Happy New Year!

Chance and me ~ Christmas 2012

My personal farewell to the year 2012 begins here with a long overdue zesty Hiatus Interruptus.

2012 has been a remarkable year in my zesty life. It has also been a whirlwind year filled with change, shared experiences and family milestones mixed with travel, visits from family, finding professional growth, and never a dull moment in between. Yes. 2012 has been filled with remarkable, momentous moments, events and experiences. Yet somehow it’s taken me all this time and a new year to start somewhere. In all that I have said, I didn’t say easy, and I didn’t say fun. Yet in these profound moments I found the remarkable. In all the savory bits, the bumps, the valleys, the laughter, and the many tears, I found a pace that never caught up with me. A pace I did not chase and could not chase. Knowing that I would catch up to the moment only when it was gone forever.

I have been selfish in the best way I know how. By preserving and keeping these moments to savor just for me, knowing my heart will break a little when I share these precious photos and deep words. Yet somehow I shared what I could and when I could, and found strength, comfort and peace while making soaps in The Herb Room, cooking in My Zesty Kitchen.

Accepting the laws of time, through a year’s perspective, 2012 marked the moment I would see my son graduate, and would see him off to college. A year spent preparing for a successful launch when I myself could never be prepared, yet realizing I have really been preparing for the last 18 years.

But if I had to sum the 2012 year into “some things” or a list of sorts, here is where I would start. In this sharing the richness deepens, a moment’s hue may fade yet the meaning stays alive. It all comes down to today, a new year. My very own launch and self directed Hiatus Interruptus. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy moments

are a walk in the park.

Phew. Now that I have that out of the way, I can start with these moments that have not been easy to write about. A little bit of zesty this and whole lotta zesty that. In celebration of new beginnings I give you my

12 most remarkable moments of 2012:

1. New Digs. My Zesty Life is MOVING! That’s right folks, Wimberley Texas, here I come. We are moving out of our Austin McMansion and into a cozy and quaint stone cottage on February 1! I am packing as we speak and have a whole lotta adventure and hard work ahead… Welcome to my upgraded zesty life version 2.013!

Nuestra casa.

Home sweet home.

Meet my new neighbors.

2. The CA family in Texas + Campout x The College search + Travel = Loco in the cabeza. The college search led to lots of travel, NOT vacation. College visits were all over the country from Indiana to Arkansas – not Bermuda or Bahama – sigh. I am not complaining. Okay well maybe a little. A jam packed zest fest of comings and goings that I am not sure which of the two happened more. Whew. Phew. Pooh.

Arkansas to

Indiana.

BuRRRRRRRRRRR.

3. … and only one Chance. Trust me you WILL be hearing and seeing more on the one and only Chance in the days to come – this is just to get you started.

Somehow the Chance-man (formerly C$) managed to get both of our families here to watch him graduate and even stay for a campout. He also managed to turn 18, go to prom, get out of HS, play a ton of lacrosse, and is currently attending Southwestern University, with studies in Computer Science and Architecture.

18 years and only one Chance.

From My Zesty Kitchen with love

an 18 candle German Chocolate Cake

Happy Birthday Chance!

Senior year and lots of Lacrosse!

The Grad.

Family Campout and lake fun with the Blossom cousins

Did I mention that he is also playing NCAA lacrosse for the Southwestern Pirates?  If not, he may be in your town soon, feel free to check out the Pirates game schedule – go Pirates!

Ahoy matey. SU Pirate #30 defends the goal with all his might.

And if that’s not all, in his spare time he is training as a circus master while learning to juggle Werecats. Riiiiiiiiiight. Whew. Phew. Pooh. Indeedily do.

The Rufferee takes a break from all the action.

4. My Zesty Kitchen celebrates with ONE food recipe in 2012. Okay I am the first to admit that sharing one food recipe in 12 months is pretty laughable. On the other hand, I always enjoy any amount of time I get to spend in my Zesty Kitchen, one recipe at a time. My zesty test kitchen has been inventing, test tasting and cooking up a storm. So much so that I have a journal full of hand written recipes that may reveal themselves in 2013… Mmmwaa haa haa

Insert pie drool here.

5. A smoke free year. 2012 marks 1 full year of being smoke free.

It’s official, I am a non-smoker and completely free of the cancer sticks! Whooo hoooo and YIPEEE!!!!!

Buddha approved

6. The Herb Room soaps goes local….. and sells out! Yee haw! The Herb Room saw tremendous growth and change in 2012. The Herb Room Soaps ~ Local Holiday Showcase Success debut was amazing marking the first year that The Herb Room soaps SOLD OUT! Thanks folks!

The Herb Room soaps wrapped in beautiful Holiday gift packages.

The Herb Room will be brewing soaps, as soon as we are settled into the new casa. I will keep you posted when I have some stock available. In the meantime, I have some great new soap creations planned for 2013, as well as a re-stock of the Classics and will be working on some much needed renovations and updates to The Herb Room store front. Stay naturally clean and up to date – Sign up here for The Herb Room news

Lovely Lavender mini-bar & Mint Momentum with slotted soap dish.

A gift of The Herb Room soap is

Good clean fun naturally

7. Babies! Special deliveries! The cutest Bastropian Babies arrive

Congrats to Anne and my Bro!

And this bundle of

Joy Starr Blossom. The latest and greatest 4th addition to the Blossom family! Congrats to the glorious Mama Harmonious and Jules!

8. Celebrating a 40 year old Cave Man.

In a Man cave.

The handsome cave-man Beandog (formerly B-man) emerges from his primitive cave dwelling to celebrate 40 years on the planet, as well as somehow having the ability (cave man wifi?) to co-create the beautiful MZL banners you see at the top of the page. Happy Birthday Beandog McPlug!

Many happy returns.

9. Furranimals ooodles of love and cuteness

Yo friend me on facebook. I’m serious.

Bunny

Izzy the fuzzy snuzzler is happy as can be.

Group hug. Izzy, Santa and me.

We always know where to find Sasha. Snuggled up and cozy under the tree.

A smiling face greets me Christmas morning.

Another smiling face greets me Christmas morning. But this smiling face contains a very devilish grin.

Sasha was way to easy to find for this

Can’t you tell she loves turning into Unicorn kitty?

Why let just one in on the fun?

Chance, ahem, I mean WB is looking like a very happy Unicorn kitty.

NOT.

Unicorn kitty escapes to her magical cove to find that her pillowy horn impedes her passage.

WB has magical napping powers even when not donning her Unicorn horn

These have magical powers that make me squeal and squirm AHHHHHHHHH. Everyone loves a cute basket of puppies!

10. Z-College

Architect in training

Arch Showcase – Fall 2012

Goes to show

You’re never to old to learn to ride a bike.

11. and 12.  Remarkable memorable moments shared with remarkable people. This means alls y’all. I am ready for 2013 and am looking forward to the unknown and new beginnings. I hope that you and your family, all that you love, are healthy and wish you all the best in 2013.

I can’t think of a better transition into the 2013 year than with a zesty New Year’s proclamation! It’s been a long time coming, time to take a breath and say - 2013, here I come! Hope you are ready.

Whether you are near, or far or if you just happen to be on your own Hiatus, please stop in and interrupt me when you return. I would love to hear from you.

Zesty Love and Cheer,
Robyn

PS I hope you enjoyed the various quality of these photos, many are just candid shots of the moment and were captured on whatever phone, or camera was nearby. Funny how some of the best moments happen when a camera is nowhere in site….

Ta da!

It’s been WAY too long and I’ve been missing you. But hey! I am back in the saddle with a fully loaded update of sorts. Not that I ever left the saddle per say, just that I have been giddying it up with the zesty folks and family that make my life, belly and heart so full, steering the reigns and enjoying the zesty ride.  Here’s a bit of lock, stock and barrel (in no particular order). A zesty smorgasbord from the HOT Wild West – saddle up and enjoy the ride.

The C$. A 17 year old Dude’s Birthday I can’t look at these photos without getting choked up.

Seriously, whatever happened to this?

17 years in the making.

I know what happened to this.

C$’s Birthday Bavarian Cream Cake.

Adios, just like 16.

17 and never too big to enjoy life, camping, fishing and sunsets at Lake Meridian.

17 and never too big to snuzzle with Iz.

17 and Never too big to carry.

Guests Galore A sprinkle of some of the goods that have been delivered to my doorstep. All the lovely people, all the lovely times shared….

Friends & family near and far come to visit me in Austin AND they keep puttin’ up with my shenanigans – thanks for this, that and making my life so dang zesty!

Zbeautiful sisters – Bri (right) and Holly at Barton Springs

More beauties. My Aunts

braving the wild, wild, west. Well, uh, braving the wild, wild gardens of Zilker Park.

Heather. SO beautiful.

My very bestie Heather came to visit in April. Such an amazing person and friend.

Heather has recently been riding a bull, a real life bucking bronco. Receiving life changing news, that others would run from, Heather has pulled up her boot straps and is digging in.  I saddled up for a trip to Cali to bring her some new boot straps if needed, and lighten her load -   and for a brief visit with her, Brad and her kids. Brad, whom was recently diagnosed with cancer, is in the throes of kicking cancer’s ass. From the start – Heather has been involved in all aspects of care, treatment, LOVE and ass kicking Goddess Goodliness.  She is so inspiring, intelligent. WOW. What a privilege and pleasure to have had, not only time with her, her kids, but some very special moments with Brad. I am just in AWE. I feel so blessed to have had moments with two incredible beings. Brad truly amazed me with his beautiful art, and beautiful loving heart.  Thank you both so much for sharing your magic and space with me. I am humbled….

Serious fun! Fun seriously – when the Cali Clarks come to town.

Mama Joan & Papa Stu visit; includes excursions to various fun locales sans us – then back to Austin bearing many gifts in the form of  a suntan, smiles and a photo gallery of of their time in Galveston and Houston.

I must like torture. I provided my camera.  See? Evidence of self torture below. Rub it in.

I am licking the salt from my wounds as Papa Stuie has not a care in the world…

Brag time. My right as a mom.

We all do it. Share how proud we are of our kids, maybe a little too much or not enough. So here it is – all the great, happy proud mom moments. A recipient of all the riches that Chance, ahem, C$ is – super zesty bad a** and pain in the a** self. I truly am the luckiest most blessed Mom to have a son that works so darn hard, shows up and brings it!  If not always, his most of the time is damn good.

Check out my MVP defense-man in action from his highlight video

Highlight video? Yep. For all’s y’all Mr. C$ has been super busy with lacrosse, and is getting a lot of exposure and opportunities to play for colleges! These last months on the road were spur of moment opportunities, traveling to many invite only recruiting events. Kicking off our summer was the Texas 99, the top college recruiting event in Texas. He has applied to four of the many colleges recruiting him for Division 3. We are so proud of him, as he recently received his first college acceptance letter!  Out of state college!  So exciting. Excuse me. Suddenly it became a bit hard for me to swallow. I was just getting used to the thought of him flying the coop locally, attending college here in Tejas.  Uh oh. I am feeling a bout of the sniffles coming on.  If anyone asks, it must be allergies…

Next up is the Philly showcase, a coach chosen showcase for elite HS lacrosse players!  I am just super, duper proud of the serious hard work, training and awesome grades that he is achieving. I am looking forward to the 2012 lacrosse season, watching C$ pone and own (Go 34!) as well as his future college lacrosse career!  But in the meantime I must not cry or reduce myself to a blathering-crying-ninny of a mom. ‘Cuz I still have him here now. A full year to dote over C$, the SENIOR. Ah the joys of motherhood and a lifetime of bragging rights.

One more for the road. A zesty gal’s Birthday cake.  Home made deliciousness, and C$ especial.

Chocolate Peanut-butter Torte

A slice of love for yours truly.

Signed sealed and delivered with a birthday hug!

ZKitchen. Inspirations about biting off way more than you can chew. So little time, yet still my favorite place to be when I am not kicking up my heels, living me vida loca zesty life. Much will be coming your way. Expect to sidle up and inhale some new dishes, desserts & more. Like the cake teaser – Yep those quick peeks at cake creations avec birthdays sans ice cream.  But cake would not be cake without some shouts outs and screams – Ice Cream that is.So here it is.  Excuse me while I let this out.
I scream – give me more, while looking at an empty freezer. I scream, cursing the day this delectable creamy treat was invented!  ‘Cuz I have not a picture to share of the homemade frozen ice cream concoctions  that happily made me smile during summer. Ice cream flavors, enjoyed and now out of stock. Maple pecan, Midnight chocolate, Mango sorbet! Ahh. Such a tease. Zesty Indeed.

Trips, Camp outs, KumbayAhhhh
Good times, meditations, journeys and a bit of road dust always does the soul good.

Moto trippin’

The dudes moto-off to South Llano State Park for bat caving, deer dashing and good ol’ fashion camping.

South Padre Island when a tsunami hit Blue and I almost gave my heart to a pirate, plus a merman and a run in with hookers.

Crazy you say? A world of crazy fun!

Mother’s Day spent at the top of the world

and at the top of Mt. Bonnell.

ZAnimals I love.

Izzeeee. Izzy. I need not say the ways you warm my heart, make me laugh and smile.

Dos Gatitos mi amore.

Sophie’s new digs

Hey!
Sophie & Izzy enjoy the new outdoor playpen.  Sophie knows that tricks are not just for kids -

Watch THIS!

Ta da. Outdoor refinery.

Summer soapery in The Herb Room.

Sage Honey Ale the latest greatest herbal brew.

How the west was won.

Mint Momentum a cool respite.  Tingly, minty, fresh. Get some.

Dues. Do. The new do’s. Mine & C$’s & Gremlin’s. Ahem, Izzy’s.

Hair Before. “Growing out” phase starts with the, “Beiber sweep” which then turns into the “C$ flip” and finally, what we have here. Simply put, helmet hair.

Hair After.  Handsomeness, and style.  Now for the finale. Hear the trumpets?

C$ Finale. Hair Symphony.

Me zesty pixie.

Izzy’s “Growing out” phase, starts with the “wild water dog” which then turns into the Gremlin.  Need I say more?

I think not, but I sure hope you enjoyed the road show! My zesty life from the trail, a cool clean ride, clear and free of the longhorn patties, just enough to keep you saddled in ’till the next time.

Sending you all things blessedly zesty

-Robyn

Update on the Bastrop Blaze. As many of you have heard and seen on the news, Bastrop suffered from a devastating fire.  Thankfully, my brother and his family were spared from the fires devastation, with flames that licked within 2 miles of their home. Many are still suffering in the aftermath with homes and lives lost – really a very sad time for those that lost everything. We are grateful that my brother and his family are safe and well, and will provide an update on the recovery process soon…Love, Robyn

Mr. Blue man and I had a blast visiting a few of the Lavender Farms last weekend. This was our second time around; we went two years ago with my brother the Bastrop Brewer and his wife Ms. Annie. Blanco is about an hour away from our place in SW Austin. The Lavender festival is held in the town center of Blanco, featuring you guessed it, everything Lavender. But the real fun is had en route to Blanco, where the Texas landscape meets up with the festival’s Lavender farms. The Blanco Lavender Festival is now in its 6th year; a few years ago, most of the Lavender Farms were newly planted and still in their farm infancy. The heat was, and is, insane at this time of year and the drought was extremely hard on the newly established farms. This year I was excited to see the farms and once again planned to go with the Brewer and his wife. But as my plans would have it, they didn’t include a summer cold that made me miserable and unable to breathe. No fun when your plans involve Lavender, farms, humidity, and did mention the heat? One more day of rest and I was golden, or should I say Lavender? Blue and I, sans the Bastropians, ended up leaving the following day a little late, well rested, and ready to breath in the bountiful Lavender aromas.

This year we made it to two Lavender Farms: Miller Creek Lavender and Hill Country Lavender. They are both amazing farms run by some very amazing women. Both have grown not only with the beautifully established Lavender fields, demonstration gardens, and the array of products, but they also survived the first years in a serious drought and had water issues, the latter being what every farmer struggles with here in Texas. It was truly great to see the farms thriving! I loved looking at all of the amazing Lavender products, tasting some amazing Lavender Margarita mixes and talking with the women farmers which also happen to be the farm owners. How cool is that!?

Enjoy the photo tour of the Lavender Farms, numerous plants, a bit of Blanco and even one of me thrown in.

The Lavender farm at Miller Creek.

A stone in the Miller Creek Lavender garden.

‘Grosso’

‘Vera’

‘Sleeping Beauty’

A Miller Creek moment.

Bee Balm

Wildflowers galore…

plus a garden dragonfly.

And then this

meet the Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

Just gorgeous..

Next stop

After touring the lavender farms we headed to Blanco to eat, meander and swim at the State Park.

A purdy plant in the town square.

I also took these fantastic sunflower photos.

I really liked swimming at the State Park after having BBQ @ Riley’s. Yumm. The pulled pork is NOT to be missed – it’s the best – and NOT pictured. It’s looong gone in me belly.

My “souvenirs”, lavender plants that I picked up at both farms.

On the left ‘Provence’ and the right ‘Vera’. These are about to be planted in my new garden!

Lavender fields forever.

I hope you are enjoying summer! Wishing all’s y’all Daddy-o’s, Fathers, & papas -

A very Happy Father’s Day.

Some of you may or may not know that I volunteer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center from time to time. A big benefit of being a volunteer, (besides the joys of giving and the bliss of being around plants) is the wonderful enrichment programs that the center provides for its volunteers. The Ethnobotany walk that I recently attended is one of the many “perks” of volunteering, as well as spending time in the gardens and meeting fellow Botanists, plant enthusiasts, and nature lovers. If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider supporting the Wildflower center by becoming a member, visiting the center, or attending one of the many fun events, exhibits and classes that are offered throughout the year.

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between people and plants. Plants have rich history and lore and are used culturally for food, medicine, dye, clothing and spiritual practices. Today we are going on an Ethnobotany walk of the gardens with our guide and fellow volunteer, Anne Bossart. She is a gem of a lady with a wealth of plant knowledge. Anne provided our group with a very thorough tour, discussing many plants and trees. I counted 36 plants from my notes (I’m sure I missed a few) plus my bazillion photos!

So for practicality reasons, my focus will be on a very condensed version of the walk, including pictures. Along the way I have sprinkled in my own knowledge, some referenced information, as well as the botanical information that Anne supplied. As a botanist and a relative new transplant to the area, my knowledge of our local tree species needed some general pruning. Most of my photos will focus on the familiar trees that surround us in Texas with a few other plants and cacti to mix it up. By the way, I was the weird one snapping photos constantly. I tend to hide behind my camera and only talk to plants, so consider this my informal hello. For all of you that participated on this walk or for those of you whom have visited the LBJ Wildflower center most of these plants and places will look familiar! As always, please feel free to share thoughts, add any notes, make corrections, or just say hello in the comments section.

Anne Bossart our Ethnobotany guide. Let’s go!

Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
This has got to be my favorite native tree (or small bush.)

A “new to me” native tree. I was thrilled to finally find out the name of this fragrant tree that also lives in my front yard.

I am in love with the scent of these pea shaped flowers.

I learned that the pods contains a very hard red seed inside. Native Americans used this seed as a bead for ceremony and decoration. It is considered to be highly poisonous due to it’s high content of the alkaloid cytosine.

Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa)
A beautiful tree that was blooming with bright pink flowers.

The capsules produce a very hard and waxy black seed. Although the seeds and foliage are poisonous, bees and butterflies are frequent visitors.

Mexican Buckeye seeds are black, very hard and waxy. Texas Mountain Laurel seeds are red.
Thank you gracious hand model that held these seeds for this shot!

Spineless Prickly Pear (Opuntia ellisiana), is truly a beautiful and useful native cactus. Every part of this Texas state cactus can be eaten. The “tuna” is the sweet red fruit containing 70-80% sugars and the pads called “napolito” are also eaten. Though this species is considered spineless – it is not! You must peel off the tiny spines (glochids) before eating the fruit and de-thorn the pads and joints. Not only is Prickly Pear cactus a great food source but parts of the plant were made into useful tools for the natives. The skin from the pads were dried and used to make water bags.

Prickly Pear is probably familiar looking to many, with it’s flat pads and yellow, red, or purple blooms. It can be anywhere from 8 inches to 7 feet tall and is commonly found throughout Texas.

This photo is a close up picture of the pad of the cactus. The red color that you see is a dye made from a mealybug (Dactylopius coccus). This scaly bug sucks on the cactus producing a red dye called cochineal. The red dye was extracted from these bugs and was used by the Aztecs and Mayans. It was commercially used to dye fabrics and was even used to dye the scarlet color on the wool garments of the British guards until 1954. Due to modern chemical dyes and the labor intensive harvesting of cochineal, it is not used commercially today.

Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica)
Euphorbia is considered to be one of the most useful plants. Though poisonous until it is refined, it produces a waxy, gum used in many household items. It’s many uses include soap making, candles, ointments and shoe polish. Today it is still being used in Trident gum!

A unique shot of Gray globe mallow (Sphaeralcea incana.) The Mallow family is a diverse group of over 1000 species and is found distributed throughout Texas. Mallows include many medicinal and edible species. The flowers, leaves, and roots of gray globe mallow were used by Native Americans for food and medicine. Medicinally, it was used as a gentle analgesic and demulcent for respiratory ailments and was used externally for various skin conditions.

Common edible mallows include Okra and the European Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a plant that’s name was derived from that yummy edible treat that we know as marshmallows. It has roots (hee hee) in old recipes that use the high content of mucilage from the root extract. This extract was used for preparing a confection similar to modern marshmallows. Other recipes refer to the stems as the origin of our supermarket marshmallow. The soft and spongy pith of the the peeled stem has a similar texture to our modern marshmallow. The pith was boiled with water and sugar and when dried formed a chewy, soft candy. It is amazing to think that marshmallow candies were once eaten as medicine to soothe sore throats and coughs.

Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata)
Another useful plant from the Mallow family. The flower contains a pigment that creates an orange dye. The name “wine cup” is derived from Greek and India lore, both stories sharing a similar theme of wine and dancing. In India it is called the “Dance of the Winecup.” In both legends a chalice of wine is balanced on a servant’s head to heal a sickness or please the King or master. The servant dances his heart out and in his exhausted state, falls to the ground spilling the wine. The following day, cup shaped flowers the color of a dark burgundy wine sprouted from the spot where the wine cup was spilled.

Yucca is a part of the agave family. This plant is known as the soap plant and also as “Spanish Bayonet” due to the sharp tips. Every part of the yucca plant was used by Native Americans. It was made into a soap by crushing the roots into a pulp. Water was then added to the pulp to create a soapy lather.

The spines and leaves of Yucca are fibrous and were used to make baskets, mats, clothing and rope. The flowers and fruits can be eaten, as well as the cooked inner “heart.”

Blanco crab apple (Malus ioensis var. texana) The fruit and tree provides shelter and food for many birds.

Southern Black Haw attracts birds and butterflies.

Sotol belongs to the Lily family and, like agave, was used by Native Americans for food and clothing. The leaves were used to produce baskets, mats, sandals and other materials. A liquor is produced from the fermented flower heads and is commercially known as “sotol.”

A shot of Agave and Resurrection Plant (Selaginella pilifera,) which is growing under and around the Agave.

Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) is from the barberry family. The wood is bright yellow and the roots were used as a dye by early settlers. Agarita berries make delicious jellies and jams and are also frequented by birds. Honey bees are also attracted to this bush, as it is a good honey source. Agarita is known as the “babysitters bush” because animals leave there babies under it while they are off hunting or foraging for food.

Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata) is a member of the Mint family.

A great groundcover and ornamental plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The leaves are used medicinally as a tea to aid digestion and is gargled for sore throats. The leaves were once thought to cure cancer and was once known as “Cancerweed.”

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is another common native. Native Americans used the leaves and twigs medicinally and ceremonially. The species name “vomitioria” comes from the ceremonial beverage or “black tea” which was prepared from the leaves and twigs. The leaves and twigs contain caffeine, which was brewed into a tea and consumed in copious amounts which caused vomiting. Medicinally, the tea was also considered to be tonifying and was a popular drink to share at tribal gatherings.

Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana)
This tree or small shrub, of the Ebony Family, is a useful and unique Texas native. Both the wood and fruit are used; the wood was once used to make black piano keys. Its drought resistant features can be distinguished by smooth peeling bark and thick leathery leaves. The shape of the leaves and slick surface area of the trunk shuttles rain water to the base of the tree, ensuring that water reaches the roots. Texas Persimmons are dioecious, the plant being either male or female. You will know a female tree if it produces fruit, male trees do not. The fruit provides food for wildlife and is also a tasty treat for us! The edible fruit becomes ripe in late summer, turning dark purple to black in color.

Clapweed (Ephedra antisyphilitica) was once thought to prevent and cure sexually transmitted diseases.

Sumac (Rhus copallinum)
The berries, which are high in Vitamin C, can be made into a tea and the leaves and stems are used for colds. Poisonous sumac species include, Poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron, syn. Toxicodendron radicans), Poison oak (Rhus diversiloba, syn. Toxicodendron diversilobum) and Poison sumac (Rhus vernix, syn. Toxicodendron vernix).

I will conclude our virtual Ethnobotany walk with this lovely tree from the Blueberry family, the Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis.)

The berries are edible and purported to be quite tasty. Medicinally, the bark and leaves are used for their astringent properties and the wood is locally fashioned into tool handles and has been used as fuel and charcoal for gunpowder.

Thanks Anne for the fun Ethnobotany walk, your knowledge, and the wonderful time spent in the gardens.

The Wildflower Center is such a unique and wonderful place to visit! If you are a non-native species like me and wish to become naturalized, then get yourself down to the LBJ Wildflower Center. Spend a day in the gardens, take a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, discover the trails, water gardens, wetland ponds, and so much more. I’ll see you there!

Zestfully yours,
The plant nerd & Botanist
Robyn

References:
Texas Wildflowers (1993) Magley, Beverley
Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata
Publication: Inks Lake State Park Hiking Trail Guide for Pecan Flats (2005) Fryar, Sarah
LBJ Wildflower Center Explore Plants Database

It was a long and fun weekend of Lacrosse and hanging out with Blue, C$ and his buddy in Houston. It was a full weekend of Lacrosse and Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens just happened to be on our way out of town and in the direction of the last game.  I was sooo sad that we had to go to the botanical gardens. Whaaa. Of course if you know anything about me you know I am completely being a jokester.

This is my second trip to the east side of the gardens, but the first time visiting in spring with my new camera. If you’ve been to Mercer you know it’s  HUGE, and I have yet to discover the west side off the gardens. Last November ‘09, the west side was closed from the rains that caused damage and flooding. The heavy rains flooded Cypress creek which runs along the property. Parts of the east side were also not accessible – parts of the  prehistoric gardens to the primitive loop were closed off. So this visit was a real treat! The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the plants were in bloom. What more could a girl ask for. Okay…one thing. More time to see this treasure. Here, you will get a glimpse of what I encountered – from flying friends, to water falls. But BEWARE! there are some wily creatures lurking in these pictures, they carry big sticks and are very ape like.
Lacrosse, Lacrosse, and Lacrosse. Plus Botanical Gardens. Just the way I like it.

These are truly the stolen moments I look forward to having. Future explorations are definitely in order, and will include a more leisurely look at the east side of the gardens. Until then we will steal away a few moments at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.

Join me for a quick walk around the gardens.  We are going to take a peek into a few parts of the east side of the gardens… ready?

I was greeted by these beautiful snapdragons

Look at that very small greenhouse that lies beyond the snapdragons.

A very cool water fountain.

This plant is called “shady lady” Illicium floridanum

This flower is a Camellia – just gorgeous!

There is a prehistoric area that is filled with unique plants and trees like this Japanese maple.

The Whos lives here. Horton is around here somewhere.

Other creatures also like to hang out here. Like these big ape like creatures.

See.  Wily creatures indeed. But really they are just handsome dudes. Gooo Dawgz!!!

Let’s head out of the prehistoric area before the rain comes. Looks like we are too late.

Rain drops are falling on my head

Stop. Let’s check out this cool water fall. And snap a few photos.

Once again the dudes “representing”

and posing.

Mi familia. Ahhh. Once again handsome dudes by my side.

I used this sun dial to tell me time. I have only stolen moments and must move along to the rock garden.

A “bee”utiful encounter

That’s my bee friend. “Hello bizzy” and here’s my other friend

coming in for the landing.

“Hello beezy”

“Hi Robyn. I’m beezy getting my nectar on.”

“Bye beezy.”

Cherry sage  aka “Hot Lips”  Salvia x jamensis

May Breeze Phlox divaricata

Geraniums are a striking complement in the rock garden.

The finale: a flowering decorative peach tree awaits.

The end of the trail for us, no time to frolic and sit under the boughs. Sigh.

But still sweet stolen moments.

I hope you enjoyed these moments as much as I did.

Zesty love,
Robyn

Well as time would have it – my planning didn’t include the actual driving time. Duh. I guess I thought we could cross our arms, blink and poof. My planning did not include meandering and eating a bite at Driftwood winery.

My planning also did not include this:

Milton Reimers Ranch Park. Located on the Pedernales River and one of the newest county parks. It is also one of the largest parks owned by Travis County.

I couldn’t have planned a better day! We were able to bring Izzy. Pedernales falls (which is up the road a bit) does not allow dogs. See how happy she is? Izz-she happy. Get it? Got it. Good. Now moving on.

After a 2 mile drive to the entrance, we were greeted by one of the coolest park ladies ever. She gave us a map of the ranch and asked us what we were thinking of doing. We gave her a blank look so she directed us to the river, since obviously we didn’t have our climbing gear. Come to think of it, I don’t own any climbing gear. Climbing? huh? Yep climbing. World class rock climbing at that, and if that’s not enough to get your tail wagging, the ranch also boasts of major biking trails.

But we weren’t here for any of that. In fact, I don’t recall what we were here for, nor how we actually ended up at Reimers Ranch. But I was sure glad we did. We hiked down a little trail to the Pedernales river front which runs 3 miles through the ranch. The river was so clean and the fish were a biting.

No, really, they were! We happened upon a fishermen’s (or fisherwomen’s) paradise – white bass season. Take a look – I ain’t kidding.

We were also informed that there were a lot of cute fisherman (thank you park lady).
Hey now, my friend is a single lady – so she can fish all she wants!

Instead she decided to do some rock fishing. She found a lot of jasper. Her son is named Jasper. So this was a good thing. We like rocks. They are treasures. So she filled up a bag of rock treasures to take with us home.

And I took these pictures.

Ahhh. I wish I would have brought my fishing pole. Apparently there are a lot of white bass and you can go home with up to 20 good size fish. That’s a lot of fish!

Clear water and a rock. A feng shui picture.

nice sandy beaches….

and this.
A water gremlin stretching her legs. This is as deep as the gremlin goes – she is no mermaid.
What a nutter.

The trail back.

And a purdy flower. I know real scientific huh? Will identify at a later date. It’s the taxonomist in me, or the botanist. Okay, it’s the nerd in me.  If you know the name of this flower do please tell. The nerd in me thanks you.

One last thing – if you stay too long at the park and don’t leave before sunset. You will turn into a giant shadow with long legs.

What an unexpected discovery and a real gem of a county park. I will soon be back to share more adventures with the dudes. Next time with my bathing suit and fishing pole in tow and ready for the hot Texas summer!

What a fantastic time we had – day trippin’ around Milton Reimers Ranch Park.