Looking at the Bright Side

New Beginnings

2009-09-01T22:20:00.006-05:00

Not much posting in the past couple of months......just too hot to do much of anything.
So - I hope September will bring new beginnings, of cooler weather and fall colors. Of course, right now everything IS fall colors! (Its dead) Has been for quite awhile.

Time to get out of the funk of summer and on to what God has in store for me. With the current climate of doom and gloom within our country, I am trying very hard to stay focused on the Truth, as God tells it. I must remember He is in charge and all those who follow His Word will be OK. He is bigger than anything here, bigger than the Government, bigger than any of the adversities that are happening to our wonderful country. Stay focused - over and over again I say to myself. Through adversity - we find our biggest strengths.

I find comfort with the animals....and nature. They don't worry about anything, because they trust. I need to follow their example, and trust God totally. I pray for our country, my family and friends. I hope that all are doing well, and staying strong.

"And so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."
Psalm 39:7

Views from Window

2009-07-05T17:51:00.004-05:00

Being that it is too hot (105) to sit outside and take pictures, I have the benefit of shooting from my front window. This little one likes to stay close to the house. I am not sure if it is an orphan or that Mom is just away a lot. Seems to be OK. Will keep an eye on it for sure.

Afternoon Siesta with minor distractions!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T18:28:00.005-05:00

Wishing everyone a safe and happy July 4th holiday!

God Bless America!

Postcards from the Edge

2009-06-30T22:01:00.004-05:00

Imagine my surprise today when I checked the mailbox and found the following postcard!

I am so touched that the little rascal thought enough to let me know that she has moved on and is doing well. I wish her the best! Whoever says that animals don't understand are crazy! :) :)

Camouflage

2009-06-21T20:22:00.006-05:00

Mom with twins. They are skirting along the edges of the open areas now, but soon they will be frolicking and playing all over the place.

Just Another Day in the Country

2009-06-19T16:02:00.007-05:00

The Accused

Crime Scene

The Victim

This is what happens when you have a soft heart for animals in distress. I look out my window and notice this squirrel frantically trying to get OUT of a SQUIRREL- PROOF bird feeder. With her little butt and 2 rear legs stuck in the grid of the cage, she is twisting, and turning with all her might. I grab a ladder and a very thick towel (couldn't find the leather gloves that are ALWAYS within sight). Put ladder under feeder, climb up with towel on left arm, support squirrel who seems grateful to rest on my arm, place the feeder on top of the ladder - while I use my right hand to unhook the feeder from the chain holding it to tree. Easily done! Lift feeder to climb down ladder to place on the ground, and all hell breaks loose! The cage surrounding the tube feeder dislodges and squirrel freaks out, swings around and grabs hold of my right hand, which is holding the cage so it won't move as the squirrel is very much attached to it. OK - cage attached to squirrel, squirrel attached to me - I climb down the ladder to the ground, and try to unhinge it's little mouth from the base of my thumb. This is not happening fast - as it has locked on like vise grips and proceeeds to grind and crunch the knuckle of my thumb. The sound effects are quite amazing. It took 20 seconds to get her off my hand, as I grip her jaw with my left hand and pry her top teeth off first, followed by the bottom pair. I grab the towel with my right hand and throw it on top of the attacker, gripping it very firmly. Now what? iPhone is in house. Pick up feeder with squirrel (yes, I know I was no longer attached to animal - but I did not want it hurting itself anymore - trying to get out without help). I go into house, still holding feeder with the towel covered squirrel, get to phone - speed dial my BFF neighbor - Molly - give a brief scenario of what happened and ask her to bring some wire cutters! A few minutes later she rides up on her bicycle (not going to explain why) with tools in hand. With the hands of a skilled surgeon she quickly cuts a wire and releases the squirrel from cage. I still have the towel on her holding her down until Molly grabs a cat carrier, and we quickly place her sweet little traumatized body in it! I clean up my hand, Molly cleans up the blood all over my glass door, as it looks like a major crime has taken place here.

Next - we call Animal Control to see what needs to be done, in case of rabies. At this point the last thing I want to have done, is the little squirrel killed, so its head could be sent off for rabies testing. After all this pain and suffering (MINE) this squirrel is going to live! AC advises that squirrels RARELY have rabies, and that it is OK to release. Believe me - this is not a sick animal! It is very healthy and very strong! I grab my camera so I can take pics of all this -since no one is going to believe this! Secretly wishing it had been on video! :) :)

Molly and I take the cat carrier back to the scene of the crime, open the door and she FLIES out of the cage and is gone from sight in seconds!

I see my doctor - who wants to know why I just didn't leave it stuck in the feeder!! I think to myself - you are a doctor, a person who is supposed to save lives, and you tell me that! I told her that was not going to ever happen on my watch - and anyone who knows me - knows I would do it again - hopefully not with this much drama! A tetanus shot, antibiotics and a quick look by a hand specialist and I am good to go.

Note to self: Stop by Home Depot and get a good pair of thick leather gloves and tin snips to have on hand when (not if) the next event happens.

High School Reunion Part 2

2009-06-16T19:45:00.005-05:00

In a follow up to the first reunion post and of the same theme, here is yet another one of my high school alums , Class of '65, who has become a well known actor.

Here he is on "24 - Day 5"

And as "Robocop"

Coldplay

2009-06-15T23:51:00.005-05:00

Last week, my friend Arlene and I went to San Antonio for the COLDPLAY concert. I now know what all the excitement is about them - they were wonderful. Their music is so unique and the show is awesome. One of the best concerts I have been to in years. I know the pictures are not the best - but not bad for an iPhone!

High School Reunion

2009-06-14T17:15:00.009-05:00

It is that time of year when one starts thinking of what we need to do - to look as awesome as we can at our high school reunions. We look in the mirrors, and decide that maybe it is now time to get some new walking shoes and dust off the treadmill that has become a great place to hang clothes! Some even go back to the gym and hire a trainer to sort things out. I am doing both!

This year Alamo Heights High School, in San Antonio TX, is celebrating its 100th year! To commemorate the event - it is having an ALL CLASS Reunion, in October. This is going to be one worth attending for sure. In reflecting about my fellow classmates - I thought it fun to share some photos of a couple you may be familiar with. These two were in the Class of '69. Only 40 years ago.....

CHRIS GEPPERT

became know to all as Christopher Cross with his hit songs such as

Sailing, Arthur's Theme, Think of Laura and Ride Like the Wind.

Christopher Cross Official Website

PONCE CRUSE

Took over her mothers business in 1977, known the world over as

"Hints from Heloise"

She still calls San Antonio home, and can be seen regularly on the TODAY show.

Heloise

Well Watching

2009-06-09T21:10:00.009-05:00

Today we had our water well pump replaced. It is 25 years old, so it was time! This involved removing one side of the roof on our pump house, driving the truck into the backyard and pulling 24 - 20ft long pipes up and out of the well shaft. The whole process was finished in 3 hours. All but replacing the roof!

Which Steve and I did when he got home from work! He really is not the redneck he appears to be in these photos, but he was trying to improvise a way to NOT SLIP off the roof as we put it back together! The tape was sticky side out.......and, it worked!

All this was happening under the watchful eyes of one of my dear does........

Isn't she beautiful?????

Afternoon Snacks

2009-06-08T16:56:00.007-05:00

Today, I was thrilled to see 2 Black-backed Goldfinches enjoying sunflower seeds in one of my feeders. These are the boys of the species, hence the vibrant colors.

Across the yard - in his very own custom made feeder is one of the many squirrels around here!

Watching Eagles grow...

2009-06-05T19:49:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite pastimes is to check in on a few Eagle nests on the Hancock Wildlife Cams.....

In the Sidney nest there are triplets! A little fuzzy one in the Delta nest!

Warning - watching them can be very addicting!

This little man is named TINY, as he is the smallest of the triplets.

Check out the site when you have a minute! You won't regret it!

Eagles - BC Hancock Wildlife

Shannon and Jeff's Wedding

2009-05-09T23:14:00.005-05:00

What would a wedding be without the Tequila Donkey?

Our daughter Shannon, and wonderful husband Jeff, were married in San Miguel de Allende, MX on April 16th. After the ceremony, the Teka Donkey is in charge of bringing out the tequila so all can join in the celebration!

My Yard, Their Sanctuary

2009-05-09T22:11:00.005-05:00

I am so blessed to have abundant wildlife in my yard.

To spend quiet time with them - is the best therapy in the world!

Soon, we will have little fawns running around!

My favorite birds are back for the summer!

The Painted Buntings began arriving on May 1.

Here's looking at you!

2009-05-09T21:41:00.003-05:00

We have been fortunate to have a family of screech owls make their nest in the hollow of one of our oak trees. Last year they had three little ones they raised. The natural camoflauge is amazing - don't you think?

Hangin Out

2009-05-08T22:11:00.004-05:00

One can hardly be bored, when you have this kind of entertainment in your front yard!

Sunset

2009-05-08T22:05:00.004-05:00

When I see sunsets like this one tonight, I am in awe of God's work.

Springtime in NYC

2009-04-28T23:33:00.006-05:00

Need I say more?????

Imagine...........

2009-04-28T23:16:00.004-05:00

I felt a quiet sadness as I stepped into Strawberry Fields in Central Park.
A beautiful, lovely tribute to John Lennon.

Below is the Dakota, where John lived, loved and died.

Staten Island Ferry

2009-04-28T21:11:00.006-05:00

How can one pass up a ride on the Staten Island Ferry? It is a great way to see some wonderful views of NYC, and the best part is that it is FREE!

This is a beautiful view of the city with the wake of the ferry and one lone gull.

After working the lines and pulleys of the ferry, this lone deckhand settled onto the rope and looked out across the water to the city. I can only imagine his thoughts, as his eyes gazed upon the New York City skyline.

New York City

2009-04-27T18:40:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, my son Sean, his friend Mike and I spent the day on a whirlwind tour of NYC! Here - Sean and I are on top of the Empire State Building! It was an amazing day, perfect weather, and Mike was the best tour guide we could have ever asked for! We were on fast forward from 6 a.m. until midnight! More pics to follow......

Dreams of Green Grass

2009-04-01T18:15:00.003-05:00

If only for just a few minutes, Tinber and Neeko enjoy the lush green grass. If they were to eat too much at a time, they would run the risk of laminitis, a devastating disease of their hooves. So we give them about 10 minutes of grazing, before taking them off, much to their disappointment.

Mini Driving

2008-12-07T19:37:00.004-06:00

Today was another sunny, warm day for driving horses. This time it was with a mini! My friend Elizabeth (the person responsible for getting me into this adventure) brought her 2 over today. One of them - CHIP - is an old pro at driving, so he provided us with some fun as we drove around the neighborhood. Yes - he CAN pull the both of us! With no problems!

Shuttle Launch

2008-12-06T22:13:00.014-06:00

Last month, Steve and I accompanied my brother, Bob and his wife Mary, to Florida to watch the Space Shuttle Launch on Nov 14th. He was invited by his friend - Shuttle astronaut Don Pettit, to be his guest at the launch and also at a BBQ on Cocoa Beach with the Pettit family the night before the launch. It was wonderful to meet his brave wife - Mickey, and his big family. It was a beautiful night on the beach, with the full moon rising.

The day of the launch we spent at the Kennedy Space Center, before being shuttled out to the causeway by the Banana River to view the night time launch.

Seeing this event, in person, is absolutley incredible.

STS-126 Endeavor left the launch pad at 7:55 EST on November 14. Not only does watching this huge rocket seemingly lift the Shuttle ever so slowly into the night sky take your breath away, it is the delayed shockwaves that you see and feel about 30 seconds after lift off that give you the personal touch! The sound hits you then with a tremendous roar, and on the moonlit river you can see the ripples on the water, as well as in the few light clouds in the sky.

The photos I am attaching to this post were taken by a fellow observer that was on our bus. I was looking at his photos on his camera as we road back to the KSC, and was amazed at the clarity he obtained with his shots. His name is Steven, that's all I know and he graciously emailed them to me last week. I think you will agree - they are beautiful.

A Picture Perfect Launch

Below is a 5 minute time lapse from lift off to when the Endeavor left our sight.

God Speed Endeavor.

PS .... For those interested in a more detailed accounting of this event- you can read my brother's story which he wrote for his web site. STS-126 liftoff of Endevour.

Thank you Bob and Mary, for including us on this once in a lifetime trip!

A great day for a drive!

2008-12-06T18:45:00.006-06:00

Pardon me for the HUGE lapse in posting - I will try and catch up in the next few days.

So, I will start with today, and work backwards for awhile.......

A beautiful, sunny, crisp day here in South Texas - the only thing missing is some rain! Boy do we need RAIN! Everything is dead or dying, with no relief in sight.......we just continue to pray that some will come along soon......

A few months back - I took a driving (HORSE) lesson from Francine Dismukes of Luling, Tx.

Since I am not familiar with all the horsey folks, I soon found out that she is one of the MASTERS of training and teaching this wonderful sport. She is a world renowned judge for driving and dressage. and her barn is full of beautiful National Champion Andalusians and Andalusian Crosses.

I am learning this sport, so in the not too distant future, I will be driving Neeko, the larger one of my minis. He will be starting his ground driving soon, and hopefully will be ready to go to Francine's in the Spring for a couple of months. for his formal training with the cart.

So as not to leave Steve out of this adventure........I asked him to come along today, so he can see what he is getting into. :) :) After I did my lesson, Francine invited him to take the reins. Mind you, Steve is NOT a horse person. He will stand just out of reach from them, and I have never seen him on one - ever. Not that he doesn't like them (HE LOVES OUR MINIS) - they are just BIG animals, and he is not comfortable around them. They are not dogs - for sure!

I must say that when he took the reins, under Francine's kind instruction, he looked like a natural. I think he had a great advantage to not knowing anything about riding horses, etc, as it gave him a clean slate to begin with. Francine told me I knew just enough to get into trouble with! Boy - is that ever right!

I am so proud of his success at his first lesson! He doesn't know it yet - but we are doing the same thing next weekend! Weather permitting!

I just had to put up a couple of pictures of Francine and Steve and the wonderful, ever patient Doll, her 5 year old Andalusian. Bless her heart - she was a real trooper having to put up with 2 novices!

Amos approves!

2008-09-19T16:38:00.010-05:00

AMOS LOVES JEFF TOO!

Congratulations to Shannon and Jeff

2008-09-19T16:38:00.009-05:00

Last night, our precious daughter, Shannon, became engaged to Jeff Goodwin, on the one year anniverary of their first date! What a romantic fellow! They met last year during the making of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover, of which they were both instrumental in making happen. She produced the application tape, and worked closely with ABC during the week long production, and Jeff works for J.S. Hovnanian & Sons, the homebuilder who made the dream come true for Camden, NJ resident, Victor Marrero and his 5 sons.

While they both worked selflessly to make a better life for others, God truly had other plans for them!

Shannon and Jeff, you both have our most heartfelt blessings, as you start this new chapter in your lives.

Love and Hugs

Mom and Dad

Goodbye Cayman.......

2008-09-01T21:49:00.004-05:00

Today, we had to let Cayman go.......

She was the total embodiment of the yellow Labrador Lady. Sweet, smart, loving, happy, smiling, nonstop tail wagging, always talking to you.....especially as it got closer to meal time! She would stand on her hind legs and "box" with excitement when she greeted you - as she could hardly contain herself!

She was the Queen Bee in the dog world around here. All the other dogs totally respected her. She was never ugly - just firm and patient!

She would have been a great mother - but she was adamant that she was going to have nothing to do with that process! I tried only once to have her bred - that was enough!

She loved traveling to the dog shows, and so enjoyed socializing with her many friends, dogs and people! She knew no enemies.

We were blessed to have had her for almost 14 healthy, wonderful years.
She left so quietly, so softly.
As one of God's precious gifts to us - I have to believe that she was greeted at Rainbow Bridge by
her buddies that went before her - Justin, Chaplin, Sounder, Bear and others........
Till we meet again, run free, run happy.

Fire Lake

2008-08-23T21:42:00.004-05:00

This is the second time I have done this particular painting. The first one was confiscated by our son, Sean, to hang in his home. This one is for MY HOME - to hang in my office.

I love the vibrancy of the colors and the abstract nature of the sunset....

A fun one to do, as it allows a certain freedom and forgiveness - something I need much of while putting paint on canvas!

Three Amigos

2008-08-19T21:57:00.003-05:00

These are our Three Amigos. They always hang around together for the summer, but once Fall comes - they will be in fierce competition for the ladies. The one in the middle is the 11 point buck that is pictured in an earlier blog. His antler growth has been really good this year - considering the drought we have been in. Oh - I wish I could trim their antlers before hunting season starts.

Finally.... it rains

2008-08-18T21:12:00.005-05:00

"It is the rainfall that sustains the life on the earth. Look at it as the NECTAR of life."

Finally we are getting some much needed rain after an ongoing drought. It is so amazing how fast everything greens up, and becomes so lush. Wished it would stay around for awhile.....

Cheeto Warhol

2008-08-15T18:39:00.006-05:00

This is my first attempt at painting something - BEFORE I started taking art classes!

Is it any surprise that it is a dog? This is Cheeto - our blue merle Sheltie. I took a photo I did of her and then gave it a Warhol twist with the paintbrush. I love to do abstract, as it makes me get out of the box - of trying to get things perfect.

Winslow in the Snow

2008-08-12T22:13:00.006-05:00

This is a painting I did for our daughter, Shannon, who lives in New Jersey - where she is the Marketing and Development Coordinator for Urban Promise Ministries. She inherited my love of animals, and is never without several dogs in her home, at any given time.

Winslow was her first Golden Retriever. Although he was here for only a short time, he never knew a stranger and gave as much love as any dog could.

Bunting Haven

2008-08-02T11:19:00.009-05:00

The Painted Bunting male is known for their exotic blends of bright colors, while the ladies and youngsters are a green color - to help them blend into their habitat.

These photos do them no justice!

This year, we have been so blessed to have become a small sanctuary for the Painted Buntings that migrate each Spring from Mexico. The lady that runs the Wild Birds Unlimited store, where I buy my birdseed, informed me that we have the largest concentration of these beautiful birds in our area, based on reported sightings.

We have counted 9 males and over a dozen females at one time in our front yard. The habitiat is heavily wooded cedar and oak, which gives the birds a great place to raise their young ones. We have running water 24/7, and of course supply their favorite food - millet seed.

From late May to mid August, we totally enjoy their presence. They are now starting to leave, as I have not seen any of the boys in a few days, although the ladies and youngsters are still here.

Their biggest threat is of course by man. Because of the boy's striking colors, when they return to Mexico, they risk being captured to become caged birds, much like parakeets and finches.

Lovable Labs

2008-08-01T16:45:00.009-05:00

Labs have been a part of my life since I was 12 years old.

We spent 30 years showing them in Conformation, Obedience, Tracking and Hunt Tests. Although we no longer participate in those events, the Labs are still a major part of our lives....

We are down to 2 now.....

Kodi - our chocolate boy is 12. He is "Mr. Happy" every minute of every day. Always a smile and a wag to let you know that you are the most important thing in his life!

Cayman - our yellow girl is now 13 years old. She still has a mouth, and appetite to go with it! She is the queen bee around here.

Can't imagine life without a dog.
Appropriately - they are GOD spelled backwards.

Poppy and Piper

2008-07-24T14:21:00.006-05:00

Two years ago, I started taking art classes here in New Braunfels, and was fortunate to find the best teacher around! Linda Calvert Jacobson of Casadelinda Studio. With her encouragement and guidance I have been able to do something I had always dreamed of - PAINT! She has led me through my frustrations and doubts, to a sense of ability and accomplishment. Thank you, Linda from the bottom of my heart.

The paintings above are of Poppy (top) and Piper (bottom). They are 2 Jack Russells that are the proud owners of my dear friend, Ann Brawner. Poppy is now a retired agility competitor, who keeps in shape these days by chasing buzzards out of her yard! Piper will soon start competing in agility, where I am sure she will be a spectator favorite!

Ann told me should would hang them in her office........I'm thinking - maybe the closet!

Big and Little

2008-07-22T22:08:00.005-05:00

This handsome boy is already showing 11 points. I wish I could wrangle him before hunting season and remove his antlers.

This little one is enjoying an afternoon siesta, during another very hot day in Texas.

Keeping Cool on a Hot Day!

2008-07-22T11:31:00.008-05:00

Spook, our OCD Border Collie and Connor, our most loving Sheltie, find a great way to keep cool in the hot days of Summer. Turn on a sprinkler and they are in Heaven. Reminds me of when I was little, and during the Summer, all the kids in the neighborhood would spend hours running through sprinklers, spending most of the days OUTSIDE and getting HOT and TIRED!

Sneaky Snake

2008-07-21T22:14:00.005-05:00

While most people don't share my enthusiasm for ALL kinds of nature ( since we moved out in the country 12 years ago from the city life) I have a whole new appreciation for everything. Even snakes. I am fascinated with them. This fellow was crossing through our yard yesterday, and I could only get a shot of him - at his level - before he took off into the woods. He was between 4-5 feet long. Cool - huh?

The Yard Visitor

2008-07-19T16:27:00.022-05:00

Saw this beautiful Hawk in my front yard yesterday, and grabbed my camera. Only got one shot before he took off!

The Boys at Play - Part 2

2008-07-19T16:08:00.007-05:00

It's not really a Part 2, but I was having so much trouble getting the words to go with the post -without running up the side of the photo all fragmented....Oh, the horrors of learning how to do this........It worked with the cat.
Anyway - I had gone outside this morning to spend time with the boys, and they decided to show off a bit! Look like big horses??? NOT!

They are miniatures. Don't let them know that!

The Boys at Play

2008-07-19T15:24:00.028-05:00

A New Adventure

2008-07-18T17:07:00.013-05:00

That's what this is - a new adventure!
Don't know where it will take me or how it will develop - but for today - it is here!
After seeing a friend's new blog today - I thought I would give it a try, and realized that it is fairly simple to get going - and looks to be a lot of fun too.
Beware my friends - I will most likely pull you into this as well :) :) :)

Oh - the photo? Just put it on to see how easy it was to do!

This cat - Callie - is one who adopted us as her family a few months back. She is gorgeous to look at - but has a serial killer mind - as she has murdered a few of my wild birds, actually snatching them from the platform of their feeders, as we watched the unassuming little bird fly in for a snack. I have since heightened all the bird feeders in my yard, much to her disgust!