Had 5inches of new snow yesterday and another inch today. I am totally snowed out! Just sick so tired of the snow, sick of the ice, the snow cleats, the de-melter pellets all over the house, bulky winter coats, boots and gloves!!!! Grrrrrr!
I'm sure you are sick of seeing nothing but snow in Coopville, too!
Going to take a few days off and think of green things......
.... lots and lots of green things.....
........ a rainbow tree?
Well. they ARE real!
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The rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta), also known as the Mindanao gum or rainbow gum, is a tall, broad-leaved evergreen tree which grows up to a height of around 200 feet in its native habitats. The trunk of the tree, possessing a diameter of around 6 feet, is noted for its multi hued appearance in summer. The smooth, orange tinted trunk bark peels off in summer, revealing a plethora of colors in the new bark layer, symbolizing the colors of the rainbow. Rows of rainbow eucalyptus trees growing in tandem with their vibrant barks with streaks of green, yellow, red, and orange colors, offers a spectacular sight in summer. However, outside their native range, the rainbow eucalyptus grows to a smaller height and displays less colors. The tree possesses 6-inch long lancet leaves which yield an aromatic powder when crushed and produces small, white flowers during the blooming season.
The rainbow eucalyptus belongs to the Eucalyptus genus of plants which comprises an array of flowering trees and shrubs belonging to the myrtle family. The name eucalyptus is derived from the Greek word “eu” meaning “well” and kalýpto meaning “to cover”, referring to the operculum that covers the flower buds of these trees before the blooming of the flower. Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon), Rose Gum (Eucalyptus grandis), and River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) are some of the related species of rainbow eucalyptus. More than 700 species of eucalyptus are found of which only 15 species occur outside of Australia. However, many eucalyptus species are cultivated in various parts of the world though they need to be protected from frost conditions. Many eucalyptus species like the rainbow gum, are known as gum trees by virtue of their gum kino, which is exuded from all points of break in the bark of such trees.
Though all species of the Eucalyptus genus grow exclusively in the countries of the Southern Hemisphere, the rainbow eucalyptus is the only known eucalyptus species that extends its range to the Northern Hemisphere. The rainbow eucalyptus grows in tropical forests with high rainfall and are found in New Britain and New Guinea of Papua New Guinea, Sulawesi and Seram of Indonesia, and Mindanao of Philippines. For the purpose of cultivation, the tree has been introduced into many other countries like the United States where it is grown in frost free climates like Hawaii, and those in the southern parts of Texas, Florida, and California.
The rainbow eucalyptus is cultivated in many parts of the world for its wood and for ornamental purposes. The tree requires a frost-free, warm and wet climate and grows quite fast, reaching a height of up to 5 feet within a single growing season. It is usually grown in places where its vibrant bark is on full display to admirers. The rainbow eucalyptus must always be well watered and protected from frost. Although it can survive an overnight frost, extended periods of frost will kill the plant.
Due to its vibrant appearance and aesthetic quality, the rainbow eucalyptus has high ornamental significance and is used extensively to decorate home grounds, ornamental gardens, parks, and fields. The tree also provides excellent shade under the summer sun and emanates aromatic fragrance that soothes the mind.
The rainbow eucalyptus is widely used for preparing wood pulp by the pulpwood industry and infrequently used as sources of lumber. Paper, furniture and veneer are some of the products generated from the wood of the rainbow eucalyptus tree. Pulpwood companies in the Philippines often use these trees as the dominant plant species in their commercial plantations.
Friday:
Saturday......
It was cold:
Couldn't figure out what the kitty-kat was so fascinated by:
(water bubbles under the ice)!
And....It snowed in the evening:
Sunday:
The sun!!!!! Yay!
But still cold:
Benji is so happy to see sunshine!
Icicles:
The gang enjoying a stroll:
Hubby enjoying knocking down the icicles!
More snow, 3-5 inches - forecast for this afternoon and evening.
Sigh......
:o(
We're off to Norway tonight!
Let's go for a wonderful ride on a super nifty little train!
:o)
TWELVE COMMANDMENTS FOR SENIORS:
#1 - Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice
#2 - “In Style” are the clothes that still fit
#3 - You don't need anger management. You need people to stop pissing you off.
#4 - Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
#5 - The biggest lie you tell yourself is, “I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it.”
#6 - “On time” is when you get there.
#7 - Even duct tape can't fix stupid - but it sure does muffle the sound.
#8 - It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?
#9 - Lately, You've noticed people your age are so much older than you.
#10 - Growing old should have taken longer.
#11 - Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up.
#12 - You still haven't learned to act your age, and hope you never will.
And one more:
“One for the road” means peeing before you leave the house.
:o)
: o)
Yesterday:
Snow in the pen:
Hubby shoveling the snow off the deck:
The path he made for the gang to walk on is now all gone:
Only the damn deer are enjoying the new snow:
There were 12 of 'em earlier!
Only 30 more days until Spring......
:o)
H/T to Donna!
