Today was amazing...we've had some warm sunny weather for about 2-3 weeks straight, and it was enough to spring spring in full glory. The weeds are growing, leaves are budding and the daffodils are up! YAY!
Today I decided to take the long road home, a nice trail through open space along the foot hills. As I walked an early spring thunderstorm made its way in. The thunder was rolling, almost constantly, and the wind blowing, and I watched as the storm opened up in the east and began blowing towards the mountains. I knew it would a bit of race to see if I'd make it home before the rain made it to me. Alas, I could not help but be dallied by the beckoning spring greens. The dock is out in the gullies, and leaves are still small and tender and not too bitter. Dandelion rosettes are full, the leaves small and not bitter yet and some are even flowering. I got to wear dandelion flowers on my ear today! The first mustards are out, the ones with purple flowers. Don't know the species. But of course, being the wild food fan and herbalist that I am, I had to stop and pick some fresh spring greens to include with my dinner of salmon and asparagus.
To be able to pick and eat dandelion greens is a novelty for me. I've spent the last 5 yrs in a land devoid of fresh dandelion greens. We had lots of mustards and other greens, but dandelions were not common. I still jump for joy at the sight of a dandelion flower, and this year, I may even get to make the dandelion wine I've been lusting after for 10 plus years or so.
As I walked the rain moved closer, the thunder louder, and the lightening more common. I began to worry when I got back to the trailhead 1/2 mile from my house. That lighting was really close, but the feel of wind in my hair, and beginning drops of rain on my face was pure ecstasy. I LOVE rainstorm weather. I also stopped there to pick up a few fallen branches of siberian elm, which I was informed could be used like slippery elm, though not quite as strongly demulcent. I tried a shaving of the bark, and sure enough, slippery and demulcent it was, with a tinge of bitterness that slippery elm lacks.
I got home just in time. My sweetie met me out on the walk, and as we walked up the stairs to the balcony, it began to come down in ernest, even sleeting. Rivers of water filled the gutters and drains! Yay! This is going to be wonderful for spring wildflowers!!
I cooked my mustard, dock and dandelion greens, lightly steamed, and topped with fresh melted butter. YUMMY!
I am so glad spring has arrived, and so grateful for the moisture!
eat weeds!
1 comment:
You made me feel like I was in Boulder again! There is nothing like a thunderstorm there in spring, and everything smells so fresh and earthy afterwards. I absolutely love all of the spring wildflowers that fill every open space, and the scent that fills the air is heavenly. I always felt at home there in the mountains and I certainly miss it. There's so many places to hike and wander through, so much to see and experience. Lots of wild foods, too. One of my favorites were the cactus apples, but also currants and rosehips, all of which grow abundantly there.
Sounds like you're really enjoying life there.
Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories for me. :)
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