Autumn lovelies

This bristly beauty is blooming all across Meadow Knoll, turning the fields a brilliant purple. I know--it looks a lot like a thistle. In fact, the species that grows in California is called Coyote Thistle, which you will understand if you remember that the coyote is a trickster creature. But eryngo is actually a member of the parsley family. I'm not aware that this particular species (Eryngium leavenworthii) has had any medicinal uses. One of its cousins was widely used by the Plains Indians, though. Rattlesnake master or button snakeroot (Eryngium yuccifolium) was used as a sedative, and to treat veneral disease, snakebites, impotence, and intestinal parasites. It was also used in rattlesnake medicine dances. It's said that the medicine men chewed the root, blew on their hands, and could then handle the snakes (it put them to sleep?). I don't recommend that you try this, although the plant itself, in most of its species, would be a wonderful addition to your native plant garden. To see the species native to your state, check out this page.

We're not quite through with the pecan harvest, but Bill took time out to make a trip to Houston to see his mom and brother, and he's mowing today. We'll let the rest of the pecans (about 25% of the harvest) drop from the trees and rake them up. I wish you could see my hands (not). I wore latex gloves, but the tannin leached through the gloves and my hands are stained brown. And I have a couple of events coming up! In addition to the Lubbock event, I'll be at the Dallas Arboretum on November 1, but don't get too excited. I am an "also featured" speaker--although there are some celeb speakers that you would enjoy. Unfortunately, the tickets to the daylong event (if there are any left) are $245. It's a benefit for the Women's Garden, and I understand that the luncheon menu is out of this world. For such an upscale event, Bill suggests that I find a pair of white gloves to disguise my transgressions.

The weaving is going forward: I'm working on a sampler now, trying out some different yarns, just to see how they work. Thinking of some place mats with southwestern Indian motifs for the table in New Mexico. But that'll  have to wait until I have my quota of Christmas scarves finished.

And of course, the writing. In fact, the file is up on the computer (behind this blog) and I have to get to it right now, while the day is still young enough to accomplish something. I'll try to blog tomorrow over at the Pecan Springs Journal, where I'm blogging the book.

Oh, and stay tuned for two announcements: the "secret project" that Paula and Peggy and I have been working on (we were joined by Linda Wisniewski) will be launched this coming week; and I'll be announcing the dates/locations of my Cottage Tales Blog Tour, which takes place in November.

Reading note. For me, weaving is a solace, a retreat from computers and calculators and book galleys and business reports...I will weave to satisfy my soul, and if the results are nice enough to give as gifts or show in public or publish in this magazine (Handwoven), that will be a bonus. I will weave to satisfy my soul.--Linda Ligon, This is How I Go When I Go Like This

Comments

[Mary in NJ]

Isn't there a Fort Leavenworth? Was it named after the Eryngium?

I'm curious, your life is full of so many rich and varied activities.. how do you plan your time? Pecans come when they will, but what about all the other things, by the day.. the week? I can see it now- Susan's time managment tips!

[Robert]

I like the name Coyote Thistle, it is indeed lovely. Would make an interesting addition to Kitty's garden.

Since avoid driving in or around Dallas and am about $3000 short of the $245 guess we will miss you this time.

"Tannin stained hands, why it was research for an upcoming novel."

Robert

[Annie in Austin]

What a color that Eryngium has! Beauty is enough - utility would just be a bonus.

Susan, this is the first year we ever got edible pecans from our tree - your post was helpful because with no experience, we didn't know about drying them. Thank you for writing about the process.

My hands look terrible, too, but being able to put a photo of homemade nut bread on my blog was an achievement!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

[pablo]

I've found rattlesnake master at Roundrock (Missouri), but they are a pale white, not this lovely purple you have.

[Linda Mandeville]

Darn...I bet the "don't get excited" was for me! I am at the Arboretum all the time...sorry I will miss you!
I just read "All About Thyme" for this week. I always look forward to getting it, but today's was especially good. Reading it on this cool, wet Monday really put me in the mood for fall!