Friburg-Cooper Community

Just east of Sheppard Air Force Base, rolling hills and picturesque farmsteads lie underneath the fighter jets' pattern of training. JoAnn drove me there today to show me the tender flowers juxtaposed with the harshness of the military training overhead.

A large and prolific agave plant blooms at the gate of the old Hobbs farm.

This is remarkably my first photograph of Texas Bluebonnets along a road. Until today I had not stopped to click the shutter, but instead had stood in awe of the hasty appearance of color over most of the countryside.

Friburg-Cooper Community Church surrounded by Indian Paintbrush, a few Marigold, and small clusters of Bluebonnets.

Flowers in Texas seem the most abundant in many years. I took the photos below two counties away.

The wild flowers have germinated and show hints of falling asleep. The mowers will wait a few weeks to ensure reproduction for next year. Here I stand admiring the color, and still I can hardly wait for it to begin again next year. 

Post Publication Hermanns

More paintings by Emil Hermann became known to JoAnn after the publication of her book about his life.

Our first stop today was at Presbyterian Manor, where we took the first five images. These paintings were owned by elderly folks who had sold or given away almost all their belongings . . . except their paintings by Hermann, which they hung on the walls of their apartments. And this seemed to me the most striking aspect of the effect of his work. The bottom image shows a painting he titled "Hazy Afternoon," and which he apparently painted in Chilicoth, Ohio, in 1951, indicated on the back of the canvas.

Goosing at Wild Bird Rescue

BirdManBob watches two Canada Geese growing up at the Wild Bird Rescue center.

Wind. Wind. Wind.

Cabin Fireplace Warmth

On to San Antone

Our symphony folks are hosting a statewide conference. Chef Jason Dady will cook supper for approximately eighty people tomorrow night. MyMrMallory's task: Bring Chef to town from San Antonio. Update: Chef delivered safely and ready for his task in the kitchen.

Designated aircraft for Chef Jason, the Beechcraft Bonanza A36. 

Driving past an old hangar, I spotted a 1946 Piper Cub in showroom condition. Could they have built the hangar back in '46 for this very Cub? While the hangar hangs on and shows its age, tender loving care seems bestowed on the aircraft. 

An AirVac helicopter arrives to practice hovering.

The pilot holds short, or, waits before taking off, while the airliner lands safely in San Antonio.

UPDATE: Chef Jason received a standing ovation by the eighty or so diners who enjoyed eating his food.

Floreine's Cat

I feel this way sometimes, relaxed, no worries . . .

Well, hey, brothers and sisters, have a good day. Good nap!

No Cropping Zone

A while back, AShepherdsHome sent us a link to a blog devoted to macro-photography, http://nocroppingzone.blogspot.com, and ever since then, I've thought of its title No Cropping Zone. Today I set out to take images carefully and return to the digital darkroom with the intention of to not crop. Here is  today's batch:

We had a dark, damp, drizzly day today. Nikon lens 85mm, f1.4 D.

Robin's nest. This was as close as I could manage in view of the need for a ladder. 

Nikon lens 85mm, f1.4 D.

Need tripod to close in on the pistils. Nikon 105mm, f2.8 G.

Nestlings and Nesting at Wild Bird Rescue Center

Purple Martins and English Sparrows bring grasses and soft twigs to line their nests.

Inside the building of the Wild Bird Rescue center, nestlings are nurtured.

A baby Robin makes sure BirdManBob knows it's time for a feeding.

Having been nurtured and fed by CharmOfFinches, two baby Mallards lie seemingly contentedly in their cage.

Super Volunteers Steve and Alicia will transport two nestling Great Horned Owls to the raptor center in Lubbock.

A mouse! Yum! 

BirdManBob medicates a Barn Owl.

Jousting Redwings

At one of the bird feeders at the Wild Bird Rescue center, Redwing Blackbirds jousted for power in their hierarchy.

Finally, the top bird determined, they landed on the feeder. (Beer was served and a good time was had by all.)

iPhone Photos: Rescued Fledgling Owls

Barn Owl.

Great Horned Owls.

Of Flowers, Birds, and Running from Cows

The countryside in Texas blooms with Bluebonnets.

There are several species of Bluebonnet. Above, I show the Texas Bluebonnet. The red dot indicates the flower has pollinated. 

Many species of flowers cover the countryside.

I would say which flower I picture above, but I left my flower book somewhere among the flowers in the countryside. P.S. It is Prairie Verbena.

Lark Sparrow standing on the stone.

A calf seemed content to rest on the grass.

Other calves approached us looking for a treat.

MyMrMallory hurried to close the gate before the cows followed us through in search for a treat.

Nearby an American Turkey stomped toward the highway. 

This angle and the timing of the Purple Martin may make some of us think he's leaving a jet condensation trail, as jets do at 30,000 feet.

Purple Martins up close in a picture I took last year. 

Bewick's Wren.

Jet Ranger: Details

Eventually, with many hours of flying the Jet Ranger helicopter made by Bell, all those buttons become old hat. I promise.