Friday Miscellany

 

Watering is necessary this time of the year. 

It also provokes some artful scenes with flowers.  

My poppies are almost gone, but the few remaining blooms are still putting on a lovely and delicate show. 

Out of curiosity, can anyone tell me why marigolds so often wither up and die about this time of the year? 

Am I watering them too much?

It's a mystery which I'd like to solve cuz when marigolds are healthy and happy, they are beautiful. 

I just have too many that give up the ship far too soon. 

Maybe the same folks who know why marigolds wither up can tell me why petunias grow tall and skinny.  Why can't they stay bushy and beautiful?

Enquiring minds want to know, just like one more time last night I saw ducks in a row on a fancy jeep's dashboard. Hardly having the funds to purchase a jeep, I wasn't familiar with the tradition that started about ten years ago, so I looked for the answer. 

It's a neat tradition if you can afford a fancy jeep. 

Which came first?

  

The ducks?

  

Or, the jeep?

From Jeepsland by Richard Harper

The tradition of placing rubber ducks on the dashboard of a Jeep, often referred to as the Jeep ducking trend, is a heartwarming gesture of camaraderie and recognition within the Jeep owner community.

The Heartwarming Tradition: Unpacking the Jeep Dashboard Ducks

Have you ever spotted a small, colorful rubber duck perched on the dashboard of a Jeep and wondered why it’s there? This charming practice, known as “Jeep ducking,” is a unique and widely embraced tradition among Jeep enthusiasts. 

It’s a simple yet profound way for Jeep owners to connect, share a smile, and acknowledge a shared passion for adventure and the iconic Jeep brand. 

When you see those little ducks, it’s a silent greeting, a nod of recognition from one Jeep lover to another, signifying membership in a special club.

The Origin of Jeep Ducks: A Tale of Kindness

The origin of Jeep ducks isn’t rooted in a single, definitive moment but rather evolved organically, gaining traction through acts of kindness and a desire to spread joy. 

While the precise first instance is hard to pinpoint, the most widely accepted narrative points to a Jeep owner named Allison Parliament in Canada around 2017.

Allison, while driving her Jeep, noticed another Jeep owner whose vehicle had broken down. 

She felt a pang of sympathy and, wanting to offer a small gesture of encouragement, left a rubber duck on their windshield with a note saying, “Your Jeep looks lonely. Here’s a duck to keep it company!” 

This simple act resonated. The recipient, touched by the kindness, shared their story online, and the idea began to spread like wildfire.

Another popular story credits a Jeep owner in Colorado named Lori of “All Things Jeep” who was inspired by a friend who gifted her a duck. 

She started ducking other Jeeps as a way to spread happiness and build community. Regardless of the exact genesis, the core of the meaning of Jeep ducks is about spreading positivity and fostering connection.

What is Jeep Ducking? More Than Just a Toy

Jeep ducking is the act of leaving a small rubber duck on another Jeep owner’s vehicle when they aren’t present. 

The duck is typically accompanied by a small note, often stating “You’ve been ducked!” or something similar, encouraging the recipient to pay it forward.

The Essence of the Gesture:

• Spreading Joy: It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day.
• Building Community: It creates a tangible connection between Jeep owners.
• Recognition: It signals that you are part of the larger Jeep family.
• Encouragement: It’s a little pick-me-up, especially for those who might be new to the Jeep lifestyle or have had a rough day.

In past summers when the horses went to the hay field for the day, they often raced all over the place with heads and tails in the air right after going through the gate. 

This year they've seemed rather no nonsense in the mornings because the first bite of grass seems more important than putting on a show. 

Nevertheless, I still get to see them strut their stuff. 

In late afternoons while walking down the lane to bring them back up to the barnyard, I yell out, "Who wants in?"

Within seconds, I can hear the thundering hooves as they stop grazing and put on the speed to race to the gate. 

I'm thinking it's their older age and that nowadays they're just as happy to come back to the barn as they are to go eat in the morning. 

I learned the following from Bill, the forester, last night while snapping photos of Mountain Ash berries in a parking lot: 

Mountain ash, also known as Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), is a native Irish tree valued for its striking red berries, delicate flowers, and cultural significance.

Later, I learned the following from an Internet article:  

In Irish folklore, the Rowan has long been associated with protection and magic. It was believed to safeguard homes, farms, and livestock from misfortune. 

Small crosses made from Rowan twigs were sometimes placed above doors or in barns, and solitary trees in fields may be remnants of these traditions www.cloudforests.ie. 

The tree has also inspired poets and writers, celebrated for its vivid red berries and graceful form www.cloudforests.ie.

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

We had a young mountain ash in our front yard when we moved here 20 years ago, but a wind storm destroyed it.  

We do have another in one of the flower beds, but I'm thinking we'd better plant another closer to the house.  

Maybe when the poplars south of the house go, some mountain ash trees can replace them so we can enjoy another wonderful Irish tradition.  

Nice to still have some roses ready to burst open with some beautiful blooms. 

It will also be nice when the smoke goes away, but it does create a stunningly beautiful sun. 

Happy Friday.