and not for others.  The discipline of writing is certainly a solitary pursuit, and most writers never achieve fame or a great following.

Now that I have entered into a time of retirement the realization that one of my strengths through the years was to write has prompted me to reignite the daily discipline of writing.  That doesn't mean that I will Blog every single day, but I do intend to write something on a regular basis and am attempting to make it a part of my established daily morning routine.

Retirement really isn't something that I intentionally planned for this particular time.  I expected it to be a few more years away.  It happened though and making the best of it is my current focus in life.  The symbolism associated with Spring and the budding trees along with early flowers pushing up through the soil seems especially relevant to where I am in life.  I am choosing to make the best of it in spite of all the challenges which seem to be working in opposition.

Yesterday we noticed the first of the Irises blooming along the road winding through the trees to our house.  They seem to be randomly situated as if they were wild, however I suspect they are the remnants of a deliberate planting by some previous owner of this small corner of the world.  Irises are common throughout the world and prominently appear in artwork.  They have been used for medicinal purposes by many people seeking natural cures -- especially for stomach cramps by making a tea of the dried roots.  Certain varieties are used to help filter water.  The plants remove many particulates and chemicals, clarifying the water.  Mostly, I just think they are a beautiful, showy flower.

Valentines Day

The azaleas aren't blooming yet, but they will be in a few short weeks.  I figured flowers were appropriate for the day though, so I dug out this image from a few years back of some of the azaleas at our home.  We have them along the front and along a section of the back of our house.  They bloom in groups and are quite a sight if you enjoy such.

So, with that I will say, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Roses are red,

These azaleas are pink,

I prefer poems

That make you think.

I never was good

At the mushy stuff,

To me it just seems

Like so much fluff.

It's a corporate scam

That grows by the year,

Selling roses and cards

And sparkly gear.

If you really do care

Then show them each day

In the things that you do

And the words that you say.

Wildflowers

It's springtime in the Texas Panhandle and the weather is gorgeous (contrary to what I usually tell people our weather is like). As I travelled north today toward Kansas, I took a few pictures of the wildflowers in the Canadian River breaks. I labelled the ones I knew and the rest are for you to guess. Of course, I probably won't know if you are correct or not. I think one of the reasons that I chose this post is in response to Patrick over at Born Again Redneck and his pictures of the beautiful Oregon flowers. I know I'm prejudiced, but I think ours are just as pretty -- well, sort of.

Nice view of a couple of mesas framed by Yucca flower stalks.

Prairie Daisy

??

??

??

Yucca (we call it Bear Grass)

??

A variety of milkweed

Winecup

??

??

??

Indian Blanket (my favorite)

Buttercups.

??

A variety of milkweed.

This image is looking toward the west from a spot just north of the Canadian River between Pampa and Perryton, Texas.