Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Xipe Totec

(43,872 posts)
Thu Jan 25, 2018, 11:37 PM Jan 2018

Surprise as I took my wife to work as a sub teacher in rural South Texas

In Donna, Texas, deep, deep, in the southern tip o' Texas, to substitute in a special-ed class.

On the last quarter mile before reaching the school, passing by the most majestic paddle cactus trees I have ever seen in my life (I'm not kidding, these cacti were easily 30 feet tall), I went by a modest subdivision right before reaching the school, and noticed the names of the streets:

Lunar, Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, Apollo...

I got a lump in my throat just reading the street signs.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

MLAA

(17,165 posts)
1. The space program certainly made me proud to be an American.
Thu Jan 25, 2018, 11:44 PM
Jan 2018

Can you think of any significant contribution we’ve made to mankind since then?

Xipe Totec

(43,872 posts)
2. MOSFET, Shuttle, TDRSS, Internet, Hubble, International Space Station, Cassini-Huygens
Thu Jan 25, 2018, 11:51 PM
Jan 2018

As depressed as we are with the current swine in the White House, let us not forget that the US has, until very recently, been a leader in the advancement of science and technology. I hope we will retake our place as a world leader soon.


https://www.nasa.gov/missions

Xipe Totec

(43,872 posts)
4. You know what I'm talking about
Thu Jan 25, 2018, 11:54 PM
Jan 2018

Who knew that paddle cactus could get to rival eucalyptus in height.

Judi Lynn

(160,218 posts)
7. Had to go find a photo of a paddle cactus tree, having never seen one, or even heard of them.
Fri Jan 26, 2018, 02:00 AM
Jan 2018


OMG. Unbelievable.

So glad to know these cactus trees exist. It's a shock to see them! Can't imagine seeing one in person, not to mention its being 30 feet tall.

You must be living in a magical environment. Enjoy it all the more, you are lucky.

(I see more of the "paddles" are simply growing right up, by themselves, through the soil. So damned mysterious! What's going on under that dirt?)

BigmanPigman

(51,432 posts)
9. We have those in San Diego too.
Fri Jan 26, 2018, 04:33 AM
Jan 2018

When I took my students on field trips to the historic part of town I learned some cool facts from the docents. The paddles have white, tiny bumps on them sometimes, especially after a bit of rain. They are actually some sort of fungus or tiny insect. If you scoop it off of the paddle (use a small stick) and press it between fingers it turns bright, deep red like beet juice. The women in the 1800s would smear it on their lips and cheeks as make up. My students loved this part of the trip but their parents were less than thrilled since the kids went home covered in the red stain/dye.

Xipe Totec

(43,872 posts)
10. Judging by the mesquite tree behind, that one is about 15 feet tall
Fri Jan 26, 2018, 08:09 AM
Jan 2018

Considerable, but still half the size of the monsters I saw a couple of days ago. I'll have to go back and take pictures.

NickB79

(19,114 posts)
11. My wife's family has a similar tree in their yard in Puerto Rico
Sun Jan 28, 2018, 10:48 AM
Jan 2018

They harvest and eat the pads periodically.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Science»Surprise as I took my wif...