body shop

 

This body shop is in need of some repair itself.  If it weren't for the lettering on the overhead door, the only other clues to the business would be the carcasses of car chassis strewn around.  The place doesn't seem to be in business -- just another vacant spot on the east side.

 

619 27th Street

Lubbock, Texas

pink tulips arrive
                             awakened from winter’s sleep
                         perfection's allure

Haiku by Albert

jack

 

Jack is currently a student at Texas Tech but his Afro is a throwback to the '60s when hairstyles were political statements.  I don't know Jack's beliefs but his eyelashes are to die for.

 





sandfighting

One would think during a wet May with record rainfalls, a farmer wouldn't have to "sandfight." After a  hard rain, the surface quickly dries off.  When the wind blows (like today's wind advisory) the top soil will blow.  If you look closely, you might be able to "row" (or see) the tender leaves of the baby May cotton seedlings.  Sandfighting is done to keep the young plants from getting sandblasted and hopefully save the stand. Sandfighters are plows with small rolling blades which dig into the soil and break up the smooth surface and prevent the sand from blowing. The South Plains has bigger gamblers than those found in Las Vegas.

Fortenberry Farms
Lubbock County, Texas

flower dog

 

I wasn't the only one shopping for flowers today at the garden center.  Lenny the whippet admired the geraniums.

 

Little Red Riding Hood

Lubbock, Texas

texas proud

 

Even the sheds in Texas display the Lone Star!

 

Comal County, Texas

5.1.2015

inside the greenhouse

 

The Texas Tech Greenhouse was constructed in 1973 and the complex currently consists of eight glass and aluminum National Greenhouses, a steam drying facility and a plant laboratory with 7 growth chambers, and standard laboratory equipment. The greenhouse complex has 4 research houses with high intensity lighting and automated temperature control to support the estimated $3,000,000 of research conducted for federal, state and private grants each year.  In addition, the three teaching compartments house an interior foliage collection along with plant production facilities to support the laboratory experiences of students.  If you have not strolled through the Greenhouse gardens, it's worth a trip.  On a sad note, Linnaeus the Greenhouse Cat is missing.  He's been know to roam and has been picked up previously by campus police.  However, this absence has been long term.

 

Texas Tech Greenhouse

Lubbock, Texas

May God shelter your soul,

kind love, and sympathy.

 

New Braunfels Cemetery

Peace Avenue

New Braunfels, Texas

5.1.2015

bird in the window

 

From the alley, it appears that the chicken wire on the Henne warehouse window holds a bird captive.  On second glance, it's a broken pane.  The alleyside of Henne Hardware was much more interesting that the side on San Antonio Street, although the two-story building retains some of the ornamental Victorian embellishments.  Louis Henne began the Louis Henne Company in 1857 at the age of 17 upon the death of his father, expanding the family tin-smithing operation into general hardware and mercantile. The downtown store was built in 1893.  Evidently this mid-20th century sign didn't fit the Victorian architecture so now it resides in the alley.

 



Henne Hardware
New Braunfels, Texas
5.2.2015

through the scale house window

 

My grandfather W O, Fortenberry purchased the gin at New Deal (then known as Monroe) in 1929.  He sold the ginning business in 1952 to devote time to farming and oil interests.  The gin operated as New Deal Gin for many years then shut down and the place was vacant.  This year my nephew purchased a portion of the original gin land, including the scale house and gin building.  The scale house, which was also the office, still has the original walk-in vault and the Fairbanks-Morse scales.  The scales just need to be recertified to be used again.  The Fortenberry legacy lives on.

 

Fortenberry Farms

New Deal, Texas

close only counts in horseshoes and grenades

 

Riley's Tavern

Hunter, Texas

5.1.2015

she said yes

 

As I drove up to Dry Comal Winery, I noticed an interesting tableau on the front lawn - empty wicker chairs, a lace-covered wine barrel, wine and cheese.  After I parked and walked over, a young couple wandered up, arm-in-arm.  I chatted about what a picturesque scene this was and the young lady answered, "He just proposed to me here" -- about an hour and a bottle of wine ago!  As an impromptu engagement gift, I offered to take photos of Chris and Cara.  I also received an invitation to the wedding -- as photographer!

 



 

Dry Comal Winery

New Braunfels, Texas

5.1.2015

cinco de mayo

 

Mexico's victory over France - May 5, 1862.  Just another reason to celebrate and drink cerveza!

 

Yard Art

Gruene, Texas

5.2.2015

watchful observers

 

I think the best time to visit an urban downtown without the hustle and bustle is Sunday morning.  I did just that on Sunday in New Braunfels.  I'm sure that when the Spass Walking Tours offers a stroll through the past, they didn't mean the alleys.  But I sometimes find the alleys more interesting than the streets.  As I wandered the backside of buildings built around the turn of the century (1900s that is), I was alone except for these two feral cats who kept an eye on me as I walked behind the McAdoo Seafood Restaurant, housed in the former 1915 Post Office.

 

New Braunfels, Texas

5.3.2015



bloody mary

 

Judging by the number of Bloody Marys bartender Renna concocted, either Renna makes a great drink or the bikers had a bad Friday night.

 

Riley's Tavern

Hunter, Texas

Today's jaunt was historical in nature.  Riley's Tavern advertises being the "oldest bar in Texas" by virtue of receiving the first liquor license - No. 0001 - issued in 1933 after Prohibition was repealed.

 

 

The oldest building in Hunter is home to Riley's.  It was built in 1895 as Galloway's Saloon.   I felt it appropriate to visit the establishment and sample the wares.  Population of Hunter is less than 50 souls and the number of Saturday afternoon customers at Riley's matched the number of inhabitants.

 

 

Riley's Tavern

Hunter, Texas

FM 1102 and 2439







guadalupe river

 

It's great weather for a nice drive along River Road to Canyon Lake.

 

Guadalupe River

New Braunfels, Texas

ready to rent

 

 We are grateful for the recent rains.  Thank goodness we didn't have to resort to kayaking!

 

Roche Harbor

San Juan Island, Washington

4.1.2015



all projects completed

 

I would be pleased to have this as my epitaph:  "All projects completed."  Elle is probably satisfied that everything on her "to do" list was accomplished.

 

St. Francis Cemetery

San Juan Island, Washington

4.3.2015



remember the alamo

 

Alamo Beer & Wine

1101 E. 5th

Plainview, Texas

the barbershop on Avenue F

 

"The red and white pole outside barber shops references a time when barbers were expected to perform bloodletting and other medical procedures to heal the sick; red represented blood and white represented bandages."  Makes one reconsider getting a haircut at a shop with a barber pole.

 

If you are in need of serviceable underwear, size 38, check out the merchandise at the DAV Thrift Store.

 

Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store

1301 Buddy Holly Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

the obligatory (or is it ubiquitous?) spring iris photo

chaparajos

 

The Spanish brought chaparajos to the Americas when colonists began establishing huge rancheros in Mexico and the southwestern areas that eventually became Texas, California and  New Mexico. Shortened to "chaps," the leather leggings fit over a rider's pants, protecting his legs from brush and helping him stay warm and dry when he was out looking for cattle in rough country.

 

Ranch Day at the Ranching Heritage Center

Lubbock, Texas

4.11.2015

Macedonia Baptist

 

Unlike many of its rural counterparts, the Macedonia Baptist Church is an active congregation.  The white-painted structure glistens in the light and is visible from the nearby highway.  The interior is modest and white curtains with purple ties adorn the windows.

 

Macedonia Baptist Church

Anton, Texas

4.18.2015

 



three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway

 

US 385 in Lamb County, Texas

4.18.2015

 

picket fence at the church

 

In 1940 Spade, Texas has two churches.  Today both the First Baptist and Church of Christ are closed and overgrown with weeds.  Spade is a "census-designated place" with fewer than 100 residents.  The Spade Ranch had its headquarters nearby, thus the name.

 

Spade, Texas

Lamb County



low life

 

The decal "low life" on this pickup does not refer to the type person who drives this vehicle but rather the style of low riders. A low rider is a customized car -- or in this case a 1960 Chevrolet pick-up--that is fitted with hydraulic jacks that permit lowering of the chassis nearly to the road.  It probably has a better stereo system than the 1959 3/4 ton, 4-in-the-floor Chevy pick-up I drove in high school!

 

Spotted at the Art Annex

Texas Tech

Lubbock, Texas    

south beach

 

South Beach is part of the San Juan National Park, overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Haro Straight where the whales sometimes pass. Across the strait lies Port Townsend at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. To the northwest is Vancouver Island British Columbia and to the southwest is Whidbey Island.  I should have stayed longer.

 

South Beach

San Juan Island, Washington

4.2.2015

chuck wagon biscuits

 

Hightower Chuck Wagon

Ranch Day at Ranching Heritage Center

Lubbock, Texas

4.11.2015

fence sittin'

 

Cowboy Wisdom:  Don't squat with your spurs on.

 

Ranching Heritage Center

Texas Tech, Lubbock Texas

4.11.2015

three straws and a felt

 

Members of the Ranch Horse Team watch a fellow member introduce a two-year old colt to saddle and blanket as part of the horse taming demonstration on Ranch Day. Originally felt hats were intended for winter wear (protecting from moisture and cold) and straw for summer (protecting from heat and sun) which is logical.  An unwritten cowboy hat rule seems to indicate that felt is appropriate all year but straw is for warm weather. Other arbitrary rules include: "Felt is for dress, straw is for work" and "Straw only between Easter and Thanksgiving.  Who knew there are whole websites devoted to cowboy hat etiquette? 

Ranching Heritage Center
Texas Tech
Lubbock, Texas
4.11.2015

spur and cross

 

Today was Ranch Day at the Ranching Heritage Center -- one of the best held.  The Ranch Horse Team from Texas Tech provided some great photo ops!

 

Ranching Heritage Center

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

paint the town red -- and black!

 

What is it with black paint?  Just a few weeks ago the business down the street went from yellow to black.  Today the Savoy Shopping Center, a mostly vacant strip mall except for Nothin' Butt Smokes, is being transformed from old brown to red and black.

 



I really wanted to catch the paint spray in the air but better judgment told me not to get downwind to avoid red paint on the camera lens.

 

 

But what really caught my eye as I drove by and prompted a U-turn were the porcelain fixtures on the sidewalk -- excellent place to put one's Coke can!

 

Savoy Shopping Center

2800 4th Street

Lubbock, Texas





cherub in a chair

 

The cherub sits quietly in three-year old Eric's chair.  Placed at the grave by grieving parents, the angel watches over the child.

 

St. Francis Cemetery

San Juan Island, Washington

4.2.2015

trifecta: Chinese food, pizza and sports bar

 

There are neither fast food nor chain restaurants on San Juan Island -- and only a handful of dining spots.  On my way to the Blue Water Bar & Grill, the sign for the Chinese restaurant next door caught my eye.  Interesting thing, I think the same guy owns both of them! He certainly found a way to parlay his business.

 

China Pearl Restaurant

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Washington

4.1.2015

basket of lavender

 

 I would loved to have timed my visit to the lavender farm when the 16 acres of plants were in bloom.

 According to Pelindaba's website, the plan was to protect this piece of land from residential development and to  share the self-sustaining, open space with other residents and island visitors. Pelindaba is a Zulu word related to the owner's South African roots. Not only does the farm cultivate  lavender inorganically certified fields and extract the essential oils in their on-site distillery, they also handcraft botanical, culinary, personal care, and therapeutic products.

 

 



Pelindaba Lavender

San Juan Island, Washington

4.2.2015



it's all in the rubber



After a week away, I left the mountains of the Northwest for the mounds in the laundry room.  Luckily, my washing machine is more efficient than this!  Although, for its day, this hand-cranked wringer was modern.  It appears to be a Horse Shoe Brand Antique Hand-Crank Clothes Wringer with a patent date of 1917 by the American Wringer Company out of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. I love the instructions: "This wringer has warranted rubber rolls vulcanized to the shafts, Put a little oil or lard on the bearings before use and loosen top screws when the wringer is not in use."

Friday Harbor Historical Museum
San Juan Island, Washington
4.3.2015

spring flowers

 

The resort at Roche Harbor is built around the former company town of Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime Company, incorporated in 1886.  One can wander around the hotel, view the lime kilns and generator, visit the church and mausoleum and generally enjoy the beauty of the gardens.

 

Roche Harbor

San Juan Island, Washington

4.1.2015

beach cruisers

 

Fifty-five square mile San Juan Island (resident population under 10,000) is accessible only by ferry or plane.  Friday Harbor is the only town, with the resort Roche Harbor at the other end of the island.  There is no traffic light and the max speed on the two-lane roads is 45 mph.  A preferred mode of travel is the bicycle and the Earthbox Inn made these "beach cruisers" available for lodgers.  I opted to do business with M&W Auto Rentals (did I mention the hills?).  My Chevy Aveo was red, had 76,000 miles and crank windows -- but it got me to the lighthouses, lavender farm, alpaca farm, and shoreline.  Today my transportation is 737 courtesy of American Airlines.

 

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

4.1.2015

barn on beaverton valley road

 

Historically, farmland has been a vital component of the San Juan Islands’ landscape. Crops include  grass-fed meats, berries, tree fruits, and year round production of vegetables as well as fiber, lavender, and herbs. I was thrilled to travel the island in the early morning light and see the great barns.

 

San Juan Island, Washington

4.2.2015

lime kiln lighthouse

 

Lime Kiln Lighthouse borrows its name from the limekilns built in the area in the 1860s. The lighthouse, erected in 19119, is built atop solid rock, about twenty feet above high water. Lime Kiln was the last lighthouse in Washington to be electrified,  well after World War II when a submarine power cable was laid from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands in 1951. In 1985, the lighthouse and surrounding sea were dedicated as a whale sanctuary and research station for marine mammal scientists. Today, the tower flashes a white light once every ten seconds -- and you can even get married at the top of the lighthouse!

 

Lime Kiln Lighthouse

San Juan Island, Washington

lighthouse

 



The southern-most of all the lighthouses in the San Juan Islands, Cattle Point Lighthouse, is located on San Juan Island.   The name stems from the appearance of cattle in 1853. The major trading company, Hudson’s Bay, came here to establish a ranch of sheep and cattle, which they dropped off near the current location of the lighthouse. In 1857 a ship was stranded there, and the cattle it carried swam ashore near the point. It wasn’t until 1888, though, that the area became a navigational aid using a lens lantern. A soldier named Jekle, who had chosen to stay on the island after it had been officially named part of the United States, served as its keeper. Over 30 years later, a radio compass station was established by the U.S. Navy, and seaman were put in charge of maintaining it. The lighthouse, standing 34 feet tall, was erected in 1935 after the compass station closed.

 

San Juan Island, Washington