EXPLORING NATURE: CHILE PEQUIN

First, let me start off with a poem:

Ode to Birds

Birds often help raise my spirits high,

When they sing and when they fly.

A single loon and its lonesome cry,

A line of geese honking by.

Some birds are showy, with feathers bright.

Others, like owls, come out at night.

Which of these do I most favor?

What lovely bird is the one I savor?

I’ll tell you true, be it large or small

I find it easy to love them all!

A meadowlark singing suits me fine,

A peacock’s tail is a favorite of mine.

Wrens or puffins, eagles or hawks

I love them all, with their coos and squawks.

I worry not about liking them,

I just hope they think, “I really like him.”

Finally, let me end with an offer I hope you find hard to refuse.

My chile pequin plant is loaded with tiny round peppers. Most are green but a few are turning bright red and are ready for harvest. It only takes one to light a fire in your mouth and I usually eat one mixed with other food to soften the impact.

Anyway, if you would like a single chile pequin, just send me a stamped, self-addressed envelope and I’ll send one back to you. Send to me at 750 Cypress Creek Lane, Wimberley, Texas 78676.

If I run out of peppers, I’ll send your envelope back with a postage stamp so you won’t be out a lot of money.