Prickly But Pretty

@Stunner: Thanks ,Stunner!

@ManuelaR: Manuela, I'm sticking with my warm-weather archives for the most part. Last week we had an ice storm that took down many trees and branches. For two nights and three days the ice built up and it sounded like cannon shots and gunfire constantly from the surrounding woods. Huge trees fell, and I had a real mess in my yard because I probably have up to 400 trees located nearby. So I've been cutting wood for three days now... I could post plenty of photos of ice and destruction but will stay with the flowers. Glad it brightened your day.

@Elle: Thanks, Elle - it's a delightful experience to find these blooms in the forest or prairie.

@MaryB: Mary, it makes me feel especially blessed that these are wildflowers -- they are out there for anyone who wants to see them. (Sadly, most folks aren't as lucky as me to have the time or inclination.)