Pic Today 9/5/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER ENDING,

AT THE CABIN

So many signs

the summer is ending,

down at the river.

Finding butterfly wings.

Leaves starting to turn.

Summer grasses going to seed.

Fall flowers' final bloom.

The cabin is peeking through

river bank growth,

almost invisible to rafters

floating by.

I love this season.

Pic Today 9/4/16

 

 

 

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU

There are some flowers,

especially in the family Araceae,

that when ripe and in bloom,

seem to be looking at you.

Two species that are dramatic

this time of year are

Anchomanes Hookeri and

the more common Peace Lily.

Their rhizomes in fact have eyes.

Another interesting fact is

these plants are thermogenic,

they can create their own heat

(up to 45˚C, even in cool climates).

This heat attracts certain beetles,

which the plants need for pollination.

(Pretty clever, I'd say.)

The largest collection of Araceae

is maintained at Missouri Botanical Garden,

here in St. Louis. 

Pic Today 9/3/16

 

 

 

BEAUTIFUL DAY

ON ART HILL

At the top of Art Hill

in Forest Park,

it is fitting that great art

is housed in the famous

St. Louis Art Museum.

The grounds, lagoons, lakes

and century old fountains below

are remnants of the

1904 World's Fair.

But the treasures and arts

are worth a trip up the hill

to the original museum,

and newly added east wing

which houses contemporary works.

One of my favorite installations

is the stainless steel tree outside,

just west of the museum.

 

Pic Today 9/2/16

 

 

 

 

SIGNS THE SEASON

IS CHANGING

Leaves giving up their chlorophyl,

flower heads turning to seed,

volunteer vines hanging down

rain-soaked bluffs,

ripe fragrances all around.

And days growing shorter,

getting ready for fall.

Plants announce the change

so beautifully.

(I'm ready.)

Pic Today 9/1/16

KUNPU

In Japanese, kunpu is

the "final fragrant breezes

of summer."

And today

(the first day of September)

is the perfect time

to enjoy kunpu.

This beautiful calligraphy

translates its meaning.