August Park Shadows #ShadowshotSunday

Yesterday was a beautiful day to take a walk in a local park. 

The bushes with white flowers are Japanese knotweed, an extremely invasive plant.  That being said, they also are a prime source for late season nectar for honeybees and bumblebees in our area. I've had their honey (it's dark) and have enjoyed it, even as these displace native plants.   I would still rather have the native plants.

This is a tree planted several years ago under a New York State program.  These and others are thriving now. 

Joining Lisa at This and That - A Blog, for her #ShadowshotSunday. 

Sky Dragon Skies #SkywatchFriday

 Fall has arrived where I live in the Southern Tier of New York.

True, the calendar still says August.  True, the heat should be back in September for a time.  But the sky dragon has spoken.

To me, anyway.  The cloud to the left says Dragon.  You may see something different.

And it says.... fall.

Because the fall clouds have arrived. 

I always have to be dragged kicking and screaming into fall, because I know what comes next.  And that something isn't pumpkin spice (although there is that, too).   It's the "s" word that I wish didn't have to be written in this blog.

Snow.

But not yet.

Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday. 

Not A Heavenly Tree #WordlessWednesday

 I took this picture August 19 while walking where I used to used to work before I went fully remote in 2020. 

Tree of Heaven

This tree was not a heavenly find, despite its name.

This is a Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).  If you ever read the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, this was the tree written about.  It originated in China and it was first brought over to Europe in the 1740's (according to Wikipedia). Then,  it was subsequently brought here as a desired nursery tree. It  was also extensively planted as a street tree, because it is long lived and almost indestructible.

This tree commonly lives for 50-100 years and rapidly reproduces with suckers.

Now, in our times, it is also a host for the spotted lanternfly, a pest that originated in China and which  is posing a danger to New York's grape crops, among other crops.

The Tree of Heaven (ironically named because it - well, it stinks) never used to be common in the area of New York State where I live but I increasingly see it.

I would say that is not too heavenly.

 

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

Purple for Music and Heroism #MusicMovesMe

It's the last week of August, and it's time for music! 

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome tPo join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)   We have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme and use music of your chice.  Why not join us?  You don't have to sing, or play an instrument.  All music lovers are welcome.

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

This week's theme is "In recognition of the Purple Heart creation in 1782 this month, let's share songs of honor or purple inspired song picks".  (For the immediate future, you can find all the 2025 themes on Curious as a Cathy's blog, on the right hand side where it says "Monday's Music Moves Me".)

So, for my non United States readers, a brief explanation.  The Purple Heart is a decoration awarded to wounded soldiers, or those who have died from their wounds.  Under a different name, it was created by then General George Washington (our first President) and started to be awarded in 1782, making it the oldest U.S. military award still in use.

You can find more about the history of the Purple Heart on Cathy's music post from yesterday here.  

Here is Sabaton and Purple Heart.  "Once we were soldiers; once we were young"...

You can also find more on the Purple Heart here. 

Moving on to purple inspired songs:

Does a group called Deep Purple count?  I say they do.  Here's one of my favorite songs of theirs, if not my favorite:  Perfect Strangers. 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Purple Haze. 

Switching genres now - A cover of Deep Purple from Donnie and Marie Osmond. 

Last but far from least,  a song that I just had to include:  Prince and Purple Rain. 

And that's a wrap!

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.  

 

Persian Shield #ShadowshotSunday

Two views of my Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) plant. 

This was taken August 22.  In my zone (6a) this is an annual.  I've tried several times to overwinter it or take a cutting, but it isn't easy.  I succeeded with rooting a cutting once but I don't have time to fuss with this plant. 

More of a closeup, taken August 23. The sun was shining on the front leaves, and it really shows off their purple color.

My son loves these plants.  I've grown them from years.  I had to get mine mail order this year, and chose to get only one.  So yes, this is one plant.  They are highly adaptable, too, loving full sun or even part sun (which their spot in my back yard is). 

(Speaking of purple, I hope you will visit my blog tomorrow for Music Moves Me.)

Joining Lisa at This and That:  A Blog, for her #ShadowshotSunday. Why not come out of the shadows and join us, too?  All you need is a picture with a shadow in it.

Joe Pye Skies #SkywatchFriday

A couple of weeks ago, my guest photographer was out in the country and took these pictures.  By then we had lost most of the fire haze (hurray!) and you could see the blue in the sky again.

A beautiful sky, beautiful hills, here in the Southern Tier of New York.

Beautiful Joe Pye weed and goldenrod, too.  Nature always combines its colors perfectly.

Joe Pye weed?  Here's a closeup.  If you wonder how it got it's name, this site explains.

One more shot of the sky. 

Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday. 

Silver Spotted Skipper #WordlessWednesday

Recently, I've seen this small butterfly on my sweet pea plants. 

My built in iPhone photo app identified this as a silver spotted skipper.

This butterfly, Epargyreus clarus has a wide range in the United States.  It seems to prefer flowers that are blue, red, pink, or purple, and you can learn more about them here.

I've seen several of these little ones on my sweet pea flowers.  I've seen so few butterflies this summer that their visits are a joy.

 

I hope you enjoyed this one, too.

 

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

 

More Sad Tributes #MusicMovesMe

 It's Monday, and it's time for music! 

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)   We have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme and use music of your chice.  Why not join us?  You don't have to sing, or play an instrument.  All music lovers are welcome.

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

This week's theme is "You Pick".  (For the immediate future, you can find all the 2025 themes on Curious as a Cathy's blog, on the right hand side where it says "Monday's Music Moves Me".)

We've had so many deaths in the music world that it's become hard to keep up.  Some of these musicians were unknown to me.  Others...well, here are several of them. 

Bobby Whitlock, keyboardist and vocalist of Derek and the Dominos, died from cancer on August 10 at the age of 77.   He was originally a soul artist, also working on albums such as George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass". He also performed with other groups, including Delaney and Bonnie. My first selection is a song co-written with Eric Clapton, "Why Does Love Have to Be So Sad?" sung live with Whitlock's wife, CoCo Carmel. 

"Bell Bottom Blues", also written by Clapton and Whitlock and performed by Derek and the Dominos, was a hit song in 1970.

Terry Reid, singer and guitarist, died August 4 at the age of 75. Reid toured with groups such as the Yardbirds, the Rolling Stones, and was admired by artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Graham Nash.  He was perhaps best known for turning down invites to join various big groups, ranging from Deep Purple to being offered the lead singer role for Led Zepplin. Yet, he never became a superstar. All he wanted to do, as he said in interviews, was play music. 

Here is "Superlungs My Supergirl", a song written by Donovan and covered by Terry Reid. 

Let's switch genres now. 

Jazz/Salsa pianist and composer, and founder of several bands Eddie Palmieri died August 6 at the age of 88.  Get ready to enjoy some Latin music.  First, 1970's "Helado de Chocolate". 

Here is his song Azucar.  This song reminds me of music I used to hear riding on the New York City subway in the early 1970's.  For all I know I was listening to Palmieri's music. 

Finally, another jazz great, Sheila Jordan, died August 11 at the age of 96.  Here is "Dat Dare". 

What a sad month in the music world. Rock and Roll Heaven, which admits all great musicians regardless of genre, has had a busy August.   

And that's a wrap!

Join me again next Monday for another episode of Music Moves Me.  

Hibiscus Color Change #ShadowshotSunday

In memory of my aunt, who loved hibiscus so much, I planted a hibiscus several years ago.

Sometimes, it has a pink blush.  I took this picture early on the morning of August 15 and it may look familiar to my regular readers.

Late on a recent hot afternoon, the flowers looked like this.

Apparently, color change with temperature is a common behavior with hibiscus.  I thought it was due to the flower maturing, but actually there is a scientific explanation involving several chemicals.

Who ever said shadowshots weren't educational?

Joining Lisa at This and That: A Blog for her #ShadowshotSunday. 

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day August 2025

(If you are looking for my Skywatch Friday post, please click here).

Today, I am joining up with Carol at May Dreams Gardens for her 15th of the month Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. 

In my zone 6a garden in the Southern Tier of New York, we are (I hope!) coming out of a dry and hot spell.  Some of these flowers look a little weary, and can't say that I blame them.

White and pink tall phlox.

Pink tall phlox.

One of my last couple of daylilies taking its last bow.  The season has ended.

My lantana doesn't seem to mind the heat.

This is a white hibiscus but this flower was opening up this morning and I decided to showcase its young pink color before it turns white.

Cardinal flower.

For several years, I've had some pink glads come up despite not being dug up.  This is the last one.

Finally, a couple more of my container flowers.

Fuchsia "Billy Green". which I mail ordered from Select Seeds.  I also have a fuchsia Annabell which is on strike this morning, but it has pretty white flowers.

Finally, two more from Select Seeds.  This one is cuphea Cherrybells.  There is a second one next to it, David Verity. which doesn't have many flowers on it right now.  We didn't have our hummingbird feeder up this year and, alas, I haven't seen any hummingbirds feeding off of either plant.

I hope these flowers brought some beauty to your world today. 

Want to see more flowers?  Why not visit Carol's blog (link at beginning of post) and see what's blooming in other parts of our world? 

Before the Rain Skies #SkywatchFriday

Wednesday, we were at the end of a heat wave.  It's been dry, and we needed rain.

Hopefully these skies were going to bring us some good rains. 

Also, hopefully it wasn't going to be too much rain, something that has been happening to too many other people recently.

It was a frustrating wait, as, just a few miles from us, it was raining and a good 15 degrees F cooler than we were.

But finally, we did get rain, although not as much as we needed.  Still, much better than nothing.

Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday. 

Giant Swallowtail #WordlessWednesday

This was a first for me.

I thought I saw two swallowtail butterflies having a, shall we say, romantic moment while fluttering around some tall phlox and glads.

But it wasn't two butterflies.

Once the butterfly started to alight on the flowers, I did a quick ID with my iPhone's built in bug/plant/landmark ID app within the Photos app.

Giant Swallowtail butterfly. 

How beautiful. 

I've only seen a handful of butterflies this year.  I hope this is a sign that this is about to change.

The giant swallowtail isn't endangered-not yet.

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday. 

A Midsummer Music Post #MusicMovesMe

 It's Monday, and it's time for music!

 

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)   We have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme and use music of your chice.  Why not join us?  You don't have to sing, or play an instrument.  All music lovers are welcome.

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

This week's theme is "Midsummer inspired song picks".  (For the immediate future, you can find all the 2025 themes on Curious as a Cathy's blog, on the right hand side where it says "Monday's Music Moves Me".)

I must go to a song I've loved for many years, ever since my years of growing up in New York City.  Here, from 1966, are the Lovin' Spoonful and Summer in the City. Better yet, it was a hit in the summer of 1966.  I chose this video because of the video and its vintage footage.

Now, let me drift back to 1966 for a moment.  This was a special summer for me, for a number of reasons.

There were a lot of great songs in the summer of 1966.  Although these songs may not quite fit the theme, they sure bring back memories for me.

Hanky Panky from Tommy James and the Shondells. 

Lil'l Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. 

 Finally, Wild Thing from The Troggs, a song that makes everything groovy. 

But now, back to the theme. 

  From 1991 - Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. 

Finally, here is Bryan Adams and Summer of 69. Were those the best days of your life, one summer?

I could choose so many of these songs, the songs from the summers of my youth, (except for Summertime), but let's end it here.

And that's a wrap!

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me. 

August Street Shadow #ShadowshotSunday

Our air quality has returned to normal for now.

I'm celebrating with a street shadow shot from the beginning of August. 

It's so nice to have sharp shadows again.  But we are also going to have near record or record heat after today.

Joining Lisa at This and That: A Blog for her #ShadowshotSunday. 

Northeast Smoke Haze #SkywatchFriday

I decided to take some pictures of the smoke haze we've had for the last four or five days.

Monday, I was in a hilly area and decided to take advantage of being up on a hill.  It wasn't even humid.  This haze is all smoke. 

Fortunately, neither my spouse nor I have lung issues. 

I fear this is our new normal, as the saying goes. 

The air was only (only!) "unhealthy" for susceptible groups. 

By Thursday, it was starting to clear just a little, up on that same hill.

Today, the air is supposed to be better, just in time for it to get hot again.  

 Joining Yogi and other skywatchers for #SkywatchFriday. 

Feathers #WordlessWednesday

Feathers on a lawn.

What story do they tell?

Were they just shed there as part of molting?

Or was a bird attacked?  Did he or her escape?

We may never know the story.

Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday 

The Mathematics of Satire #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday, and it's time for music.

Today I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)   We have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme and use music of your chice.  Why not join us?  You don't have to sing, or play an instrument.  All music lovers are welcome.

Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, me.

This week's theme is "You Pick".  

My pick is another induction into Rock and Roll Heaven, although I don't think you could consider this man a rocker.  He was a favorite of those who enjoyed intelligent satire, whether or not you agreed with him.

Tom Lehrer, who died at the age of 97 on July 26, was a mathematician, songwriter, satirist, and possibly a researcher at Los Alamos. 

Warning in advance:  a number of his songs are not what you might call Politically Correct.  

This video has two of his songs:  National Brotherhood Week and When You Are are Old and Grey.  The latter song was written when he was 21. I wonder what he thought about it when he entered his 90s. 

An older Tom Lehrer, in 1998, performing Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.  

 In the 1960's, Lehrer appeared on the satirical TV Show That Was the Week That Was, which I listened to with my parents.  Subsequently, he appeared on a comedy show called The Frost Report.  This is a song called Decimals (I did mention he was a mathematician, didn't I?) 

New Math. Can you identify, even years later?  (Note, you'll have to watch this directly on You Tube).

Lehrer also wrote songs for the educational children's TV program, The Electric Company.  Here is Silent E.

Many of us (including me) were introduced to Lehrer through the Dr. Demento [Barry Hansen] show, which featured novelty and comedic songs for many years until Hansen's retirement this past June.

In 2020, Lehrer released all his works into the public domain, so we can all enjoy them.  He will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Tom.

And that's a wrap.

Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me. 

 

Bee Balm and Bee #ShadowshotSunday

From mid-July:  my bee balm plant, complete with bees.

Hard to see here.

A better view.

We have so many fewer bees than in fewer years.  I hope this last, beeless picture isn't our future.

Joining Lisa at This and That:  A Blog for her #ShadowshotSunday.