Buffalo Gourd...

This is a dead buffalo gourd plant draped over a mountain juniper, all of which was photographed in infrared. While growing the plant is exquisite, with incredible detailed and hairy leaves and flowers which attract all sorts of bugs. The gourds are green and yellow striped balls in visible light. In IR, they seem to glow like light bulbs. The only problem is the that plants stink with a strong odor of a mixture of onions and garlic. This one seems to have died of frost. It was a very successful plant before the frost got it. It covered a juniper, fence and the ground for a radius of about 30 feet and was totally festooned with gourds. Parts of this plant are some of my very favorite texturing tools for clay work.

Today, I am grateful for good health, clay, and that my daughter and granddaughter are okay after an accident that left her car totalled. I am a very lucky person for all that goes right in my life.

Thanks to everyone who offered condolences for Buddy. I miss him greatly. I hope to thank everyone individually.