I Simply Remember These Favorite Things with Dr. A August 2024

Aug 19

A Plant - Voodoo lily, Amorphophallus ‘Konjac’

I include this cartoon-like plant in this rather restrained list of plants we have generated over the last many months. I say cartoon because when people see the plant in flower, they either laugh, gasp, or turn a few shades of crimson—all the while holding their noses. It is a large bulb whose jack-in-the-pulpit-like flower is said to be quite vulgar and rather foul. It has many names, and perhaps the name that best describes the foul odor is carrion lily, i.e., the smell of a dead carcass.

However, there is no visitor to the garden who does not comment on its in-your-face appearance - and really, the smell is only bad if the breeze is wafting your way. That it attracts every fly in the county is simply a bonus. And lastly, when the flower falls apart a few weeks later, the resulting foliage is truly ornamental.

What’s not to like?

A Garden - Palermo Botanical Garden, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Those who are fortunate enough to travel always seem to travel to Italy. Food, fashion, and wine are a few of the reasons to jump on a plane, but beauty and, yes, wonderful gardens took us there. Sicily has all of the above, including the wonderful Palermo Botanical Garden. Started in 1779 as part of medicinal studies, the garden rests on 30 acres and is managed by the Department of Botany of the University of Palermo.

The entrance to the garden is about as old-world as you could get, and within its walls were spectacular sculptures, walkways, and, of course, fabulous mature trees and handsome herbaceous plants. I felt lucky to actually recognize a few plants, like the incredible foxtail lilies, but then quickly became a student again, as I discovered the beautiful silk floss tree, Chorisia, (photo above).

The figs were enormous, the bamboo colossal, and the Agaves sharp, and simply walking around such a historic garden is a treat.

Visit the Garden Here

A Book -Remarkably Bright Creatures

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

Fiction. I tried to describe this book to a friend, and all he could say was, “You want me to read a story about a friendship between an octopus and a cleaning lady in an aquarium – really?”

It is difficult to describe the relationship between Nora, whose husband passed away and whose son, Eric, mysteriously disappeared more than 30 years ago, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living in the aquarium. There is a great deal more to this novel than a simple interaction between two interesting creatures, each of whom saves the other in their own way.

I am not able to express how much I enjoyed this book, but “The Octopus Book” stole the hearts of millions and became a huge best seller since its publication in 2022.

A Show/Movie- Extraordinary Attorney Woo

I debated for some time about recommending this streaming show. On the one hand, it is creative, clever, and has wonderful storylines, but it is also often confusing and too loud.

South Korean attorney Woo Young-woo is autistic. Her brilliance is never in question, but her methods and manner of speaking are seen as odd, awkward, and blunt. However, with each case, her intelligence and compassion earn her recognition and appreciation from her family and clients. Her approach to complex legal issues is often unique and helps resolve cases in unexpected ways.

The show takes place in Seoul, and the dialogue requires English subtitles. We stopped watching for a while as much of the dialogue was scratchy and loud, but we are back. Since it aired in 2022, it has been very highly rated.

A Place - Culloden, the Highlands of Scotland

I have a love and appreciation of history. And it seems that wherever I travel outside of North America, history is palpable. If your bucket list is not yet overflowing, be sure to toss in the Highlands of Scotland. When you get there, you can experience history come alive at the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Center Museum.

The Battle of Culloden took place on April 16, 1746, and essentially ended the clan system of the Highlanders. The Highland army, usually referred to as the Jacobites, mainly consisted of the Highland clans loyal to Prince Charles Stuart, who wished to claim the British throne for the House of Stuart. The Scottish army was brutally quashed by English forces led by William, Duke of Cumberland, thus ending the Jacobite rising.

Even if history is not your thing, the museum at Culloden is very well done. It shows the positions and strategies of both sides in a moving time frame. Just outside the museum, the battlefield itself allows for reflection on a small part of history in one of the most interesting and rugged parts of the world.