Kip’s Comments - February 18, 2026
Random Observations
Knowing the weather is supposed to cool down to normal temps, I again went searching for an over-achieving wildflower. While I did not find blossoms, I did find leaves that I would expect may get frost-nipped in the next few days. The plant species was the “false rue anemone,” a wildflower that is one of the last to go dormant in autumn. In fact, I expected I would find false rue anemone and that was what happened - I found several in a small area exposed to the sun.
False Rue Anemone - Image 1064602
Not too far from the false rue anemone were many pear-shaped puffballs.
Pear-shaped Puffball - Image 1064605
Pear-shaped Puffball - Image 1064608
During my travels i also found healthy lichen on a cedar branch. I have not followed how lichen changes during the winter months, if it does. I will watch for it though.
Lichen on Cedar Branch - Image 1064565
As I have done before, I photographed a scene many others have also recorded. I don’t know whether I prefer color or monochrome for this composition.
Bridge Over Brinker Lake - Image 1064520
Bridge Over Brinker Lake - Image 1064520mono
Earlier in the day I recorded the demolition of the Bremer County VHF radio tower. See the video here:
