Monday, August 17, 2009

Glochids

They looks so much friendlier than regular cactus spines, don't they? Just little tufts of hair...


Ha. They are evil incarnate and go airborne when you move the plant. They burrow into your skin and there is no getting them out. Fun fact: glochids are the active ingredient in itching powder. Aren't you glad you know? I wish I'd learned all this about six hours sooner...

Friday, August 14, 2009

Adventures in Horticulture

"Red Bird of Paradise." It grows along the freeways here and sends out big spikes of orange flowers. If it can survive on the freeways, surely it can survive my brown thumb... right?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Look What the Rain Washed Up

A little good luck emerged from the patch of dirt out on the patio.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Morning Calesthenics

This guy was doing pushups on the patio wall this morning.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Revenge of the Nerds

My new library card: a flaming Transformers-style robot phoenix in space, clutching a book.