Some rhododendrons and berries

 I walked up to these rhododendron bushes (they're certainly big, but not quite a tree size) and took these photos before going to Physical Therapy on Tuesday. Glad I did it before, because I not only worked hard, I was reprimanded that I wasn't putting enough effort into exercising at home. And he was right. I do stretches every morning, but haven't done the strengthening ones he's given me. I shall remedy that, because I do want to continue to see him another week (my last is coming soon).

This purple one had just a few flowers remaining, as it has the afternoon sun hitting it...just my guess.

But next to it I saw this bush with rather strange berries on it. I'd love to know what it is!

Today's Quote:

A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night. 

-Marilyn Monroe, actress (1926-1962)

Tub on the road

I was delighted to follow this trailer carrying an old tub.  Then I noticed who the trailer belonged to...an outfit which creates beautiful environments out of one of the most prevalent local shrubs...Rhododendron.  It twists and turns, and makes wonderful branches, which can become furniture, railings, and other settings.  These people added to their sign doing weddings...I bet they'd be really pretty also.

They got their cash at the ATM and took off, and I didn't find out what the tub was all about at all.




















Quote for today:

I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.

John O'Donohue
"Fluent" from Connemara Blues

 

Connecticut sunset

Did I say there were Rhododendron only in the North Carolina woods?  Well, my mistake.  Here in a piney woods, rather than oak, are healthy old Rhodos on a December twilight.  This was taken at 4:57 pm on Dec. 26, 2014.

Where the moss grows

The rocks in the woods of North Carolina support the green life which also grows throughout the winter in Connecticut.  The same oak leaves cover the ground, though they may be 500 miles apart.  Only in NC however, will the Rhododendrons capture the sunlight as well.

Craggy is the name for a reason

Well, it's probably because of the rocky outcrop above the rhododendron forest, where hikers get a great view of the Black Mountains and the various valleys and ridges...but this rhododendron certainly qualifies as craggy also.

Thought for the day:

Cherish all your happy moments: They make a fine cushion for old age.  Booth Tarkington

 

Craggy Gardens & Trillium

I start these streams, and sometimes forget to finish them.
So let's go back up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and see the Craggy Gardens Picnic area from BEFORE Memorial Day.

I wonder what these lovely little yellow guys are mixed in with Trilliums.

I was thrilled that the wind died down so this shot of the bugs on the trillium came out.  Yay wildlife!

The wildflowers at Craggy Gardens Picnic area are the same as those back home in your yards.  Tee hee.

Cheer and color galore.  No Rhododendrons for a while however.

I hope you have a dandy dandelion day!

Rhododendrons in charm

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are wonderful in bloom all over the mountains.

I always get this plant confused with Mountain Laurel.  Most of the wild Laurel has little blossoms, much the same shape, usually white, or a reddish streaked. 

This is the laurel.

 
And this is our rhododendron.