okra: The Mythical Slobber of Spring

We have had some nice weather this week. I think that spring is finally on its way. The crocuses have started coming up. I was worried that some of the bulbs lining the sidewalk had been uprooted when we had a portion of our yard was landscaped last summer. But, they seem to have survived just fine. In fact, they seem to have gotten bigger.

I also discovered some wolf's bane (Eranthis hyemalis, a.k.a. winter aconite) blooming in our yard. It is in the buttercup family. It's pretty, though non-native to Missouri. And apparently quite poisonous (not that I was planning to snack on it). I was reading that in Greek mythology, it is supposedly derived from the saliva of Cerberus. Mmm.

I'm glad that we are finally having some nice weather for a change. I think that I would feel worse if it was as cold as it had been. I think I'm getting a bit of a cold. Plus my back has really been hurting since Saturday (carrying too much beer around I guess, har). Which is ironic, since I've been pummeling and getting pummeled at derby practice. I went to yoga as usual last night, which usually makes my back feel great. But that was not the case this time. I hurt all night and couldn't hardly stand this morning. Luckily I am feeling better tonight.