Showing posts with label Outdoor life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoor life. Show all posts
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Tent fishing
traveled down the creek a about 50 yards. Go tent go!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Duck, duck, boat...
threw pounds of bread and cereal to about 2 dozen ducks. Wyatt loved
barking at the ducks and was completely absorbed in the activity
untill.... Broom broom broom. A boat pulled up to the dock. Wyatt lost
all intrest in the ducks and walked as fast as he could to the end of
the dock. He watched wide eyed as the boat was being loaded onto a
trailor. The truck pulling the trailor was of course loud! Wyatt loved
it! Amy finished feeding the ducks and caught up with us. As we walked
home we saw two T-1 like airplanes. Wyatt waved and said da-da. Made
me smile. What a fun day. Thanks Aunt Amy.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Hot Springs
a beautiful town filled with history. It also happens to be the
boyhood home of Bill Clinton.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hangin Around
My neighbor Crissi told me two days ago about the little baby Opossum that was hiding under her lawn mower. I'll admit I was a little bummed out to have not gotten a glimpse of the little guy. Then yesterday, when I was bring in the recycling binds I noticed something furry was in my hanging basket. I slowly backed up and peeked over the edge of the basket only to discover...a little baby possum fast asleep.
I know he looks so cute here in this picture, but we must remember he is a Opossum and they are annoying once they are adults. Also, they must get progressively uglier as they get older because I think his little pink nose it too cute right now.
I was hoping to catch a few more pictures of him this morning when I came home from work, but my baby opossum has disappeared for now. Maybe, he is back under the mower in Crissi's yard.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mistletoe Christmas Gifts
We recently were educated by Gran-T that Mistletoe grew along side the roads in Texas. Well, after about driving off the road looking for mistletoe in every tree we passed we finally decided to pull over a get some for ourselves. 
As you can see the mistletoe is the green lump in the otherwise dead tree. My brave hub climbed trees to get to this precious resource. It may be the only "good" to come out of West Texas.
The Christmas custom of kissing underneath a branch of mistletoe goes back hundreds of years, certainly to the early 17th century. But legends about the curious plant go back even farther, even to the time of Christ and earlier. One legend has it that the wood of the cross of Christ was made from mistletoe, and supposedly for that reason the mistletoe plant has been doomed to live as a parasite, and is so classified today, making it condemned to live on the goodwill of other trees. Shakespeare in Titus Andronicus called it “the baleful mistletoe,” no doubt referring to the fact that in large quantities the waxy white berries are toxic. On the other hand, ancient Druids thought the plant had healing, even magical, powers.
Back in Roman times in Britain, Pliny the Elder referred to the habit of Druid priests of cutting away mistletoe from oak trees where it attached itself, using golden sickles and spreading white cloth on the ground under the tree lest the trimmings touch the ground and risk losing their powers. The Druids elevated mistletoe to sacred powers, even using it in ceremonies of human sacrifice. Unlike other plants, mistletoe retained its fresh green color, and the evergreen therefore became a symbol of fertility. They also hung it over doorways to protect against evil.
Because of the Druids’ use of mistletoe, Christians banned its use in their churches in England. Because mistletoe grows primarily on apple, lime, poplar and hawthorn trees in the midlands and up to and around York, it was a local favorite there long after the Druids were in decline. So in the famous minster at York, its use during the holiday season has always been retained.
In the York cathedral the minister placed the branch on the High Altar and proclaimed “public and universal liberty, pardon and freedom of all sorts of inferior and wicked people at the minster gates, and the gates of the city, towards the four quarters of heaven.” In the 21st century the Dean informally hung a bunch of mistletoe and holly from the High Altar at noon on Christmas Eve, although the custom was more general good will than intended as an encouragement of kissing in its presence.
Strictly speaking, kissing under the mistletoe was never to get out of hand, and often nearly did. To prevent abuses, the custom was defined as a man might steal a kiss under the hanging branch, but when he did, one berry was to be plucked from the plant and discarded. Once the berries were gone, the kissing charm of the mistletoe branch was spent, although that aspect of the custom is rarely recalled in these days. During the 19th century abuses of the kissing custom were prevalent, according to a verse written and called “The Mistletoe Bough.” Interestingly, during uptight Victorian times, the custom came into full bloom!
Despite the mixed lore regarding Viscum album, the English mistletoe plant, its culture is a profitable business in Great Britain today. All through December mistletoe farmers carefully cut boughs from the mistletoe in their apple orchards or on other host trees. Unlike the Druids with the golden boughs, hook
the mistletoe sprays with a long pole, careful to leave some bunches behind to ensure a crop the following year. It is mostly birds who propagate the mistletoe , however. Some farmers call the birds “the professional” in promulgating mistletoe, while they themselves are the amateurs.
Each year large numbers of Druid followers came to celebrate the winter solstice in fields full of mistletoe in the orchards of Hertferdshire. Their orations and music fascinate local farmers, who often adapt bits of the folklore of this “special branch.” One farmer kept his mistletoe decoration from one Christmas to the next. When he had brought in the fresh sprays, he burned the old and ran around as many of his fields as possible with the flaming brands, in the belief that the ancient plant would bless each field with a prolific harvest. Another legend has it that a sprig of mistletoe placed over a baby’s cradle will ensure that the child will never be kidnapped. While much of the plant's history is shrouded in untold tales of the past, it is undeniably blessed with certain sacred associations and perhaps even occult powers.
When the farmers and gypsies who have been gathering wild or cultivated mistletoe are ready with their annual crop for selling at the end of November, they gather at auctions in the towns of the Midlands and thereabouts and sell. The current crop went for up to 1 Pound Sterling per pound, a decent price for a priceless branch. http://www.essortment.com/all/mistletoehistor_rljx.htm
Our stash.
And just in case you were wondering: The History of Mistletoe.
The Christmas custom of kissing underneath a branch of mistletoe goes back hundreds of years, certainly to the early 17th century. But legends about the curious plant go back even farther, even to the time of Christ and earlier. One legend has it that the wood of the cross of Christ was made from mistletoe, and supposedly for that reason the mistletoe plant has been doomed to live as a parasite, and is so classified today, making it condemned to live on the goodwill of other trees. Shakespeare in Titus Andronicus called it “the baleful mistletoe,” no doubt referring to the fact that in large quantities the waxy white berries are toxic. On the other hand, ancient Druids thought the plant had healing, even magical, powers.
Back in Roman times in Britain, Pliny the Elder referred to the habit of Druid priests of cutting away mistletoe from oak trees where it attached itself, using golden sickles and spreading white cloth on the ground under the tree lest the trimmings touch the ground and risk losing their powers. The Druids elevated mistletoe to sacred powers, even using it in ceremonies of human sacrifice. Unlike other plants, mistletoe retained its fresh green color, and the evergreen therefore became a symbol of fertility. They also hung it over doorways to protect against evil.
Because of the Druids’ use of mistletoe, Christians banned its use in their churches in England. Because mistletoe grows primarily on apple, lime, poplar and hawthorn trees in the midlands and up to and around York, it was a local favorite there long after the Druids were in decline. So in the famous minster at York, its use during the holiday season has always been retained.
In the York cathedral the minister placed the branch on the High Altar and proclaimed “public and universal liberty, pardon and freedom of all sorts of inferior and wicked people at the minster gates, and the gates of the city, towards the four quarters of heaven.” In the 21st century the Dean informally hung a bunch of mistletoe and holly from the High Altar at noon on Christmas Eve, although the custom was more general good will than intended as an encouragement of kissing in its presence.
Strictly speaking, kissing under the mistletoe was never to get out of hand, and often nearly did. To prevent abuses, the custom was defined as a man might steal a kiss under the hanging branch, but when he did, one berry was to be plucked from the plant and discarded. Once the berries were gone, the kissing charm of the mistletoe branch was spent, although that aspect of the custom is rarely recalled in these days. During the 19th century abuses of the kissing custom were prevalent, according to a verse written and called “The Mistletoe Bough.” Interestingly, during uptight Victorian times, the custom came into full bloom!
Despite the mixed lore regarding Viscum album, the English mistletoe plant, its culture is a profitable business in Great Britain today. All through December mistletoe farmers carefully cut boughs from the mistletoe in their apple orchards or on other host trees. Unlike the Druids with the golden boughs, hook
the mistletoe sprays with a long pole, careful to leave some bunches behind to ensure a crop the following year. It is mostly birds who propagate the mistletoe , however. Some farmers call the birds “the professional” in promulgating mistletoe, while they themselves are the amateurs.
Each year large numbers of Druid followers came to celebrate the winter solstice in fields full of mistletoe in the orchards of Hertferdshire. Their orations and music fascinate local farmers, who often adapt bits of the folklore of this “special branch.” One farmer kept his mistletoe decoration from one Christmas to the next. When he had brought in the fresh sprays, he burned the old and ran around as many of his fields as possible with the flaming brands, in the belief that the ancient plant would bless each field with a prolific harvest. Another legend has it that a sprig of mistletoe placed over a baby’s cradle will ensure that the child will never be kidnapped. While much of the plant's history is shrouded in untold tales of the past, it is undeniably blessed with certain sacred associations and perhaps even occult powers.
When the farmers and gypsies who have been gathering wild or cultivated mistletoe are ready with their annual crop for selling at the end of November, they gather at auctions in the towns of the Midlands and thereabouts and sell. The current crop went for up to 1 Pound Sterling per pound, a decent price for a priceless branch. http://www.essortment.com/all/mistletoehistor_rljx.htm
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
It's a Bugs Life
Note to Crissi....There is a Caterpillar in this post!
On our walk to Panthers cave, while sitting in the shade and drinking our cool refreshing water, I noticed that we had company. Mr Lizard had stopped in to say "hello"!
While weeding the parsley I found a very hungry caterpillar.
Then on our walk the other day the dogs found that the tortoise does not beat the hire if the tortoise stops to take a nap.
In all actuality the tortoise probably wouldn't have been shell shocked if Gertie had not picked him up and flung him about 4 feet in the air before he came crashing down and forever scared to come out of his shell. The next day he was gone so I imagine after we left he finished the race.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Hiking to Panthers Cave
With a July Birthday we always find something to do outside for Hubbie. I don't know why we haven't figured out that 100 plus degree weather is not when you should plan outdoor activities, but in TX you aren't going to find the cool mid 70-80 degree weather of Ohio in July. But, nonetheless it was fun and we had a great time.
It all started with, "what do you want to do for your Birthday?" I wanted to get a Wii for him. Great idea, right! What boy wouldn't want a Wii. Well, He wanted to take the dogs on a walk. And, that's why I love him! So a walking we went. I had heard of the Seminole Canyon (about 40 miles west of Del Rio) and I thought that might be a reasonably fun hike.
I found some info and it was indeed dog friendly. So, we decided to pack up the puppies and hike.
Notice the puppies doggy backpacks.
Momma T went with us and she was a trooper! I know it was hot and she is terrified like myself that Hub is going to fall over the edge of a cliff at any moment.
I would like to report that he did not fall in. 
All in all it was about a three hour adventure. We were tired and a little sun burnt afterwards, but the dogs had such a great time. I think they thought is was their Birthday!
There where three shelters where we could take a break from the sun and rest!
Hi, Momma T!!
The reason we hiked three miles was to see this pictograph! What you don't see it? Don't worry we didn't either for about the first 15 mins. We were all bumped out because we thought the brush was covering up the 15 foot long red panther! Actually, you can see it in this picture. See the itty bitty fence post rising just above the brush, now walk your eyes up to where the tan and the gray rock meet. Then gaze about a centimeter left (cm not to actual scale). See it there very faintly about a centimeter and a half long (in the picture) and it's red..kidda looks more brunt orange. Hope you can see it!
I loved getting to spend with my family and of course documenting the whole thing with pictures. Hopefully, if you are this way you'll check it out too!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Water Hiking
My Mother in law came for a visit and she wanted to re-live a memory. She used to live in San Antonio when her kids were little and every year as a family they would float on the Rio Frio. This memory she wanted to share with me and relive for my hubby's 27th Birthday.
The idea is to rent your tube from here:
Very cute outdoorsy shop and I love the decor inside!
Then this cool kids Patrick took us up the river a few miles to "Sevens Point". I think that is were we went maybe he called it "Stevens Joint" either way. He dumped us off and said we would see him in about 3-4 hours. Hubby asked how much walking would be involved and he said "fair amount of walking".
I assure you when a teenager says "fair amount of walking" it really means, "The girls will float about 40% of the time, 30% will require hubby to drag us along because the wind is blowing against the current and we are being blown up stream and the last 10% is pure water hiking.
I had a lovely time and think we should go back at the next big rain.
(some kid I don't know, but I wanted to give you the idea of floating)
Mother in law got to relive the memory and had a fairly good time. She didn't enjoy walking in her broke flip flop and flipping over in her tube and going completely under!
Hubby was there, lost interest about half way through and decided it was time to leave. Which really means he just pulled us down stream a lot faster. The 4 hour tubing session was completed in less than 3 hours due to my hubby's gusto!
All in all, I think you all should go!
Monday, June 23, 2008
What's lurking outside?
Can you believe all the bugs in Texas! I saw a few recently and decided I should share them with you. This looks like an innocent star just hanging out on the carport, but what is that look a little closer...
Yep, that a gainormous moth! Not a good time to have seen the "Moth Man Prophecy's".
Yep, that a gainormous moth! Not a good time to have seen the "Moth Man Prophecy's". 
It is kinda pretty, and for some reason it's friend was hanging out here on the front of the house. I mean really look how big it it. Almost more than a whole brick long.
Then, I spotted this little fellow.... he's almost albino. I am not sure why but several of the lizards are albino looking. You have to be careful because they are all over the brink at dusk.
After I finished watering the flowers the other night I went to turn off the water. I also put one hand on the wall as I bend over to turn off the water. Imagine my surprise when a creepy crawly thing was under my hand squirming away! Needless to say, I screamed. AHHHHH Then I had to explain to the neighbors why I had just screamed.
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