a little blue

 

The blues have arrived--making me so happy!
Indigo buntings and a blue grosbeak at the feeder --there are often 4 or 5 buntings in the yard at the same time--glorious time of the year!

Col. Chris Hadfield

Col. Hadfield is currently on board the International Space Station.
Do you follow him on Facebook or Twitter?

He sends back the most incredible photos of Earth from space with the assistance of his planet bound son.

The Antique Rose Emporium (Independence, Texas)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever we travel to Texas, I am always eager to make a stop at the Antique Rose Emporium in east Texas. One would never expect such a large array of roses and perennials in a rather remote rural area. It's a slice of heaven.

I once had about 100 antique roses --most came from this nursery. When the great drought started, I had to cut back, but I am still tempted to get another occasionally.

My newest acquisition is the salmon pink one next to gate in the first photo---  G. Nabbonaud. It caught my eye the second I stepped out of the car--and I had to have one for home. Now I have to make a place for it in my garden. Too tempting.....

spring update

my azalea hedge and one of the huge live oaks

poinsettias in spring

speck the snake...still here


Today has been cold and rainy so I'll use some of the photos I took a few days ago.

The azalea hedge has been spectacular and fills the yard with bright color even before dawn when it reflects into the windows.

The poinsettias still look great and I can't bear to throw them away---makes a nice juxtaposition sitting there smiling back at the spring flowers in the yard.

And speck came out again and sunned himself on the railroad tie cactus bench. He is either still winter sluggish or quite tolerant of humans since none of my movement has startled him away. He suns for a while and then goes into the shade. I wonder where he stashed himself today. I think there's a rotted hole on the back of the tie. It may be his home.

Bluebonnets blooming in Texas

Not the best year---but always a joy to see

Snakes are out

Wrapping around a sun warmed cactus, the king snake makes a spring debut.

The first I've seen in about 10 years.