This is a conundrum I pass by almost every day. This tree has a growth on it that I cannot figure out. Was it started by a person who was trying to add personality, or was it grown by the tree itself? Mind you the tree looks nothing like the growth. Inquiring minds want to know.
Haven't a clue what this bush of beautiful blossoms is called, and they are in a sad and dingy parking lot to brighten it up. They succeed.
I know, I know. I can't help myself. Walking by beautiful flowers and plants that I have no clue what they are intrigue me. And this batch is mystifying. Somehow, the lower plants manage to look a bit like lettuce, and at the same time, like someone is growing lace. No matter -- the arrangements are beautiful.
Driving home one day I glanced at a yard and noticed something new. It didn't feel like it was too far from home, so Nellie and I set out to check it out. Turned out, it became a bit of a hike. Which is to say, that in my current condition, what was once a minor walk, was now a bit long. We persevered however, enjoying the mansions that lined the street. Well, mansion is relative. Our neighborhood is tidy but modest. Comparatively, the homes we passed are enormous. But that wasn't the point of the exercise. We finally came to what had caught my eye and it looks like there's a revamp starting in the yard. Why struck me are the statues that seem a bit random, but are cute nonetheless. Ducks, followed by a pig, hens and a rooster, and poking from the other side, a lamb. And before you think I don't understand what mansions are, yes, this house is on the modest/small side. They do exist every so often, even on that street.
Anyone who knows me is aware of my fierce interest in humane animal care. In addition, it's always interesting to me to know how animals received their names and later their group designations. The great joy in the morning is watching the critters who grace the Critter Café and gobble up everything in sight. It's especially fun to watch the Crows and Ravens interact with the Squirrels, while the Banded Pigeons and Jays ignore their antics and go about the business of scarfing down seed and peanuts as rapidly as possible. I already knew that a group of Crows is called a murder, which strikes me as the most blatantly erroneous name that could possibly be assigned to a species. Crows don't murder -- they cleanup after murders since they are carrion eaters. So that made me look up the other creatures who visit, and some seem apt, and others seem like someone had too much to drink the night before they named them. See what you think:
Ravens are either a conspiracy or an unkindness My observations of their behavior would dispute both of those vehemently.
Squirrels are a scurry or drey. Scurry makes sense to me, but a drey is actually their nest, so what makes that a gang of Squirrels?
Pigeons (banded or otherwise) are a flock, kit, or plague. A plague? Really? Maybe in New York City. But definitely not here.
Jays are referred to as a band. Apparently someone thought their squawks reminded them of musicians. The Jays who frequent the Critter Café sound more imperious than musical.
Doves are a dole or a flight. Mmmmkay, Have no idea what the thought was there.
And last, but not least, Coyotes are a band. Yup. That makes sense.
My suspicion is that many of these designations were made before actual study of animals in their natural habitats. It may be time to rethink some of these.
Sitting in a doctor's office is never much fun. After all, one is usually there for some reason that's concerning. Every now and then, though, there's something to take your mind off waiting for grim news (or relief), and knowing my penchant for tile art, this office fit the bill for a lovely distraction. The building is clearly older and has some interesting architectural features, but the staircase is special. The tile on the steps is artistic, but it was the tile trim against the brick wall that makes this distinctive. At first I thought it was painted, but nope, it's actually tile work. From one angle, it looked like the brick was cut around the tile, but further inspection indicates the tile is simply on the brick, which makes sense because cutting brick to shape would be a nightmare. It's a true work of art.
