Rain = Mud

It's been raining here in Texas. And, it almost feels like Seattle, with cooler temps and overcast skies over the last few days.

With the rain, everything gets wet, especially the ground which has been exposed to extremely dry conditions over the last few months, which then turns into the mushy mud that adheres to shoes or in this case...paws.

The four dogs that made this paw print collage were super excited to see someone outdoors in this strange new weather that this area is experiencing.

These dogs ran in the mud, almost delibrately, and onto the porch. Their tails were wagging, and those muddy paws were ready to jump onto clothes that took all morning to put together.

For the most part, the paws stayed on the ground and off the clothes. If it had been the other way around, then that image might not have been captured as readily! Haha!

Remember to enjoy the weather, rain or shine :)

California Photos...

Standing outside of the hotel the last evening of the conference, I was able to capture this sea gull sitting atop the light pole. I was focusing on the boats in the water, hoping that the photo would turn out decent, since I didn't take the zoom lens on this trip.
The following morning, I took a photo of the stairs from the hotel I was staying at. Tile like this was found throughout the city, on interior as well as exterior walls and floors.


One morning I walked down the street to take in the sights during the early hours. The day before, this sidewalk was lined with people, some with artist's easels as they painted or drew the scenic view before them.

It was during this time that John, who is the self-proclaimed 'real mccoy' spoke up and told me about the area, with all the interesting views that I would be able to photograph, like the 200 year old fig tree, the pier and so many other places, BUT....I was there on business and those places will have to wait until I can go back on my own time...whenever that may be.

With the conference over, it was time to come back to Texas...even if it was close to midnight when the plane touched the tarmac. It is good to be home :)

California Views

This photo above was taken from the patio of the hotel where I was staying for a few days. A mountain view isn't something I get to see everyday, so I definitely wanted to bring that sight to share back home. Palm trees line the streets there, as do the pecan trees that we have here in Texas. Spanish architecture can be found on most buildings, with the red roof tiles, archways and stucco exteriors.

While waiting at the airport, I was able to sit outside in the parking lot under the shade of a palm tree. Here, I had a great view of the incoming airplanes, not to mention some hummingbirds that were a bit too fast for me to photograph!

These two planes were coming in after re-seeding the mountains in the background. Recent wildfires in the area along with little rain have left the mountainside bare. It would be great to see what the area looks like when the trees and plant-life take hold of the mountains once again.

In Another State

California in the evening...cool breeze off the ocean, warm air from the daytime, with sunset lighting makes for a great photo (if I do say so myself!)

Even though the trip was not a personal vacation, I still took my camera. I was not going to miss the opportunity to take photos outside of Texas!

Although I was not the only one to bring a camera, I did receive some strange looks whenever I took my camera out, since this was not exactly the venue for it, but at least I came back with more than just notes and a to-do list!

Wedding Flowers

In a church for a wedding ceremony, I noticed that these flowers were begging for a photo to be taken of them.

I obliged. The lighting in the church gave a yellowish tinge to the photos, so some quick adjustments were made and the photo was taken.

I took many as a matter of fact, trying to get the depth of field correct, or at least what I thought would be acceptable.

I need to attend more weddings - there's so much to be captured on film or an SD card! LOL

Squirrelly Photos

About a month ago, I was taking photos in the backyard, where nothing exciting really happens.
Except that this time, I heard a rustling in the trees and then quick feet on the fence.

I'd seen this squirrel (and probably other ones too) walking along the back fence before and of course, my camera had been inside the house, snug in its bag. So I was surprised to have had this opportunity to take a few quick snaps before she headed off into another yard.

And I had to be quick, 'cause she wasn't stopping to pose for me. She had many things on her agenda and a photo shoot wasn't on the list.

What kind of critters have you encountered in your own backyard?

Open Field

We were driving by this open field when I saw this lone fire hydrant.

It tells me that in the near future, this place will be filled with houses, their privacy fences and it will no longer be an open field to be gazed upon.

I'd rather remember it this way.

The Road Ahead

I love the feel of movement in this photograph...

The dizzying lights, the yellow and white lines of the highway and the blur of the green sign overhead.

It makes me feel as if I'm still in the car, looking at the road ahead.

Possibilities

Everyday, I encounter twenty-six letters, ten numbers and all kinds of symbols to get my point across to anyone who will listen...well, read. So many possibilities with so few characters!

Gathering thoughts, ideas and remembering bits and pieces of the day, each letter clicks as it is selected, creating words, sentences and paragraphs, that are to be read someday.

So, it its by the warm glow of the computer monitor that I typeth to thee.

Angles

Thought I'd get some close up shots of these leaves. The photos just look much more interesting this way than if I'd taken a photo of the entire plant.

The angles of the leaves caught my attention, along with their high gloss shine. All it took was a spray of water and for the sun to shine brightly. That's no problem here in Texas, where it's still summertime.

I like the different angles and perpectives that the one subject provided...even if it meant that I had to be the one to move closer or further or remember to turn the camera on its side for a different view.