I have started my long walks through the woods these days

an "escape" for my mind at the moment.......far from the worry

of this uncertain time with the problems the coronavirus has brought

to our nation/world's  health, well being, and stability.

How pretty it is this time of year here,  all over

the grounds!  On my walks I have discovered 2 new wildflowers that 

I have never seen bloom here before. 

The first one( in the photo above)  has grown abundantly and

spreads through the woods

and spills over the edge into the field next to us.

It has the most terrible name.......for such a pretty flower.

The Texas Wildflower directory identifies them as 

"Scrambled Eggs (Corydalis curvisiliqua) " 

 another site I found them to be called "Golden Corydalis"  which is a much worthier name, at least I think so.   

Anyhow, there are scrambled eggs growing in our woods!  

The second flower is also yellow and has fringed petals. The Texas Wildflower directory identifies them as

Puccoon (Lithospermum incisum)

I was so  thrilled to find both of these beauties.  The yellow primrose (buttercup) and the purple prairie aster are also blooming.   All of the rain we have had has made the woods come to life.  

The green thorny thickets of wild red berries are covered in tiny 

pale yellow blossoms........a sure sign of good food for the wild birds

in weeks to come.

  

another wild red berry that grows plentiful here and is now in bloom,  is known as algerita berry.

Both wildlife and humans can eat these berries.

On my walk, I noticed that all of the mesquite trees are leafing out.

For us here in this area, that means there will be no more freezing days.

I hope this to be true!

all through the woods, this wild bush is in bloom and looks golden in the sun

It is covered in hundreds of tiny blossoms. I have not researched this yet,

so I am unsure what the name of it is.  

So much of this wild land is disappearing around us with all of the oil and electric industry.  Much of the pasture land that is still  around  is covered in a sea of prickly pear cactus. 

I am still whacking away at the growth we have..........but I can almost see the light at the  end of the tunnel with it.

along with all of the blossoms, there has been an abundance of butterflies

and all kinds of song birds who fill the trees with their new homes. 

and there is a whimsical little woodpecker at the same spot in the woods, who seems to wait for me to toss bread scraps down.  As soon as I turn my back, he instantly flies down to enjoy his meal.

O, money can't buy the delights of the glen,

Nor Poetry sing all its charms:

There's a solace and calm ne'er described by the pen

When we're folded within Nature's arms!

James Rigg, "Nutting Time," Wild Flower Lyrics and Other Poems, 1897

I hope this finds you with pleasant surroundings and peace amongst the 

worry and chaos that has enveloped our lives.

May this find you and  your loved ones safe and well.