tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70808953422124726342024-03-12T18:04:22.434-05:00From All DirectionsA little bit of something from all directions of my life.Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-2003852525427852162022-10-04T10:48:00.000-05:002022-10-04T10:50:24.014-05:00<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Here We Are Again</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Since my last post - feels like a million years ago - I've had a few interesting span comments appear. It's now 2022 and hopefully, COVID and all that entails is truly in our review mirror. Surely those in power have learned a few good lessons on handling a worldwide crisis and will make better decisions in the future - I don't see everyone truly locking down again as we did in 2020. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So onward we go. I'm again attempting to post/update this blog with similar content as in the past, but with some new things as well (it is titled From All Directions after all). I've considered Vlogging, but don't think that is for me (right now) - I follow several vloggers who are great (editing, filming etc all wonderful), and I follow several who really need a bit more - well more (better editing, steadier filming, posting content just to post something - may not be the best idea). </p><p style="text-align: left;">Unrelated - it's October! While not really autumnal weather in my area, our nights are cooling down, and the shift of the earth on its axis is noticeable when the sun is high, just not the same high as summer. This month's celebration is Halloween and that means FreeForm airs spooky movies every day! Around here we like spooky not frightening - although the OG Halloween movie is still the BEST!</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you made it through all of the above - thank you. Stay tuned for more (and better/informative) posts in the near future. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MbIBm8EbgG1Wtmr6hMYy_sLPzTxlOsxOeschBp3L014JKCzTwi2lLDm8n2g7e8SjXs4MA6krZHt8_-HT9LFyJvemQmY_B4SOthKMBjUgnmPHzD9yyu0Wkr0XLPgeYe53jy-O1OP_fpAyWb5fmlCjDWZVW6vQCxNVonKo8Baa5C2Bhg9wy4YY7AmY0A/s4032/20201115_144632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MbIBm8EbgG1Wtmr6hMYy_sLPzTxlOsxOeschBp3L014JKCzTwi2lLDm8n2g7e8SjXs4MA6krZHt8_-HT9LFyJvemQmY_B4SOthKMBjUgnmPHzD9yyu0Wkr0XLPgeYe53jy-O1OP_fpAyWb5fmlCjDWZVW6vQCxNVonKo8Baa5C2Bhg9wy4YY7AmY0A/w311-h415/20201115_144632.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headstone from a 2020 road trip exploring our county</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-70921316743129407952020-01-02T09:11:00.000-06:002020-01-02T09:11:20.640-06:00Checking InI haven't visited this blog in quite a while (2 years - ouch), but looking back it appears this is my usual pattern...start strong in the new year (every 2 years) then life gets in the way. This time I'm making no promises about sticking with it, but hopefully you'll see me posting a bit more often. Honestly I thought blogs were no longer in style, but it seems some are making a comeback. Hope everyone had a safe new years and is looking forward to the new year and new decade.<br />
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Looking for an image to post - realized I'm behind in picture editing as well - so neglecting everything (except my kids -- that's where all my time and energy has been). Image from 2019 trip to Louisiana. I'm ready for the next road trip.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFekvGj5dTZx4hUaQmPvqUg0OZ0GJ_AnO7LTv8PpUZbRxs1EQ7EG5JGEctfk5ZIW_UD7GBxnJY4WjPix_bpi6Qx6R7eZ9Tb3PPLBLl0YxK0haA1qhI6e0_orLH_IvKd2pDyIY2QyCl4lZj/s1600/DSC_5554f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFekvGj5dTZx4hUaQmPvqUg0OZ0GJ_AnO7LTv8PpUZbRxs1EQ7EG5JGEctfk5ZIW_UD7GBxnJY4WjPix_bpi6Qx6R7eZ9Tb3PPLBLl0YxK0haA1qhI6e0_orLH_IvKd2pDyIY2QyCl4lZj/s320/DSC_5554f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avery Island 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-85711239711585704952018-01-30T08:20:00.002-06:002018-01-30T08:20:54.569-06:00It's Been a While<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Yowza -- didn't realize how long it has been since I've visited or
posted on this blog. It isn't highly read, but still helped me keep a
routine of regular writing. I've read about a few original bloggers
(those who started in the early days) are returning to blogging after tapering
off in recent years, so I though I'd give it another go as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So to catch you up on my activities:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">reading - Outlander series (979 pages/book
= massive undertaking), and others on my growing to-read pile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">writing - some poetry (I'll share later)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">photograph - yes, some<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">research -- all things Texas and
especially my county. I have some ideas for projects, but collecting
information (I like research) at this time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Not enjoying this continued extreme cold
weather and the threat of deadly flu at every corner. We've been lucky so
far and I've been reminding everyone, including myself, basics such as washing
hands, eating correct, getting enough sleep. I'm ready for spring. The
yard is so soggy from all the rain I haven't been able to venture to the big
yard and check for signs of spring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Where I have been:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">twitter -- I've been more active recently
- it's quick and nearly effortless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">instagram -- trying to post more, but
sometimes I feel like I'm posting the same thing over and over. I have
been in the day-to-day routine (rut) for months and it's just not exciting to
post those things (not exciting to me).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">One quick picture of a possible project --
in very early stages - a very unique cemetery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb78pmB5Roq_acqYtpI44cexbFDfgMgL3IuxSfx-c2sHw1FqhJIFn0kbCAi5koNDE9S6bGMFDibIjZ0tawsNVw1_0dGwENpM-y0l67uaeu-wfuI5tXAjmjyfNnah3vraBet40PYmuOZFnj/s1600/DSC_6683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb78pmB5Roq_acqYtpI44cexbFDfgMgL3IuxSfx-c2sHw1FqhJIFn0kbCAi5koNDE9S6bGMFDibIjZ0tawsNVw1_0dGwENpM-y0l67uaeu-wfuI5tXAjmjyfNnah3vraBet40PYmuOZFnj/s400/DSC_6683.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox Hound Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-1112644735346150722016-03-29T11:47:00.000-05:002016-04-07T05:06:16.633-05:00Texas Wildflowers - Blue Eyed Grass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe-1PmkFPRlrnDOg5inJP3Mjb1vMgxHx0y-by3nRyrVImNzUSJyuTtMaKPWRsh9C5gH-8ZBXcVqIi8NKSyfZ71OTlLGg6X_0S3Dgg7DlZ8WghErkDcN0wo0kyBY9fPK_dO8vIUJQXHnsY/s1600/DSC_1642fcweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe-1PmkFPRlrnDOg5inJP3Mjb1vMgxHx0y-by3nRyrVImNzUSJyuTtMaKPWRsh9C5gH-8ZBXcVqIi8NKSyfZ71OTlLGg6X_0S3Dgg7DlZ8WghErkDcN0wo0kyBY9fPK_dO8vIUJQXHnsY/s400/DSC_1642fcweb.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blue Eyed Grass -- actually not a grass, but this clumping wildflower plant can be found hidden among grasses. Rising to around 12 inches high, this small (but true blue) flower can still make an impact on a landscape - filling pastures, prairies and roadsides with a sheet of blue on a sunny day. Found mostly in southern states of the US and most regions of Texas, this wildflower can be an ornamental addition to cultivated gardens as well. Growing from bulbs, blue eyed grass is in the iris family; reseeding each year (can also be planted from purchased seed).<br />
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The flower may be modest, but bees and butterflies are drawn to it and especially birds when flowers give way to seeds (one source includes wild turkeys and prairie chickens).<br />
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As for medicinal uses - sources says the Native Americans used the roots for various intestinal ailments (stomach aches, diarrhea, etc). Another source stated parts were used for fevers, but also mentioned the possibility of the plant being poisonous. <br />
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To preserve by pressing - collect the fully open flowers after the morning dew has dried and before they have closed up for the day. They don't fully open on cloudy days.<br />
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Photographing -- since they are small and delicate, any breeze will cause movement, and growing low to the ground you'll definitely be on your knees or crouch position to capture this one. Following are a few suggested angles/shots to get you started:<br />
- overhead, to include the yellow inside the flower<br />
- wider shot if shooting a large area for the effect of solid blue<br />
-from the side for closed buds or seeds/fruit<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob7b8oiLFvHdrRdDnMQrzWPjcKKtrvTG_QMJ3W1D9dORJ24qJWL2aRyg1rdzzUPAO23EST1rQUN4abK0KMkGlNwblR5VsltN2o2gKpTRR0LRv-Eci1VkrUnqNhejgbHvgIegK096OVPoz/s1600/DSC_1701fcweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob7b8oiLFvHdrRdDnMQrzWPjcKKtrvTG_QMJ3W1D9dORJ24qJWL2aRyg1rdzzUPAO23EST1rQUN4abK0KMkGlNwblR5VsltN2o2gKpTRR0LRv-Eci1VkrUnqNhejgbHvgIegK096OVPoz/s400/DSC_1701fcweb.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Eyed Grass in various stages - cloudy morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I used a 105mm macro lens (Nikon), handheld (dodging playing dogs) for these images. The first image is only slightly cropped, the second image is cropped a bit more. Images resized for uploading/web, so are not full resolution.<br />
<br />
Sources I used for this blog post include:<br />
<a href="http://commonsensehome.com/blue-eyed-grass/">Common Sense Homesteader</a><br />
<a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2492/#b">Dave's Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://nativeplants.evergreen.ca/search/view-plant.php?ID=00642">Native Plants</a><br />
Wildflowers of Texas by Geyata Ajilvsgi (my go-to book for wildflower identification)<br />
Images are my own - copyrighted<br />
Are you discovering the small showy flower near you? For my backyard it is a sure sign of spring.<br />
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-50406052643256576742016-03-21T11:44:00.001-05:002016-03-21T16:26:33.886-05:00Texas Wildflowers - False Garlic<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdiliw_NWyaAJvPqnjSJKO4sy4kcyqBzr2ccaXKLN7ZzGDkf3NKLTPWb_o6RV3Jnh-maY13yiebe2B4zt_BFACa9DOlHGyYRsiXJTCfuaj8-cRd9oVu6jEftP0BexxGs5tFzsw6jU6_Qv/s1600/DSC_1649c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdiliw_NWyaAJvPqnjSJKO4sy4kcyqBzr2ccaXKLN7ZzGDkf3NKLTPWb_o6RV3Jnh-maY13yiebe2B4zt_BFACa9DOlHGyYRsiXJTCfuaj8-cRd9oVu6jEftP0BexxGs5tFzsw6jU6_Qv/s400/DSC_1649c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">False Garlic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">False Garlic (</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">n</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">othoscordum bivalve) is sprouting up everywhere in Texas right now. Growing from a bulb, and flowering in clumps, it rises above the bermuda grass found in most lawns. Although false garlic is also known as crow poison - everyone assumes the wildflower to be poisonous. However, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower experts - there is "no </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">creditable references ... saying that </span><a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=nobi2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><em>Nothoscordum bivalve</em> (Crow poison)</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> is poisonous." This doesn't mean you should volunteer to test that theory -- it could be toxic or at least make you sick. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The<i> </i><i><a href="http://ozarkedgewildflowers.com/spring-wildflowers/false-garlic-nothoscordum-bivalve/">Ozark Wildflowers</a></i></span><a href="http://ozarkedgewildflowers.com/spring-wildflowers/false-garlic-nothoscordum-bivalve/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"> </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">website</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i>states that<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> "</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cherokee legend tells that they would use this plant to make a poison that would kill the crows eating their corn.</span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">" </em><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, further research using the all-knowing internet, I could not confirm the legend and one site (<a href="http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TheBirdTribes-Cherokee.html">Native American Legends, Bird Tribes</a>) stated that although crows could be found in many Native American beliefs, legends, etc. - they weren't included in the Cherokee mythology. So, maybe they weren't revered as in other Native cultures - leading to the belief that they would possibly want to poison them? Don't know - good questions - and the common name had to originate from somewhere. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; line-height: 22px;">False Garlic isn't listed in Delena Tull's Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest guide either - so for myself, I'm going to assume this wildflower's purpose is for our viewing pleasure, add color to the sea of grasses, photography, and wildlife (attracts bees and butterflies).</span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; line-height: 22px;"> If you're in to pressing flowers, its best to gather these at mid-day. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"> If anyone happens to know additional information on this wildflower - I'd love to hear about it! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(I apologize for the text background color -- technical difficulties -- it happens.)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Native Plant Society of Texas recommends that no flower be picked from a colony of fewer than 100 plants and as a reminder - never dig or remove a wildflower from TxDOT rights of way or private property without permission.</span></span>Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-80088056243345474082016-02-29T05:30:00.000-06:002016-02-29T05:30:06.097-06:00Book Review - The Black Eyed Susans are Dying Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_nrCZ1-IU8KoiQ_6IXLJsCzAZnHnhiDScQpJhRT4vcYGQc3InwHOYThKZg9_Y-pOBWM29ccoHfYsBSJ-HQlRgc_5enbsZsSMbOjwZzhNNrs49Z66E6bImw4P9MPooo0a5ai3Nsj-pK85/s1600/Black+Eyed+Susans+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_nrCZ1-IU8KoiQ_6IXLJsCzAZnHnhiDScQpJhRT4vcYGQc3InwHOYThKZg9_Y-pOBWM29ccoHfYsBSJ-HQlRgc_5enbsZsSMbOjwZzhNNrs49Z66E6bImw4P9MPooo0a5ai3Nsj-pK85/s400/Black+Eyed+Susans+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The Black Eyed Susans are Dying Now, </i>by David Feist is a short non-fiction diary type book. I ran across this title while doing research on the black-eyed susan flower and really didn't know what to expect. This short book is from <i>The Prairie Naturalist Notes</i> of the same author. Didn't really have what I was looking for concerning black-eyed susans and was more observations of the birds, wildflowers during one summer, early fall on his Minnesota acreage. But what I did find interesting, after more research into this book and author - this is a self-published book - not obvious at first. The author has written many shorts for local schools to educate young children about their state. So with that knowledge/view - this book could be used in lesson plans in a school setting - providing a starting place for further research into various birds, flowers, seasons, etc, without getting caught up in a story of his property. For now, I'll keep it on my shelf.Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-22600309402469823122016-02-22T10:18:00.000-06:002016-02-22T10:18:03.969-06:00Book Review - The Raft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqg5qnVebSPuzbDhtytP47-tyPrk5_3rvZVEBzU2vxn5SKtlr7cOkbLm-63Llcvvb1dJIhhIO6-FrW1bfdNoRm3pXToJFSM8dXVto_HsH10Qz5LLdIpUwyOQk-SkB5t-cwyT-jjvKzBoI/s1600/the+raft+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqg5qnVebSPuzbDhtytP47-tyPrk5_3rvZVEBzU2vxn5SKtlr7cOkbLm-63Llcvvb1dJIhhIO6-FrW1bfdNoRm3pXToJFSM8dXVto_HsH10Qz5LLdIpUwyOQk-SkB5t-cwyT-jjvKzBoI/s400/the+raft+book+cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Raft, a young adult book by S.A. Bodeen. I wasn't familiar with this author beforehand, but it was a quick, easy read - no stumbling on sentences, grammar etc. Obviously from the tag line "No one knew she as on the plane when it crashed. No one knows to come find her." - you get a good idea of the storyline. The story is of her experiences before, during, and after the crash. It's kind of a freaky, but believable story, and one that you'll think about after you finish it - mainly what the main character (Robie) goes through. If I said much more it would give away too much. The book has references to a few other currently popular novels (Hunger Games, etc). Probably frightening for kids (and many adults), but can lead to great discussions on survival, trauma, PTSD, and how your brain can work to help you mentally survive particularly stressful, life/death situations. My suggestion - read this before your child does, so you'll be ready to answer the questions they will have while reading.<br />
<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-70780502889941776602016-02-16T10:22:00.000-06:002016-02-22T09:54:18.307-06:00Book Review - A Weekend in September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYsIx3LTblYGUv6cS1hzbNaqUAylC7eQAhN01_xWgPDFonMeV2zRchjpCuXGmWOySSn8m3mpIgAu_P7ULhBsCl5tYFwqGfHU7g97o0_k8C8QPZUGI9LzE_tLc2ZYbivw8O7QpXp_GRiIo/s1600/a+weekend+in+sept+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYsIx3LTblYGUv6cS1hzbNaqUAylC7eQAhN01_xWgPDFonMeV2zRchjpCuXGmWOySSn8m3mpIgAu_P7ULhBsCl5tYFwqGfHU7g97o0_k8C8QPZUGI9LzE_tLc2ZYbivw8O7QpXp_GRiIo/s400/a+weekend+in+sept+cover.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Those who enjoy reading about U.S. tropical systems, especially the 1900 Galveston Storm, should enjoy this book as well. Writing/Researching his book in 1957, author John Edward Weems was able to get first hand accounts from survivors - and not just the prominent citizens (although they are included), but more of the middle class working Galvestonians.<br />
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One ugly truth about disasters that isn't often shown or discussed is the deaths of animals - pets, livestock, etc. This book does touch on a few of those fatalities, but also includes several animal survivor stories. A quick rundown - just because I like happy endings for animals: </div>
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A horse (owner not named) galloping down Sealy street, ran through the Fred Langben neighbor's open gate, the open front door, and up a flight of stairs. He weathered the storm on the 2nd story living off the moss inside the mattresses. A couple of days after the storm, Langben and his servant removed the horse from the house (he didn't go willingly). </div>
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Sydney Love remembers taking refuge in Saint Mary's University and seeing a cow on the second floor. At the writing of this book he still didn't know how or why the cow was there, but he and a few others were "...lucky enough to have fresh milk for breakfast." (p70)</div>
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Although the McNeills were out of town, their servants were doing their best to save the thoroughbred horses - building a ramp and leading the horses into a first floor room to wait out the storm. A charcoal brazier was placed on the floor to warm the horses up (the brazier left a mark on the floor that stayed for nearly 50 years). </div>
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Kempner's coachman went to release the horses from the stable and after the worst of was over, the coachman and horses were "...found safe on the porch of a nearby house." (p127)</div>
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Henry Ketchum discovered a cow had taken refuge in his first floor parlor as well as mules, horses and cows were up on the gallery (porch). </div>
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Others made grand efforts to save their animals, but the author doesn't mention their fate.</div>
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Ephraim Moore's family kept chickens in their backyard and when the water started rising, they took "...about 100 frightened chickens, one by one, from roosts... to the safety of a second-floor bedroom." (p76). That chore completed - their son asked about the dog -- the solution "Put him in with the chickens!" </div>
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Still, many others perished along with their owners that night. </div>
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Ed Ketchum's stables were only able to provide shelter to 25 or 30 horses and mules out of the hundreds he supposedly owned. </div>
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When Daisy Thorne left the island a few days later as Mrs. Gilbert, she took with her one remaining cat that had survived the storm on top of the wardrobe along with 22 people inside her bedroom.</div>
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This was a quick read, mentions several of the notable stories that have been retold, and pictures from Galveston. I do wish the author would have included pictures of the survivors (although I'm not sure any exist) and a detailed map of where certain residences were in relation to others (several pages would be fine with me). </div>
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It was nice to read the stories of ordinary people, many took in neighbors and strangers - anything to save lives. After the storm many women cooked on any heat source they could while the men had the unbearable task of cleaning up. The book also includes a timeline of how quickly services were reestablished on the Island - I was surprised that electricity was back as quickly as it was (maybe a week or less). After hurricane Ike it took 2 weeks for our neighborhood to get back on the grid (and that was 2008). <br />
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UPDATE: Looking back through the book I did find a map of Galveston that included the family residences of those in the book, overlaid by dark of areas that were totally devastated in the 1900 storm. Other pictures and maps were in the center of the book.</div>
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-53898897420895955202016-02-01T09:57:00.000-06:002016-02-01T09:57:03.813-06:00Texas Winter 2016Seems like every year about this time I post about (rant about actually) winter in Texas. Don't get me wrong - I'm really thankful to not deal with constant freezing temps and several feet of snow, but many parts of this great state deal with heavy fog, dew that soaks through everything and mud -- lots and lots of slippery mud. Enjoy a few scenes from my very wet, muddy backyard this week (besides don't pictures of happy dogs always make things better?).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The black lab never minds the winter - she has energy to burn. She looks kind of fierce in this image - running at almost full speed - no paws on the ground.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxH-6DDCauoQGw5-wHrpwA5vykqLMiTJc0Q2cmXJtd-ZifuGSJ6ftSGMWGxarCANZlstHK1Vt-AL4L-_hJqAvgvGmEB9bwoQ7ILwaRldIRC1Xv0lqSwvJsrTx-hJaYtRXgpfBhQ0kp8qs/s1600/DSC_1346fweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxH-6DDCauoQGw5-wHrpwA5vykqLMiTJc0Q2cmXJtd-ZifuGSJ6ftSGMWGxarCANZlstHK1Vt-AL4L-_hJqAvgvGmEB9bwoQ7ILwaRldIRC1Xv0lqSwvJsrTx-hJaYtRXgpfBhQ0kp8qs/s400/DSC_1346fweb.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dog running paths are now mud paths -- those cute little feet always bringing the outdoors inside - mud, dirt, wet... life with pets.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAU2Q3L5f2nlNHEzPxsoJe5R10NoeHfF6qQRHgdBYqRWAOz5xfvGkaWMy5HNpGmcKgJxHhA2wSdZm0yk8S3a9QdUzjHxJ1BfxKmchAODcYYxFAZonpNBFHwVrlIuHKgvG38yarIh7-vO0/s1600/DSC_1342fweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAU2Q3L5f2nlNHEzPxsoJe5R10NoeHfF6qQRHgdBYqRWAOz5xfvGkaWMy5HNpGmcKgJxHhA2wSdZm0yk8S3a9QdUzjHxJ1BfxKmchAODcYYxFAZonpNBFHwVrlIuHKgvG38yarIh7-vO0/s400/DSC_1342fweb.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bright spot (literally) among all the winter browns and grays -- the first wildflower/weed -- spring will come (as it always does), just not soon enough. </td></tr>
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-70776605586298538022016-01-19T10:52:00.003-06:002016-01-19T10:52:54.335-06:00KonMari --- At My PaceLike a lot of people I've enjoyed reading through Maire Kondo's books on tidying up, however I'm not ready to jump in at 100 mph and toss half of my possessions (although I'm sure I wouldn't miss some of the things I'd toss). I've also read comments where people who thoroughly took the plunge later regretted thanking some of their possessions then passing them onto another life. So I'm approaching it at my own pace. <br />
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Today's task -- those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags! At our house we really try our best to repurpose them and one way involves cleaning the cat litter box (such a fun job). With three cats, we clean/scoop the litter box everyday and sometimes twice a day, and those clumps have to make it from the box to the outside trash somehow. In the past, those plastic bags were wadded up and stuffed into a wicker basket - at least it was a decorative box. But today I decided to follow the KonMari folding method for those bags to make that area look better and make it a happier place (for me and those darn bags). I found a small plastic box (I think it held index cards in a previous life) and as my morning tea was steeping, folded enough bags to fit snugly in the box. I cleaned the shelf and placed the newly repurposed container and happy folded bags in their place and it really did make me feel better just knowing I could easily access a bag without dragging the entire wadded mess out. Also, going through the bags to fold I was able to use those that didn't have holes in the bottom (holes in bottom to hold cat litter = not a good choice). <br />
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I may be slow to fully implement her ideas and may not go as far with it as many others have, but I've done something productive, useful, and improved that one small area in the house and it will definitely make that chore go more smoothly in the future - definitely an accomplishment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YbQQPKvucSaLGBmWf9YOpfYgICAY5CB1s96YGoYT86YTlpqjVGXadQa8Qz3N0kJWdgmYieAtaoESQKsJMGPRRAwS5aaGRb67OiekUI8bPCDSZ0WCNSTWJHTRfPZfgh08rO4wpI1KeJfS/s1600/DSC_1213fweb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YbQQPKvucSaLGBmWf9YOpfYgICAY5CB1s96YGoYT86YTlpqjVGXadQa8Qz3N0kJWdgmYieAtaoESQKsJMGPRRAwS5aaGRb67OiekUI8bPCDSZ0WCNSTWJHTRfPZfgh08rO4wpI1KeJfS/s400/DSC_1213fweb.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the time it took for my tea to steep, I was able to turn wads of bags into a neatly folded, contained stack of bags - ready to be used.</td></tr>
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-69915970770603380012015-06-29T10:56:00.000-05:002015-06-29T10:56:17.979-05:00Tourist-y SummerWe've enjoyed playing tourist this summer; taking nearby day trips instead of longer trips (drive time and duration). Our most recent excursion was on Galveston Island - ghost tours by Dash Beardsley. We were surprised at how much we enjoyed this walking tour of The Strand area. It wasn't a ghost hunting tour, but more of the history around several buildings including people who have died there, later seen by residents and visitors hanging around The Strand. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYwA9j2d3DtPaLBuSTCye_SSCiFCS1Ba7fN6gGShLNCaaadUCh-1ScFhUsru_BlFcLOaHrr5ao7VdT7hDh_zdq-T53Wp7QhhBOVq2tYUDCx3DDCmzVana_MBOIzGNsHCt0_51dQ-OPq2d/s1600/DSC_7085web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYwA9j2d3DtPaLBuSTCye_SSCiFCS1Ba7fN6gGShLNCaaadUCh-1ScFhUsru_BlFcLOaHrr5ao7VdT7hDh_zdq-T53Wp7QhhBOVq2tYUDCx3DDCmzVana_MBOIzGNsHCt0_51dQ-OPq2d/s400/DSC_7085web.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dash Beardsley - Ghost Tour Guide/Hunter</td></tr>
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Dash Beardsley - 6'4", dressed in all black, 2 rings on every finger, wore sunglasses at night. If he were to appear as an everyday man -- he wouldn't be as interesting; maybe a bit over the top for some, but the "character" fit the tour.<br />
(Disclosure: I'm not comfortable taking pictures of strangers - face on (yet), I'm sure he's used to it, but I'm not... so... you'll just have to go on the tour yourself to experience his entire persona. Let's just say - he reminded us a lot of Dog the Bounty Hunter, but nicer, cornier jokes, and a true interest in preserving Galveston history.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3otXv2MkD0uidhCGj-BfqoOMOhH2bHzoPfGGY4itdXPAyVHL2mmIu2xmi2RrHtqdUJLkzIuiuZhghyphenhyphen8tUcnurWDQJSLen4bdIaFtZJxolfDyEiqAcCeLCw_uCuBDyJPG-_uZ1X_4JNB/s1600/DSC_7090web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3otXv2MkD0uidhCGj-BfqoOMOhH2bHzoPfGGY4itdXPAyVHL2mmIu2xmi2RrHtqdUJLkzIuiuZhghyphenhyphen8tUcnurWDQJSLen4bdIaFtZJxolfDyEiqAcCeLCw_uCuBDyJPG-_uZ1X_4JNB/s400/DSC_7090web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2202 Strand St, Galveston (W.L. Moody Building)</td></tr>
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The W.L. Moody building currently houses the (now closed) Colonel Bubbie's Strand Surplus Senter (as it is spelled on the store sign). The original building had four floors, the top floor was lost in the 1900 storm. Stories of hauntings within the building must have come from locals and eye witnesses since I wasn't able to track them down through books or internet sites. From what I remember don't think the original owner was too thrilled with the current business. (The tour was over 2 hours long, too many details to remember). FYI...This building/business is currently for sale - if you're interested.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inn on the Strand (B&B), 2023 The Strand St (closed)</td></tr>
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Again - the stories of this (now closed) bed & breakfast must have come from locals and eye witnesses. This area of The Strand saw a lot of Civil War action, so naturally death and suffering along with ghosts supposedly haunt this area. But the facts seem to be that the B&B is too haunted to keep maids employed longer than 3 days and a few never returned to collect their paychecks. It is the the dark building (1 lighted window - why?) in the middle. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89HylpAybGNhPex1a8bDG74ze-WlghbersV6GGHfHQdSMzhx4hpLhv0d3eRiKSZOuFCob8FUntJyGau3NueN3Fdj1dg-qpgk6PaNjGxwR_gKssupsQ_xPVIG0laHnt_o_MQtck5WM0axg/s1600/DSC_7093web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89HylpAybGNhPex1a8bDG74ze-WlghbersV6GGHfHQdSMzhx4hpLhv0d3eRiKSZOuFCob8FUntJyGau3NueN3Fdj1dg-qpgk6PaNjGxwR_gKssupsQ_xPVIG0laHnt_o_MQtck5WM0axg/s400/DSC_7093web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hendley Market, 2010 The Strand</td></tr>
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Hendley Market located within the first commercial building (Hendley Row), built in 1858 The center for the island's shipping and cotton industry, the building has witnessed island history since the Civil War. The story we were told happened in the street - a case of mistaken identity - a father & son accidentally shooting each other during a Civil War battle. They and other soldiers have been seen in the street at night. Currently the Hendley Market is an usual shop and one everyone should visit (expect to spend at least an hour just browsing). They have very unusual items, books, and sculptures for sale. <br />
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It was a great, fun evening and we all learned a lot about the history contained within those few blocks of Galveston's historic district. Dash also told other ghost stories around Galveston that weren't included in any of his tours (the Face at UTMB for example). There was a breeze, so no mosquitoes but there was a lot of standing (on concrete). Walking distance wasn't long in between each location and he did make time for a quick 5 minute break at a carefully placed market with public restrooms and refreshments for purchase. You can find information about Dash's tours on his <a href="http://www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com/">website.</a> We plan to take another of his tours. <br />
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-66077269874432119912015-06-17T09:36:00.000-05:002015-06-17T09:36:35.811-05:00Tropical Storm Bill 2015 Those of us who experienced Tropical Storm Bill are thankful that it wasn't an intense storm. Yes we've had rain and wind, and even some storm surge, but along the Texas coast it wasn't that bad on Tuesday. Ironically the day after started out with more severe weather... heavier, steadier rain and wind, and I imagine we'll see more flooding with Bill's trailing bands and training storms from the Gulf.<br />
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The kids & I took a quick trip down to Galveston Island to check out the beach and the incoming storm (not what you are supposed to do, but we were responsible about it). We knew this wasn't a life threatening storm and we were going to the state park beach area. Call it an educational trip - a study in physical geography.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS_OS4CZIS1vTe2OjR93Gsek8pCyKpBGQqMlKZ7Po2Qsq1G19qmLrzzHmPkzKkcg1GvBlqbDMGi_NWwu-qt9cMM1PcCgBZTuIOnkRWfQga2lSHzihAScQ5ZCYALY8i6nYDUi8OdEQY1FU/s1600/20150615_153601c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS_OS4CZIS1vTe2OjR93Gsek8pCyKpBGQqMlKZ7Po2Qsq1G19qmLrzzHmPkzKkcg1GvBlqbDMGi_NWwu-qt9cMM1PcCgBZTuIOnkRWfQga2lSHzihAScQ5ZCYALY8i6nYDUi8OdEQY1FU/s400/20150615_153601c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Red flags were flying along the entire Galveston Island coastline. We weren't planning to swim - just sight-see.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gO7k5nTO60S9DEn7SlgkfWnupx1i110tZSQbU7CnyCsM0Bb_MM2i-twXBmeXKf_VQjo4S19GAGAGCGWdDSTqe0j6mF-JuUDFVxPSOypuwYnJICileHDMKopnJrm7RjW9YEszdIJSg_qK/s1600/DSC_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gO7k5nTO60S9DEn7SlgkfWnupx1i110tZSQbU7CnyCsM0Bb_MM2i-twXBmeXKf_VQjo4S19GAGAGCGWdDSTqe0j6mF-JuUDFVxPSOypuwYnJICileHDMKopnJrm7RjW9YEszdIJSg_qK/s400/DSC_7067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tides were higher and there was a bit of storm surge; much of the beach area was covered in water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9a7c2h6KzH0QQvsnUvG258W209T_UVMY-1Nnkoqp34d3R-eE3-mIJrvjQeA84xZpkPoOpQl3ovghT5PmAd-AFl9rnfB4MwBmy2JKnCU_n7JmrNvPkI2ANa1C1IhRmzDGIemhKpRBJVzI/s1600/DSC_7070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9a7c2h6KzH0QQvsnUvG258W209T_UVMY-1Nnkoqp34d3R-eE3-mIJrvjQeA84xZpkPoOpQl3ovghT5PmAd-AFl9rnfB4MwBmy2JKnCU_n7JmrNvPkI2ANa1C1IhRmzDGIemhKpRBJVzI/s400/DSC_7070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A few people were out - fishing or playing in the surf. The water was really warm and the incoming dark clouds were definitely filled with rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOmUHaIlaIhbhSlj2u9zDsIEJjSdXPI4mq_OOOkypor85szKdeawewksx1ixa7k3s7P2NwUzEmT-E5zTUC8Yqe6LsU8nU0T0JRSc0oXQd1BVVpx2LVmy5JdEuYtKDlb1CwwLE8ITwyHiB/s1600/DSC_7075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOmUHaIlaIhbhSlj2u9zDsIEJjSdXPI4mq_OOOkypor85szKdeawewksx1ixa7k3s7P2NwUzEmT-E5zTUC8Yqe6LsU8nU0T0JRSc0oXQd1BVVpx2LVmy5JdEuYtKDlb1CwwLE8ITwyHiB/s400/DSC_7075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The gulls were spending more time on the ground - not wanting to fight the constant wind. This is usually a sandy beach path that turned into a rather deep pool in some areas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM-ShPu1JCKWBA5qqw-1FD19ko3qXofkNm1Hvbsw8w4sNxFZq6akKbLlVUwonCvN6I7xCBJp6rs4Z2s3VV90bLZ_-3gbPXr88CJ2zHrn23W88IzIl81OfbnRIVo87QoUnybIpVGtzAHPV/s1600/DSC_7082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM-ShPu1JCKWBA5qqw-1FD19ko3qXofkNm1Hvbsw8w4sNxFZq6akKbLlVUwonCvN6I7xCBJp6rs4Z2s3VV90bLZ_-3gbPXr88CJ2zHrn23W88IzIl81OfbnRIVo87QoUnybIpVGtzAHPV/s400/DSC_7082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Along the seawall, the tide/surge had completely covered up the small beach area. We stayed on top of the seawall - not a time to venture out onto those rocks/jetties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_ZdC-SYUchtH2P0VuTWLcuXZk8UeQr8hQa9Yq-gsdPd2FONTSjNBD5C8GQkC02d0z83meijwEuyecQgkZqf_Fibs6CbLE9OUA8HQusk-pe6iSuoatmaPH4ZD3vyDolzTRtKwWIRQZm6h/s1600/20150615_183752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_ZdC-SYUchtH2P0VuTWLcuXZk8UeQr8hQa9Yq-gsdPd2FONTSjNBD5C8GQkC02d0z83meijwEuyecQgkZqf_Fibs6CbLE9OUA8HQusk-pe6iSuoatmaPH4ZD3vyDolzTRtKwWIRQZm6h/s400/20150615_183752.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">On the way home, we stopped at the store for a few (real) food items - not storm supplies. There obviously had been some panic buying going on in the bread aisle. The news stations had been covering the storm for 24 hours and although we appreciate their urgency to be prepared - it panicked a few people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY7E32ILWr8zyZ5HY0nlSrHHIjVCg6ynNrBGjDfDmSnuxrhyXrWojtz3rOmvmmp6Q6oNgPL4ftrb4NRJC-BUDH0CbE5IbggMF5Adkc03V2EsNqT8zG-kzVfSEIONpsD_ABhdYlRtWKIiG/s1600/20150616_162719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY7E32ILWr8zyZ5HY0nlSrHHIjVCg6ynNrBGjDfDmSnuxrhyXrWojtz3rOmvmmp6Q6oNgPL4ftrb4NRJC-BUDH0CbE5IbggMF5Adkc03V2EsNqT8zG-kzVfSEIONpsD_ABhdYlRtWKIiG/s400/20150616_162719.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The next day - voila - more bread appeared and there weren't many people in the store. The rain day turned out to be a decent day (we did get intermittent showers), and the heavier rains came the next day.</td></tr>
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I'm sure this storm will cause flooding in other areas as it moves through Texas and other states dropping heavy rains onto already saturated ground (goodbye drought). But everyone along the coast is back at work and life resumes -- so we go about our business -- in the rain (which was a day late to the party).<br />
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My originally planned post about our trip to San Antonio will come later. I wanted to share a few images from Tropical Storm Bill.<br />
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For those interested:<br />
lens: Nikon 16-85 f3.5-5.6 (I use this lens often to walk around with)<br />
last 2 images were taken with Galaxy S5 (& taken quickly)Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-88408863296058080082015-05-12T10:39:00.000-05:002015-05-12T10:39:06.185-05:00Being a Local Tourist<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Funny, how many of us will travel 2 hours one way to attend an event for the day but never quite get around to seeing the attractions within minutes of our home. Several weeks ago, we decided spur of the moment to go watch the San Jacinto battle re-enactment (Sam Houston vs Santa Anna) near the actual battle site. The weather was typical for a Texas spring -- humid, on/off rain - with some storms around, very warm, insects all awake from winter and mud. But it was this environment that we hoped would keep some people at home - and we were right. Wearing old shoes and comfortable clothes we hiked through the muck to watch this (free!) event - and didn't regret our decision. </span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9UM4s1Ir7GGRh59wZZYKjsOO2y2bkRCX2oIuWXA5SIOpZ2UHSbrUfLvBpM-8TlaSCKPz31VX4iCc3WneLYybclwIFkUdxn15VHDSm8CuqIl2VAxzOBDQmGX2qiTWGjEvl6iFc39R3ZSb/s1600/DSC_6681web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9UM4s1Ir7GGRh59wZZYKjsOO2y2bkRCX2oIuWXA5SIOpZ2UHSbrUfLvBpM-8TlaSCKPz31VX4iCc3WneLYybclwIFkUdxn15VHDSm8CuqIl2VAxzOBDQmGX2qiTWGjEvl6iFc39R3ZSb/s400/DSC_6681web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those cannons were loud!! even from a distance - no cannon balls shot - just powder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM4Y3jPDKw7V05i8qutAqWiBuI6PoW9VRRcKt3cY0PjB3Qz7qSdn92Mpiss_hWRD3uqbhMmNvL0sG7xqGQKWJHo8WH3OdfUg5s4g7t6hUbD6g6J3suBshhVyzBECxf1Qs8oYUUplANiHz/s1600/DSC_6683web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM4Y3jPDKw7V05i8qutAqWiBuI6PoW9VRRcKt3cY0PjB3Qz7qSdn92Mpiss_hWRD3uqbhMmNvL0sG7xqGQKWJHo8WH3OdfUg5s4g7t6hUbD6g6J3suBshhVyzBECxf1Qs8oYUUplANiHz/s400/DSC_6683web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was interesting to see what the spectators were doing closer to the cannons - obviously many holding their ears - saw one woman on her cell phone! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh5t7nxdrEm8s47q2DF4_0ZaHreJHGCTIHbnMzyNPb7n1TmzzAIOYw2-fMsFSQ389rCP2rmQ1jp_WipEzBocjn1v5wYidCpzrMWMW5XK6poS7H6z7EwQO4RpicFqE3ezg_QI65vPTnvQ5/s1600/DSC_6692web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh5t7nxdrEm8s47q2DF4_0ZaHreJHGCTIHbnMzyNPb7n1TmzzAIOYw2-fMsFSQ389rCP2rmQ1jp_WipEzBocjn1v5wYidCpzrMWMW5XK6poS7H6z7EwQO4RpicFqE3ezg_QI65vPTnvQ5/s400/DSC_6692web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These poor teenagers -- they were truly suffering -- probably because of their parents' interest in history. But they'll have great memories to tell their kids. They were tough though - walking through all that mud, muck, grass barefooted - living history at its best.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD52kNdK-eKsYECddCrv-zi0kWEDTcxNkSl6BTzncin0uYAvsnumz6LHRNM9DUoV_S1uZtCpOXrCy6ZrYS6U6mWdaIT4gsA0SPlq9UqAEjOnBVHaaKjUgo92G7J2QiC91IZ35l_2Okgy9Y/s1600/DSC_6758web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD52kNdK-eKsYECddCrv-zi0kWEDTcxNkSl6BTzncin0uYAvsnumz6LHRNM9DUoV_S1uZtCpOXrCy6ZrYS6U6mWdaIT4gsA0SPlq9UqAEjOnBVHaaKjUgo92G7J2QiC91IZ35l_2Okgy9Y/s400/DSC_6758web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battle began and the Mexican army began losing soldiers to the Texian Army's bullets. <br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq064C1AMG2lkNWoW2uZfQ7O-q5-klEzvzARQBk1DaRifGw5Ef2SiNmPM6Xq8c19N2TFVYfyWFRugK5qReLt1ilM0sznQWZLV9s6BJLPEtUcSXNEBa2XgokhH6Fz34D1bJ6FvFzz5I1Zw/s1600/DSC_6770web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq064C1AMG2lkNWoW2uZfQ7O-q5-klEzvzARQBk1DaRifGw5Ef2SiNmPM6Xq8c19N2TFVYfyWFRugK5qReLt1ilM0sznQWZLV9s6BJLPEtUcSXNEBa2XgokhH6Fz34D1bJ6FvFzz5I1Zw/s400/DSC_6770web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A victory for Sam Houston's and Texas wins its independence from Mexico.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFXM5oZb_hQZSrAjcqfi-ukTlSqOmwbyVFGYCNsciZ7fCo8KuOIkceiJF6AqjnOU0aqj33vZ0mqEOoBCvlfJoTkWLW0vCPB_DBWiVt8xbMQeefvxt5K00qLwcBh89RdWDPkbswSsAwV5B/s1600/DSC_6773web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFXM5oZb_hQZSrAjcqfi-ukTlSqOmwbyVFGYCNsciZ7fCo8KuOIkceiJF6AqjnOU0aqj33vZ0mqEOoBCvlfJoTkWLW0vCPB_DBWiVt8xbMQeefvxt5K00qLwcBh89RdWDPkbswSsAwV5B/s400/DSC_6773web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course a victory lap! <br /><br /><br />If you live in the Houston area and have never visited this area - you should. The actual site of the battle ground has markers explaining what happened at that spot. The Battleship Texas is docked there as well. I wouldn't suggest an August visit -- that ship gets hot really fast in the Texas sun. There's also the Lynchburg Ferry to ride that has its own history.<br /></td></tr>
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-64643542499331424302015-03-09T12:03:00.001-05:002015-03-09T15:58:15.700-05:00Rainy MondayRain, rain, and more rain -- yesterday, today, and tomorrow before it clears out. Texas has been in and out of droughts the last several years - surely all the rain we've received this winter will give us a boost for the summer. And if nothing else it's great for spring wildflowers (can't wait!! planning on a few day trips just to photograph them). <br />
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The weekend was busy, as many of ours tend to be. A visit to the Houston Symphony is always a great time, but this performance was one of their family series and was held in the latter part of the morning. We've never attended this type of performance, but will definitely do it again. Yes there were really small kids there, but it was a really fun and informative experience (and we were in downtown during the day - when we could see things). I truly believe everyone should see their local symphony perform at least once in their lifetime -- a family type performance might be a great introduction. Although the music will most likely be familiar (ours was music from the Star Wars music - the actual score/music written by John Williams), to see it played - to watch the string players play (we're a band family - so strings are fascinating to us); the overall experience can be very moving. A bit of trivia we learned from the conductor -- The Battle of the Heroes is the most difficult viola piece John Williams has written. The viola section was projected onto big screens so we could watch closely -- those musicians had their heads down and fingers flying!!<br />
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Following are a few pictures from the event - taken with my phone, so not as high quality, but not bad either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdwADJRf82P8qmXLK2lNegTpNjB4a0lLFok9gp5_azOwnSv0P-xEC0Ag7bmhsUjnWLsvPYxZyM5UCxYVWbDuo7PPP30ADv0LScGZ8H7-Gh5xj0YPF19bAOTyiabl3uJp94zNFMxCBanFD/s1600/20150307_120352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdwADJRf82P8qmXLK2lNegTpNjB4a0lLFok9gp5_azOwnSv0P-xEC0Ag7bmhsUjnWLsvPYxZyM5UCxYVWbDuo7PPP30ADv0LScGZ8H7-Gh5xj0YPF19bAOTyiabl3uJp94zNFMxCBanFD/s1600/20150307_120352.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm troopers infiltrated the orchestra/stage -- they pretended to play the instruments, put rabbit ears behind the musicians (who tried not to laugh), and generally were all over (they were sometimes standing guard in the audience too).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU9WJdJnZ4KIh7P_n2JZE07LEJdVF8Bxll8HqXoHbWXdyHf8Fb1YOdfScH4Nvf23FQywIz5eKArRYT3UMbeME57PRJlZI0rFjvyFDbkI3qGCt1nisbkN6F4QmfVGa_d4d1AUFe_PKKSWf/s1600/20150307_121706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU9WJdJnZ4KIh7P_n2JZE07LEJdVF8Bxll8HqXoHbWXdyHf8Fb1YOdfScH4Nvf23FQywIz5eKArRYT3UMbeME57PRJlZI0rFjvyFDbkI3qGCt1nisbkN6F4QmfVGa_d4d1AUFe_PKKSWf/s1600/20150307_121706.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darth Vader - yes he made an appearance too -- light saber duel with the conductor who was dressed as Obi-Wan. The ticket prices were the same for all seats within the hall and we were lucky to get 4 seats in the front row!! We've decided those are good & bad seats -- good because we (obviously) got a really up close view of action, but bad because we weren't able to see all of the orchestra and maybe get the entire balanced sound of them (but glad we tried it out).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6qXnyv0Dhd3B6cH_jiPlXhqN_42BMw7fbnV73B5OcrW8aYLebGlMRy58dxN1cJTuVkoiJQdZpQOjEtBZPx2TUMX03nDrPNg9R4ArpdzIQ6V6-U8iIV7Vbfcq8xxoHEfRc_QWn0Hv2TLt/s1600/20150307_142733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6qXnyv0Dhd3B6cH_jiPlXhqN_42BMw7fbnV73B5OcrW8aYLebGlMRy58dxN1cJTuVkoiJQdZpQOjEtBZPx2TUMX03nDrPNg9R4ArpdzIQ6V6-U8iIV7Vbfcq8xxoHEfRc_QWn0Hv2TLt/s1600/20150307_142733.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since it was daytime, we checked out a large sculpture behind Jones Hall. I admit I am not knowledgeable in art, but this really reminded me of the old Rolie Polie Olie cartoon my kids watched years ago. (Don't tell the artist Miro!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsVkNHw4Q5MipjiWIAAvNkcsbw5lugw24gMULMlM4MxdB_e2m8LD7cPqMU-DhFWV_7eN_sc-lTaKfOw05FWrgJkQ39uTpZ1nbq4CzfB2LI__HIz5qZVPyVbAdPUeA1UZKky_izvlMZ0F_/s1600/20150308_180839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsVkNHw4Q5MipjiWIAAvNkcsbw5lugw24gMULMlM4MxdB_e2m8LD7cPqMU-DhFWV_7eN_sc-lTaKfOw05FWrgJkQ39uTpZ1nbq4CzfB2LI__HIz5qZVPyVbAdPUeA1UZKky_izvlMZ0F_/s1600/20150308_180839.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were finally able to get the extended family together for my birthday supper - a week late. I'm pretty sure these cupcakes aren't on my diet - but darn they were good. Thank goodness there was only enough for each of us to have one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-GkOUYpcKjHJF5kKEJpXfvC98FA1HJBTzTATVXoJTbIe877s-mAunU7roQ6XjZTMLI9pRcxbyLpkE_dVUDd3kRtclpXiVTb87IMkTQDwNI6Uqy-X-O0ZMnTDH-PAUE2P-_a_YnqfSlOq/s1600/DSC_6420cweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-GkOUYpcKjHJF5kKEJpXfvC98FA1HJBTzTATVXoJTbIe877s-mAunU7roQ6XjZTMLI9pRcxbyLpkE_dVUDd3kRtclpXiVTb87IMkTQDwNI6Uqy-X-O0ZMnTDH-PAUE2P-_a_YnqfSlOq/s1600/DSC_6420cweb.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography e-course assignment: explore editing images. Although I added minimal effects/editing I do like the way the image turned out.</td></tr>
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Last image details:<br />
102mm macro lens (Nikkor)<br />
macro setting - flash<br />
edited using Photoshop Elements<br />
minor cropping, dark vignette around edges to tone down the brightness and focus attention to the central bright flower bud. No, brightness, or added saturation. This is a lemon tree flower bud. We've had a lot of rain, but for lemon trees - the more rain the juicier the fruit, so an appropriate image for our last several days. <br />
<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-9262296861499809122015-03-02T09:51:00.000-06:002015-03-02T09:51:37.271-06:00Photography E-courseI'm starting a photography e-course today (Everyday Magic) by Tammy Strobel of Rowdy Kittens, so I'll be posting some of the images here as well - not to become a target of random, rude criticism, but hopefully to a) give myself some accountability for keeping up with this course (it's so easy to sign up and hide and eventually fade away from the group and the assignments), and b) show and share my improved progress throughout the course. I've taken a course from Tammy in the past and I appreciated her being present and involved throughout the course. If you aren't familiar with her work - please go check her out <a href="http://www.rowdykittens.com/">here</a> - especially her "morning view" series of images and book (and she really does own a couple of beautiful, curious cats). <br />
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Not everyone has a great view out of their back door. Living generally in the coastal plains area the land is pretty darn flat - no pretty mountains in the background or forest to photograph. Typical neighborhood landscape means my back door view is a fence and other houses (and a backyard full of holes - thank you black lab dog -- with a few trees and plants still in their winter dormant state). My town is small, so nothing sleek and modern with a bustling downtown area, and not many historic buildings have survived progress. So I struggle with the concept of having a morning view worthy of photographing and sharing (and driving around looking for a nice view kind of defeats the concept of a typical "morning view" for me). However I went out this damp, chilly morning and looked around my backyard and did find a few things to photograph (you may be seeing these same things over and over - just progressing/growing over time - just a warning!!)<br />
<br />
Onward to a few images.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIAgDvIp3zndiNOKtNa98HuNaxZQYX0ur0ISmKMr0E-9BjjKnwg-xfyFnqCo4OeUDWYj6vwyZr2fJqmIPptXBAK5-620T0ewWU8Hl67i9yoUCrjdTbYrILtGKy1ZF7aPtrHkd__N5huvN/s1600/DSC_6412cweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIAgDvIp3zndiNOKtNa98HuNaxZQYX0ur0ISmKMr0E-9BjjKnwg-xfyFnqCo4OeUDWYj6vwyZr2fJqmIPptXBAK5-620T0ewWU8Hl67i9yoUCrjdTbYrILtGKy1ZF7aPtrHkd__N5huvN/s1600/DSC_6412cweb.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was very wet outside, dew and some light rain. I like that the fence is reflected in the bottom of the glass feeder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EPuDqmG3sjnjriZs4ouEUOfXQY3MMF8-GY_EoEPjBSVECBrLQ5zW6xTSgxXlLepOAfdxUTtvYOQl3Rq9V1pHbRapE335jH9TjZKCs9c8W1wvLenT4_QDINPoFYRV6OCOxKFth7SiPXP-/s1600/DSC_6415cweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EPuDqmG3sjnjriZs4ouEUOfXQY3MMF8-GY_EoEPjBSVECBrLQ5zW6xTSgxXlLepOAfdxUTtvYOQl3Rq9V1pHbRapE335jH9TjZKCs9c8W1wvLenT4_QDINPoFYRV6OCOxKFth7SiPXP-/s1600/DSC_6415cweb.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite from this morning. I didn't use my macro lens, but did use my big camera so I could have probably gotten closer and sharper with the other lens -- but you use what you have. Milkweed seeds ready for the wind to spread them caught some of this morning's moisture.<br /></td></tr>
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<br />
For those interested: <br />
Nikon D7000<br />
16-85mm f3.5-5.6<br />
auto focus & set on macro setting (yes I'm one of those who doesn't always go to manual - and I'm okay with that)<br />
<br />
editing:<br />
slight cropping<br />
resized for web posting (originals are a bit sharper)<br />
<br />
If you follow me on Instagram (sherrycb), then you know I have a tabby cat who makes life interesting. She often makes appearances on my IG feed and hopefully she'll show up here too. <br />
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-73252222488666326222015-02-23T04:00:00.000-06:002015-02-23T04:00:01.179-06:00Sleet and 70sJust to give a quick look into my past week, I'm sharing pictures that I took with my phone (not an iphone). A few of these were also posted on Instagram (love that app). Although I carried my real camera with me a few times this week, it didn't make it out of my bag - sometimes that happens. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB7rocC2PO1IrGoKRHjmO5XXkGxHvZDcePHxWD5f6cxOJGogaHbWBBff6iIqQtyPY9sCHOrrHXX1k6_Ii16IEa_FHciCIiqAezjroWCGzAkHOrJ6GbMBVkFVsVdH_CYGoljOIubkanCMx/s1600/20150217_095208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB7rocC2PO1IrGoKRHjmO5XXkGxHvZDcePHxWD5f6cxOJGogaHbWBBff6iIqQtyPY9sCHOrrHXX1k6_Ii16IEa_FHciCIiqAezjroWCGzAkHOrJ6GbMBVkFVsVdH_CYGoljOIubkanCMx/s1600/20150217_095208.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Texas weather - we had temperatures in the 70s one day and the next morning sleet fell. The dogs weren't too sure about the sound of it hitting the back door and they really weren't thrilled with it hitting their backs. Although the black dog loves cold nasty weather (must be a lab thing).<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBXqFx81A5BEb_BXtjqpy1VsmAQUl8bTAW0iqucFWdBtad4pCXiabo3VuabsKQwhRczF8Z4ecfkD7jXvt2gQM-lhcbWuG4dI2r6TU1qUTlYci_7HzJJg4d2Z1aD34mcIVeK32lRn_jxEc/s1600/20150217_100920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBXqFx81A5BEb_BXtjqpy1VsmAQUl8bTAW0iqucFWdBtad4pCXiabo3VuabsKQwhRczF8Z4ecfkD7jXvt2gQM-lhcbWuG4dI2r6TU1qUTlYci_7HzJJg4d2Z1aD34mcIVeK32lRn_jxEc/s1600/20150217_100920.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tabby cat is always helpful around the house. This week she was helping me collect papers as they came out of the printer - just wish she didn't use her claws. She is always entertaining.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxrJ_R2_JGDG02XFVG7wJNIO1stGs_Xjf6ttsOdBuhUtvMptUH3_q7oYmhUvV2-KVOsmMEr26T4ckUgHqQnSk1FpdSl3CX5O25ndttpPCQLMbeBIxmzNqqjQXTqploNGTOWwXLk_KcyiA/s1600/20150220_083041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxrJ_R2_JGDG02XFVG7wJNIO1stGs_Xjf6ttsOdBuhUtvMptUH3_q7oYmhUvV2-KVOsmMEr26T4ckUgHqQnSk1FpdSl3CX5O25ndttpPCQLMbeBIxmzNqqjQXTqploNGTOWwXLk_KcyiA/s1600/20150220_083041.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of those wonderful warm winter days before the humidity and rain moved in. I love Texas for many reasons but the wide open spaces and rural landscapes are on the top of my list. More clouds can often lead to more interesting images.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRw6in3forC4-SJTWCFplwPZSvGZyclU-ik0SEEq9LeDGD3QWu4mDylhbV35Bzacb_YnCuazw06eFCdtMP1FYXVKZRBI99ImUWP4v-YATeSioOidbTMPHkfltCrzHqRguzFOHJ4Xy1Bmo/s1600/20150209_153051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRw6in3forC4-SJTWCFplwPZSvGZyclU-ik0SEEq9LeDGD3QWu4mDylhbV35Bzacb_YnCuazw06eFCdtMP1FYXVKZRBI99ImUWP4v-YATeSioOidbTMPHkfltCrzHqRguzFOHJ4Xy1Bmo/s1600/20150209_153051.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is February, winter, but along the coast in Texas nature is thinking about Spring. I saw early signs of it in my backyard. False garlic blooming already - so there will be an end to this winter. Another top of my list things -- Texas wildflowers -- can't get enough of their beauty and love when many of them show up in my yard - on their own (my kind of gardening).<br /></td></tr>
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I go through spurts of using my phone and Instagram more than my big camera at times. If you'd like to see more of my Instagram images - find me as sherrycb. I hope you'll check it out. I'm planning to post more wildflower pictures as they appear in my yard (rule around my house - no mowing sections of the yard until they've gone to seed - I have a big yard). I've also got another photography project in mind that I'm working on (planning stages) and may put it out there for a group project - just something fun -- for now (always a possibility for it go further).<br />
<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-64635813929678711032015-02-17T11:44:00.000-06:002015-02-17T11:44:43.075-06:00Winter UpdateThis winter has been a busy one for our family. We've gone on some adventures (camping and one-day trips), passed around a few illnesses (flu-A, walking pneumonia just to name a few), and are generally ready for spring. A few quick pictures from the last few months: <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PJ0DjVrdoj-UGbqnRvA6cJcJ70-r-0il9vrW-zufGQyCGTwhYrqZ9QrSkWDcOTL99lSpA1WVo2kYcv-CfwII74HNNb1Pb0AltlcUj8gsELAfbTQ7_8EOCFZUySz__6xALsZih0i56e-M/s1600/DSC_6104web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PJ0DjVrdoj-UGbqnRvA6cJcJ70-r-0il9vrW-zufGQyCGTwhYrqZ9QrSkWDcOTL99lSpA1WVo2kYcv-CfwII74HNNb1Pb0AltlcUj8gsELAfbTQ7_8EOCFZUySz__6xALsZih0i56e-M/s1600/DSC_6104web.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Thanksgiving was wonderful - enjoyed the family time and took lots of pictures. We enjoy this lake.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47tgwHbFfrBfaJWUHUP7naNpnIdV6Tbk39WxIQcvooa-wF51ajPW_rn497d7mDVVPzkIHYFUpGkcsg7MSap5GuV8oX41UVcsfouJwOylKeTo35T0kYX2pLrkP_YaCZYG87J1ivrZ6eJu4/s1600/DSC_6258web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47tgwHbFfrBfaJWUHUP7naNpnIdV6Tbk39WxIQcvooa-wF51ajPW_rn497d7mDVVPzkIHYFUpGkcsg7MSap5GuV8oX41UVcsfouJwOylKeTo35T0kYX2pLrkP_YaCZYG87J1ivrZ6eJu4/s1600/DSC_6258web.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas concerts for all of us -- I think we played in 4 concerts between me and the kids. But we love playing with our bands.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9RUMIX9SZQKHbvfGxFWYtoVmN5Dq1VXNK58C9q9LNDNmFFCTiWKg-Ys534o2L1menBbiw92YExlzHUXXJPYZ8o1FDCGRZnsu71DOJAQEtjNxeuKHWUDrs5dX4ARKKrOH4sneUuPlBkiy/s1600/DSC_6295web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9RUMIX9SZQKHbvfGxFWYtoVmN5Dq1VXNK58C9q9LNDNmFFCTiWKg-Ys534o2L1menBbiw92YExlzHUXXJPYZ8o1FDCGRZnsu71DOJAQEtjNxeuKHWUDrs5dX4ARKKrOH4sneUuPlBkiy/s1600/DSC_6295web.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course horses were involved. A horse show and lots of lessons. I think they kind of like each other. She earned an end of year award from Houston Dressage Society as well -- nice recognition to end a tough year of riding (she's been growing way too fast).<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMgEVjMyYIOT0K34HFjfBwQLHbTYuTvYsawmnwkQ1T1Sgj9NxXMNHUaS1bFoOD6ByOSCLfwY_SHJ54JBBVD64Xvp5EYHODRZSUZl7A2sNGTpwQhcF_-zWn9ZIsJB5lEwZVXAg16LGaLxc/s1600/DSC_6407web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMgEVjMyYIOT0K34HFjfBwQLHbTYuTvYsawmnwkQ1T1Sgj9NxXMNHUaS1bFoOD6ByOSCLfwY_SHJ54JBBVD64Xvp5EYHODRZSUZl7A2sNGTpwQhcF_-zWn9ZIsJB5lEwZVXAg16LGaLxc/s1600/DSC_6407web.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She and I also took a quick girls trip to Texas A&M to check out one of their hunter shows in their new equestrian complex. It was a really nice facility - hoping she gets to be involved in some capacity with the team while she (hopefully) attends A&M in a few years. For us it was a very educational experience - nothing like what we are used to for shows. (A&M won against New Mexico)<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAO8TXPyYhi1_mmJo5aBQ_ysYx4uww4Rsgs9clLxa_fPvFmZRzIUGYxSyGZgB4VVY1oeLClhnSEwLvexoml1aG27QEz0k1_uEofecdDs3mRw7GL69F9S9vq2LewR2A4xvED4flov9oqiY/s1600/DSC_6308web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAO8TXPyYhi1_mmJo5aBQ_ysYx4uww4Rsgs9clLxa_fPvFmZRzIUGYxSyGZgB4VVY1oeLClhnSEwLvexoml1aG27QEz0k1_uEofecdDs3mRw7GL69F9S9vq2LewR2A4xvED4flov9oqiY/s1600/DSC_6308web.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And believe it or not - we camped a little. The dogs kind of show you what we did a lot of -- nothing.... it was cold, rained a lot more than was forecasted and we had several things go wrong with the camper. But knowing we will also have an adventure - we just chalked it up to our typical family fun; still managed to do a little hiking and see a few deer. We've since decided we aren't winter camping people.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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One last note - My personal essay (about winter) was fortunate to be included in the Shutter Sisters online publication of X: Our Collective. You can find them (and my essay) <a href="http://www.ourcollective.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. <div>
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Looking forward to spring, but grateful we are not dealing with what the northern US has been dealing with during the past month. Although this morning we did have some sleet - sounded like someone was throwing rocks at the door. </div>
Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-49736759400467830782014-03-14T09:46:00.000-05:002014-03-14T09:46:25.599-05:00Progress, Obstacles, and SurprisesSeems like working through any project (or even through life) you will encounter some progress, a few obstacles, and even a surprise or two along the way. My arbor house project is no exception. A few minutes here and there working towards my goal, I discovered that some forward progress has been made.<br />
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There is still a long way to go, but the backside is being cleared of weeds and grass so that the dirt can see and feel the warmth of the sun. It is very slow progress, but definitely still moving forward.<br />
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Clearly I've run into an obstacle and one that could stop my progress for a little while -- red fire ants -- and quite a large mound (hope they had a fun winter). Getting past this, without any pain inflicted on myself, will be (not) fun... just need to decide the best plan of attack against these guys. <br />
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I did find a nice surprise, hidden in the vine covered roof of the arbor house (still surprised these passion flower vines survived all winter on their own - no intervention from me - yes I'm the lazy gardener).... a dove's nest. I hope she continues to build here so we can watch the progress from underneath. </div>
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And lastly, a sign that spring really is coming - the first of the wildflowers/weeds in the yard - false garlic. Delicate flowers that bring hope that the cold winter really will end. </div>
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Have a good weekend. Spring break is coming to a close for us, but we really enjoyed the week. I'll post soon about our adventures. </div>
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-60136504329514154402014-03-06T11:18:00.002-06:002014-03-06T11:18:18.139-06:00Adventures in ExerciseAfter working for months to lose 10 pounds, I've realized the only way I will be able to shed the additional 5 to 7 pounds is to exercise - for real. I've walked before (1 to 3 miles), and although it made me feel better it didn't do anything towards losing weight or getting into better shape. Last week I added periods of slow jogging into a little faster paced walking routine. My times ranged from 16:07 to 17:00. I'm not breaking any speed records (and I don't wish to break anything on me either). Its a start. Growing up I was active (softball, marching band, gymnastics), and thanks to all those fun activities I've had shin splints, torn meniscus (both knees - never repaired), etc. all of which haven't bothered me too much until I kicked it up a notch. Off to my (un)favorite store for a knee brace and inserts for my new shoes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky really was as blue as my SUV this morning.</td></tr>
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Today's exercise report: With my earbuds, hoodie (it was chilly with a biting wind), new brace, and new shoes I head out onto the track. Start to 1/4th mile marker - walking, striding a little faster as I go. 1/4th mile marker to approx 1/16th mile or so (remember I'm starting out new & my body isn't new) - a slow, easy, short jog. This first jogging segment was easier (finally) than last week. Back to brisk walking, noticed brace wasn't exactly where I placed it when I started. Stopped briefly to adjust it and lose some time. Back to brisk walking and the wind blows my earbuds out of my ears (really?). Nearly to 1/2 mile marker tried to see my phone screen to change music (no I don't have a playlist yet - it's on my to-do list) and realized I'm off the walking trail & nearly into the ditch (thank goodness no one was close by). It was also time to fix that knee brace for real. At this point I accidently stopped the stopwatch timing my jog/walk (didn't realize until I was finished). Continued on. A little way past 1/2 mile marker I jog another short section that went pretty well (knee brace and earbuds stayed put). Brisk walking finished my one mile. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After excercise snacks - water to wash it all down.</td></tr>
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The good that resulted from all this: <br />
*I completed my exercise for the day <br />
*my pedometer already reads 1.67 miles for today <br />
*I've had 3 servings of fruit (including breakfast) and 16 oz of water<br />
*my knee brace (when placed correctly) really helped my knee feel more stable<br />
*I have a new experience to share on my blog<br />
*I have energy<br />
*Its not even lunch time & I've accomplished more than I expected <br />
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I really don't care for running/jogging (was required with different activities throughout my life - I'm just not a runner), but I like the results of it. I'll never run a marathon (or even 1/2 marathon, but if I could run/walk a 5K that would be a great accomplishment for me. Oh and losing my last 5 to 7 pounds would be nice too. I'll keep you posted. <br />
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-45344649761600710392014-02-11T11:10:00.000-06:002014-02-11T11:10:04.828-06:00Falling Behind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This structure pretty much represents my life right now - holding it together, but while parts are holding their own (passion flower) weeds (& fire ants) are moving in - just kind of neglected. As the structure has been doing, I'm also holding most things together - we've been eating great homecooked meals, everyone has clean clothes and I've been reading, but the dust bunnies are creeping in, my inbox is at 200+, my to-do list is growing and the ongoing depressing dreary winter weather is hanging on (forever!). <br />
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I've added taking back control over this structure to my list (and moved it towards the top). It was originally to be our arbor house. I had envisioned it covered in flowering vines, giving the kids and I shade from the intense summer heat while we hung out perhaps reading and enjoying afternoon cookie time. We'll see. <br />
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Even though the calendar says February I couldn't resist getting a little headstart (hey it is Texas - spring should be here next week!). Finding this snail all snuggled down in the dense vegetation (aka weeds), reminded me of years past when my 6/7 year old daughter loved and collected snails - even used them for a science fair project (comparing what they ate in captivity versus in the wild). I'm hoping to discover more as I clear around the arbor house (hoping for the same inside the real house too). Spring cleaning and clearing is coming - someone just needs to let the weather know.<br />
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-85408642393823599292014-01-29T15:00:00.000-06:002014-01-29T15:01:02.799-06:00Icapocolypse - Part 2The weather was predicted to be worse Tuesday than it was the past Friday - very cold, sleet, ice, and maybe snow (we don't see snow very often). Schools closed once again, it was cold - but the serious stuff didn't start until the afternoon (but not the measureable amounts of snow). I've read online debates on whether the schools made the right call (I think every school district within a 50 mile radius closed) - this was the 2nd "snow/weather" day we had in 1 week. Was there ice? Yes. Sleet? Yes. Snow? Yes (flurries at my house). But most importantly, those of us living along the Gulf Coast do not know how to drive in anything close to icy conditions - I don't want to drive in it - and I'm glad the schools didn't take the risk. So once again - we hunkered down in the house, especially when we could hear the sleet hitting the back door (sounded like someone throwing small rocks at us) and cooked, ate, watched movies, and generally stayed warm. Next week the weather forecasters are preciting spring-like thunderstorms. Seriously?? Growing up in Texas I know to expect anything in regards to weather - sometimes extremes during the same day, but seems like things are a little more weird than our normal-weird. <br />
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I baked two whole chickens so I'd be ready to make whatever sounded good to us the rest of the week. Homemade chicken noodle soup was on deck for last night - it was so good the kids took it in thermoses today. (King Ranch chicken is up for later this week.)</div>
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We did venture outside to let the dogs run and to check out the ice. We thought these icicles looked like snot (yes one of my kids is a boy). It was just so cold - not what I like... but playing the waiting game for warmer days (which are coming in a day or so - before the next front blows through). <br />
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So today has been a day of washing clothes, washing the soaking pans from the cooking marathon, general pickup from everyone being home more than usual, but our refrigerator is full of really good food and I already have Friday's supper planned - no eating out for us this week or even this weekend. <br />
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Hope everyone is thawing out. <br />
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<br />Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-41153913921133309642014-01-26T10:44:00.002-06:002014-01-27T06:27:16.681-06:00January - A New Entry<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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A New Entry - several meanings come to mind from these few words. A new entry into the blog as in a new post, a new entry into the blog as in a new approach (actually still working on that), a new entry into the connected world (although my space is not as popular as others - those darn spammers still found me). I've been busy, kids, weather, house, work - you name it - just like everyone else. Reading everyone else's blogs and yes the dreaded social media - I searched for a better direction for this site. Yes the blog title is "From All Directions" but it is, as I found out, possible to be a little too scattered (sometimes resembles my real life). So, as I tiptoe back into this arena hoping to try out new angles, new approaches, new directions - hoping to find one that fits well. In the meantime - here's a glimpse of what my family and I have been doing with our time the last several months. </div>
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We've all been reading, some required books for school, some for fun. This time of year I always read - a lot - it is kind of my catchup reading time. A very small slice of what I've read:<br />
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I realized I never read this book. Saw the movie when I was young and didn't quite understand it - probably early 1970s, but always loved the music. It was interesting.<br />
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Another one I had never read - my sister loaned me SEVERAL books and this was in the stack. I thoroughly enjoyed this book - not because of the subject, but because it really drew me in. The last 1/4th of the book had me sobbing - it brought me inside its story so much. I'm sure being a mother of a teenage girl was a starting point to my crying fest while reading.<br />
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Another author that I hadn't read in the past, but really enjoyed. I have a few more of hers to read on my stack. I also read Remarkable Creatures - enjoyed both and learned a little too. <br />
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Of course, we've been to the barn - like the mailman - sleet, snow, rain etc... won't keep us from the barn. Yes, this picture is dark - purposely to give a little anomonity to my daughter, but still showing the mighty thoroughbred gelding in all his pink accessories. She's currently working on completing her lettering requirements through USEF. If you have a high school equestrian - I encourage you to look into this program. Our school, like many, do not recognize dressage (or any horse riding) as a sport. - <a href="https://www.usef.org/highschool/" target="_blank">USEF Equestrian Athlete</a><br />
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Music, music & more music - Christmas concerts for myself, my son & my daughter. My daughter (I'm proud to say), made her all-region 9th grade band and the regular all-region band - not many freshman are able to accomplish this. But I can confirm that no luck was involved - it was purely many many hours of practicing those etudes (even I dreamed about them - brought back my own HS memories of region band tryouts - ack!). <br />
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While we are on music - our family (now that 3/4ths of us are involved in some musical group(s) - attended the Houston Symphony's performance of The Planets. We dressed up, ate supper downtown, then thoroughly enjoyed the music. Just wish I was more familiar with downtown parking - I parked a little too far from Jones Hall - but gave us a chance to get exercise in.<br />
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New Year's Day we decided to join many other people who participated in the First Day Hike. We skipped the formal group hike, but took our own walk/hike in a nearby state park. We didn't miss out on the obligatory food (we ate out), but we did miss the hours of sitting around the table afterwards (not a bad thing). It was nice weather, and nice to get out and stretch our legs. <br />
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And finally a word about the weather. We are along the Texas Gulf Coast - usually mild winters - but the polar vortex managed to find us - sleet, ice, below freezing all day - no fun. Schools were canceled and we all hunkered down inside and ate (seriously - soup, angel food cake, etc.). Today's weather forecasters say a high of around 70, but come Tuesday - another round of real winter - I don't like real winter. <br />
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So, if you made it this far through my post - congratulations - it was long - we've/I've been busy. Currently I'm still reading - making my way through the stack of "to be read" books, drinking hot tea with local unfiltered honey (keeping the allergies away), eating an orange every day (no thank you to flu & colds), and trudging on with the glamorous chores of a household (washing, cooking, bill paying, etc.). But I've also been making plans, writing notes down of things I'd like to explore & hopefully this year (yes the ideas first came last year at this time) I will follow through with some of them. I'll keep you "posted" - yes a bad pun. </div>
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Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-30866670632930620322013-06-17T06:52:00.000-05:002013-06-17T06:52:28.677-05:00Starting SummerOur start to summer has been as busy as the last several weeks of school: marching band practice, cleaning out backpacks, getting used to a new routine, finalizing summer plans - but we took a quick weekend off to just relax and reconnect with each other. A few shots from our (hot) weekend. <br />
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This looked like fun - for someone else - no way could you get me up there. It was really breezy and I did see the operators monitor the windspeed a few times. But a go-cart with a parachute, no thanks. <br />
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Like a good mother, I chased my daughter with a hermit crab. On one part of the beach every intact shell you picked up revealed that somebody was already home. <br />
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Don't know who was in this boat, but it made a nice image. These were the true colors of the evening. It was cooler, breezy and enjoyable in the evenings - except for the giant mosquitoes - wow were they out for the hunt. <br />
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We really didn't do much this weekend, except for a little beachcombing, a little eating, resting, laughing - things we really needed to do as a family. Now we are ready to hit the summer activities as some of us separate to do our own activities from time to time. Hoping we can come together again at the end of the summer and recharge for the new school year. <br />
Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-23216245044783960322013-05-17T14:38:00.001-05:002013-05-18T08:10:24.405-05:00B&W BackyardI just had to spend a few minutes outside today (the cold is gone and the after effects are dimishing) - the birds were literally calling to me (not to mention the dog wanted to stretch his legs). Brought out the big-girl camera and 60mm macro lens just to see what I could see. Thought I'd share a couple of images - a work in progress. <br />
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Sunflower bud<br />
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Dandelion - maybe I should have made a wish? Commonly found in many areas, but I still enjoy capturing their delicate edges - hard to believe the seeds have such a good hold onto the parent plant. <br />
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What did you see in your backyard? <br />
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Hope everyone has a good weekend. Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080895342212472634.post-14900788607765479862013-05-15T13:04:00.001-05:002013-05-15T13:04:23.097-05:00Horse WednesdayOur barn's newest arrival - a filly - taken when she was a few days old. It will be fun to watch her grow up. <br />
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Joining Shirley in posting horse (or more) images. Check out her <a href="http://www.shirleybehindthelens.com/">website</a> - she always has beautiful images. <br />
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No fancy processing this week (or even minimal processing) -- this cold my son shared with me has gotten a good hold of my senses... 3 days down - about 4 to go?? can't wait to breathe, feel human & not cough. Hope everyone has a better rest of the week than me!!Sherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03793542495439289047noreply@blogger.com1