According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, tumbleweed is a plant (either a Russian thistle or any of several types of amaranths) that will break away from its roots in the autumn and is then driven about by the wind as a light rolling mass.
I am oddly connected to the notion of tumbleweeds and have been since childhood. I consider myself to be a bit of a tumbleweed. When I drove out to Reno several years ago, I found my first tumbleweeds in Nebraska. I was so excited that I immediately called my mother and told her I had found tumbleweeds and even (gasp) ran one over. She was regretful to inform me that the rest of the world is not quite as fascinated with tumbleweeds as I am. In his song, “It Just Comes Natural,” George Strait sings about the tumbleweeds blowing. I always knew I liked him, even if I am not a country music fan.
Osage says he loves tumbleweeds, too... for him, this probably has something to do with having moved five times in seven years.
ReplyDeleteI just know that "roll and go" was safer than trying to brace against a fall while ski racing.