Viscum Album (or Mistletoe) has been written about for centuries for it's use in Druid ceremonies (Pliny) and in James Fraser's great work on cultural anthropology, The Golden Bough, it has been well documented. It is a parasite that grows on several tree species, usually Oak and Apple around here. It was seen as a fertility symbol, hence the 'kissing under the Mistletoe' tradition that we still carry on. It's name roughly means 'all heal,' has been used in teas for various ailments but is poisonous. The ones that grow over here are Phoradendron sp; and are generally dispersed by Cedar Waxwings. They are a lot easier to see in the leafless trees of Winter and add another pleasant dimension to the world.
I was going 12 miles today but only made 7. Five running and two walking since I was a little foolhardy in my expectations. Was sore, dehydrated and tired. The walking did give me a chance to see rhythms of nature at a slower pace; the Robins flocking, the squeaky toy (Ann-Marie) call of the Nuthatches and a Great Blue Heron flying over and one crossing the road. I assumed, like the chicken, to get to the other side. Or maybe to see if there were any chickens over there!! Heron's keep things pretty close to the chest, or breast in this case.
I gave myself 7 miles at 77 minutes at 11 minutes per mile.
toadshade
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