Fireweed

Every time I come to visit my parents, I always have this mental check list..... a to do list, if you will. Things I need to see and do before I head "home" and another year passes between this visit and the next.

One of those "to do" items involves fireweed. 

I must find a big patch of fireweed and photograph a gypsy child in it.......

I have at least one photo each summer of one of my sweet babes playing in or standing next to or holding a hand picked bouquet of fireweed.

Fun Tidbit :: Alaskan legend tells us that when the fireweed blossoms turn to cotton (seed) winter is just six weeks away.

I am fortunate right now to be admiring these beauties in full bloom and enjoying Alaska's end of summer bounty. Which includes blueberries, huckleberries and salmonberries in addition to these very pretty blossoms!

And for the first time ever, I have decided this year to pick the blossoms to make fireweed jelly. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm usually more of a jam person....... but I think we'll have to give it a try. I've heard it's amazing on sourdough pancakes..... which of course are served everywhere in Alaska..... then again, I truly can't imagine much that isn't good on sourdough pancakes :) I've also heard you can infuse cream with the blossoms to make ice cream....... and you can get fireweed honey too..... (and now I realize I am getting totally distracted by yummy food!)

So, back to the flowers...... here are some photos.... mostly by me and one lovely one by Miss 10 as well.

Enjoy :-)

Fireweed ~ by Miss 10

lazy little bee

up close

THE photo 

I always miss this view when I am away....

my favorite one

Comments

[Elephant Lady]

Awh! Lovely! I also miss but than, again, I prefer wearing a pair of shorts compared to a coat.

[kyndale]

very beautiful and a fun tradition!

[Stacy]

No no no.. bad fireweed!!! Fireweed brings snow. Snow is baaad!!! IM so not lookin forward to winter this year. Beautiful pictures btw :) Im still hopin to be able to see ya when you stop in Anchorage on your way out. :)

[Stephinie]

I would LOVE to see you :-)