6 January 2024
Two steps forward, one step backwards. I had two really good days, two walks during those days, and got some projects done around the house. Today is a blah day. No walk, no projects, curl up in bed and read.
I got my new Social Security payment today. Instead of the 2.5% raise for $48, I got $21. That means my insurance went up also. I promise not to spend the increase all in one place. I think that’s two candy bars in different stores.
Michael pointed out to me that Katherine Hepburn did indeed say “The Calla Lilies are in bloom.” It was in the 1937 film Stage Door. Thanks for cluing me in to this, Michael.
Apparently, she didn’t say “Really they are.” From this video, Katherine was quite beautiful. I don’t think she aged well but she certainly aged with vim and vigor.
Even though South Florida is about to enter its winter (January and February) apparently the plants have not paid attention to the calendar. A neighbor’s mango tree is about to bloom about a month early.
Then there’s my Starflower (Clerodendrum quadrilocular). It’s about to burst open with blooms.
I realize most people gravitate to animals and if they make a career of it, it’s zoölogy or veterinary science. However, plants can be quite fascinating. For example, oak trees often produce a bumper crop of acorns every two years.
Latest research suggests that stands of a particular tree species communicate with each other and warn of infections and infestations. The largest living thing on earth is a fungus that takes in many square miles underground. Botanists are discovering new things all the time. Even the staid science of taxonomy is making significant progress in addressing relationships in plants by DNA analysis – something that wasn’t even considered in my day of studies. Many people believe we will eventually become a society of nothing but plant diets. Shades of Soylent Green!
Starting Wednesday, temperatures start dropping into the 50’s with highs in the 70’s and some predictions of lows in the 40’s. It’s time to bring out the parka!
Stay tuned!