The Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as the sunchoke, wild sunflower, or earth apple, is a native North American perennial species in the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Key Characteristics & Features

• Botanical Nature: Despite its name, it is neither from Jerusalem nor a true artichoke. It is a true native sunflower species. The name "Jerusalem" is believed to be a corruption of the Italian word for sunflower, girasole (meaning "turning to the sun").

• Floral Structure: The bright yellow blooms typically measure 2 to 4 inches across and consist of 10 to 20 ray florets surrounding a dense, textured central disc of yellow-to-brownish tubular florets.

• Growth Habit: The plant grows vigorously on tall, coarse stems covered in stiff, hair-like trichomes, often reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet (or more) in late summer through autumn.

• Underground Tubers: Below ground, the plant produces fleshy, knobby tubers rich in inulin (a prebiotic carbohydrate). Native Americans cultivated these tubers as a primary food crop long before European arrival, and they remain popular in culinary uses today.

• Ecological Value: The late-season flowers provide a crucial late-summer and early-autumn nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flora have faded. (Narrative by Gemini  AI)

 A sunflower at Temple University's Ambler Arboretum.

 Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) or a closely related Rudbeckia coneflower species, captured at two distinct life stages:

• Foreground (Left): An unopened flower bud with soft green phyllaries (involucral bracts), developing yellow ray florets just beginning to emerge, and a tightly clustered dark central disc cone.

• Background (Right): A fully opened bloom showing mature bright golden-yellow ray petals radiating around a deep brown-purple central disc cone. (Narration - Gemini AI)

 The insect is a Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), foraging on flowering stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile / Sedum).

Key Diagnostic Features

• Abdomen Pattern: Alternating black and amber-yellow bands with fine fuzzy rings, tapering to a pointed tip characteristic of female worker honey bees.

• Leg Anatomy: Hind leg displays the wide, flattened tibia adapted as a pollen basket (corbicula).

• Head & Eyes: Large, dark compound eyes covered with microscopic hairs, and characteristic elbowed antennae. (Commentary Gemini AI)

Little Round Top is a rocky hill south of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, famous as the site of an essential Union defensive stand on July 2, 1863—the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Holding the hill anchored the extreme left flank of the Union Army of the Potomac. If Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee had seized this high ground, they could have placed artillery overlooking the Union lines along Cemetery Ridge and rolled up the Federal flank.

Brigadier General Gouverneur K. Warren, chief engineer of the Union Army, rode up the undefended hill, recognized its strategic vulnerability, and urgently diverted troops to occupy the crest just minutes before Confederate forces struck. The statue is over General Warren. (Gemini AI - Narration)

Fences played a decisive tactical role across the battlefield during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Constructed by local farmers for livestock and boundary demarcation, these structures disrupted advancing formations, channeled troop movements, and provided critical defensive cover.

Today, the National Park Service maintains tens of miles of historic fence lines to preserve the visual and tactical landscape of the 1863 battle. (Gemini AI - Narration)

 

Chillin' with the musicians raising funds to combat childhood cancer on the square in Gettysburg, PA.

 A pretty petunia. The flower features a classic trumpet- or funnel-shaped (infundibuliform) structure where the five petals fuse into an elongated tube. The side profile highlights the delicate, translucent branched venation that carries nutrients and structural support through the petal limb.

 Death mask of a dragonfly.

A poor old dragonfly bit the dust, and ants were cleaning him out - inside out. Took the opportunity to get some detail on one of his wings.

 Visited the Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. It would take two days to do it justice. Didn't make it to Meso-America or the Far East.

The Sphinx of Ramses II at the Penn Museum of Archaeology in Philadelphia is the largest ancient granite sphinx in the Western Hemisphere and serves as the museum's signature centerpiece.

Pharaoh Ramses II

Stele of the Code of Hammurabi (specifically a museum cast/replica, such as the one on display in the Penn Museum's Middle East Galleries). The text begins with a prologue glorifying Hammurabi's piety and conquests, transitions into 282 case-by-case legal provisions ("if a man does X, then Y shall happen" covering property, family law, trade, and physical harm—including the famous principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye"), and concludes with an epilogue invoking divine blessings on future rulers who uphold the laws and curses on those who erase them. (Gemini AI)

The Ur Lament: The upstart kings of Isin lament the fall of Ur even as they present themselves as Ur's successors. City, bitter is the lament made for you! How long will it grieve the weeping Nana? ... Ur has been given over to tears! ... Where the dances of the Land once took place, people are stacked in heaps. The corpses like fat left in the sun, melted away of their own accord. ... The king of Isin's personal god brings you a greeting gift. Nanna, in your restored city may you be properly praised.

Fascinating. A doll with movable legs and arms.

 Eastern Bumblebee: This stuff is G-R-E-A-T!

Garden Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium / Dendranthema grandiflorum), commonly known as a Mum (likely a decorative or cushion variety with rich magenta/purple-toned ray florets). (Narrative - Gemini AI)

Metallic Sweat Bee (Family Halictidae, likely in the subgenus Dialictus of Lasioglossum or a related small metallic bee). The iridescent sheen across the thorax and wings is characteristic of these small native pollinators.

Flower: White Clover (Trifolium repens), showing an individual flower head made up of small tubular florets.  (Narrative from Gemini AI)

Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens), a common and vital native pollinator. The dense, pale yellow-to-whitish pile across the thorax paired with an entirely black lower abdomen and glossy compound eye are classic field marks.

Stonecrop / Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile), shown in its late-summer stage where the tightly clustered, broccoli-like green buds are just beginning to blush with pink tips before opening. (Narrative by Gemini AI)

 A more intimate photo of a False Daisy.

 A sense of perspective.

 False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata)

This plant is commonly known as False Daisy (or Yerba de Tajo / Bhringraj), a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

• Characteristics: It features small, composite flower heads measuring just 6–10 mm across, with a dense ring of narrow white ray florets surrounding a center of tiny tubular disc florets.

• Foliage & Habitat: The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and sessile or short-petioled, often bearing a subtle rough texture. It thrives in moist, sunny locations, garden borders, and wetland edges.

• Significance: Highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic and herbal medicine (as Bhringraj), it is widely recognized for its restorative and conditioning properties. (ID and narrative from Gemini)

Oxbow/Shasta Daisy - Here are a few fascinating details about this flower, spanning its intricate biology, rich history, and ecological role:

1. A Flower Made of Hundreds of Flowers

What looks like a single large flower is actually a composite head (capitulum):

• The "Petals" (Ray Florets): The outer ring consists of individual, sterile or female flowers designed primarily to attract pollinators.

• The "Center" (Disc Florets): The golden central button contains hundreds of tiny, tube-shaped, bi-sexual flowers. They open progressively from the outer rim inward toward the middle over several days to maximize pollination opportunities.

2. Sacred Geometry & Fibonacci Spirals

The arrangement of the central disc florets isn't random—it follows a precise mathematical pattern based on Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio:

• If you trace the tiny bumps in the central disc, you'll see intersecting spirals running clockwise and counterclockwise.

• Count the spirals in either direction, and they almost always total consecutive Fibonacci numbers (e.g., 21, 34, or 55). This geometry allows the plant to pack the maximum possible number of flowers and eventual seeds into the smallest possible space.

 Hosta - Though hostas are usually praised for their leafy foliage, their delicate summer blooms bring a surprisingly elegant splash of life and subtle color to shade gardens. Their trumpet-shaped blossoms dangling from tall scapes make a welcoming pit stop for visiting hummingbirds and bees looking for late-season nectar. Once the flowering finishes, simply snipping off the dried stalks keeps the plant looking tidy while channeling its strength right back into lush green leaves for next year. (Description AI - Gemini)

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a resilient, North American native wildflower best known for its bright yellow blooms that open late in the afternoon and evening, giving off a mild, lemon-like fragrance. (AI Identification - Gemini)

 These are Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta or Oxalis dillenii), often colloquially called "sour grass" or yellow clover due to its heart-shaped, clover-like leaves (though it is not a true clover). (AI identification - Gemini)

Tiger Bee Fly - If you have carpenter bees, this fly is your friend. Parasitoid of Carpenter Bees: Female Tiger Bee Flies lay their eggs near the nest entrances of Eastern Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa virginica). When the larvae hatch, they crawl into the nest and feed on the carpenter bee larvae/pupae. Because of this, you’ll often spot them hovering around wooden structures, decks, or eaves where carpenter bees have drilled their tunnels. (AI Identification - Gemini)
 

 

Eastern Black Swallowtail - The dark coloration of the female Eastern Black Swallowtail is a form of Batesian mimicry. It mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), a toxic butterfly species that birds avoid eating due to the poisonous acids stored from its host plant. By resembling the Pipevine Swallowtail, the palatable Black Swallowtail gets a measure of natural protection from avian predators. (AI Identification - Gemini)

 Gladiolus: Gladioli are famous for their tall, dramatic flower spikes that bloom sequentially from the bottom upward. The trumpet-shaped blossoms feature ruffled petals, and they come in almost every color except true blue. (AI Identification - Gemini)

Evening Primrose - True to their name, standard evening primroses typically open in the late afternoon or early evening, staying open through the morning before wilting, though some species (like sundrops) stay open during the day. (AI Identified - Gemini)

 Closeup of Garden Phlox.

Helichrysum italicum, commonly known as the Curry Plant, Italian Strawflower, or Immortelle.  Clusters of bright, golden-yellow disc florets with a papery texture that retain their color even after drying (hence the name immortelle / everlasting).  (AI identified - Gemini)
 

Margined Calligrapher Fly - Notice the two large compound eyes and single pair of wings typical of flies (rather than bees or wasps, which have four wings). The distinct pattern of black markings down the center surrounded by a continuous yellow outer border along the abdomen gives this species its name. (AI identified, Gemini)

Garden Phlox - another blessing of summer flowers. A classic perennial native to North America. It is celebrated for its huge, fragrant flower clusters that bloom from mid-summer into early autumn, filling a gap when many spring flowers have faded.

 I didn't leave the house for the 4th. I was dog-sitting. The 4th is NOT his favorite holiday. PTSD for canines. Here is my 250th celebration photo! And the words that kept the dream alive...

The American Crisis (No. I) — By Thomas Paine

Published December 19, 1776

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER"; and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God...

I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood, and are yet determined to stand the matter out: I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake.

Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.

It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.

...By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission, the sad choice of a variety of evils—a ravaged country—a depopulated city—habitations without safety, and slavery without hope. Look on this picture and weep over it! and if there yet remains one thoughtless wretch who believes it not, let him suffer it unlamented.

 At the shore. Air quality. Not good. Yes, there is room for you at the beach. Still inhaling residue from forest wildfires many, many miles away. Nevertheless - good enough for Bob to keep on walking...

 Sometimes, as we watch the world go by, there is not much to see. This day - lazy, hazy, crazy with a touch of Canadian smoke.  Lesson - "Make your own kinda music."

This is not the world's longest mile, but for me, it was. It defines the distance between two points. My bladder and relief. The closest comfort station seems to be the one on the horizon. I appreciate the walkway. I appreciate the availability of running water to rinse my feet, but... the boardwalk's sheltered stalls don't seem to be closer. Again, a motivator for me to keep walking.

 Took an outing to Cape May. For me, it was a grand experiment. Can I get enough walking in to strengthen my back and legs?  Rehab after an accident can be very taxing. Fortunately, Cape May was just what I needed. There was enough eye candy to keep me occupied and walking.  The best walking exercise I've had all year.  This fence caught my eye with its combination of shadow, light, and sand.   

 Karen Calastri is a remarkably gifted artist whose oil paintings and watercolors masterfully capture the play of light, dramatic shadows, and rich, physical texture. Transitioning from a corporate finance career into the arts—first through textured ceramics and later through intensive training at the Wayne Art Center—she possesses a unique ability to translate the tactile world onto canvas. Whether painting evocative plein air landscapes, historic barns, or whimsical animal portraits, Calastri’s creative gift lies in her vibrant use of color and her capacity to infuse everyday coastal and rural scenes with warmth and depth. Today, her highly sought-after work is celebrated throughout regional juried exhibitions and fine art shows across southeastern Pennsylvania and the East Coast.     https://www.karencalastrifineart.com/

Today's photo was taken during a thunderstorm. The rosebud was safe on the porch. Beautiful indirect light.

Love the blooms of Spring.

 It is the season for summer flowers like this volunteer Black-eyed Susan.

Overlooking one of the approaches the British might initiate an attack from. The troops were on high ground which was a strategic advantage.

 After many years, I returned to Valley Forge.  Came for the wild flowers. But there were few to be seen where I was trekking. This is one of the barracks that the troops stayed in over their winter at Valley Forge.

Renee Good - ICE Protest Lansdale, PA 01/11/2025