The rhododendrons are finished now

The rhododendrons bloom for the month of May at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. So the rhododendrons are finished now.

Image result for royal botanical gardens edinburgh rhododendrons

Still their popsicle colours--cherry and orange, blueberry and grape--quench my memory.

But even with the temporary passing of the rhododendron and the azalea--the king is dead; long live the king--there are other subjunctives from the Chinese highlands to excite the mind.

Blue and yellow poppies yet remain.

Blue poppies under redwood - Dawyck Botanic Garden http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/dawyck/seasons-highlights/summer-highlights

And heather even blooms in the Winter, when nothing else will grow.

Heather in Glen Derry, Aberdeenshire, in full bloom. Note the purple hill in the middle distance and the higher bare tops of the Cairngorms beyond - where the exposure means that even heather won't grow.

And never fear that even the neatest species will spread its wings and alight on your hand. I am speaking of the chaffinch and robin, who will eat the crumbs of scones out of your hand.

And Spring and Summer sun are such surprising guests that in behind a bush or hedge, you might find Scottish lassies sunning themselves in their underwear instead of having lunch.

Many hit parks to catch a tan during this weekâ€™s heatwave â€“ with some stripping down to their underwear.

Many social media users aired their views saying it was the best way to make the most of the British weather

Image result for sunbathing in underwear in britain

But careful not to gawk--nude beach rules apply. After all, what's wrong with merely taking advantage of a break in the weather to enjoy that rare thing, one fine day, or moments stolen from a season that is just as likely to give snow as sun.

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Animals and aliens

When you think of Orwell's Animal Farm , you get stuck on the idea of some being more equal than others. But world peace, galactic harmony, the celebration of diversity and the active practice of inclusion are all achieved in science fiction by casting minorities in the role of animals and aliens. Star Trek comes to mind in this regard, where even hippies were disposed of, Federation style, as sensitive dissenting aliens, not forgetting Spock with his pointy ears! And then there were Wookiees, still man's best friend. Viewing animals as humans--anthropomorphizing--or treating different races as aliens, all of this is shape shifting. This shape is my shade, there where I used to stand--that's Steely Dan.

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