All in Vane?

Many of the weather vanes in EG have horses on them, probably because this is horse country. But it could also be because the horse is a symbol of strength, devotion and loyalty, stamina and power, wisdom, and freedom.

The arrow always points into the wind and tells the direction that the wind is coming from. The wind on this day was coming from the west. But wait! What does that really mean?

Well, according to the old joke,
If it’s dry, the weather is clear.
If it’s wet, it’s raining.
If it’s white, it’s snowing
And if it’s gone? It’s a tornado.

Crimson King

The foliage emerging from this Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is a lovely red, gracefully encouraging you look up at the clear blue sky. ;-)

Norway maples (synonym European maple) are native to eastern and central Europe and southwest Asia. In 1792 in Philadelphia, Norway maples were introduced to North America as a street tree where, then and now, they fair very well. The drawback is their wind-born seeds spread prolifically, establishing themselves in open woodlands and fields, often out-competing native sugar maple and beech trees.

In spite of this, many building contractors still plant them on roads in new housing developments because their leaves are an attractive dark red all summer long, a striking contrast to green-leafed trees. And I must admit they are pretty. But some Ontario towns are looking for trees that are not invasive. I'm not sure about EG's stand on this issue. These are growing on a street with homes built twelve or so years ago. EG is more aware of the environment now than they were back then.

To see more Sky Watch photos, check out Wigger’s Word by clicking HERE.