Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid

Yesterday was drab and overcast, but these two blossoms that I found growing beneath a hedge cheered everything up. -- Photo by Pat Bean
Travels With Maggie
Maggie’s short little tail was finally wagging again last night. And she slept the night through. While all may not be well, my canine traveling companion appears to be on the mend. The new ear medication appears to be working. And that cheers me tremendously.
Christmas is looking brighter. So Merry Christmas all. Have a good one.
I do so hope all continues to improve for Maggie! That will make a wonderful Christmas to have her feeling better. Our best wishes.
So happy to hear Maggie is better!!!
Merry Christmas to you both!
These flowers appear to be Malvaviscus arboreus, known as Turk’s cap.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
Thanks Steve. It’s always night to put a specific name to something, be it a bird, a flower or a mountain.
Keep writing … Pat Bean https://patbean.wordpress.com
I find my share of things I can’t easily identify, but this is one that I’m quite familiar with. We even have some growing on the margin between our yard and a neighbor’s yard. I’ve taken my share of pictures of it, including this close-up:
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/staminate-column-like-a-candle/
I went looking at yourblog and was startled by the mention of the Elisabet Ney Museum. My kids went to Elisabet Ney Elementary in Lake Jackson, Texas. Meanwhile, please feel free to name any flower (or tree) whose photo I use in my blog. I can identify the birds but the fauna often stumps me.
Keep writing … Pat Bean https://patbean.wordpress.com
With that connection, you should come visit the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin sometime.