Shade/Sun: One of Each Today

Barely a mile from my house, Maple Hill is another seasonal road, very bumpy. Impossible in winter. Not for a delicate sports car! But also very interesting. There’s an elderly lady friend I sometimes give rides to. It’s like a roller coaster. She shrieks and laughs the whole time. I love seasonal roads!

I’ve switched back to my ancient French easel. The legs aren’t bothered by sand (unlike my very temperamental Soltek!). I got it used – it was old then – for $50 back in1985. Still works like a champ! Here’s my setup today:

Then it was on to another favorite road – more of a dirt path, actually. It’s just south of Toad Lake Road. This time I was standing in the glaring sun, wearing a hat and clutching my umbrella with one hand. Clouds of dust floated by after people passed. Oh — and the wind — first it blew my hat off, sending me chasing down the field after it. Then the umbrella blew down the road. I went staggering after it (my sciatica gait). But how could I resist this zig-zaggy road? The bluish-colored weeds – spotted knapweed — do quite well in the dry, sandy soil. I rip it out of my lawn every chance I get as it poisons the soil. Next week it’ll be covered in pale lavender blooms.

And here’s my setup: