by Leslie Cox; Monday; October 14, 2024

Did you know….

            …it was the Irish who started carving jack-o’-lanterns?

Early in the 19th century, the Irish carved grotesque faces into hollowed out mangelwurzels (also known as mangold wurzels or mangel beets) to use as lanterns. They represented supernatural beings or spirits and oftentimes were placed on windowsills to keep evil or harmful spirits out of the home.

From Ireland this tradition found its way to Wales, then Scotland and finally, to England where the English favoured carving grotesque faces in turnips. These carvings became known by the end of the 18th century in Worcestershire, England as a “Hoberdy’s Lantern”. Naturally, variations on the original name began to appear, such as “Hobbedy’s Lantern”, “Hobany’s”, “Hob-o’-Lantern” and a few others.

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by Leslie Cox; Sunday; October 13, 2024

When I started counting my blessings,
my whole life turned around.

~ Willie Nelson

by Leslie Cox; Friday; October 11, 2024

During a lovely stroll along a Tsolum River trail, I stopped to check out some bright orange fungi. Suddenly, the leaf debris moved, then stopped and then moved again. A closer inspection revealed this little creature…a young western toad. He got nervous when I got too close to his resting place. (Click on the image to enlarge for a closer look at the toad.)

by Leslie Cox; Wednesday; October 9, 2024

Two more Plant IDs have been updated in the new format layout with photos that are now working as they should when you click on them. Check out Cardamine hirsuta and Carex elata ‘Aurea’.

by Leslie Cox; Tuesday; October 8, 2024

I had to rescue John from this guy recently. The wolf spider was in the bathroom sink.