Mockingbird, mockingbird!

We have two mockingbirds that have built their nest in our crepe myrtle in the front yard for several years now. This is the first year we have actually seen some little birdies hatch! Our poor kitty Smokey has suffered through two weeks of harrassment from the parenting birds. He couldn't walk three steps in the back yard without one of the parents swooping down to let him know they didn't appreciate him. I don't think he was even aware of the babies! Or maybe he was. My husband said that he let Smokey out one day and he immediately went to sit underneath the nest. I'm sure the parents REALLY didn't appreciate that.

I heard odd chirping and looked out to see this cute little fellow hopping around with mommy bird watching closely from above. I don't think he could fly yet so he hopped. She fed him a bit here and there. It was very sweet to witness.

I think the nest is empty now so Smokey can roam the yard in peace again!

I'm on vacation starting tomorrow through the end of the month. Traveling to New York so if I don't get to post, my apologies ahead of time. Will try to catch up upon my return. Bye everyone.

Pics of mommy bird and Smokey

Warm Tortillas

Hot out of the tortilla machine. This contraption is not found at many HEBs in the area but we were lucky enough to get one last year. I LOVE the tortillas made here. They are fresh, just the right thickness and yummy for breakfast tacos, fajitas, with a little butter or just plain.

Hot Stuff!

My son and I went grocery shopping together at our local HEB, which is nice b/c it's my chance to "teach" him how to plan and buy for a week instead of shopping whenever you get hungry. He likes spicy foods and wanted to try some of these habanera peppers. It was hot, but not as hot as we thought it would be. It did, however, make his eyes sting when he touch them many hours later!

Relics

We live in a house that is over 100 years old and we've done lots of renovations. We just completed a major one last month and these are some of the things that my husband has found under the house or in the walls. It's interesting and fun to try and imagine what story goes along with each piece.

The brownish container is a tobacco tin. See more pics here.

Froggies

Name revealed!

It's WaterPark Experts, Inc.

Read the post.

(Thank you honey for seeing the article and

telling me even though I totally misheard you!)

I pass this business everyday at least twice. There is no sign or anything to indicate who they are or what they do. But there are these gigantic concrete (I think, I've yet to get out as it's not my property) creatures! The frogs were bizarre. I'll let you know if I ever figure out the purpose for which they were made.

For Sarah

Sarah posted crepe myrtle pics on the SA DP so I found these just for her.

The purple and white are not seen often but they are two of my favorite colors of that flower. More myrtle pics

Sebastopol House

I just love Sebastopol and I wish the state could give more money for maintenance and more landscaping. This is where we had our wedding five years ago. It's a Greek Revival style house and it was funny -- on the upper floor where we rented the large room for 30 guests, there is no lighting! So, by 8pm, we had to wrap up festivities b/c the sun had gone down. It was a good way to make sure the wedding lasted only 2 hours!

For the history of Sebastopol, click here.

Biggest Small Town Parade

It's a big day here for celebrating the 4th of July. There's a parade in the morning and then the mayor's luncheon at noon. In the evening, there's a huge fireworks show in Starcke Park along the Guadalupe River. This morning, I went out to see who might be lining up in front of our house (we are one of the feeder streets into the parade). This float is the square dance and clogging club. They were really nice. Chatted with them for a bit.



This is the watermelon royal court from Luling, a town near Seguin. I feel so sorry for the poor kids. It is hot and very humid today! It also looks like it might rain at any minute!

Bimbo

I saw this van on the way to work, a commute from Seguin to San Antonio. The name really amused me. Fortunately, a friend knew what company this is and set me straight -- it's a Mexican baked goods company!