Road Trip!!!

On my way to Madison, WI....to see my dentist, along with many friends...Just me and Aunt Lily's Buick (and many audio books). Be well..see you when I return...

Bluebonnet Morning

I was awakened around 4:30 the other morning by our smoke detector going off...sometimes, an insect will crawl across it and set it off. Once I was sure the house wasn't on fire, I couldn't go back to sleep...so, around 6:00, I grabbed my camera, my Wellies, and I took off to photograph the bluebonnets at daybreak.
As day did break, I realized it was very overcast, in fact, raining a bit, and since photography is all about the light, I wasn't going to get that wonderful light, known as "sweetlight" to professionals, that occurs just after sun up, and just before sunset...but, I also know that when it is overcast, one can get some good shots, as the sun doesn't wash out the photos..so, I forged on.

Just as I spotted a nice, country road, I turned, and looked behind me...there were (I counted them) 10 police cars behind me..all with their lights off..."Holy Smokes" I thought, "What could I possibly have done to merit this?" So, I pulled over, and watched as they rolled on by me - thank goodness. I saw the sign that said, "No Outlet", but I needed a place to turn around, which was at the end of the road...A chain-link fence and a big sign that said, "No Trespassing"..I did manage to turn around, but all I could think was there was an early morning raid of some sort going on, and someone was in a boatload of trouble..Just glad it wasn't me.

There has been alot of rain this Spring, and the bluebonnets are everywhere (except where I was)...so, I did get one good shot of a yellow field (below), and went home to take a nap..When I awakened, I saw the light was better and decided to take a different route. I probably should have just taken my camera on my 2 mile, neighborhood walk, and there are plenty about, but I wanted fields..not patches in someone's yard...so, I hit the road again. There are so many different varieties of wildflowers in Texas...some violets, indian paintbrush, and many that I can't remember the names...but, today was bluebonnet day (which are a variety of lupine)....

The trees in Texas are wonderful...gnarled, rugged...

The scent of the violets, mixed with the bluebonnets (which had no discernable scent), was heavenly...

I loved the star on the fence (Texans love their stars), and the curious cow...I could tell she didn't get alot of company, so we chatted for awhile, and I mooved on (couldn't help myself here)...

This golden field was the first shot of the day..just as the light got brighter...I don't know what they were, but I sneezed the rest of the day.

And so, thanks to our beloved Ladybird Johnson, Texas is abloomin...thankyou, Ladybird...

Oh, Patty, in case you read this, nobody else even commented on the pitcher, so it is yours...I think it's lovely..their loss..my email address is : jschatz53574@yahoo.com send me you address, and I will send it to you...

Easter Giveaway

As many of you may know, I hand-paint glass...I use French paints (Pebeo), which, once baked, don't come off. Although I don't suggest putting them in the dishwasher.

Since I have been blessed to win a giveaway (thank you Angie at Ranch Dressing), I have decided to have one, as well.

Spring has sprung, and it's time for tea parties and luncheons on the terrace, the deck, or whatever...Should you like this hand-painted pitcher, let me know what you would serve in it, and what your favorite tea party would include...Happy Easter, Ya'll.

The Season of Miracles

Easter is, of course, about the resurrection of Christ, a celebration of miracles. That said, I also associate it with new birth, and rebirth....a dying-down, and a rising-up...reaching the depths of dispair, and finding that one can rise above dispair. The harbinger of Spring and new life ahead.My dear Marty, of "A Stroll Though Life", is having a cloche party...I tried to leave a comment, but, of course, it didn't take...Not sure how to join the party, but Marty (hey, we're rhyming here!), this one's for you. I gathered all my bunnies, and had my own "Easter Bunnies on Parade".

I painted this painting years ago, and didn't finish it...finally, it is finished...It represents my garden in Wisconsin...It's planting time here in Texas, and the plants in the foreground are: dill, tomatoes, and basil. The deer won't eat the basil, I know, but I have to figure out how to protect the tomatoes..probably tpees. Anyway, it's raining today, so I won't be planting...

Here is our miracle girl, Gussie, who loves to sun herself in the master bathroom. We have a glass-block window, and both our orchid and Gussie love it there. Having lost her sight and regained it is truly a miracle (thanks to God and modern medicine). I am going to be driving to Wisconsin in a few weeks (all by myself...to see my dentist..the one's here scare me)..anyway, I am the one who administers her meds..and it is a battle. The next miracle is that my husband can do it instead. She's fourteen, and it's just this year that she allows him to even pet her...we are going to have to get very creative about this. My husband used to be a scientist, and worked with lab animals all the time (he left the labs because he couldn't stand having to experiment and "sacrifice" so many animals)...so, he can do the administering just fine - it's catching her that will be the miracle. Without a dosage every day, she would go blind again. So, we will start practicing soon.

So, to all of you, please never stop believing in miracles, they have and do happen...sometimes, we forget that - Happy Easter!!