We are getting a lovely cool stretch here in Texas, meaning the night temperatures are reaching down into the 60s, and the highs barely touch into the 90s. Cool enough in the morning that I was inspired to get out and clear some of my woodland paths with the trimmer earlier this week. I was able to reclaim the already established paths fairly readily, but I’ll need clippers and more time to open up more avenues.

I did find some surprising nasturtium patches in the middle of the lot. They are leggy, but the area is mostly shaded, so that isn’t surprising. They are in an area where I did not plant nasturtiums. Hm. Apparently they found a better location. Go flowers go.

The poison ivy and chiggers are thick in the woods and meadow, so a thorough shower and hot water wash of the clothes I wore was in order.

While walking around the outside of the coop and runs, I saw a pretty plant with purple buds. I plugged the picture into iNaturalist and received an ID: nightshade. Specifically silver-leafed nightshade. When I went back out to pull it away from the coop, the distinctive purple flowers had bloomed. Definitely a nightshade. Rather than risk the chickens having a nibble, I removed the plant.

Here are my quiet “fireworks” for the 4th. There are way too many sensitive ears in my house for the loud variety.

I planted so many bask flower seeds and despite the massive spring rains, I have one, and only one bloom. Maybe more will burst forth as summer progresses. We can hope.