Goodbye 2015

So ends another year. I began this blog three years ago to document how many wildflowers I could find, identify and photograph in West Virginia in one year. In 2013, I found and photographed 308 different wildflowers. In 2014, I added another 25. This year I added eight, they are coming slower now, but I know there are many more out there. I've recently been exploring a couple of farms that I oversee for our school system. Both have many acres of fields and woods that should have many interesting wildflowers. Two days ago, I found this Common Yarrow blooming in the uncommon warm weather that we have had so far.  I've already seen dire predictions of terrible consequences of the weather. Some are saying we should not gather any ramps this year, others that say there will be no fruit trees blooming this year and etc. I think everything will be just fine; sure maybe the apples will be fewer but maybe the Pad Leaf Orchids that haven't bloomed in my woods for three years will be back. 

My best new find of the year was Loesel's Twayblade in June, which makes 22 orchids 

photographed, in West Virginia, for this blog. I know of others that I just haven't gotten to yet. 

Fernleaf Phacelia in April and some water wildflowers this fall were other highlights. 


                                     Fernleaf Phacelia

Giant Bur-Reed

Water Smartweed


So, as 2015 closes, there is much to look forward to .
I pray that you all have a blessed 2016
Charles 

                                 

Hobbies

I have more hobbies than I can keep up with.
My favorite quote about hobbies is by Steve Martin

"When your hobbies get in the way of your work - that's OK; but when your hobbies get in the way of themselves... well...”"



As this year winds down, I found time to attend to several hobbies at once. 
First, The weather has been unseasonably warm  and while exploring an old farm I found a really nice wildflower,Common Yarrow, in full bloom. I have heard several accounts of wildflowers in bloom but this was my first sighting.

Then on another old farm I kept my eyes open for old bottles
and came up with this one from the 1960's.

Then I broke out the metal detector and found a few items including an 1898 Indian Head Penny.
My oldest ever find.
                  






















A couple of headstamps. (The brass part of older shotgun shells that were made of paper)

This one dates between 1920 & 1950 

This one from 1950's to 60's

                 
                 

And an  ax head 

    

Plus hiked for several miles and enjoyed the days enormously.
Winter is around the corner but there is always opportunities for enjoying a hobby, or two, three, four??