My Little Friend in Brenham

Recently, we were able to travel to an area that was new to us...Brenham, Texas.  It's about an hour east of Austin.  Such beautiful countryside.  It was Bluebonnet season and I was snapping lots of photos of the flowers in bloom.  

I fell in love with the sweet little fellow.  He was curious and came closer when I took his picture.  

Spring in My Little World

Spring is busting out all over in our little corner of the world.  Enjoying the beauty of our Redbud...as are the bees.  

Upside Down

Something I've been wanting to try is photography using a crystal ball to capture images.  

Still learning to use this tool and I have lots to learn.  

The crystal ball picks up the reflections of everything in range.  

So far...I like it.

Peaceful Place

When staying at the Back Bay Inn you may find some peace and quiet.  Just looking at this picture brings me back to that peaceful place.

Favorite Drive - California's Central Coast

Driving up the coast on Highway 1 in central California is one of my favorite drives.  The fresh air, colors and beauty of God's creation is awe inspiring.  

Favorite Places - Back Bay Inn

When I think of favorite things...I think of some of the places we've been blessed to visit.  The Back Bay Inn, located in Los Osos CA, is at the top of my list of favorite places.  

A Bokeh Christmas

Just playing with the camera tonight.

Conservatory In Black & White

On our recent road trip, Chris and I went to Minnesota to have my mother's ashes laid to rest with her parents.  Something long overdue since she had passed away back in 2008.  

The day before the ceremony at Fort Snelling, we had a few hours and went to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.  It was a beautiful day and we had some time to relax.

As we walked around the gardens and zoo, I wondered did my mother or grandparent come here.  It was not too far from the home they lived in in St Paul, MN.  

Pismo Beach

Boy, oh boy, I'd love to be there on a hot summer day like today.  

This picture was taken back in 2011, on our first trip up the coast headed to Back Bay Inn in Los Osos.  This is Pismo Beach.  Doesn't the water look cool and refreshing? 

Roses in the Springtime

Shortly before we moved from California in 2014, my husband Chris took me to the Huntington Library.  I had never been there, but he had some good memories going there when he was young. 

The gardens at the Huntington Library were truly among the most beautiful I've ever seen, especially the roses. 

Back Bay View

This picture was taken at one of my favorite places, Back Bay Inn in Los Osos, CA.  It's one of the many beautiful views from this hidden gem of a hotel.  When you check in, you can feel your stress melting away.  

Wild Yarrow

The yarrow in our garden is one of my favorite plants.  In the wild, it's just as pretty.  

Oreo Cows

While the picture is not great...the subjects are pretty cool.  We were traveling down the highway in the Hill Country, at a pretty good clip, when what to my wondering eyes should appear...Oreo Cows!  Who knew?  Never heard of them before, but they are pretty catchy.  

Old Rusty Car

Last December, we went on a road trip into states I had never been to.  This rusty old car was by the roadside in Arkansas.  Love the colors and the home behind it...kind of captures some of the sights we saw along the way.    

Country Roads

I love driving down old country roads.  You never know what you will happen upon.  We came across this interesting scene in Ennis, TX during bluebonnet season last year.

The Old Barn

What is it about an old barn that catches my eye?  If I had my druthers, I'd probably stop at everyone I pass and take pictures.

Love the weathered wood and the metal roofing that's rusting set against the gray winter sky.

Sunshine and Flowers

Recently, Chris and I had the opportunity to visit Fredericksburg, Texas.  One of our favorite places was the Wildseed Farms.  We walked their fields and the glory of God was on display in His creation.  I think God must love colors and variety as seen in nature.  

We purchased some sunflower seeds, tropical milkweed and cosmos to try at home.  Many of the seeds have come up and are starting to bud and bloom.  Looking forward to spreading the seeds in our flowerbeds next spring. 

Now when I think of the Hill Country of Texas, I remember the beautiful town of Fredericksburg.  

Napping on a Warm Sunny Day

On our recent visit to Fredericksburg and Marble Falls, we stopped and toured President Lyndon Baines Johnson's ranch.  While politically I may be worlds apart from LBJ, this was great tour.  To quote my husband Chris, "You don't have to agree politically to appreciate history."  

The ranch and home were absolutely beautiful.  I was surprised at the home and how down to earth it was.   It wasn't gaudy or ostentatious.  It was a home I would feel comfortable in, it was inviting and quite lovely.  To get to the home you drive through a lot of land and pass by the herds of cattle.  

I fell in love with this precious little fellow as he napped in the shade on a warm sunny day.  Mom was close by.  

Steven Curtis Chapman

After reading Steven Curtis Chapman's autobiography, Between Heaven and the Real World, I wanted to share pictures that I took at one of his concerts in 2007.  It was at a church venue, so I was able to take pictures.  An excellent concert...so glad I was able to attend. 

Springtime in Texas Means Bluebonnets

It's springtime in Texas and that means it's Bluebonnet time!  Woohoo!