TGIF... disappearing butterfly.

Classic Butterfly Photo by Mom

My Mom sent this picture of a butterfly that made a visit to her backyard. I thought it was quite humorous.

By the way she is an excellent photographer with a keen eye for composition, especially of natural scenes. Wow, it's not often that one is allowed to "critique" their own parent.

Definitely a great addition to the TGIF collection. TGIF!!

TGIF...out on a limb.

Juvenile Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
As a juvenile the scissor-tail is not yet developed.

It can be a little scary to go out on limb. When I started this site, I said all fun and no rules… and I really am trying. However, I must admit that my perfectionist ways creep up on me at every opportunity.

With most projects, I usually “research them to death” before I start. With blogging, I stepped out on a limb and admittedly it has not always comfortable.

To make a long story short, I have slowed down with my posts because I can't stand to see the loss of quality in my photographs when I download them online.

I know it is something I can learn and I am doing what every adult should do in such a situation, I am consulting with my teenage neices & nephews. I will continue to post but my site will be “under construction” until I revamp my image sizing and quality techniques.

As a dear friend of mine would be saying about now “Hey! Do you want some CHEESE to go with that WHINE?!” Enough whining.

TGIF..."Stingers"

There comes a time when one must admit to their complete lack of knowledge on an entire subject or species as the case may be.

When it comes to the group that I simply refer to as “Stingers”, I am generally clueless. I know some of their names wasp, yellow jacket, hornet and dirt dauber, however, I would flunk an exam that asked me to tell one from the other.


Unidentified "Stinger"

Sometimes the ones that I call stingers might be harmless and sometimes not. I don’t particularly fear them, in as much as I try to respect their space.

Texas A&M University offers a good amount of online information. Who knows I might learn about these critters yet. TGIF!!

Look Ma! No bugs!

Actually, Mom happens to like bugs or at least she will co-exist with them. Just a few simple rules: 1) Bugs must share, don’t be stingy and eat ALL of her plants. 2) Outside guests are generally welcome while inside guests take their life into their own hands.

One of this season’s guests are spiders… and plenty of them. Let me introduce you to the Spiny Orb Weaver.


Spiny Orb Weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
Upper Gulf Coast (Click any image for larger view)

Sometimes called crab spiders, obviously due to their body shape. I also think their scientific name makes reference to the zodiac sign of Cancer.

Most spiders make for excellent guests, mainly because they dine upon many other unpleasant guests. Unfortunately, these guys set up house in the busiest corridor of the yard and their webs subsequently had to be moved aside on occasion.

A special characteristic of this busy little spider is that it will rebuild a web each and every evening… much to Mom’s dismay. Finally, she gently relocated every web she could to the back corner of the yard and here they are making themselves perfectly at home once more.

Even though nature always has a reason, the web of the Spiny Orb Weaver seems awfully large for a spider smaller than a dime. The following images were made while exploring the Sam Houston National Forest near the Stubblefield Recreation Area.


Piney Woods Region


Reflecting in the light of the evening sun, you could see webs by the dozen throughout the woods. I am sure these spiders have enjoyed the antics of many a hiker or biker indulging in what I call the “spider web dance”. More information on this bizarre human ritual in a future post.

A glorious view!

Climbing the steep path we scratched and clawed our way through the thorny underbrush, we clamored over monstrous boulders and then forged the raging river. Finally, after three straight days without food, water or sleep we reached the summit. Yeah, right!



Too often nature is portrayed as an enemy we must conquer, rather than a beautiful friend we can spend time with and enjoy.

Many nature areas designed for public use offer activities for people with all levels of outdoor experience. This glorious view was photographed at Big Bend National Park on the
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. The trailhead is easy to access by vehicle and is ¾ mile long with some elevation.



In all honesty, most of my outdoor “adventures” are basically just that… getting outdoors. The hardest step usually is that first step out the front door. Even in my book Big Bend is out in the middle of nowhere, but you might be surprised how many outdoor recreation areas are close to your home.

Any outdoor excursion, long or short, should be treated with a healthy amount of respect. Be safety minded and take general precautions such as checking the oil, tire pressure and spare tire of your car.

If you plan on walking or hiking, make sure you have plenty of water, food, sunscreen and adequate footwear. ALWAYS watch where you step, stand, touch or sit. Simply use your common sense to stay aware of your surroundings and you should be good to go!