Inspiring

Sgt. First Class (ret), Dana Bowman was injured in a jumping accident in 1994. He was a member of the elite US Army Golden Knights parachute team. He collided in mid-air with his jumping partner. His partner was killed and Dana lost both legs at the knees, a result of colliding with his partner's outstretched arm. He returned to the army as the first double amputee to ever reenlist.

Folds of the Flag

This past Sunday I attended The Wounded Warriors Fallen Heroes ceremony in Benbrook Texas. The program is a tribute to the servicemen and women from all branches of the Military who risk their lives everyday to protect our freedoms. Many of them die; others return home to face life-altering and eternal challenges due to injuries attained while fighting for us. It was a moving experience and one I would recommend to all patriots and supporters of our great U.S. Military.

Message to President Bush from the crowd, "Stay the course!!"

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, is the law of the land regarding handling and displaying the American flag. It does not include anything regarding the significance or meaning of each flag fold. There is, however, a flag folding ceremony that does just that. No one seems to know when or where the symbols for the folds of the flag originated or who wrote it. Perhaps it was a chaplain who attached the mostly Judeo-Christian religious meanings to the folds for a burial ceremony. Folding the Flag.

A Summer's Evening

I pass by this scene on most Fridays. It is on an alternate route that my granddaughters like to take when returning home from taking my daughter to work. The "hill way" or the "mamma llama" way. I don't mind at all. It is a very pleasant and peaceful ride through areas that still have not been, and hopefully won't be, overly developed.

I'm not sure why

This faucet fascinates me. I think it is because of all the different textures and colors.

Unknown Species

This beautiful butterfly was flitting around all over the place. Unfortunately, it was so windy it was difficult to photograph.

Meanwhile...Back at the Park

Although we have seen wild turkey and a multitude of small animals and birds in the park, this is the first time we have seen the deer.

Survival of the Fittest

Texas Longhorn cattle are the end result of "survival of the fittest". Shaped by a combination of natural selection and adaptation to the environment, the Texas Longhorn is the only cattle breed which is truly adapted to America. Had there been any aid or interference by man they would not have been what they were.

By 1900, crossbreeding had nearly erased the true Longhorn. Beginning in 1927, the US Government started preserving the breed. With further help from the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association and some concerned small ranchers, the Texas Longhorn as been rescued from extinction.

Hook 'em horns.

Oliver Loving

This Loving's valley ranch was settled by Oliver Loving, the famous cattleman and trail drive pioneer. His friend, Charles Goodnight...inventor of the "chuck" wagon, and Loving's family helped rope, brand, and hold wild longhorn cattle here.

In 1860, Loving drove 15,000 cattle up a treacherous trail from here to Denver. The trail was later to be known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail.

Loving was wounded by Indians and died up the trail in 1867. Granting his last request and at great hardship, Goodnight returned his friend's body to Weatherford Texas for burial. The novel and movie "Lonesome Dove" were based upon that legend.

The Other Direction

The river widens out after it goes under the bridge.

Brazos River

The Brazos River runs 840 miles across Texas to it's mouth on the Gulf of Mexico.

Parts of the Brazos are absolutely beautiful and many people enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rafting it. This stretch is great for beginners. If you fall out of the boat....STAND UP.

Still Trying

I have a mental list of things of which I would like to get a good photograph.
A dragonfly is on that list.

Well, I am still working on it. I did get this shot of a dragonfly. Not there yet. But I figure the more I take the greater my chances.

Last one of the season!

Memorial Day weekend is the last time we go camping in Texas until the fall.

We have not had ideal camping weather this spring to say the least. Everytime we have gone it has reached record breaking or near record breaking temperatures.

As I have said before, I don't do hot gracefully. However, these guys seemed to be enjoying it immensely.

Whoa Momma!

I was walking along our back fence one morning at the same time a momma 'possum with two babies on her back was walking along the other side.

I don't know who was more startled.

I was so fascinated with them I forgot to take their picture until momma was scurrying away. By the time I got the shot, one baby had fallen off and was trying desperately to get back on. The other was well on it's way to falling off. That's OK. Sometimes it is more fun to just watch.

Out of the Dark into the Light

I have been to many National Military Parks but none have affected me as much as this one, Shiloh National Military Park. I can't explain it. It just did.

Chapel Entrance

The morning light gave it a warm and inviting feeling.

The Other One

This is the other waterlily that I found in bloom. I understand that a lot of flowers are not blooming well this year because of the excessive dry weather that we had. It appears the drought may have broken in typical Texas style but may be too late for wild spring flowers.

More Clark Gardens

In past visits there have been a profusion of blooming waterlilies. This year only a few had started to come out. But those few were gorgeous.

Clark Gardens

We went camping this past weekend. The park, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, where we stayed is a small park but is perfect to just get away and relax. We had a great time even though it was a lot hotter than I had expected. A lot hotter than it normally is this time of year....breaking records hot! I don't do hot gracefully.

The granddaughters enjoyed it because it was warm enough for them to swim in the lake.

A surprise local attraction is a botanical garden Clark Gardens in the middle of nowhere. It is beautifully maintained and has grown considerably since I first started going. It was a little too early in the season for a lot of blooming plants. I plan on going back soon.

Old German Homestead

Oil on canvas. This is a 100 year old German homestead in the Texas Hill Country.

My original photo was taken in early spring just as the trees were leafing out and a few varities of wildflowers were starting to bloom.

The Newest

In bathroom decor. Or...how to recyle creatively. We had a visit from a couple of budding home decorators. I am not sure which one came up with this idea although I have my suspicions. But hey...it works for me. I think they can give Hildy and Doug a run for their money.