Today's flower was going to be the Jerusalem artichoke. You can see it on my header at the moment. This plant is really gorgeous! I have it growing in my backyard. That is why I can show it to you today. You see, my scooter is not working right now, so I can't go out and take photos. It's a real drag because the weather has been fantastic and so far I have been stuck inside the house. My battery charger is not working. One has been ordered and it should be here any day, but for now I am a prisoner in my own home.
This plant is in the Asteraceae family. It has nothing to do with Jerusalem and it is not a type of artichoke. Its botanical name is Helianthus tuberosus. The tuber of this plant is edible and is said to resemble the taste of an artichoke. This plant has been cultivated for its root since before Europeans came to this country.
I would write more about it, but I am too excited about my other news! Even though I have been unable to go anywhere by scooter, my friend, Sylvia has kept me mobile. Last evening we went to see Kaffe Fassett!
Yes! The real, live Kaffe Fassett!
Nicole of
Log Cabin Yardage in Whitevale had invited him to come to her shop and talk to us. It was a fantastic lecture! Even though he didn't bring any quilts with him, his slide show was beautiful. He outlined his life and interests and how he got started in knitting and quilting. He is also a painter, which I didn't know, and I loved seeing his paintings. He is a great speaker, very talented with a terrific sense of humour. I was totally inspired by this man!
He signed some books I had and I bought a few fat quarters of his fabrics at Nicole's shop. I just love his fabrics! The evening was over far too quickly. Both Sylvia and I could talk of nothing else on our way home. What a great middle-of-the-week indulgence!
See that 'necklace' around his neck? Nicole's daughter finger knitted that during his presentation and presented it to him. What a darling girl! He graciously let her put it around his neck. Thanked her and then without skipping a beat, went on answering questions and making us laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thank you Sylvia for doing the driving and thank you Nicole for inviting this talented man and allowing me to come and listen to him speak.
