Lilies in the Field

It is considered unlikely that the Lilies of the Field reference in the Bible refers to Lilium lilies.  This is contrary to the beautiful Tiffany Stuido stained glass showing white lilies - looking like white Madonna lilies. From Wikipedia: Many varieties of flowers grow wildly and abundantly in Galilee. The translation of lilies is traditional, but far from certain. Modern scholars have proposed a number of different flowers that Jesus could be here referring to, according to Fowler these include the autumn crocus, scarlet poppy, Turk's cap lily, Anemone coronaria, the narcissus, the gladiolus, and the iris. France notes that flowers were less specifically defined in that era, and lily could be a word referring to any showy variety. The verse could also just mean flowers in general, rather than a specific variety. "In the field" implies that these are the wildflowers growing in the fields, rather than the cultivated ones growing in gardens. Harrington notes that some have read this verse as originally referring to beasts rather than flowers.  Some of these flowers have lily in the common name such as gladiolus - sword lily, iris - flag lily.  But it remains as indistinct today as in the past. We revel in the lilies of Lilycrest Gardens hybridizing field from this past summer.

Grimsby Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market continues to sell wonderful fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses each week.  The summer drought has been difficult for growers, yet they have managed to prevail  and bring great produce to market each week. We are lucky in Grimsby to have a flower stall with Wendalane Farms flower bouquets.  The bouquets dot the crowd as they walk from vendor to vendor and usually sell out each week.  I asked Jen how she managed through the drought, and she explained they have put in a drip line to water the plants, and will use it next year as well. We're coming to the conclusion in a few weeks - October 6th marks the end of Grimsby's Main Street market.  There isn't an indoor space that can accommodate a winter market.  I make the trip to St. Catharines each Saturday during the winter as it is nearby.

Will We have Autumn Leaves?

In only 2 days we can start humming autumn songs like 'The Autumn Leaves'.   But what will the leaves look like after this summer drought?  I passed a favourite sumac stand along the South Service Road in St. Catharines and they are curling brown.  They aren't likely to turn to  glorious red, gold and yellow.  It seems that while many trees'  leaves stayed green during the drought, they are going brown and crispy now even though we're getting enough rain.   How about this headline on the Almanac site to join a live show of the season 'turning': Fall begins this Thursday September 22 with the autumnal equinox! Join us for a live show as we welcome in the new seasons – and learn all about the movement of the Sun.  Get details. There are still lots of flowers in the gardens - here's a pretty sunflower bud.

Maine Live Steam

Here's the drive-by at the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad.  The idea is for the crowd to form a line so that everyone has a clear view of the train for pictures.  We don't want lurkers in the background or creepers in the foreground.  This is particularly important for those capturing the scene on video.  We are all to remain silent, too.  The train drives by with the whistle blowing and the bell ringing.  Once that's done, the train backed up, we all got back on and went to the Roundhouse for the look around and another photo shoot.

Has Summer Ended?

While September seems like Summer's Ended, it actually is the month of Summer Ending.  Gardens are gorgeous in September with lots of annuals blooming. Here are two thoughts for Labour Day: Father: Do you know, most people don't have to work today, because it's Labour Day. Son: If people are not working, shouldn't we call today 'No-Labour Day?'     “If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end… it would probably be Labor Day Weekend.” ~ Doug Larson This picture below is at the Niagara College Greenhouses and Wine Centre - a beautiful display from last year.