ONE SNAP

No Fish for Supper

2012-02-02T08:39:00.000-06:00

Back in Matagorda, we tried our best to catch a fish off the jetty, but we only got a couple of nibbles from tiny fish we could not hook. At the end of the day, though we had no fish to show for our effort, I felt happy and content. It was enough just to have spent the day together, enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

First Street Pier

2012-02-01T08:44:00.000-06:00

After kayak fishing, there was still plenty of time left in the day to implement Plan C: drive to Palacios, eat some lunch and fish from the pier. The clouds had vanished, we were protected from the wind and the Tres Palacios Bay was crystal clear, but still, we could not find any fish.

Kayak Fishing

2012-01-31T09:30:00.001-06:00

Since we couldn't take the boat out in the river (Plan A), we fished from the kayaks instead (Plan B). The sky was overcast and it was very windy. After an hour of fishing and catching only one small redfish, it became evident that we were not going to get anything here, so we called it quits as far as kayak fishing goes.

The Colorado River

2012-01-30T10:11:00.000-06:00

There was no fishing in the river on Saturday. The water level was high, the current was swift and the seemingly unending flow of debris made it unsafe to take the boat out. The recent heavy rains, especially upriver, are to blame. It may take a while for the river to get back to normal.

Sunday Scripture

2012-01-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

⁹

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

~Isaiah 55:8-9

Smile You Are On Camera

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

A friendly way to say No Trespassing or Don't Steal the Oranges.

Photographing the Sunset

2012-01-27T08:12:00.000-06:00

A photographer taking a picture of the sunset from the new jetty in Matagorda, Texas.

Reflection in the Sand

2012-01-26T07:35:00.002-06:00

Willet

Matagorda Beach, Texas

Weather Watch

2012-01-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

No rain yet, but the wind is picking up as you can tell by the flag outside our front door. Our area is under a severe weather watch. It's a good day to stay home and knit.

A Touch of Blue

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-06:00

I finished the baby blanket yesterday and crocheted a simple blue trim around the edge. A second blanket just like this one has been started. It will be trimmed in pink.

Great Blue Heron

2012-01-23T09:48:00.000-06:00

The feather plumes of this adult Great Blue Heron give it a shaggy appearance.

Sunday Scripture

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

¹ LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
         Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
         And works righteousness,
         And speaks the truth in his heart;
³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,
         Nor does evil to his neighbor,
         Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
         But he honors those who fear the LORD;
         He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury,
         Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

         He who does these things shall never be moved.

Knitting a Classic

2012-01-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Working on a baby blanket based on a classic design.

Five-leaf Clover

2012-01-20T06:11:00.001-06:00

An uncommon find. It must be my lucky day.

On a Cloudy Day

2012-01-19T10:03:00.001-06:00

Light a candle to keep the blues away.

Whirligig

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

When the wind blows, the fisherman in this boat always catches a fish.

Socks Drying

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

All of our hand-knit wool socks are clean and laid out to dry. A dozen pairs hang from the stair railing upstairs and even more than that are drying on a rack in the laundry room. It smells like a wet sheep and eucalyptus (my favorite scent of Eucalan) around here. Welcome to the home of a knitter.

A View from the Bridge

2012-01-16T09:36:00.000-06:00

Looking toward the Colorado River Locks from atop the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Matagorda, Texas.

Trusting God

2012-01-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding.

~Proverbs 3:5

Foggy Reflection

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Colorado River

Matagorda, Texas

Great Blue Heron

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Great Blue Heron

Matagorda, Texas

Tern

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

Four Terns

Matagorda Beach, Texas

Great Egret

2012-01-11T14:13:00.001-06:00

Great Egret

Matagorda, Texas

Across the River

2012-01-10T09:30:00.001-06:00

Early morning fisherman across the river from our travel trailer.

Wake Zone

2012-01-09T09:27:00.001-06:00

The wake of our boat against a foggy morning sunrise.

He Cares for You

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble."

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

~ 1 Peter 5:5-7

Project 12 ~ Resolution

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

I resolve to be a daily Bible reader in 2012.

This photo was taken for MCP Project 12. In 2012, I'll be posting at least one photo a month that corresponds with the assigned theme. January's theme is Resolution.

Winter Hummingbird Visitor

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

While I was out photographing butterflies, a hummingbird stopped in for a visit. There are still a few blossoms on the turk's cap and I maintain a feeder through the winter. There have been a couple of years where a hummingbird has overwintered in our backyard, but it doesn't appear that this particular hummingbird has settled in to stay, as I only saw it once during the day. We've had two other late hummingbird visitors that we know of: one at Thanksgiving and one right before Christmas.

Butterfly Wing

2012-01-05T08:31:00.000-06:00

The underside view of a Gulf Fritillary.

Butterflies in January. Sunny days. Mild temperatures. I love it!

Little Shorebird

2012-01-04T09:32:00.002-06:00

I'm terrible at identifying shore birds, because they are so similar to each other. Even using a guide book, I'm not 100% sure what this bird is. It looks most like a Sanderling to me, though it could be a type of Sandpiper.

Reddish Egret

2012-01-03T09:37:00.000-06:00

My best photo of the Reddish Egret doesn't show how animated it is when foraging for food. We were entertained by its high-stepping, quick-turning, neck-stretching, wing-flapping maneuvers. It was comical to watch.

Beach Scene

2012-01-02T12:07:00.000-06:00

A sunny, warm (near 70 degrees) day in the winter is a blessing. We happened to be in Matagorda on a day just like that, so we headed to the beach with our cameras to see what we could find. People and birds were out enjoying the day. I focused my lens on the birds, of course. I think this large seagull is a California Gull.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T22:00:00.000-06:00

Where the Colorado River Meets the Gulf of Mexico
Matagorda, Texas

One of my goals for 2012 is to spend a part of each day reading and studying Bible. In conjunction, each Sunday at One Snap, I'll be posting a photo and a scripture to go along with it. I encourage everyone to spend time in the God's word this year. It will be a blessing to your life.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

~Psalm 119:11-16

Ending the Year

2011-12-31T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today was our last day at the trailer. I wish I could say it was sunny like the day we arrived (photo above), but we were socked in by fog all day. However, it was warm and I was thankful for that. Visibility was poor, especially in the morning, but we were able to see well enough to take the boat upriver one last time. I redeemed myself somewhat in the fishing department, catching four nice trout right off the bat. John caught up to me quickly and we had a nice catch of fish to give to our friends at Spoonbills. It was a good way to end our vacation and a good way to end the year.

The Best and the Worst

2011-12-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

It was a foggy start to the morning. The sun burned through briefly, but thick clouds rolled in soon after. We took the boat upriver where we've been fishing all week with good success. Today, John's best day of fishing coincided with my worst. After an hour of fishing, he had four trout, one redfish and one flounder in the box. I, on the other hand, had caught nothing--not even a throw-back! Fishing can be very frustrating sometimes. I eventually caught a very nice trout, but only one.

Waking Up to This

2011-12-29T22:00:00.000-06:00

The view from our travel trailer. A great way to start the day.

The River We Love

2011-12-28T22:00:00.000-06:00

Colorado River
Matagorda, Texas

One of the best things we've ever done is buy our boat. Not only does it help us get to more places to catch fish, but we can really explore the river we love so much. Today on the river we saw the bald eagles--three of them! There is a new nest being built near the old one. It appears both are being used and we wonder if maybe another breeding pair has moved into the area.

We also watched a wild turkey fly across the river. Turkeys are not graceful in flight and I wasn't sure he would make it all the way across. He came very close to touching the water, sinking lower and lower with each flap of his wings. But as he neared the other side, he spread his wings and the glide lifted him just enough to reach the shore.

R & R at the River

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the beginning of a few days of rest and relaxation in Matagorda. We couldn't ask for better weather.

Pretty Kitty

2011-12-26T07:15:00.000-06:00

Calamari

Sunday Scripture

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

And he who wins souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:20

Grill Masters

2011-12-24T12:25:00.000-06:00

Father and daughter testing out the new grill on Christmas Eve.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-23T17:20:00.001-06:00

All the shopping is done. All the gifts are wrapped. We're gathered with family. Let Christmas begin.

Handmade

2011-12-22T09:02:00.000-06:00

Handmade gifts are my favorite. I adore this cross-stitch ornament that my neighbor made for me.

Looks Like Rain

2011-12-21T08:57:00.001-06:00

A Stormy Sky on the LSU Campus

Tiger Stadium

2011-12-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

On the LSU Campus

2011-12-19T10:29:00.000-06:00

This is the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where Ryan's commencement ceremony was held.

An Attitude of Humility

2011-12-18T22:00:00.000-06:00

Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

College Grad

2011-12-17T22:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my nephew, Ryan, received his diploma. We are proud of his achievement and so happy we could be there to celebrate with him.

Welcome Blanket Finished

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's finished and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! The biggest challenge of this project turned out to be finding the time to knit it. That and the rookie knitting mistakes I made at the end that caused me to rip out a whole day's worth of knitting...twice. But it was worth it. This blanket is one I can be proud to give as a gift.

Pattern: Welcome Blanket by Amanda Lilley
Yarn: I Love This Cotton (100% cotton), 4 skeins, #254 Rosy
Needles: US 8
Finished Size: 29" x 29"
More Photos and Notes

Foggy Sunshine

2011-12-15T09:39:00.000-06:00

The sun is trying to burn through a thick fog that settled in the field behind our house this morning. I'm hopeful that we will have a few hours of sunshine today before the next weather system moves in.

Instruction Manual

2011-12-14T09:30:00.001-06:00

The instruction manual for our new camera is haunting me. It's been sitting on my desk for a week, but I've only skimmed through the first few pages. To get the most out of this camera, I need to take time to thoroughly read the whole book. For some reason, I dread this. Surely, I'm not the only one.

Christmas Cones

2011-12-13T10:50:00.000-06:00

My favorite decorative accents are things collected from nature. Years ago, when we lived in Alabama, I gathered pine cones from a tree in our yard and spray-painted them gold for Christmas decorating. I can't remember what I did with them that first year. It's very possible I used them as tree ornaments. Since moving here though, they've most often been used with green garland on the mantel. This year they are displayed in a pretty handmade bowl on our dining room table. The paint on these pine cones fades over time and I've re-sprayed them once or twice. They are about due for another touch up. Other than that, they are holding up well--18 years and counting!

LUSHous

2011-12-12T12:16:00.001-06:00

Robyn and James gave me a variety of LUSH handmade soaps for my birthday and tray to keep them on. I cut a small slice off at a time to use in the bath which keeps the bars looking pretty for display. The soaps pictured are Porridge Soap, Honey I Washed The Kids, Alkmaar Body Soap and Ice Blue Soap.

Trees of the Woods

2011-12-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

Muir Woods
May 2011

Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.

Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice

before the LORD.

For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.

He shall judge the world with righteousness,

And the peoples with His truth.

~Psalm 96:12-13

Still a Favorite

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

No, I didn't knit this sweater. I didn't even know how to knit when John gave it to me as a birthday present at least 15 years ago. And now that I do, I doubt I would attempt such an ambitious project anyway. This sweater is part of my daily uniform in the winter, so I'm surprised it's holding up so well. The cotton/wool blend yarn makes it the perfect cardigan for wearing around the house on a chilly day. It's loose fitting, hangs below the hips and is very comfortable. I've always thought the variety of stitches in this sweater made it interesting and beautiful, but I didn't know what they were called back then. Now, viewing it with a knitter's eye, I can identify a variety of cables, reverse stockinette stitch, bobbles and moss stitch. It's a "sampler" of sorts and still a favorite after all these years.

The Stockings

2011-12-09T09:08:00.001-06:00

...were hung by the chimney with care.

I've been using the same Christmas stocking my entire life. Mom made it for my first Christmas back in 1960. She and Dad had similar stockings and as our family grew, more stockings were made from the same pattern. As children, my sisters and I always wished for a chimney to hang our stockings by, but fireplaces were not common in our warm climate back then. Dad compensated for that by building a stand of sorts from metal water pipe (before the days of PVC) and we hung our stockings from that. Over the years, I've had thoughts of cross-stitching new stockings for our family or most recently, knitting new ones, but I know I never will, because I love using the one my mom made for me all those years ago.

Last Night's Show

2011-12-08T08:15:00.001-06:00

Even though we live in town, there is an undeveloped field behind our house. I really like that there are no houses or trees close by to block our view of the western sky. In the evenings when I'm in the kitchen getting supper ready or cleaning up (depending on the time of the year), my eye will be drawn to a colorful sky and I'll stop what I'm doing and go outside and enjoy the show.

Christmas Gift Bags

2011-12-07T14:35:00.001-06:00

Organizing the treats for the Christmas bags.
Pictured: Waymel, Pat, Edie, Karen, Betty

Each year our Ladies' Bible Class prepares gift bags for members of our congregation who are shut-in, need encouragement or those we would like to show our appreciation to, like our ministers and office staff.

Barbara and Mary Lou filling Christmas bags.

We fill the bags with all kinds of treats including apples, oranges, candy, homemade goodies and practical items like note cards, hand lotion and small packages of Kleenex. Everyone donates something. There is always a large variety of items. Working together, the bags are assembled quickly. This year we prepared about 25 bags.

Ruth and Isabel

After all the bags are filled, we each take one or two and make our deliveries. Isabel and I brought a bag to Ruth and visited with her for a while. It's such a simple thing to do, but means so much.

A Little Touch of Christmas

2011-12-06T08:40:00.001-06:00

Around the house, here and there, are little touches of Christmas. Nothing big this year, since we won't be having guests, but just enough to get a sense of the season.

To Brighten Your Day

2011-12-05T11:15:00.001-06:00

A pretty flower to brighten your day.

Sing Praises

2011-12-04T08:49:00.001-06:00

¹ Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
² Sing out the honor of His name;
         Make His praise glorious.
³ Say to God,
         “How awesome are Your works!
         Through the greatness of Your power
         Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
⁴ All the earth shall worship You
         And sing praises to You;
         They shall sing praises to Your name.”  Selah

Psalm 66:1-4

Homeowners

2011-12-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

Matt and Carly standing outside their home.

Matt and Carly purchased their first house and moved in this weekend. We were there to help them celebrate and get things unpacked. Congratulations, guys! Wishing you many happy memories in your beautiful home.

Seagull

2011-12-02T22:00:00.000-06:00

Matagorda, Texas

The Laundry Room

2011-12-01T10:39:00.001-06:00

We unexpectedly had to replace the washing machine this week and while we were at it we updated the dryer, too. This is the first time I've used a front-loading washing machine. It seems impossible that the clothes are getting clean in such a small amount of water, but they smell good and look clean, so I'm just going to have to trust that they are.

Shell Lei

2011-11-30T13:35:00.001-06:00

A pretty shell lei from Hawaii. A gift from my sister.

Welcome Blanket in Progress

2011-11-29T11:05:00.001-06:00

It's a good thing babies don't outgrow blankets quickly. The baby this blanket is for was born a couple of weeks ago and I still have half a blanket to knit. It won't take long to finish if I can find time to work on it. I'm enjoying this pattern very much.

Our Children

2011-11-28T11:02:00.001-06:00

James, Robyn, Carly, Matt

John and I cherish the time we get to spend with our adult children. We had a great time this Thanksgiving and look forward to the next time we can all be together.

Cloud at Sunset

2011-11-27T22:00:00.000-06:00

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ~ Acts 1:9

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ~ Luke 21:27

Happy Birthday

2011-11-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

Robyn's First Birthday

Today is our daughter's 29th birthday. What a blessing she is to our family. We love you, Robyn!

Yellow Orchid

2011-11-25T22:48:00.001-06:00

A gift from my sister.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T16:31:00.001-06:00

I Forgot to Take a Photo

2011-11-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

Matagorda Beach
November 12, 2011

Matt and Carly arrived late last night. Robyn and James arrive tonight. It will be great to be together for a few days. I fully intend to take photos while everyone is here, but we'll see. I'm usually so busy enjoying our visit that I forget all about the camera.

Stained Glass

2011-11-22T17:17:00.001-06:00

Pretty stained glass windows in the church building where Paul and Aleda were married.

Alpaca Mittens

2011-11-21T10:54:00.001-06:00

The alpaca mittens are finished at last. The knitting didn't take too long, but the finishing--weaving in the ends and washing--were put off for over a week.

Husband and Wife

2011-11-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Paul and Aldea on their wedding day.

And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female, ⁵ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? ⁶ So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” ~ Matthew 19:4-6

Church Building

2011-11-19T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today we traveled to LaCoste, Texas (near San Antonio) to attend the wedding of John's nephew. The ceremony was held in this beautiful old church building.

Vanda Orchid

2011-11-18T09:49:00.001-06:00

Vanda Pachara Delight

The Vanda orchid is strange (to me) and beautiful at the same time. The strange part is that this orchid requires no soil at all. I didn't know what to think when John presented me with this plant yesterday. I think I said something unappreciative like, "That's weird." It's the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the exposed roots dangling down as long as the plant is tall. Supposedly this orchid is easy to grow at home. The root system obtains moisture and nutrients from the air, but I will need to water it occasionally. For now it's hanging outside on the back porch where it gets morning sun.

No soil at all!

Strange or beautiful?

McNab Launch

2011-11-17T09:02:00.001-06:00

An evening view of the spot where we launch our kayaks in Matagorda. The waterway leads to McNab Lake. Sometimes we paddle all the way to the lake to fish, but more often we fish at a couple of places along the way that we call The First Corner and Trout Junction.

Fishing from a Kayak

2011-11-16T10:19:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I was lucky enough to spend it with my husband in Matagorda. We didn't get going early enough to make it worth the effort to take the boat out, so instead, we fished from the kayaks. The marsh grass along the sides is normally so tall you can't see over it, but this year the drought has kept it short. We fished for an hour or so until the first drop of rain began to fall, then paddled back quickly. Our stringer was empty, but it was still a great way to spend the morning.

Sunset at the End of the Road

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cemetery Road, Matagorda, Texas

Oystercatcher

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

An American Oystercatcher wading in the Colorado River next to the Beach Road in Matagorda, Texas.

Waves

2011-11-13T13:47:00.001-06:00

The LORD on high is mightier

Than the noise of many waters,

Than the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalm 93:4

Underwater Feather

2011-11-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

A feather submerged in a small pool of water on the beach.

Looking Good

2011-11-11T09:01:00.001-06:00

The geraniums have never looked better than they do right now. The cooler temperatures of November have given them new life.

Work in Progress

2011-11-10T09:23:00.002-06:00

I was asked to knit the alpaca yarn into a pair of mittens for a young lady in college. A lot of thought went into selecting just the right pattern, including a test knit in a similar weight yarn from my stash. The pattern needed to pair well with the yarn and have a bit of style, too, because plain mittens just didn't seem stylish enough for a girl in college. I'm using this pattern (Ravelry link), but will be finishing the top like a regular mitten. So far, so good.

Past Photo

2011-11-09T17:08:00.002-06:00

Feather in the Sand at Matagorda Beach
September 25, 2009

Alpaca Yarn

2011-11-08T08:28:00.000-06:00

100% Alpaca--Natural Color with Forest Blaze Added--2 Ply Worsted

Later today I plan to start a project with this pretty yarn. A non-knitting friend of mine visited Bluebonnet Hills Alpaca Ranch for a school assignment and was so taken with the yarn that she bought several hanks, not even knowing at the time who she would get to knit it for her. I agreed to help her out. It should be a real treat to knit with this yarn. I'm just hoping it will pair well with the pattern we've selected for it. I'll keep you posted.

Trawling for Shrimp

2011-11-07T08:13:00.000-06:00

A shrimp boat dragging its net just off Matagorda Beach.

The shrimp boats were very close to the beach the day were out there a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed watching the birds and the dolphins trailing behind. Occasionally a dolphin would leap above the surface of the water, which was really cool to see.

From the Rising of the Sun

2011-11-06T14:41:00.000-06:00

Psalm 113

¹ Praise the LORD!

Praise, O servants of the LORD,

Praise the name of the LORD!

² Blessed be the name of the LORD

From this time forth and forevermore!

³ From the rising of the sun to its going down

The LORD’s name is to be praised.

⁴ The LORD is high above all nations,

His glory above the heavens.

⁵ Who is like the LORD our God,

Who dwells on high,

⁶ Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

⁷ He raises the poor out of the dust,

And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

⁸ That He may seat him with princes—

With the princes of His people.

⁹ He grants the barren woman a home,

Like a joyful mother of children.

Praise the LORD!

Exposed

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

A willet feeding along an exposed oyster reef at the bridge on Cemetery Road in Matagorda, Texas.

Fall Flowers ~ Wild Petunia

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Wild petunias add a pop of color to a drought-stricken landscape.

Fall Flowers ~ Orange Lantana

2011-11-03T11:02:00.001-05:00

Texas Lantana growing wild along a fence line in Matagorda, Texas.

Fall Flowers ~ Sunflower

2011-11-02T08:17:00.001-05:00

I wasn't sure if this flower was a sunflower or a daisy. I looked it up and found out it is Maximilian sunflower and according to this source, is sometimes called Michaelmas-daisy.

Fall Flowers ~ Indian Blanket

2011-11-01T16:25:00.003-05:00

Fall Flowers ~ Pink Lantana

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

We did indeed see some pretty flowers on our drive the other day. They weren't abundant, but you could find them if you were looking for them. Most were growing on the fence row, like this pink lantana called West Indian Lantana.

God's Rest

2011-10-30T17:02:00.000-05:00

Rest here on earth is important and beneficial to our well being. I find that kind of rest at our place in Matagorda. In today's sermon we were encouraged to strive for the rest God wants us all to have--the eternal rest that is found only in Jesus.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ~ Matthew 11:28-29

Snowy Egret

2011-10-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Today the skies were clear and though it started out cold, it warmed up comfortably by the afternoon. We took the boat out about midmorning and added a few fish stories to our collection, along with a few fish. After lunch we took a drive down Cemetery Road, where John had seen a bobcat the day before and some flowers he wanted to show me. We stopped at McNab and watched a snowy egret fish for his supper.

A Feel for the Day

2011-10-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

This photo of Matagorda Beach captures well how it felt outside today. It was 20 degrees colder than yesterday and very damp. The wind blew steady and strong and the cloud cover was thick all day. We had planned to take the boat out and fish, but we drove on the beach instead and later fished from the boat slips at Pelican Point where we were somewhat protected from the wind. It was hard to keep warm, but a nice supper at Spoonbills and the most delicious cup of hot chocolate ever, took away the chill at the end of the day.

Big Green Caterpillar

2011-10-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

I know I'm probably creeping out a few people by posting this photo, so sorry about that. It was a little creepy for me also, when I opened the back door today and almost put my foot down on this big green caterpillar that was on the door mat. I called John out to look at it and he found several more just like it on the pentas plant. We did some research and found out this is the caterpillar of the Tersa Sphinx Moth which is also known as the hummingbird moth. I don't think I'd be creeped out by a hummingbird moth. I hope I get to see one of those.

Photographic Challenge

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

What's harder than photographing a fast moving hummingbird? Taking a good photo of a bird through the bars of a cage, that's what. Mr. Jingles is a photographic challenge. I've tried different lenses, different cameras, flash, no flash, manual focus, automatic focus...but most photos are not that good. This is the best so far. Mr. Jingles was curious about the camera and came close to check it out.