§ Chit Chat....

For the last couple of days, a High Pressure area has stalled over the Coastal Bend of Texas...giving us some intermittent sunlight ....AND drier air!! Of this news, I am very thankful. Perhaps, before another front moves in the ground will be able to soak in the scattered stagnant rain water that has been exposed for weeks. I can think only ahead so far...Spring...mosquitoes galore, if standing water pools don't evaporate.  It's been a while since I've blogged any. Bud and I have been doing a little bit of yard work - trimming crepe myrtle bushes, bougainvillea, lantana, and mowing weeds lawn, and by the time we're done, I haven't felt like getting online to do much of anything. Besides, nothing much has been happening around here that is of earth shattering importance. I had to set up the linking tool for this Saturday's Bird Photo blog, so I thought I'd take a bit of time to share some bits o' news over here at Hootin' Anni's...

I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I last blogged!  For my birthday, we went out for lunch.  I received an Amazon gift card, a couple of jigsaw puzzles [one with tigers and the other Native American], $70 in cash [a dollar for each year lol], and a gigantic, folding for storage puzzle/art easel that converts to a table.  And many birthday emails from nieces and nephews, and graphics from online blogging friends...thanks everyone for making my day so special.  Bud took this picture of me at the restaurant near the North Shore in town...

One foggy morning this week, I drove to the islands in hopes of the weather clearing and I'd be able to get some good sunrise photos. No such luck. So, as the chilly, damp, winds blew over the water, I walked the jetty and watched the ships come in. I stopped at a couple of small parks and walked. With the wet, the fungus growth is going full speed ahead. When I spied this one group, I pictured a monkey on another monkey's back [1st-top photo in the following]....Of course, I'm always trying to find the 'subliminal' in nature's gifts. Do you see what I see?




Okay, I best get going for the day. My oatmeal is calling my name for breakfast.
Talk later...

Anni.

§ Labor Day Sunday....

Sunday morning I left before daybreak to hopefully avoid the high traffic volume on the island highway and the beach-goers reveling for the holiday’s activities at Port A. Naturally, I stopped to check out the progress of the two birding hotspots once I arrived about 30 minutes from home. The barrier at the first area had been moved [and I walked around it], but there wasn’t much ‘new’ on the re-development that I could see. Egrets, herons, spoonbills, cormorants, and grackles…along with the ever present seagulls all hunting and dining on their morning catches. I moved on to the 2nd area. At Paradise Pond I saw herons, egrets, sandpipers, yellowlegs, grackles, doves, sparrows and the ever present seagulls. Then, my fixation with ships….I drove to Magee Beach and the jetty…this area was a bit too crowded by 8:30 a.m….fishermen, boaters, joggers, kids playing and one tanker going through the channel with another still out to sea waiting for the channel pilot to board to take them through the channel safely. The birds here, terns of several different families, were present and...

...I enjoyed the one young girl running up and down – chasing them into flight! Like I said, crowded and other carloads of people flocking into the area [normally the parking is ONE row of vehicles at the jetty…at this time while I was there, the area already had FOUR rows of vehicles parked…gonna be a busy day, so I left for home. While driving towards Corpus, I thought I’d stop by and see if I could find a pair of earrings at the island gift shop/souvenir store. Long ago, I bought a sweet pair of owl earrings there, and at the time, they had many in different colors. Once inside the store, I searched and found the owl earring display….only one pair left…and the very same I bought previously. No go. I didn’t leave tho, I walked around. I found something new and interesting!! I and Bud are ‘fans’ of the zodiac. I found some silver pendants. Aries, Aquarius. Picked ‘em up to purchase. Heck, I thought, I might as well go back and see if I can find Erik’s and Irene’s [Taurus and another Aries] Then…paid for and left. I know I’ve shared the exterior of this shop before, but I couldn’t help but get the cellphone out and snap photos once again.




PS...I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the McCain Week in my previous post! I find with those who were 'brave enough' to vent along with me, well, your words made my day!!! It's great knowing that I am not the only one who had their belly full of such greatness* that passed on. [*satire intended] I can't understand why so many avoid political posts - even if you disagree, your thoughts are yours, and I'm not posting to create arguments. [you know who you are] America is all about ideals and ideas.

§ Ya, Ya, Sisterhood---

Redwing Blackbirds, Blue Bonnet Fields, and wild flowers...

linking to: Nature Notes, Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday

HODGEPODGE
1.  Thursday marks the first day of spring...to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live? Either or, huh? Well, I like doing both. And around here Spring is the BEST time of year for walking and gardening. Before it gets too blazing hot to do any kind of labor outdoors. Let's see...choosing between back ache and just enjoying a leisure time walking. I think I'll choose walking in the woods. And yes, it's possible to do either, year 'round almost, in fact.

2. When did someone last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)  I can only give you a hint on this particular answer this week, 'cause I'm gonna post about it sometime later when I have more time since I'm trying to catch up on last week's blog visits and such from my weekend hiatus...but someone prepared a dish for me that I'd never ever heard of...it's delicious!!

3.  We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings. What's something you'd like to start doing this spring? I had to get rid of a lot of rose bushes the past couple of years that perished in the extreme drought we had. Blight. Watering restrictions, etc. So, I plan on beginning a new rose garden this Spring. Hopefully we'll be able to water again since the reservoir is filled to capacity.

4. Where do you like to sit in a movie theater? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching? In the BACK row so there is no one jibber-jabbering behind me!!!

5. When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?  Liking me for who I am.

6. March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what's your most often purchased frozen food item?  It's a toss up between frozen orange juice and Red Baron Pizza Breads I always like to have the pizza breads in the freezer in case of days/nights I don't feel like cooking.  They're large and filling...and TASTY.

7. What's something you avoid?  Crowds!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.  This is a LONG random this week.........


For the last 22 years, my sister and I have been setting aside one day of the year to honor sisterhood!! [Reminds me of the movie from a while back Ya Ya Sisterhood, lol] Anyway, long ago, my very own, only sister was having a tough time. As we talked on the phone for hours, she on the western slope of Colorado and me on the front range, I came up with the idea to share a bit of extra attention and loving ways. The next day, I set out to find her something special; beginning with a 'thinking of you' card. I then got the idea of buying two identical fluted champagne glasses. And more little trinkets to send along with her special package. I also, ordered over the phone a bottle of champagne from a local liquor store in her town...to be hand delivered on the day I set up. On the card, I suggested that we go outdoors with our champagne glasses a 8 pm. At the time we were both in the same time zone. Synchronizing our clocks at home, I went out on the deck and faced west. Sharon, my sister, was to go out on HER deck and face east. We then toasted to "Sisters' Love"!!

...and that's how it started. It's now been twenty two years. Times have changed for me a bit. Bud retired. We moved to a warmer climate and Sharon remained on the western slope. We now live in two time zones, but we still synchronize our clocks. I go out on our patio, face northwest, and salute my sister with my matching champagne glass. She does the same. I go out at 8:30PM and she reciprocates the same gesture at 7:30PM. Not only do we toast each other this way, we also send small gifts. Sometimes flowers, other times trinkets, perhaps a book, etc. Just knowing what we both like.

This year, I don't know if it's my age or what, but I went into Mardel's Christian Store in hopes of finding something to do with a Sister's Prayer!! I hit the jackpot!! I found a book mark with a sister theme. Sharon belongs to a book club, so I thought "perfect". Then I perused the store more and found some luscious, very fragrant sachet. Along with that, I found a rear view mirror ornament for sisters and then the only other thing I found was a bracelet with Sister's Prayer!!! The bracelet wrist band has the prayer etched in the silver. The package with the sister's prayer also has the same prayer on a card [billfold sized]. The bracelet, I bought TWO. One for me, and one for Sharon. And on the special card sent along with the gift package --I informed her we're to both wear the bracelet all day...and the years following on Sister's Day.

Etched on the bracelet it reads as follows:

A sister's love is unconditional. Wants the best for each other. It's a love that will always defend!

Hope she likes it all!!

linking to: Wednesday Hodgepodge

§ Christmas Treasures for the New Year...

Since I wasn't online or near the computer much [not even close to my smartphone much either which is a good thing!!!] over the holidays, I haven't shared my Christmas Morning with anyone yet. So, I am thrilled to show off my goodies that was under the tree. Besides my secret Santa who shipped me a carved, wooden, Santa about a week before Christmas I was gifted another Santa to add to my collection...another Jim Shore's work. It's 2013's SILENT NIGHT. I love the nativity carved into his Christmas Robe---

next, I opened this adorable Christmas Cup...it's made especially for Santa, but since I don't drink coffee, and everyone knows I'd prefer milk with my Holiday cookies...the cup has a slot under the liquid holder especially for a cookie!!

...another collection I love adding to is, everything Gone With the Wind. This time a small Scarlet figurine in her unforgettable green drapery gown!!

Now, there is a story behind this gift...I wanted to see it in the theater, but we never went. My excuse is...if I can help it now-a-days, I don't like to see movies that'll make me cry when I'm in a theater. Luckily, with technology, I can wait 'til it comes on DVD and play it in the privacy of my own living room --

...and lastly, the gift I asked for from Bud. He's such a sweetie!!! The book about Petra Kenedy, a prominent historical figure of the ranch lands of Texas history. Long ago, I read the book about Alice King [famed King Ranch and small town of Alice, Texas is named after her] by the same two authors. So well written and composed that book was, I was anxious to read this one also. I'm about half way done with reading it, and it's marvelous. A true book that will find a permanent place on my shelf....

Sidebar linking to Random 5 Friday

§ Honest, Santa, I've been very good this year....

This week...a secret santa came to Hootin' Anni's!!!

Special delivery from the guys in brown [no, not the reindeer, but UPS]...

...and it's a very beautiful, wonderful work!!

The carving is from bristlecone pine [the oldest trees in the world]...

...and the artist is related to Daniel Boone [the historic figure of Kentucky/Missouri]

He has a gallery high in the North Pole Rocky Mountains...

so, I kinda know [at least I think] who my secret santa is...

No matter, this work is priceless!!

...and I will cherish this piece of art.

...thank you secret santa!

---

On another note, so far for the past few days, I've been counting [some large flocks just estimating] the birds we've seen. A few days, but not all days this week, Bud and I were out on purpose to see birds. There is one specific one that has been reported here in our town along the Ship Channel. We've gone out twice so far; where they told us to go through an online messaging forum, but with no luck. There was another birder at the reported spot when we arrived the 2nd time, and she said she saw it, but it flew off. Staying there for an hour or more for its return, she never saw it again, and left shortly after we arrived. I showered, honestly. Maybe BUD was a bit ripe and chased her off. LOL

Anyway, no special bird. Oh, and the bird to be spotted for those lucky ones, it's a Brown Booby. This particular bird really isn't supposed to be 'inland'...so it will be something of a treat if we spot it. Bud and I will plan to go back on Sunday maybe. This area is teeming with oil refinery trucks, train tracks and shipping stuff. Heavy semi truck traffic and ROUGH road to follow. Perhaps we'll be lucky to find it if it's still here on Sunday, when the refinery traffic is nearly nil.

In the meantime, after we left that area, we drove to a small town farther northwest of the interstate heading to San Antonio...Calallen, Texas, to a park that is known internationally for its HAWK Migration path. We stayed there about an hour, hour and half, and saw a few raptors and land birds along the river bank, and, along with egrets and ducks on the pond. My first day of counting and graphic, I had three unidentified birds [I wasn't sure about the Cooper's Hawk, but now confirmed---and I had Harris Hawk count as 3 --they are now confirmed Northern Harriers. The Warbler hasn't been properly ID'd yet. Here's my bird count list as of December 19th...

§ Some Texas drivers...they boggle my mind!!

1. The first 'named' Tropical Storm is in the Gulf of Mexico today, stirring up some winds and heavy rains I'm sure! And it's headed to the western coast of Florida...track shows it will remain a storm all along the eastern coast of USA and then farther northward is its path. By the looks of this map I read early this morning---it's gonna be around for some time!! Those of you along the predicted trail, batten down the hatches!! [by the way, her name is Andrea. That was gonna be Erik's name if born a girl. He says: "That's why I was a man child, Andrea is so sissified!" LOL]
   
   image courtesy of Hurricane Center
2. After completing the book by Dan Brown, INFERNO, and so enjoying the suspense of it all; it finally came to a conclusive and concise epilogue, and I was at a loss. Here all the time turning the pages quickly to get to know what happens next and wanting the ending to come up quicker and quicker, just to know what happens at the end, I was sad to have it all come to a closure! What do I read next? I don't know 'bout you, but when a rare, good, book is finished, the next one you pick to read seems mundane. At least for a while. Especially, while you're still in the previous book's mode. And I've heard about Dante's Divine Comedy [which is a theme of Brown's INFERNO] ---I quickly picked up the first of the trilogy written by A. Dante...Dante's Inferno. And, by golly, I'm comprehending it all so far. It's a book of poetry with 'cantos' ---chapters of sorts within a huge, long, poem. The English Translation isn't bad at all. Not at all what I expected. And so far, that, too, is pretty good.
3. A little over a week ago, I received a package from a wonderful online friend from Denmark. She always spoils me with such treasured gifts. This time it was no exception. She had emailed me that when she saw this, she thought of me right away. It's so darling. I have it placed on my nightstand for a reminder of our long lasting friendship over the years....
   
4. Late yesterday afternoon I hopped in the car to drive to the park and check on the hummer, to see if any of her small brood had hatched. She was there on the nest when I arrived, and in order to not disturb her any, I just quickly snapped the photo [hence the silhouette -because of the time of day, and I didn't want to be walking around any to get her true colors]. This ritual is for a 'record' of sorts to see how long it takes from nest building; incubation time and hatching. I know it is not going to be anywhere NEAR accurate, but still 'fun'. I left as quickly as I got there. I'll check back again soon if I can...
   
   
5. At the beach, just a reminder, having 4 wheel drive on your vehicle doesn't mean you can go anywhere in it without getting stuck!!!---
   
6. Summer Hostess for Friday Fragments -- come join, here

§ Sisters, Springtime and Hummers...

Wild Bird Wednesday photo this week:

Note: I also painted this very same hummer, and framed it. SHOWN HERE

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce has these questions for us to answer this week:

1. March 20th is the first day of spring...is she a lion or a lamb in your part of the world? It's lambing season here!!! In other words...We've had unbelievably warm temperatures. More like early Summer temperatures. The high's are in the mid to upper 80s [Fahrenheit], just a bit of humidity, cloudy in the morning and then the blanket of grayness thins out and the sky opens up to a deep blue with puffy cotton ball clouds drifting all too quickly to the northeast. I was talking to our son the other day and he told me they're getting rains [Houston]...from OUR drifting clouds. Figures.

2. What's the most dreaded task on your spring clean to-do list? Do you have a 'plan of attack'? Trimming. Most everything in our yard has thorns. Nasty, sometimes well-hidden thorns. That's the only reason the task is a dreaded task. Otherwise, I LOVE working in the yard, I love cleaning and gutting out the interior of the house...it's just a Spring ritual. I know I can ignore it all, but the idea of having a clean house/yard moves me to motion. As for 'plan of attack' ... it's the quicker I get it done [I should say "WE" 'cause Bud does his fair share of work], the quicker we have leisure time to go places and do things for pleasure.

3. Peas...love 'em or hate 'em? What's a favorite dish you make using peas? I really like peas. Fresh picked from the garden, right out of the pod...frozen, or even canned. Actually to be honest, I like the canned best. And pea salad is delicious. REAL mayonnaise, chopped onion, cubed cheddar cheese a dash of ground black pepper and a great side dish evolves. I also like snow peas in stir fry combos! Oh, and Split Pea Soup with Ham!! Yum. I drool.

photo courtesy of Google Search

4. Do you feel under appreciated? At my age, no. I don't linger on that emotion at all. Why bother? I know I'm doing my best, that is what counts.

5. Have you been using Google Reader? If so, what are you switching to now that GR has announced retirement? If not, how do you read your favorite blogs? I posted about this the other day just recently. I use Firefox as my default Browser, so I got the add-on extension, Feedly, and I actually like it better than Google Reader. At least for now.

6. Anne Bradstreet is credited with the following quote~ "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Agree or Disagree? Why? I'm one who likes a change of seasons, but for the most part we don't have a heavy winter here. We do have trees that turn the golden autumn colors [later than most of the country] and we do have more or less a dormant season, but it's short lived and Spring comes in with vigor. But you ask if I agree or disagree...well, I think of Hawai'i where the mean temp is around 70 year long. All I know is, I love the islands, and I could live with that. Yes, Spring is a pleasant re-awakening of Earth, but do I need winter to enjoy Spring more? I don't think so.

7. When did you last 'spring for something'? What was it? Normally, I don't 'do' ice cream. But, when I do it's always the Texas Brand...Blue Bell. It's the most creamy, most tasty, most delicious ice cream I've ever consumed. In fact, years ago, when I first had some, I was totally hooked on it. When we lived in Tucson, Bud had some of my favorite flavor shipped to me for a special occasion. And I savored every spoonful. Trust me. Even down here in its 'native land', it's on the costly side. $6 plus for just a half gallon!!! In comparing to $3.50 for a gallon of gasoline for the car, gas is cheap!! LOL But, in my mind, it's worth every cent. So, the other day, while outdoors in the extreme heat of the day [too early for such hot temps], I said "I'd need some ice cream!" Naturally, we showered and went to the store in hopes they had some of my kind in the freezer department at the store...Bud found his favorite flavor Chocolate Chip Mint, and I was lucky enough to find mine also....

photo courtesy of Google Search

...the content is so full of HUGE pieces of Black Walnuts, in each spoonful you taste the sweetness of maple flavored ice cream with literally dozens of walnuts. They don't skimp on the nuts. Of which I am really, really grateful. Oh and if you're ever in the Hill Country of Texas, take a side trip to Brenham, Texas. That's where this heavenly concoction is produced. Tours are daily, except for holidays....well worth it. Oh and you get a free tasting on the tour. LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here? Another Sister's Day annual celebration came and went on the 18th. First thing in the morning, I opened the parcel that was on our doorstep. From Sharon, my sister. She knows me all too well.

This year her little gift to me was a beautiful windchime. With a Ruby Throated Hummingbird clapper. Now, this was new to me, I did not know you could register a windchime...but yes, this one can be registered. And for being such a beauty that it is, I hung it indoors by the vent....so when the A/C is on, it will tinkle delightfully for me and remind me of my big sister!!! [I don't want it outdoors because of the strong winds we get so very often...no breakage for this special chimer!!] We call each other and are on the phone as we open each other's gifts that were shipped, squeal and giggle with delight...then, continue to chit chat a while. And at 8 PM [in time zone sync, we use our special fluted champagne glasses and go outdoors no matter the weather...and salute sisterhood; facing each other [I raise my glass of champagne to the northwest] "Here's to Sisters"!!! If you're curious as to what I shipped her...a crystal pair of bunny rabbit candle holders, some special tea blend, imported chocolates, and a coral bead necklace from India that I found at World Market. [she left all her jewelry behind in a motel this past Christmas and some of her necklace collection needs replacing ...lol]

§ Valentine Candle Glow

WORDLESS

connecting to:
Jackie's Wordless Wednesday

_ _ _

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

Joyce has these questions for us this week:

1. This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year? Not really, no.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you? I eat pancakes, not often, when my kids were small and I'd make them once in a while, they called them 'stomach gaskets' 'cause they're so heavy after consuming a stack of 'em. I'll order them at I HOP like maybe once a year, if that much....mainly 'cause I don't like to cook 'em...too messy. I'd much prefer French Toast. And I'd have my French Toast the same as my pancakes...butter and maple [real maple] syrup.

3. I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love? Just one? Oh my goodness, you really make it most difficult and challenging with your questions Joyce. Even tho Bud's and my song is Welcome to My World [it was sung by request while we danced our first dance], I'd still have to choose this one...an oldie, but goodie...[and one of my favorite romance movies too] -in my opinion this video is one of the BEST movie soundtrack videos ever composed:

4. What are some things you do to let others know you love them? Many things, cook, clean, offer to help before being asked, buying special things I know they like...but the ONE thing that I still feel is the most important thing I do that shows love...it also shows respect....that is to sit down and listen when they talk to me.

5. Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies? Nope, nope, nope. Waste of good hard-earned money. You can buy 3 rose bushes to plant for the cost of one bouquet. I'd prefer my roses planted in the ground to show me their stunning beauty each and every year!! I've told Bud long ago, that is the kind of roses I want...not bouquets that only last a week...rose bushes please. My favorite is Scarlet Knight...a deep dark [black bud] red. Climbing rose is the dark red velvety Don Juan. The last time I got flowers delivered to me was from my sister on Sister's Day [a day we set aside each year to salute sisterhood - March 18th] ---she had a plant nursery deliver a hibiscus bush to me. It's blooming right now!!! --IN GROUND

6. President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you? Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why? I've already toured the White House, and Mount Vernon...they're both very special to me. Yes, the history of our presidents is of interest, but I would prefer a novel based on history to read more than a text book. And to answer the part about which would be more interesting to me to tour...well, since I've seen the White House and Mount Vernon ---I'd like to see Monticello...only 'cause I think Jefferson was one of the most brilliant leaders in our country's history. [And I am fascinated by his life long love affair with his slave, Sally Hemmings - makes good reading].

7. Are you good at keeping secrets? You'll never know, now, will you? It's my secret.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Some of y'all realize that the state of Texas has been suffering in drought conditions for the last couple of years. Normally, our area in the Coastal Bend averages about 30 inches of rainfall a year. Last year the total precipitation was a little over 5 inches. Tho we've have a few days since the beginning of 2013, with some rain. It is not nearly enough to replenish the reservoirs sitting at 25% capacity and falling drastically. I had to go out and see what the drought predictions were for this season...this year. It does not look promising at all. In fact the drought conditions are going to intensify according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association:

[click for enlargement and more detail]

map courtesy of NOAA - no copyright infringement intended

connecting to:
Wednesday Hodgepodge