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Dec 12
Meet me under the mistletoe. Now don't get any ideas! Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years. I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures. As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that.
Recently, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.” Their reply was, “I don’t know.” After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe. Why? It was the “kissing thing” again! I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.
Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants? The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants. Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'. In fact, it is in the same vicinity where I mentioned the Black Vultures in a recent blog. During this time of the year, look for the evergreen plants hanging in the branches.
There are so many songs with lyrics about mistletoe. Some songs that mention mistletoe include: “Blame it on the Mistletoe,” “It Must Have Been The Mistletoe,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," just to name a few. Why even Justin Bieber has a song out about Mistletoe. I guess there are a lot of people out there that believe in mistletoe powers. Go figure!
I also came across this article and wanted to share it with you. It was written in 2005 but has a lot of interesting information about “Mistletoe.” I think you too will find it useful as you learn more about this mysterious, kissing plant. READ MORE
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Parks have some great holiday gift ideas for you and your family.
The colors here are close to peaking and some areas offer great color. 
The Capitol sure does look beautiful this time of the year. 
The views from Elkhorn Creek are splendid with vivid colors in some areas.
One word can sum up my trip to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge today. Spectacular! Of course, other describing words would be breathtaking, gorgeous, stunning, and amazing. It is the peak time to view fall colors in this part of Kentucky. Take a hiking trip, ride the skylift, or do the driving tour through the Red River Gorge. This may be the opportune time to view colors in Eastern Kentucky. I hope you and your family will be able to get out this weekend and enjoy the fall foliage. Safe travels.
My travels this week, thus far, have kept me close to Frankfort. On October 16, I spoke to the Frankfort United Methodist Women's Group about the importance of backyard birds, their vocal sounds, and ways to attract various species. They were very attentive to the program and many were surprised to see the correlation between music and bird vocalizations. Topics included bird vocalization and identification on owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds. I guess you could say that we had a "hoot" of a time. I walked away having fourteen new friends!