Twilight Wishes, photo by suesue2.

I saw this photo and my first thought was to wish for “more time”.

That led me to remember “dandelion clocks” which in turn led me (as many idle wonderings do) over to Wikipedia, specifically the page on dandelions. The entry says that the globe of seed-containing achenes are called the “dandelion clock,” and blowing it apart is a popular activity for children worldwide (cool macro of the dandelion clock).

I also found this gorgeous dandelion illustration from Elizabeth Blackwell’s flora Herbarium Blackwellianum… published in 1757.

An astute observer might well point out that were I not so prone to wondering and then wandering and then writing it all down, I might have more of that time I’m wishing for.

In my defense, I also found a link to dandelion folklore which quotes Alexander Chamberlain as saying “the dandelion is called the rustic oracle; its flowers always open about 5 A.M. and shut at 8 P.M., serving the shepherd for a clock.” I also learned:

“The dandelion is an excellent barometer, one of the commonest and most reliable. It is when the blooms have seeded and are in the fluffy, feathery condition that its weather prophet facilities come to the fore. In fine weather the ball extends to the full, but when rain approaches, it shuts like an umbrella. If the weather is inclined to be showery it keeps shut all the time, only opening when the danger from the wet is past.”
-Source: “Camping For Boys,” by H.W. Gibson

So there you go.