Got out the old push mower and mowed a bit yesterday, then took a nice long walk over the hills and dales of our little town. Clocked in at a little over an hour for 3.32 miles. Gained about 135 feet of elevation. Not much really when compared to the hills and dales of Big Bend, where I’m going at the end of the month, but it’s something. And I feel good this morning, and that’s something, too.

I am pleased to report that our bumper crop of bluebonnets is looking good. My arborist son believes they may well rival the crop of 2018 when the field was literally covered with them. Here’s hoping the blooms follow soon and give us fields of blue. It is probably the only time I will enjoy being blue. And anyone passing by will be welcome to stop and look in at them. Just watch this space and let me know when you’re on your way.

But back to Big Bend. This is a good time of the year to see the Big Bend Bluebonnet (Lupinus havardii) which grows one to four feet tall. Now, that’s a Bluebonnet. I’ve been asked by my aforementioned son to see if I can score some seeds. He thinks that flower would look great at our place. I agree. I’m going to give it a go. Johnny Bluebonnet Seed. That’s me, the amateur horticulturalist, with a baggy, collecting them. The best part being that if it doesn’t work, I have a great excuse to go back to the park, as if I need one.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale