thistles

My Grandpa used to say that weeds are just flowers misplaced. They are something to enjoy and wonder about.

I'm not sure which variety of thistle this is but here are my options:

Platte thistle, Canadian thistle, Wavyleaf thistle, Musk thistle, Bull thistle, Field thistle, Scotch thistle, Tall thistle, Yellow Star thistle, Italian thistle, and the Plumeless thistle

The fuzz of thistles has been collected to stuff pillows and the oil of the seeds were used to burn and cook with. The thistle has been used to treat some cancers and ulcers.
A single musk thistle plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds. Those seeds can stay in the soil up to seven years and grow again.

The Haying Song

Now it's the season of
clover and killdeer,

And it's the time when
the does the best

It's when all men are
strong,

And the work days are
long,

And you know when to
rise and you know when to rest.

In the cool of the
evening I perch on the load,

And let the wagon wind
blow through my hair,

Count off the stars
and talk to the moon,

Sing to myself in the
sweet summer air,

Hang on at the corners
and duck from the branches,

And sing to myself in
the sweet summer air.

-an excerpt from the poem by David Mallett, "The Haying Song"

Kid's night at the cafe