Frost Flowers

The other night when the temperature dipped into the teens we knew what we would see in the morning.  My hip is still in the mending stage but Andy took my camera and went in search of frost flowers.  He knows just where to look.  Down in the southeast of our property there is a pretty good patch of frost weed.  These plants soak up water and hold it in their stems.  When freezing weather comes at night, the water freezes and bursts the stems.  The ice comes out in ribbons and curls.  Sometimes the stems retain some water and we have a repeat from the same plant.

It is such a treat to look out over the field and see the white frosty flowers at the base of the plants.  They glisten in the sun.  When you move closer in you see such a myriad of shapes and sizes.  They are just marvelous.  I like to break off a piece of ice and look through it, seeing the bands of frozen water.  I know most people who live here have seen these flowers of ice.  Most call it rabbit butter...or a form there of which is not spoken in polite company.  I can see the smirks on faces from here..I know who you are!

Regardless of what you call them, they are one of those Ozark surprises that we all wait to see on a winter day.  Gleaming there in the grass, spread out like a million sparkling diamonds.  Just one of those marvels you see when you live in the country.  Hope you can get out and see some one of these frosty mornings.  Shiver and enjoy.  Because they don't last forever.  A treat to see...and remember.

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