Tiny Tuesday : : Brodiaea Terrestris

The only way this little dwarf brodiaea  could hold its own against the grass appeared to be by climbing it. I had to admire its perseverance.

The grasses in the shot are interesting too, each one evoking a different memory.  We used to call the one with the sharp pointy things 'scissors plants'. We'd carefully make a little slit in the base of one, stick another one through the slit and voilà...scissors! Of course they didn't cut anything but they kept us busy. When they dry each little spear turns itself into a corkscrew that can implant itself into a dog's tail, a special sweater or a pair of thick socks...

The other grass on the right we call foxtails. They are both barbed and lined with tiny hairs that grow away from the sharp base of the grass. They can work their way into a dog's ear or nose, or even through the skin and organs and never work their way back out again. We've had many a foxtail removed under anesthesia from a number of pets. The only way to avoid this is to avoid them, and they are ubiquitous!

We stopped at the French bakery in Glen Ellen for coffee and pastries. They have a charming little outdoor patio which was protected enough for us to be able to sit out there with Ozzie and enjoy the sun, which finally emerged this morning. We were protected from a stiff breeze, and I enjoyed eavesdropping on a spirited conversation which was taking place in French behind us.