South Messenger - August 21st, 2022
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Watching for the signs of the seasons<br />
As summer steams along toward its<br />
midpoint, I start to look for my purple pal<br />
in the countryside.<br />
Specifically, while I am out riding my<br />
bicycle on the paths of Three Creeks Metro<br />
Park, my eye scans the meadows as I watch<br />
for my annual, colorful friend to appear.<br />
By mid-summer, June’s wildflowers<br />
have had their day in the sun and have<br />
waned. The soft, lush bright green grasses<br />
of spring have transformed into sturdy,<br />
more coarse blades of faded green as the<br />
sun ekes away their moisture. The plants<br />
in the meadows are all taller as July rolls<br />
by, but their height does not match the<br />
glory of what is to come.<br />
In years past, I would not expect to see<br />
my friend in the fields until <strong>August</strong>, but in<br />
recent times I have noticed it gracing the<br />
meadows in late July.<br />
I watch for it with each bike ride as July<br />
begins to blend into <strong>August</strong>. Then, on July<br />
26, I saw it, along with many of its purple<br />
brethren, gracing one of the big meadows<br />
of Three Creeks Metro Park. Ironweed -<br />
big, bright, beautiful, and bold - its royal<br />
purple blooms standing out amongst all<br />
the green of the fields.<br />
Ironweed is a tall wildflower that can<br />
grow three to eight feet high. It’s a naturally<br />
occurring flower and gets its name from<br />
its strong stem. It attracts butterflies,<br />
bees, and other pollinators.<br />
Ironweed is a seasonal marker for me<br />
Editor’s Notebook<br />
Rick<br />
Palsgrove<br />
along with lightning<br />
bugs in June;<br />
Resurrection Lilies<br />
(which I inaccurately<br />
call Day Lilies<br />
because they shoot up from the ground so<br />
fast) in July or <strong>August</strong>; Goldenrod in<br />
September; pumpkins in October; and<br />
Peonies in spring.<br />
Another seasonal clock marker for me is<br />
noticing how the angle of sunlight changes<br />
bit by bit from month to month and the<br />
amount of daylight changes as the solar<br />
system spins around in its cosmic dance.<br />
But the first sight of Ironweed remains<br />
special for me. It is an example of beauty<br />
and strength. Its bloom lasts a while giving<br />
each successive bike ride a visual treat.<br />
When its magnificent purple bloom<br />
fades, I know that summer is slipping into<br />
autumn. But as I continue to bike the<br />
Three Creeks Bike path into the fall and<br />
early winter, the Ironweed’s spent tall<br />
stem remains as a promise that it’s glorious<br />
bloom was once there and that it will<br />
return again when the air is steamy, the<br />
bugs are buzzing, and the sun is high in<br />
the sky.<br />
Rick Palsgrove is managing editor of the<br />
<strong>Messenger</strong> Newspapers.<br />
Nakita and her brother<br />
came into rescue after<br />
their human mom<br />
passed away. They<br />
spent much time<br />
mourning her loss.<br />
Nakita is still very shy,<br />
but making progress in<br />
her foster home. She is<br />
very sweet, loves head<br />
scratches, Temptations<br />
treats, and a fancy feast or two. She would do<br />
best in a quiet home with someone patient<br />
enough to earn her trust, but in due time she’ll<br />
be your best friend. Contact Colony Cats if<br />
you’d like to meet Nakita.<br />
FYI: colonycats.org<br />
Asher was surrendered<br />
to rescue after his former<br />
family experienced<br />
some serious medical<br />
issues and couldn’t<br />
continue to care for him.<br />
He is at the Colony Cats<br />
adoption center now<br />
looking for a new family.<br />
Asher does have some<br />
health issues. He is very<br />
susceptible to upper<br />
respiratory infections and may have a chronic<br />
runny nose. He also need a consistent diet to<br />
help with some skin issues. This guy is so<br />
friendly and affectionate though that you<br />
won’t care about those things. Asher lived in a<br />
pets of the week<br />
<strong>August</strong> 21, <strong>2022</strong> - SOUTH MESSENGER - PAGE 5<br />
house with other cats and does well with<br />
them.<br />
FYI: colonycats.org<br />
Ivy Rose is a shy girl<br />
who is looking for someone<br />
with a quiet home<br />
and the patience to give<br />
her the time she needs<br />
to adjust. Ivy is not a lap<br />
cat but can be affectionate<br />
and likes to be near<br />
you. Her favorite trick is<br />
to flop on you when she approaches you for<br />
affection. She gets along with other cats and<br />
could potentially be good with older children<br />
who would understand her shyness. Ivy Rose<br />
needs a home of her very own to flourish in,<br />
to love a family to her full potential. Adopt her<br />
from Friends for Life Animal Haven.<br />
FYI: fflah.org<br />
Wilson is such a cutie.<br />
From the moment he<br />
meets you, his tail will<br />
never stop wagging. He<br />
loves getting attention<br />
and is in search of<br />
someone who will give<br />
him all the love and<br />
belly rubs he deserves.<br />
He would do best as your only furry friend and<br />
must meet everyone living in his forever home<br />
prior to adoption. Come meet this handsome<br />
man today at the county shelter.<br />
FYI: franklincountydogs.com<br />
MEDICARE QUESTIONS?<br />
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A Local Licensed Agent!”<br />
I'm here all year long providing Medicare members with the plan options that fit their needs. Also, we could review if<br />
you qualify for extra help on your prescription copays, along with insulin coverage. Reviewing the plan information over<br />
the phone or in person, you need to be confident in your decision. Guiding you on the right path to Medicare.