MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011: Purple Flowers, "Muscari", Look Like Grapes

Every delightful time these little cone-shaped, bright purple flowers, like the ones shown above and below, were spotted, they made me think of clusters of teeny tiny grapes.

Finding out their name was important since they were always so darned beautiful, I wanted to buy some for our yard.

Well, recently, while attending the Tulip Festival  in Albany, New York, I found out the flowers were called "Muscari."  Many of the stunning tulip displays included this enchanting flower!

It's no joke to say at the festival there were thousands upon thousands of the plants. There was a virtual sea of Muscari and they made a terrific treat for the eyes.

The Internet's Wikipedia noted that Muscari are actually in the grape hyacinth family.  Thankfully, they are perennials so that when found, bought, and planted  in our yard, they'll come back up every single year! Hooray!

The word "Muscari" is derived from the Latin word "muscus" and the scent of the flower resembles musk.

All photos shown in today's post were taken by this blogger at the Tulip Festival.  Feast your eyes on the immense beauty of Muscari, mixed with multi-colored tulips. Don't you agree that displays like these make a person grateful to be alive and be able to see?

HAVE YOU SEEN MUSCARI? 

P.S. Update on the devastating fire shown in Sunday's post. Today, driving by the house was eerie as it now looks like a blackened skeleton.  Workers are covering the doors with plywood.  Windows are gaping black holes.

The American Red Cross worked all day and evening Sunday to find places for the 45 homeless residents of apartments in the building to stay.  They lost all their possessions.

News reports have indicated the fire, which is still under investigation, may have started in the basement through electrical wiring, however, that has not been completely confirmed at this time.

A fire like that can happen to any one of us. It's imperative to never leave candles unattended or overhead room fans running when no one is home. Also, be careful with cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, if you smoke.