I first noticed it growing along the roadsides about four weeks ago. Barely a foot tall, I recognized it right off. Now, a month later, it shimmers in the breeze offering an iridescent hue, resembling that of an oceanic wave of turquoise. Technically speaking, it is known as bluestem, however, you may be more familiar with it being called broomsedge. It begins to emerge from its hideaway in late summer, exactly where we are right now in our season transition. In a few weeks, as it matures, it will turn to a vibrant red then to an indescribable bronze before it goes dormant for the next nine months. Of course, as important as the emergence of this novel species is, it indicates that a change is on the horizon. I’ll explain.
By the time this issue of the “Sun” arrives at your doorstep, high school and college football will be in full swing. Though the temperatures may still be sweltering, at least everyone will be preparing for those Saturday afternoons when you’ll need a jacket or a sweater to sit in the stands and watch the battles on the gridiron. Football is an accurate predictor of fall just as a north wind, rustling cornstalks, and migrating geese are. Hold on, as there are more telltale signs to come.
Dove season is also in full swing. Due to the legality of a migratory bird season not being allowed to open before September 1st, the typical opening weekend “hoorah” was a bit stifled. The shells couldn’t be popped this year until Labor Day, at least at a dove that is. Not to worry, in most cases the big hunts were postponed until the next weekend, which allowed for more than just one day of festivities. It’s a big deal down here in the South, and it’s upon us.
I haven’t noticed any spider lilies yet, but it won’t be long. In fact, due to my writing timing, they may be emerging any day now. Triggered by late season rains and somewhat cooler temperatures, these long-stemmed plants are another indicator that seasonal change is here. The spectacular, bright-red flowers resembling that of spider legs, hence the name, is what you’ll notice first as they make their presence upon the landscape. Typically, they are found around old homesites and in places where they were planted decades or even centuries ago.
This was one of my mom’s favorite plants to admire. She absolutely loved them. Keep one eye on the road and the other on the roadside and there is no telling what you may notice as fall approaches. Jack Elam had the perfect eye configuration for watching where he was headed with one eye while the other eye took a hard right turn for whatever else was looming on the side deck. For those of you too young to know who Jack Elam was, look him up. He was quite the character in those old westerns.
Speaking of change, just a few weeks ago I retired from the corporate world of medical entomology. Bugs have been a huge part of my life since 1978 when I scouted my first cotton field for the boll weevil. Are you familiar with the old adage that the only thing that remains the same is that nothing remains the same? Truer words have never been spoken. Just like Jack Elam’s eye, I took a right turn professionally a quarter century ago due to changes in cotton production in our state. Though the mosquitoes served me well, cotton was, and still is, my passion.
Years ago, one of my mentors said, “Jeffrey, no one can tell you when it’s time to retire, but when it’s time to retire, you will know it.” He was absolutely correct in his wisdom. Though I don’t ever intend on retiring from chasing bugs and weeds in row crops and lawns, the corporate world is being left behind. I’m looking forward to spending more time outdoors than spending the rest of my life behind a computer or in a meeting. One can always make more money, but you can’t make more birthdays. Think about it.
With all the changes that I have brought to your attention, this only means one thing. It’s time for another season of “Outdoors in the Sun.” We’re crowding in on 20 years of the privilege I have been given to bringing stories to your homes and offices from our woods, fields, and waters. In fact, it may be more than 20 by now. Jimmye and I should do a little fact checking just to see when I first started writing for you. Regardless of the date, words cannot express how much I enjoy writing, and especially for the opportunity to share it with you. With my newfound “freedom” I will have more time in my study to think of topics that will hopefully be of interest to you. You’re the reason I take pen and pad in hand and produce what I do.
So, with this said, get ready for another exciting season. We’ll expand our horizons and think outside the box to see what we can come up with for your reading entertainment. Remember, this column is for you so if you have topics of interest that you think others may also enjoy, please drop us a note and we’ll do everything we can to make it a memorable reading experience. One thing is for sure. It’s going to be fun.
Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
