.... exactly, NOT another dandelion clock. This is the clock from a plant called a yellow salsify, which looks like a very tall, rather anorexic dandelion. It has some great regional names too - goat's beard, noon flower and, my personal favourite jack-go-to-bed-at-noon. This name comes from the fact that the flower opens up in bright sunlight but always closes by noon.
The name 'goat's beard' reminds me that the goats broke into our garden this afternoon and by the time I found them they had eaten all or most of our blackcurrants, white currants, raspberries and gooseberries. Little devils!
Had an appointment with the neurosurgeon today. There seems to be a slight improvement in my neck and arm pain and a marked increase in the strength in my right hand, so I am going to try a few weeks of physio to see if that makes any difference and if so I might not have to have surgery - fingers crossed.
Those wretched goats! I would feel like brandishing a rifle in their faces! You can see the design in this seed head which is not like the dandelion! Love that design and the names!
Love your focus in this Jan, and the fact that you gave it its correct name and all those other names--I think my favourite one is the same as yours! I'm so sorry you are having trouble with your neck, arm and right hand, and I hope the physio helps. I had physio (just stopped recently) after breaking my ankle just after Christmas , and it did a lot for me. What a shame about what the goats did, and how wonderful that you have rescued animals--I'm sure they are a lot of work, but I bet it feels good to have helped them.
@judithg I must admit I have been wondering what they are, so I looked it up when I took this pic - 365 makes you do that doesn't it? Oh yes, I am on anti-inflammatories, something for nerve pain with the occasional co-codamol thrown in for fun. If I move too fast I rattle.
