Cascade Fall-ies

On Saturday I worked all day accomplishing Activities of Daily Living.

So, Sunday I reckoned to be a day of, well- leisure. When I talked to JhonDuane on Saturday evening, I lobbied hard for anything that would get me-

"Out of Dodge"! He being one to mull things over before speaking, offered that he would sleep on it. So did I.

Sunday dawned blazingly hot. As I lay in bed listening to the radio, SD-NPR affirmed that the temperature would be in the triple digits. I sat outside, sipping my coffee... for exactly 60 seconds... it was too damned HOT!

I was sure that JhonDuane would bow out in favor of staying cool- who could blame anyone with that forecast! But, when the phone rang, it was Jhon, saying that he had invited DJ and Austin to go to Cascade Falls for the day- and, could I meet them there? "Well, yes- of course!" I say. "Those two boys will be hungry, though- so I'll bring hot dogs!"  And- so it was. 

We all arrived at the same time- 2 PM. It was grindingly hot in the parking lot, and so- without further ado, we wasted no time traversing the stairs downward, and straight into the Cascade Falls.

I have mentioned Cascade Falls in previous blog entries. It is a lovely place to visit at any time of year. The water is a gorgeous deep blue-green, and it's sweet scent is a pleasure to experience.

Before I moved to the middle of the country, I had experienced swimming in the ocean, of course, and small town ponds. But this is far more enervating to all the senses.

It's a natural jacuzzi, sensuously sliding across skin in an almost decadent manner. Except for a few spots where the  current is strong, (requiring one to barnacle one's self to a rock!) one might almost be lulled to sleep with the gurgling sound of the water, gentle wind and surrounding birds' song.

JhonDuane has happy memories of swimming at the falls on hot summer days as a young boy. Once I had plunged in, I was quite happy to experience the falls up close and personal as well!

As it's name suggests, the falls "cascade downward, with pools of varying sizes-from ankle deep to well-over the head, so it makes the spot perfect for everyone from very small people to the end of the spectrum.

The water is refreshingly cool, but not nearly the numbing cold of the Atlantic that I endured at my family's cottage of Bethmere on the coast of Massachusetts.

DJ and Austin wasted no time plunging in...

yes- that is a picture of a SPLASH! (Austin)

...they swam and-

...got out...

...jumped in again...

...swam around some more- and...

...got out again...

... and so on... !

I was more leisurely...

much, much more leisurely!

... as was Jhon...

which was good- as it gave us the time to poke around, and take some photos!

Buffalo Berries...on the other side of the river- as was clearly pointed out to me!

When I figure out what these flowers are, I'll label them.

For now, just call 'em beautiful!

...you know what this is!

...meanwhile, the "water"-melon was cooled to just the right temperature!

...so, we left the guys to their own devices, and we migrated back up the hill to start the fire. It is amazing how a little time in the water can cause your eyes to want to close!

However, we managed to get an enormous amount of hot dogs cooked. We ate, and napped, ate a little more... napped again (well- I did, anyway).

Finally, the guys' "stomach-alarm" must have gone off- and they arrived in time for dinner...

...and to talk over the afternoon.

Finally, we headed back to Hot Springs, for some ice cream, and a few last precious moments to savor the day- before heading home...

by the light of "lochran ai nam bochd" (Lamp of the Poor).

...and the day became memory.

Addendum: Variegated Devil's Backbone, Japanese Poinsettia, Slipper Spurge, Redbird Cactus, Christmas Candle, Snow-On-the_Mountain
As happens in life, experiences are not linear. In fact they are multidimensional- as in interaction... that is- it is not over as long as the dialog is still continuing. 

I encountered an exquisite little plant just to the right of where you see the 'guys eating. A small little thing, yet it caught my attention with it's bold desire to 'announce with authority, its existence.

I have been hunting its name ever since. Funnily enough, I discovered it's name tonight... and- its name- is mine (sort of)!

* "form small white cups, known as cyathia,"

Do you suppose the strange and beautiful little flower recognized that we were sisters and spoke to me?

Euphorbia marginata
Snow-On-The-Mountain
EuphorbiaceaeEuphorbia marginata, or Snow-On-The-Mountain, is an erect annual native from Minnesota to Colorado and Texas. The light green leaves are ovate to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long. With broad variegated margins, the plants are conspicuous in the landscape, usually between 2-4 feet in height with a single stem. The latex is corrosive to the skin and may cause severe burns or dermatitis. As with all members of the Euphorbiaceae, plant parts should be handled with care, especially when sap is showing.

Blooming Time: Plants flower in early fall; the flowers (actually inflorescences and their showy bracts)form small white cups, known as cyathia, at the top and center of the plant. White and green bracts provide the coloring.

Native American Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary, by Daniel E. Moerman; copyright 2009 by Daniel E. Moerman, All Rights Reserved;
Euphoria marginata, Snow on the Mountain, Lakota Antiheurmatic (External) Infusion of crushed leaves used as a liniment for swellings. Gynecological Aid Infusion of plant used by mothers without milk. (116:45)