Before Wal-Mart

Near the same place as the fence and the rockers on the front porch, was the small road crossing called "Willow Springs, Texas." A store like this was the lifeblood of rural Texas "back in the day." It was a place to buy what you couldn't grow or make yourself; it was the connection with the mail; it was a place for phone messages to be left, and most importantly, it was community meeting place. Many of the stores stand empty today;however, in parts of rural Texas, they still serve the purpose of a place to meet and catch-up on the news of the area. Many times they are the only vestige left of the communities that show up on the road maps, on the signs, and on their signage. Next time you see one of these, turn around, grab a couple of dollars, and go inside.

Waiting for the End of the Day

Once again a back road, where one can drive very slow, provided a glimpse into to a way of life most of us envy. This small house in the middle of no where had a tin roof, water cooler in the window (not an air conditioner), and chickens in the yard. These two rockers looked almost alive on the porch. This photo is one of the favorites of people who check the photographs on my office wall. They all comment that it gives them a sense of peace. We all could use a place, where at the end of the day, we could sit, rock,listening to the chickens scratch in the yard, and have time to gain strength for the next day. Rock On!

Old Fence Gate

What catches one's eye on the road side is interesting. This old iron fence off the road between Hempstead and Bellville, Texas caught my eye early in the morning. The old house was leaning to one side, its once wide expansive porch was missing planks and weeds were everywhere. And, yet the elegant old fence was still standing; a bit rust here, some gaps there, but the top of the gate was beautiful. To me it looked a "crown" on the top of an aging dowager. I am sure the company that made the fence is long gone as is this era of iron fences and expansive porches.

Mission San Jose-San Antonio, Texas

Of the five Spanish missions located on "Mission Trail" in San Antonio, the Mission San Jose is the most beautiful and complete. A national park is located on site. This still active working Catholic parish is filled most days with school groups on the ubiquitous school tour for all seventh graders in Texas. Once inside the park, you will see the garrison surrounding the Mission. It is here that you can see the aim and purpose of these missions, to protect the Spanish lands in what would become the state of Texas. You can see old bread ovens, wells, and soldier's quarters. Plan to spend about two hours on site. There is a small store to purchase something to drink. If you go in the late spring or in summer, it will be hot! Entrance to the park is free. In fact, you can visit all the missions for free.

Courtyard of Mission San Jose

This courtyard is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Mission San Jose. On a hot day, sit for a breather. As you sit there, look at the windows that show where barracks, holding rooms for grain, etc. once were filled to the brim. There is a rendering and restoration of the well used to gather water for the church. In the Spring, flowers are blooming everywhere.

Arches of Mission San Jose

The Mission San Jose's courtyard is filled with wonderful arches. Spend some time there looking at all the different angles. Notice the different facades of brick and stone.

Side View Mission San Jose

This is the back side view of the Mission San Jose. This photo was taken during Easter season. This is a huge national park sight. If mobility is an issue, go around the huge parking area to the back of the Mission. Much easier to get into the site.

The Rose Window, Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas

The memorable view of the rose window is from the outside, where Pedro Huizar, San José’s carpenter, carved flowers into the stone around the window in the 1780s. Next to the Alamo, the rose window is the single most photographed object in San Antonio. The flowers shown here are not roses, but they are pomegranites. "The Pomegranite Window" just doesn't ring! So it is know as the "Rose Window." Many legends surround the carving of the window. Most are just that, legend.

Mission Concepcion, San Antonio

The Mission Concepcion is the most accessible of the Missions. It is in much the same condition as it was 250 years ago. There is a Park Service office located on site. Step inside the side archway and see the original murals painted when the Mission was completed.

Mission Espada, San Antonio

This little mission has much to offer. The park area has the original wall fortifications of that demostrate the military aspect of the Spanish occupation of the Texas lands. One can see the basic lay out of where the soldiers were housed and the original site of the mission is still visible. The Mission itself is very small. The door with its unique arch almost appears too small to pass through. There is a parish that still worships in the Mission and on the premises is a parsonage. If mobility is an issue, you can park on the side of the Mission. The Mission itself leans a bit to the left and is in a constant state of watchful repair. Don't be afraid...step inside.

Chapel Mission Espada

Another example of simple, yet inspiring, interior of the Mission Espada.

Holy Water Font, Mission Espada

Directly inside the unique front door of the Mission Espada is this rustic and humble Holy Water font. It remains one of my favorite memories of the Mission Trail of San Antonio.

Mission San Juan, San Antonio Texas

In the 1700's the Spanish established a series of outposts in the conquered region that would become Texas. These missions not only served to "convert" the Native Americans to Christianity they were forts for Spanish soldiers, and trade missions. In San Antonio, there is a wonderful one day exploration of the five Spanish missions. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is located the furthest from downtown San Antonio. It is a peaceful oasis, easily accessed, parking is simple, and there is volunteer in place most days to help with information.

Bells of Mission San Juan

The Mission San Juan has the iconic bells that are indicative of the Spanish mission architecture. This photo was taken on a spectacular day in San Antonio, Texas.

Chapel Mission San Juan

With the exception of the Alamo, the historic Missions of San Antonio are active parishes. This is the interior of the Mission San Juan.

Tribute to Native Americans-Mission San Juan

This little statue sits outside the entrance to the Mission San Juan. Tributes of rocks and stones are left at her feet.