The Cannon Ball Tree

Sometimes we get so caught up with our daily stresses and responsibilities that we rarely take that much needed time out to smell the flowers and enjoy life.  Today my husband abducted me for a morning at the Botanical Gardens so we could do just that and let me just tell you, it was the most therapeutic thing I've done all year.  I urge all of you to take an hour out of your busy schedule to do something fun and/or relaxing because everything in life runs a little more smoothly after a good

"Time Out". 

Here are a few pictures from today's adventure....

This was the craziest tree I've ever seen.  It's called a Cannon Ball Tree for good reason.  There are several warnings about the possibility of being smacked on the head by one of these things.  Trees and plants rarely interest me but for some reason this one really captivated my attention.

 The entire tree is covered with vines of flowers and fruit.  It's quite the eye sore when it's not in full bloom but rather interesting when it is.  From what I understand it's indigenous to North Eastern South America and the Amazon Rain Forest.  NOTE:  I'm certainly not an botanist.  It's also said to be used for medicinal purposes in South America such as curing colds and stomach aches because of the antibiotic, antifungal and antiseptic it carries. 

I know you want to...but don't even go there...teehee.

All of the photos were taken by the husband and once again you can view his work at 

The Not So Great Hiking Blog.