Sunday, August 07, 2022

Thistle

This thistle grows on the fence around the small duck pond out back. The pond has dried out because of our current drought, but there must still be some moisture in the ground around it to keep the weeds going. Not that they need much.

Thistles by the pond.

We're having traffic "issues" in the 'hood. The road we live on is essentially a dead end, except that it's not. The paved portion of the road ends behind our house, but the road continues on through the vineyards as a dirt tractor path. It meets up with another paved road about a kilometer (about 2/3 of a mile) from our hamlet. People in the know drive through the vineyards often, and often at speed. Then, especially during vacation time, people get lost and find their way up here and, seeing the dirt road, turn around to drive back. We're thinking of asking our neighbor the mayor if a sign could be posted down the hill that says sens interdit sauf riverains (no entry except for residents) to help cut down on the turning around. Like this:

No entry, except for residents. Adobe stock photo.

Every time a car comes up the hill, all the neighborhood dogs (and especially ours) bark, in succession, as it passes by. Twice if it turns around. The sign wouldn't affect people "in the know" or legitimate business/delivery traffic, but it might cut down on some of the unnecessary cars.

I can tell I sound like a grumpy old man. Get off my lawn!

10 comments:

  1. We sound more and more like that lately, too. (Well, at least SG does.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wonder if those thistles are edible?
    Good idea the one way sign to reduce unnecessary traffic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Replying to your comment yesterday about how Covid affected me. I was horribly sick for three weeks. If I were any sicker I think I would have died.
      BettyAnn

      Delete
    2. So sorry to hear that. Fortunately, you have recovered. I was lucky to be asymptomatic when I got Covid so I didn’t feel sick and my recovery was like a breeze. Given my age, it was rather unusual and I’m thankful for that. No sequel that I’m aware of.

      Delete
  3. I’m sure you’ve told us but is the pond fenced to keep out children or? Good idea about the sign, I hope the mayor agrees.
    BettyAnn

    ReplyDelete
  4. The temerity of weeds to thrive in the worst of situations is almost admirable.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Before I did a drastic downsizing of my household three years ago I used to enjoy entertaining and hosting formal dinner parties. I took great pride in setting the table with The Scottish Thistle pattern Edinburgh crystal stemware that I had inherited from my great grandmother. The thistle was always considered a nuisance weed on the farm but etched on crystal it was a sight to behold. I personally love all things thistle just as I do the wild chickory and Queen Anne's Lace. Thanks for posting the photo! Adieu.

    ReplyDelete
  6. chm, I wonder, too.

    bettyann, I think so. The pond is supposed to be for fighting fires. Lotta good it'll do in this drought.

    judy, LOL!

    michael, I agree, except when they thrive in my vegetable garden. ;)

    woody, sounds like a great memory!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heehee: When I first glanced at the comment you typed underneath the thistles, I read "thistles by the pound", thinking about your text and how easily weeds multiply with or without nourishment from rain!

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you think!