Cloud Watching

We've had mostly sunny days this week, and no rain. Just the way I love it. The skies have been beautifully clear most of the time, but we have had a few impressive cloud displays...

And at least one really gorgeous sunset.

Now if we could just do something about all this cedar pollen making us cough and itch.... Guess I'm never satisfied.

For more sky shots, click on the button above.

This week I'm also linking up with Photo Friday, hosted by Pierced Wonderings:

Unconscious Mutterings: Week 729

Mutterings for the week of January 22nd. Unconscious Mutterings is hosted by LunaNiña. Here we go....

1. Guards :: palace 
2. Resign :: quit
3. Blink :: ...and another year has gone by
4. Curvy :: obese (sorry, but that's what came to mind)
5. Ripple :: effect
6. Benefits :: taken away
7. Too much :: Donald
8. Stone :: unturned
9. Funny :: face
10. Receipt :: bill 

Blue Monday: Mini Blues

Blue wallpaper, blue rug, a couple of bookcases full of books, and a comfy-looking chair. Just right for some cozy reading on a winter's day. I love this room.

And I also love that it's located in this absolutely charming (and also blue) miniature house....

... built by a friend who is an incredibly talented mini-house creator.

For the time being, Blue Monday is being hosted by Magical Mystery Teacher.

Click here to add your link.

Monday Mellow Yellows: St. John's Wort

I believe this is St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum). We used to see it quite a bit in Virginia, mostly used as ground cover. Haven't noticed it quite so much here in central Texas, although I think it's supposed to like warm climates and sandy soil, which seems like a perfect match. But I think in some areas it's considered an invasive weed — so not very welcome, I suppose. Still, it produces a very attractive bright yellow flower with five "ruffled" petals and many, many long central stamens.

The name St. John's Wort evidently has to do with St. John's Day celebrations and the ancient practice of gathering the flowers and burning them to ward off evil spirits. And warding off evil spirits sounds pretty good to me right now.

Monday Mellow Yellows is hosted by Gemma Wiseman.
For more Mellow Yellows, just click on the button: