a wall of figs
The fig tree has gotten large. Surprisingly large.
Each fall I think to myself that I need to remember to find out how one should prune a fig tree. Each fall I forget to find out.
So this afternoon I googled 'pruning figs', and found this site which said:
Figs: prune severely for size control (you’ll still get plenty of fruit), or allow them to become big tropical-looking trees -- and get even more fruit. Your choice.
I like having choices. A big tropical-look tree it is! There's room for it. Plus it's branching pattern is beautiful in the late fall, after the leaves have fallen. I don't think I have the heart to prune it now.
~~~~~
I saw a butterfly today that I couldn't identify - I tried to find it in my book, but I couldn't match it with anything within the book's pages. ~~ There was also a bird, an unfamiliar one, checking out the purple martin house - it seemed anxious to buy. ~~ A rabbit, a silly, silly rabbit - went racing across the yard in the middle of the day, to (and through) the side fence. Stanley was out in the yard - Stanley, a lover of braised rabbit - except the braising, or really the baking, isn't really necessary in Stanley's version.
Lucky rabbit.
~~~~~
Biological diversity fascinates me. It always has - and it's something that I've always respected, and the more I learn about different ecosystems, the more it makes sense that a stable ecosystem is a diverse one. I was happy to read a week or so ago about a news release by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stating that they were to review eight endangered species decisions. The Endanger Species Act has had a rough few years - and the eight species being evaluated are occurring because, as stated in the news release:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced plans to review and take further action, as appropriate, for eight decisions made under the Endangered Species Act, after questions were raised about the integrity of the scientific information used and whether the decisions made were consistent with appropriate legal standards.
Hmmmm.
The species under review are:
The Service had already begun reviewing the following decisions. The original date of publication is also included.
• White-tailed prairie dog, 90-day petition finding (November 9, 2004)
• Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, 12 month petition finding/proposed delisting (January 28, 2005)
• 12 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies, proposed critical habitat (August 15, 2006)
The decisions requiring additional review and the dates of their original publication are as follows:
• Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, final critical habitat (June 23, 2003)
• Arroyo toad, final critical habitat (April 13, 2005)
• Southwestern willow flycatcher, final critical habitat (October 19, 2005)
• California red-legged frog, final critical habitat (April 13, 2006)
• Canada lynx, final critical habitat (November 9, 2006)
I know that there are alot of sides to each species being protected - many voices (such as this one). Each organism that becomes under the watchful eye of the ESA soon becomes a political token. I'm generally familiar with the arguments. Some of you might be groaning at the thought of even trying to protect the Arroyo toad. But if it is 'the bringer of life giving rain', I say that I wish they liked coastal marshes.
Anyway, I like toads.
~~~~~
It is predicted that commercial and seafood stocks may crash by 2048.
It has been estimated that 12.5% of the world's plants will soon be critically rare due to deforestation and non-native species.
I've spoken before about coral reefs (here's a nice overview).
All of a sudden I feel like I am on a soap box, and that was not at all my intent as I sit here on a Sunday evening, after a full day spent packing and researching appliances, and making a small patio out of concrete square pavers for the Airstream (a temporary and quick 'patio' - a patio fit for an Airstream - unlike the lovely stone patio in Pam's beautiful Austin garden - hopefully that patio will be built later, after the new house is a reality).
After a day spent walking up and down my steps about 200 hundred times, I'm not sure that I'm up for being on a soap box.
I know, you're relieved. I don't blame you - I even bore myself sometimes most of the time.
~~~~~
During last week's Democratic Debate held in Charleston and the whole YouTube approach - I was thrilled to see that Mossy got some fun airtime. Charleston's definitely been feeling pretty full of herself lately.
But that's for another time.
(But it is a surprisingly wonderful city. Take a walk with Joan - she'll show you the streets).
~~~~~
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