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!

Pretty to look at

I like the colors here a lot. I also think it is a funny plant b/c the blooms seem like little mouths, like from Little Shop of Horrors. Ready to open up and snap as creatures draw near.

Swirlies

I just thought this was really pretty. Makes me think of a fancy dessert. Click here to see a full picture.

Beautiful music

It's raining outside, pouring actually. Some rolling thunder. And my niece practicing on the piano. It is so peaceful.

Viet Cuisine

The soup is traditional Vietnamese; very delicious, it's called Bun Rieu Oc. Consists of vermicelli noodles, escargot, crab, shrimp paste, tofu, tomatos, scallions. I love the decorative topping.

Vacation

Today I flew to see my family in FL. So though this morning we lifted off at 6:00 a.m. and this is what we saw above the clouds. I will be here for a full week so I will post as often as I can.

Starcke Furniture Co.

I love some of these old buildings in town. This is on one corner of our Central Park, the town square I usually call it. The business has been around for a very very long time, 1910 is listed on their sign. It's two stories, with a basement and we bought our sleigh bed from them. They're a great business and they have such an interesting old building. I love it when I see names on buildings. The Nolte family is very prominent in Seguin.

Beautiful AND Delicious

We went to a dessert social Saturday night and it was wonderful. The creator of these treats is very modest but she need not be -- her treats were superb!

Refreshing waters

It was another day in the upper 90s so on the way home, I stopped by the fountain on the town square. It was refreshing to walk around a bit after being in the car for the 45 minute commute home from work. I wish I could have soaked my feet but I believe that's not allowed.

Ice Cream!

We just got a new ice cream shop in town! Hooray! This will be our 3rd attempt to sustain one and I hope this one is successful. We did our part to support the local business -- I got pistachio almond, Mark got Butterfinger and Luke got mango. It was yum!

The Palace

I wish this theatre was still open and showing current runs. It is really pretty all lit up in the evening on the rare occassion they are showing a movie. The last time I was there, we saw To Kill a Mockingbird, original black and white. Part of a library reading program/special event. It was awesome.

Serene

On the Guadalupe River again. I like looking at the water there. I went back to see if this flower had bloomed but I could not find it again. It must have drifted away.