Archive for July, 2006

Herb Garden

Thursday, July 27th, 2006

Herb Garden, originally uploaded by trekr.

My shadow overlooking the new herb garden. We finally had some success germinating chili tepin, so the two left rows are peppers and the rows on the right are a variety of herbs. Fresh herbs just outside the back door! Now that’s good eats.

Beehive

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

Beehive, originally uploaded by trekr.

I finally decided to take a chance and get close enough to get a decent photograph. I’m not quite ready for the macro! This colony has made this brick fence post pillar its home for the past two years now. The bees haven’t stung anyone or swarmed so I don’t think they are Africanized. I’m inclined to leave them alone. They are doing a good job pollinating the garden plants! I’m glad to have them back.

Visited Countries

Tuesday, July 25th, 2006


create your own visited countries map or vertaling Duits Nederlands

Check this out and make your own!

They’re Back!

Monday, July 24th, 2006

Louisianna Waterthrush Nest, originally uploaded by trekr.

I don’t know why they are raising a brood in July, but the Waterthrush are back. They have built a nest on the back porch again, this time just to the right of the doors in an abandoned planter attached to the wall. It looks like there are four eggs.

Peek-a-Boo

Friday, July 14th, 2006

DSCN8771, originally uploaded by trekr.

This spring we planted two burr oaks just off the back porch to replace the old post oak that we lost. We coverted the ground around the new trees with a thick layer of shredded tree mulch to help them weather hot days of the summer. To my astonishment, a wild rabbit decided that the mulch under the tree was the perfect place to raise her brood. We’ve been watching the den for two weeks and this is the first time one of the little ones has poked his head out.

Cobalt Blue Dragons

Saturday, July 8th, 2006

Cobalt Blue Salvia, originally uploaded by trekr.

Sometimes it’s as good as the brochure 🙂

Fractals

Saturday, July 8th, 2006

Fractal, originally uploaded by trekr.

I’m not sure what made this gall, but it has a beautiful fractal pattern to it.

Summer Figs

Saturday, July 8th, 2006

Summer Figs, originally uploaded by trekr.

There was a time while I was racing bicyles that the fig bar was my favorite food. These figs are from a tree in the back corner of my yard and every year I’m surprised by how well it does here in Texas.

It’s Hard to Leave Home

Friday, July 7th, 2006

DSCN8726, originally uploaded by trekr.

Kids are gone, place is a little run down, but it’s home.  See the Happy Family in the spring of their lives when the Cardoon was in bloom.

Empress Tree

Friday, July 7th, 2006

Empress Tree, originally uploaded by trekr.

Two princesses climb the royal empress tree.

Good Dog !

Thursday, July 6th, 2006

DSCN8689, originally uploaded by trekr.

Sadie, our Italian Greyhound, is listening carefully! Reminds me of the Flying Nun!

Sharing

Thursday, July 6th, 2006

DSCN8696, originally uploaded by trekr.

The Cotinus texan prefer the overripe figs leaving the others alone. Reminds me of my neighbor defending his tomatoes from the squirrels. The squirrels would pick the green tomatoes, take one bite and leave the fruit lying on the ground. " How come the squirrels don’t eat your tomatoes?", he asked. I pointed to the compost pile in the middle of a circle of tomato plants. "Simple. We give them something better to eat".  So it turns out to be a good idea to leave a few very ripe figs on the tree for the beetles so they don’t have to sample all of them!

There is enough for everyone.

Outer Banks

Wednesday, July 5th, 2006

DSCN8541, originally uploaded by trekr.

A calm after the storm, a light shining through, a time to be outdoors.  Jacqui got up early to take this picture while looking out over the Atlantic from the Outer Banks.

4th of July Parade

Wednesday, July 5th, 2006

DSCN8667, originally uploaded by trekr.

Every year the whole town musters for the 4th of July Parade. Every manner of vehicle lines up on Simmons Drive at 9 am and begins winding throught the town at a slow pace ending at the Town Hall for a BBQ. Its quite a bit of fun whether you watch or parade. I love living in a small town !

July Rain

Wednesday, July 5th, 2006

DSCN8674, originally uploaded by trekr.

It finally rained on the 4th of July! I tried to capture the vibrant greens after a summer rain but I think you need to be able to smell the ozone and feel the rain on your face to fully appreciate the relief.