Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush © 2008 Bo Mackison

I found large patches of Indian Paintbrush on the grassy fringes of the shores of Lake Michigan in northern Wisconsin last weekend. It grows throughout the temperate zones of North America from May through July, especially in the prairies or meadows and in sandy areas.

Native Americans from many tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes. Chippewa brewed its leaves for a tea for rheumatism, Hopi women used the entire plant in a tea as a contraceptive, Navajos made a tea from the blossoms to treat burns and insect bites.

And according to a Native American legend, a young man was painting a picture of a sunset, but was unable to capture the vibrant orange hues to his satisfaction. He asked the Great Spirit for aid and he was given many paintbrushes dripping with vivid orange and red paints. When the artist finished his painting he tossed the brushes on the ground, and wherever a brush touched the earth an Indian Paintbrush plant appeared.

Car for True Collectors

Collectible Car Hood

Collectible Car Hood © 2008 Bo Mackison

I saw this beaded car in a parking lot hemmed in on all sides, but I took lots of photos anyway. Have you ever seen quite such a vehicle? Do you think the car’s name is Claire?

Collectible Car's Door

Collectible Car’s Door © 2008 Bo Mackison

Here’s the driver’s door. Wonder what kinds of comments and donations the owner gets?

On the Roof of the Car

On the Roof of the Car © 2008 Bo Mackison

In case you can’t tell, this is the roof.

Collectible Car III

Collectible Car III © 2008 Bo Mackison

And here’s a take on the rear. Check out the Viking ship along the bottom of the window. If I were following this car down the road, I’d have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road, that is for sure.

Just one more reason to keep a camera available at all times. You really never know what you are going to see next. And how would you ever describe this car without photo proof? Who would ever believe you!

Happy Birthday to My Daughter

Apple Orchard Sunrise

Apple Orchard Sunrise © 2008 Bo Mackison

I haven’t been a woman in this state of affairs for a long time. For the last 7,469,280 minutes of my life I have been a mother of one or more teenagers. But today the streak ends. My younger daughter, the baby of the crew, turns 20 today. Today I lose my title of “parent of teenager.” All my kids are now twenty-somethings.

Happy birthday, dear, and I wish you a day that brings you much laughter and love.

A Door County, Wisconsin cherry orchard bathed in pink dawn light.

Bursting of a Hickory

Bursting Hickory

Bursting Hickory © 2008 Bo Mackison

Shagbark Hickory unfurling its leaves in a colorful splash of red.

Owen Conservation Park in Madison Wisconsin

Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay Magnolia © 2008 Bo Mackison

Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin