A Colorful Ride: Flowers along Brushy Creek
On one of my recent bike rides along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, I enjoyed the results of some rain we had. Besides the creek having plenty of water (see a previous post), there were also several wildflowers. One, in … Read More
Texas Sage
A common perennial shrub in Texas, the Texas Sage or Cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens) is known by many names, including Purple Sage, Silverleaf, Texas Ranger, and the most unusual name, Barometer Bush. That last name comes from the fact the bush … Read More
Five Beacons on Lisbon Streets
Wandering around Lisbon’s city streets is a joy at any time of day. The city comes alive everywhere you look. Here are five places not very far from one another. I opened with the Rossio Station (Estação do Rossio). The … Read More
After the Rain…
After so much rain in our area this week, when the skies cleared, I took advantage of the perfect weather to bike in one of my favorite new trails, Brushy Creek Trail East. Watching Brushy Creek flowing strongly was my … Read More
Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Serenity
“In her presence, a quiet dawn breaks, soft and steady, like the first light of day.” Ahmed Gamel The world is in constant chaos. If not close to our doorstep, we just need to look around. Wars and conflicts seem … Read More
Prickly Pear Cactus
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center created the National Wildflower Week back in 1987. It is the first whole week of May celebrating “the beauty and importance of native wildflowers across the United States,” as the Center writes. Although several … Read More
Misty Pastels
Today’s forecast looked alarming and included a tornado warning all day. Fortunately, there were no tornadoes reported in and around our area. However, we did get plenty of rain and some early fog. During a short break from the rain, … Read More
My Photography, My Rules
Lens-Artists Challenge #347: Break the Rules! Before I found out there were rules in photography, I was simply shooting what I liked. I agree that rules help make a shot a better image. However, there are times when your intuition speaks … Read More
Distorted Realities
Walking around Austin can often result in finding hidden gems in the cityscape. The opportunities are varied and revealing, with many buildings using mirror exteriors. The image above reflects old power plant stacks opposite the Austin Public Library building. Below, … Read More
Texas Bluebells
Bluebonnets are the official State of Texas flower. However, there is not a shortage of beautiful wildflowers in the state. Since early spring, we can admire the beauty that covers our fields. Indian Paintbrushes, Indian Blankets (Firewheels), Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallows, … Read More