Scarlet sage (also known as Lady In Red, Blood sage or Texas sage), Salvia coccinea originated in Brazil and is found throughout Southeastern US, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. I found this one in Santa Cruz Mountains. “Coccinea” translates “scarlet-dyed.” It reaches 2-4 feet high and is loved by hummingbirds and butterflies.

I love my neighborhood. Here I am, walking the dogs this morning bumming about not having a cool July 4-th photo for my daily project and then I see this. Nothing says America like Uncle Sam riding T-rex with a (stars to the right) American flag, symbolizing that we are never running away, but we are […]

It's been two weeks off the IV meds and one of the  strong oral meds for Babesia. I thought being off the IV meds would help me bounce back to my normal Lymie self, but I was wrong. I'm still rediculously exhausted and don't do much beyond walking the dogs. These past 10 years, July has […]

I haven't been to the ocean in a while. I tried several times when I started treating Lyme, but the sun and the reflections off the water set off my neuro symptoms so badly that I've avoided it for about a year now. An odd thing about having Lyme disease is that you don't miss things […]

A honey bee on a Privet plant (Ligustrum). Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, privets can grow up to 3 m tall and are tolerant of different soil types. Its name is derived from the word “private” as privets were used as privacy hedging. European privets (Ligustrum vulgare) were used for hedging in Elizabethan gardens […]

This is what my husky does when I’m doing my macro photo thing. For those who don’t know huskies, this is rare, extraordinary--remarkable! She patiently waits for me to finish my thing and doesn’t run off to the next county, state, or country like most huskies would do. I have no idea how she learned […]

Hello Monday. Here is a Tangier Pea (Lathyrus tingitanus), a species of wild pea. An annual herb, native to Southern Europe and North Africa and introduced to the Pacific Northwest. I found this one and many more all over Santa Cruz Mountains. The Tangier Pea produces a winged stem that climbs by coiled tendrils. It […]

"No matter how much I grumble at you, you're my favorite Pop! Happy Poppy's Day!" Pee Ess: We miss woo!