a.d. elliott - Take the Back Roads

Dear Henry,

It has been rather cold lately and we have been staying close to home.  Cabin fever finally drove us from the house yesterday and as we wandered around our city, we came across a waterfall we didn't know existed.
It appears to be caused by the water coming over the spillway at Lake Rayburn.  I am not sure if it is running year around or if we got a special treat because of the heavy rains.
Sometimes it pays to stay close to home and explore your own neighborhood.
xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,
I noticed something as I looked over the unending expanse of water that is the Pacific Ocean and, as it was flat and calm and clear, I thought, after a moment, how bland.
That sounds sad to say, but I realized that it is the ocean's interaction with the rocks and underground landscape that give the ocean its character and a place for waves to break   
So really, the flawless ocean can get rather boring and it is the disruption within it that makes the ocean interesting to watch.
I found a new tao I think.
xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,

Here is another of the beautiful daisies that surrounded the hotel.

I kept getting drawn to these flowers more than any others, in the gardens. Which is sad, because I don't think they are native to Hawaii, but arrived via Europe, the way many things seemed to do.

I didn't realize how useful daisies were, not only are they edible, both as a tea and as a salad component, which is thought to be good for your respiratory system and your GI tract,  a daisy can also be used medicinally, as it also has astringent and antibacterial properties. Historically, "daisy juice" would be used to soak bandages pre-use, to fight against infections.

I thought that daisies liked a colder climate, preferring the USDA zone ranges of 4 to 8, but these seemed to thrive there (at zone 9 or 10) - I guess this is an example of why daisies can turn into a weed so quickly, they can grow everywhere.

I am looking at a few varieties for the flower gardens out front at home.

xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,
This is a picture of a plumeria flower, these shrubs are everywhere on Maui and can be used for leis (mine was actually made out of orchids). I didn't realize how common the shrub was though.  I thought it was unique to the islands.  
Plumerias are everywhere - although they are originally from the Mexico region of  Central America - and its wood is the "Champa" portion of Indian incense.  
I think its flower meaning is so varied,  in Central American culture, the plumeria is a symbol of life and fertility, yet, in Southeast Asia, they are associated more with ghosts and demons.  
In any case, they stiff the bugs.  They smell but don't have any nectar, so bugs provide pollination but get nothing in return. Good thing there are plenty of other flowers in Hawaii.
xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,
While Garrett picked a nice sunset in Maui, I tend to prefer the ones with clouds - I think it makes them more dramatic.
This was my favorite Maui sunset, although every sunset I had seen during our time in Hawaii was pretty spectacular.    
xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,
Normally, wildlife photography isn't a talent of mine, occasionally though, I have a great model.  This guy (girl?)  was quite patient with me.
I think the photos came out great.
I also wonder how he/she lost his tail.  He is amazingly laid back for having had a near death experience.
xoxo a.d.

Dear Henry,
I captured this blue lotus from the gardens around the hotel and I really liked how it came out.  I went to look up some information   It turned out to be one of those "into the rabbit hole" type of searches.
Anyway.... to summarize,
The blue lotus is not native to Hawaii, but rather Egypt and while there is a nod to the fragrance of the flower (which I don't particularly remember) most of the conversation was about the narcotic effects of blue lotus tea.  Don't get excited,  the tea is only slightly more relaxing than hot chocolate and not nearly as relaxing as a Patron on the rocks. 
I think, really, their value may just be in their beauty.
xoxo a.d.