Night Owl

I had been listening to a couple of screech owls for several nights before I remembered to bring my camera home from the office. Unfortunately, I could not get the owls to pose for the pictures. They kept wanting to turn their heads about the time I took their picture. I have not heard them in a couple of weeks now, but did see some deer this evening while Sean and Tabitha were here. Actually, Tabitha was the first to spot them, but my camera was without its memory card and I missed the shot.

For my Dad and Big Paul! We miss you.

Texas Tech University Basketball game, Feb 9th, National Anthem sung by 5 young ladies (ages 6-8.) I have never heard it performed better than this! An entire arena remains completely silent throughout the entire song ... I mean you could hear a pin drop.

The Family 4th

The 4th of July has always been a time for our families to get together and celebrate. I have many fond memories of HEAT, barbeque, and Ice Cream.

4th of July Cookout

The rain held off and a cool breeze kept things comfortable for our cookout today. We were not a full crew today. We could have used Adam to help cut the ribs, but we managed. Here are a few pics of the family. Here was the ham. . .
the beef. . .
and the turkey!
Let's eat!

Happy Fourth of July

It is a real blessing to be living in a country as great and free as the United States. We should all cherish that freedom and never forget those who paid for it with their lives. One of the great things about the time we spent in New England was the history that was all around us. I always loved American history, especially the Revolutionary War period. Here are a few pics of the places and things we were fortunate to visit while living up North.

Boston Harbor (Boston Tea Party)
Bunker Hill & Monument

("don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes")

The kids & USS Constitution "old ironsides"
Concord Bridge

(minute men defeated the British in 1st battle of the Revolutionary War)

(minute man monument in Lexington)

Algae Fun

Here are a few of the alga species I photographed last year when teaching phycology. Most of these species came out of Lake DeGray. Just think about that next time you are swimming with your mouth open.

Invasion Discovered

While watering my plants in the backyard today I noticed a branch on my sugar maple was stripped of its leaves. Upon closer inspection this is what I found-- green-striped maple worms and eggs! Ironically, my daughter Tabitha had recently emailed me a picture of a Rosy Maple Moth that she had taken and asked me to identify it. I was familiar with the moth, but not the caterpillar form. I removed the branch and took these pictures. I hope I got them all.

Moth Eggs

Green-striped maple worms

Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)

Final Quote for the night (morning)

"I am not crazy! I'm just a little emotional right now, ok? Ya'll throwing all this stuff at me, man! Look, I mean, after this is over, can I like get a hug from you or somethin?" Michael Duncan (Jayotis "Bear" Kurleenbear) in Armageddon

Can't Sleep AGAIN!

Some nights I just can't sleep. Insomnia comes with fibromyalgia. There are times when I am so tired, but just can't sleep. I go back and forth between my mind raising and wishing someone would just shoot me with an elephant tranquilizer.


Oh well, it is also quiet times like these I can spend being thankful for the things I do have. I have recently become a grandma. Even though I pout because I have yet to get my hands on him I get sent pictures and am comforted to know both Brody and mom are healthy.

AND... more good news, Tabitha is pregnant. Her baby is due February 1st. I am so excited. Here are the first pictures of my newest grand baby. We pray for a healthy baby and mom.

Deep Love of Jesus

It is hard for me to look at God's wonderful world and see how anyone could deny God exists. He loves us and is always good to us. This song sung by two wonderful women I know touched me and I hope it does you too.

Pictures of Troy's Flowers

Life Doesn't Always Turnout the way you plan it

Troy has been buying plants and working around our patio in the back yard all year. He has also been buying bird feeders and bird food. Even though we have some really nice plants in the back yard one of the most amazing at this time is the sunflower. It appears the birds have helped him along in his landscaping efforts. Didn't they do a nice job?

Brody's Bad Hair Day

At least he has hair!