November Showers

When Lewis and Clark came here in 1804 they spent the winter complaining about the weather. They were actually at the coast and I am 80 miles inland but we still get largely the same weather. They built a snug little fort and spent the winter eating venison, shellfish and salmon. Really...I can't think what they had to complain about. I think that if they were a little less precious and went for a nice walk they might have got over themselves. Having their companions bathe might have helped, too.

I have heard this plant named Elephant Leaf because of the soccer-ball sized leaves (football for my non-American friends). I think of it as a kind of Hosta but these flowers say otherwise. Last year this fella didn't bloom. I trimmed half his height and now the 5 foot tall plant has 3 of the pleasant grapefruit sized surprises. (I could say softball but I didn't want another sports' metaphor). A few of the buds have blossomed and there is no discernible scent but it is a lovely surprise and the leaves show the rain so much better than the tabletop yesterday. Stay dry.