This is the largest leaf on our property. iNaturalist identifies it, consistently, as a kind of mulberry. We have a few saplings with this kind of leaf in the back woods, one of which is about 12 feet tall. I have not seen any berries, but the trees are all under a canopy of post oak and cedar elm, so don’t get much sunlight. I’m keeping an eye on them though, and I’ve marked a couple of the smaller saplings for possible transplant to a sunnier location. The idea of mulberry pie is enticing.
Today I present to you a long haired flame-point cat rolling in the fall leaves. You’re welcome.
He was rolling about to get his scratches and brushes, which is ironic because every time he rolls he covers the freshly brushed part in leaf litter. Silly cat.
My Thanksgiving Cactus has started to bloom again!
The cactus hangs in a north facing window, and gets watered for a count of three twice a week. I do not change its location, nor its watering schedule ever throughout the year. Still it blooms. I’m glad it is happy.
Last year’s purchase of a pre-made pre-lit deer decoration has gone through a series of changes at my house. I liked him standing in my meadow so much, I took off his festive holiday bow so he could stay there all through spring and summer. He moved to the back woods when it was time for the ghost to come out, but you could still see him through the branches which was neat. In early December, I stripped out all the old LED light strings and instead set up a LED wave light in front of him set to a multi-hued pattern. The light does a much better job showing of his iridescent trappings, and looks stunning in the full dark.
When I tried to assemble gingerbread houses last year for my kids, it was a struggle to get the sides and roof to stay up until the frosting set. This year, they went together much easier. I did actually get out the big knife and trimmed the side walls square, this time. My youngest also helped stabilize as we built. Life lessons: live and learn, follow directions, and accept help.
Critters and Craft 