There is a secret I’ve been harboring (yes, another one). I’ve been having an emotional affair with sumac. Not any particular sumac. Just sumac in general. I didn’t mean to. It just sort of happened. What started as fascination, quickly blossomed into something much more serious. Once I brought out my camera, it was clear this was not a casual relationship. Please try not to think any less of me. I make this public confession as a first step toward my healing process. What follows is a photo-medley journaling my liaison over the past year.
AUGUST, 2012
September, 2012
October, 2012
December, 2012
February, 2013
March, 2013
May, 2013
July, 2013
August, 2013
Thank you for hearing me out. And thank you to all those who have stood by me during this obsession that has plagued me. I think primarily of Bubba who has stood by me, literally, waiting for me to take yet another photo of a sumac. He never complains, just waits while I find just the right angle. He would, I’m sure, appreciate my mentioning that he has a particularly good eye for a photo opportunity, and has no problem swerving off the road and turning the car around to capture it! What a guy!
Peace . . .
August 18th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Very nice
August 18th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Thanks!
August 18th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
you are welcome
August 18th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
That Bubba sounds like quite the guy! 🙂 I like the photo with the snow the best, very nice Jean.
August 18th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Thank you! Bubba is a hoot! Every season I fell in love with those sumacs even more. But yes, as I watched for signs of any color in the “Midst of Beige” (I think that was the title of one of my posts) the sumac obliged with their fiery plumes.
August 18th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
I think this is the first I’ve ever seen Bubba on your blog. I love my sumac and your pictures are gorgeous., it’s light enough to sit under without feeling oppressed by the foliage overhead. The seating area I have out back has nothing but sumac there. Now if someone could please tell me how to keep them from spreading so. I am constantly pulling up new shoots before they take over the entire area.
August 18th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
That is good to know. I wondered about that. I have thought of planting some. That shot was taken on the way to a wedding reception. He couldn’t resist after spotting the tractor out there. He’s napping, so I didn’t get a chance to ask him if it was ok to post it!
August 18th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Yes, they shoot up new trees from spots on the roots which roam ridiculous distances. One root I’ve found went more than 20 feet and all along that distance it was shooting up new ones. It’s crazy to keep it trimmed and looking nice.
August 18th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Twenty feet! Ohmygosh!
August 18th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Loved the pictures. I’m not familiar with Sumac trees but they look lovely. Your writing though is wonderful. I love your wit.
August 18th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Thank you. I admire wit in other people and have never thought of myself as having it. So I am soaking that compliment up for all it’s worth! 😀
August 19th, 2013 at 4:32 am
We have SO MUCH sumac here in the village. My sister and I love it over fresh tomatoes and a little salt and pepper
Those are very pretty pictures jean.
August 19th, 2013 at 6:39 am
I’m not sure if I have the kind of sumac you can eat. I’ve heard of people eating sumac, but I’ve never heard of anyone eating this sumac. Maybe we just don’t know any better. The recipes I’ve seen look good.
I need to get out at the break of day or near sunset and take a few then.
August 19th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Well your obsession has led to some great photos!
August 19th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Thank you! I suppose it has. I was thinking now that a year is up I might find something else. It might be fun. If I can tear myself away from the sumac!
August 20th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
I love the photos ….but …. but…. I thought sumac was poisonous?
August 21st, 2013 at 6:36 am
That’s what Bubba said the first time I showed him a Sumac. Poison Sumac is a different plant, and while I did know that, I learned a lot more about Staghorn Sumac (the one I photographed) on this post: http://firstways.com/2011/08/23/how-and-why-to-eat-sumac/ And never burn poison sumac. The fumes are extremely poisonous and can cause bleeding in the lungs, and consequential death from suffocation! What a way to go, eh?