As we hike in Ponderosa Park near Mccall we enjoy seeing this colorful wild forb. The term refers to an herbaceous flowering plant that is not a graminoid – maybe a bit too detailed but know that if you hear herb or forb it is a plant whose stems die at season end and regrow from the extensive root system or seed. The plant is one of the first signs of spring throughout the Great Basin. The name comes from a combination of leaf shape and a fragrant resin, or “balsam”, that is found in the roots. Native Americans found many uses for this long lived perennial. Nearly all parts of the plant were used as a source of food. The plant also has medicinal qualities, it is reportedly effective as a pain reliever, and to treat colds, burns, wounds, insect bites and swelling. Little surprise that arrowleaf is eaten by nearly all types of wildlife. This prolific plant grows up to 2 feet tall with a root system that can be as much as 8 feet deep. The plant is hearty, versatile and, like leaders we admire, its “root” system sustains it and remains out of sight. It brings to mind a a proverb of Latin origin “still waters run deep”, which means a placid exterior hides a passionate, intelligent and subtle nature. I would appreciate it if our leaders were much more “basalmic”.
Brother Jeff again provides a bit of clever but silly humor this week. In a post entitled Sad News, the obituary of the Pillsbury Doughboy was highlighted. I will not quote the entire work but a few excerpts may brighten your day. The Doughboy died yesterday from a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71….The graveside was piled high with “flours”. ….the doughboy was described as a man who never knew how much he was “kneaded”. …..a “roll” model for millions…. survived by his wife Play Dough, and three children John, Jane and Dosey and they had one in the oven! The funeral was held at 3:50 for 20 minutes. If this made you smile please rise to the occasion and pass it on to someone kneading a lift!
Hoping you can find your way through the awful news and keep your perspective.
Root for a great week end. Mike