NuPon and our church visit

 

I snapped a photo of the tree in my backyard that popped up last summer. Weirdly, my phone has no clue what it is. It grows white flowers that eventually fall off, and it doesn't have any fruit. It might be some kind of nut tree. It just showed up next to our workshed. This area grows olive trees, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds. Looks like something the birds dropped from somewhere else. It is much bigger than last summer. 

Last week, I took a walk by the Sacramento River. 

This is one of many parks we have on the river. This is called Nu Pon. It means Salmon Run in the Winnemen Wintu language. 

The Winnemem Wintu (Middle River People) are a Native American band 

of the Wintu tribe originally from this area.

Standing on the bridge looking both ways. 

When it is the salmon run, you can look down into the clear waters and see them spawning. 

The riverlets meander off from the main river

and weaves in and out - creating habitat for wildlife and protective fish channels. The young salmon and other fish can safely grow before emerging into the big river. 

Isn't it incredible that this is located right in the heart of our town? 

Since the Wintu lived in this area, many plants were used for their medicines. The Mulleins have a long history of treating respiratory health, wound cleaning, and urinary tract infections.

I wouldn't know how to use it for medicine - but I don't think it's such a bad idea the way things are going in this country to learn. 

The flowers are pretty and dainty. 

A view of the big river - 

We've taken Laydee to this spot before to swim. 

I chose not to walk among these plants, so I attempted to get a not-so-good close-up. The beautiful trumpet flower, which is quite large, is known as a sacred thorn apple and belongs to the Nightshade family. Another name for it is the Devil's Trumpet. Due to its psychoactive alkaloids, it is often used as a hallucinogen. There are many patches of these plants growing beside the river.

This was a nice shady spot. 

Heading back. 

We'll be back. 

UPDATE

This morning, we went to the church I have been attending on Thursdays for Bible study and prayer. We were welcomed by all the ladies who already knew me, and that always makes a person feel wanted. We enjoyed the teaching and the worship.  Afterward, there was fellowship downstairs, and everyone was friendly. We are looking forward to going back next week!

It will soon be dinner - tonight it is vegetable lasagna and a spinach salad. 

Until next time,

Debby