The Moon Nestled In A Saguaro's Arm & A Plague of Fire Starting Stinknet

April 28, 2019
    Went for a walk this morning and discovered some interesting and important things.

   Up on Morningstar, I witnessed the moon, cradled in the arms of a giant saguaro.
   

Moonscape Saguaro

   And, if you can't see the moon, here is a closer look:

The Moon Nestled

in A Saguaro's Arm

   Meanwhile, down on the flats we have been invaded by a blanket of pretty, orange buds. 

   At first glance these orange buds are beautiful, but then when I actually read up about them. . .

Globe Trotting Globe Chamomile Invades Sonoran Desert
   Globe Chamomile (Oncosiphon piluliferum) is a pretty, but prolifically invasive, species. It is currently expanding its range in the Phoenix area. It is a native of South Africa. It was first recorded as an invasive near Los Angeles and San Diego in the eighties. The other name for this plant is Stinknet because of its strong, unpleasant odor. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. It is also an extreme fire hazard as each ball contains 400 flowers and when they are dry they turn into millions of matches.

   Oh, wonderful. I can't wait for summer.

"The older you get the more you realize that ignorance is bliss."
—Old Vaquero Saying