Catkin time

The worst thing about spring in Texas, other than the second raking to get up all the live oak leaves that didn’t fall in the fall, is when the trees tassel. The tassels are really pollinating catkins, long dangles which appear before the new leaves do. Then they turn brown and fall in such numbers that they clog the pool and stain the white concrete deck around it brown, and generally make a huge mess. It seems to be almost over, where it counts, above the pool and the deck. So it’s almost time to get out the power washer and try to restore the pool company brochure look to the area.