Thanksgiving

 

“Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really had something to be thankful for -- annually, not oftener -- if they had succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was all on the white man's side, consequently on the Lord's side; hence it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual compliments.” Mark Twain

Some Fritillaria striata seedlings I'm thankful for!
They seem to be trucking along for November though, Always makes me 
nervous when I see things emerge so early.......or is it still late in the season?

Crocus niveus
Proving the answer to the question above is that it's late in the season. 

I have a bulb of some sort in bloom every month of the year at Illahe,  often November is given to the latest of the fall crocus, and occasionally to the the hoop petticoat narcisuss that to me starts the official beginning of a new bulb season. This year it looks like the award for last of the season goes to Crocus niveus, from the Sun dappled shade of Grecian Olive groves, growing over limestone. This species with it's creamy white petals and golden throat does seem more like spring then fall. But I'll take it for the season extender that it is! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Covid Lockdown, where we are keeping our circles tight, hoping not to exterminate anyone this year by careless and wanton disregard for public safety like the antimaskers. Please be safe and stay healthy. Be thankful that you weren't born in a time before vaccines offered at least some hope on the horizon. 

Mark