Bale of Hay Rolling the Bonnets

Near Nelsonville, Texas there was dirt road that I simply had to drive down. To my right was this idyllic scene. I really had to take a moment to think about what I was seeing from my car window. I have hung this photo in my outer office and for some reason it resonates with people. Remember: get off the main hard topped roads and see what's around the next dusty bend.

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 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.

Painted Church-High Hill

The church at High Hill is, on the outside, a regular brick edifice. However, once inside, it is a spectacular vision of stained glass and painted surfaces. High Hill is located in Schulenberg, Texas.

Painted Church-Dubina

This Painted Church is located in Dubina. It is Dubina, as there is no town. Geographically, it is about 10 miles from Weimar, Texas. The interior can only be seen through a secured front door due to vandalism issues brought on by the isolation of the area.

Painted Churches of Texas-Ammansville, Texas

Throughout the area of Texas between Houston and San Antonio is an area rich in Czech and German heritage. Part of that rich culture are the "Painted Churches." There is a cluster of these beautiful churches within an hour of one another. They are mostly Catholic, by faith. They are all located in small towns of Texas lining Interstate 10. With the exception of one, they are all open to the public and are still active parishes. More can be found at www.klru.org/paintedchurches/churches.html.

Shrimp Boats in Freeport, Texas

Cow Jumped Over Moon

In Luling, Texas home of Watermelons, barbecue, and oil wells, is a creative bent. A series of oil pumps line the main drag and rail road tracks. The city decided to decorate the pumps. This is maybe the most familiar to those who drive through the city.

Edge of Texas Hill County

In Luling, Texas located between San Antonio and Austin is Zedler's Mill. This historic site was once a prosperous mill processing everything from grain, lumber, and cotton. It sits besides a beautiful river, once the source of its power. The Texas Historical folks are trying to preserve this beautiful piece of Texas History.

Out to Pasture

Not exactly a vehicle of steel. This wagon piece had obviously been up against the tree for a long time. The small town of Chappell Hill is very historic was one of the first areas settled by German settlers coming to Texas from Europe in the mid-1800's. I wonder if this wagon could be one that was used to start a new life so far away from home? Probably not, but there was something very peaceful about this scene in the Brazos Valley of Texas on a hot summer's day.

Out to Pasture

This is just a "cute" cartoon-like truck. Could be a prototype for a new Pixar movie.

Out to Pasture

Off the main highway in Fredricksburg, Texas (about 2 hours west of Austin), was this old GMC tow truck. This was winter, so the vines that appeared to cover it had died away. The irony was that it was sitting in the side yard of a very expensive restored mansion. Maybe it's next for restoration.

Walls and Signage

Anyone who grew up in the Gulf Coast and had a late night craving for a chopped pork sandwich, fries, and a "coke" remembers the Pig Stands. Most are gone now having given way to calorie guilt and urban renewal.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Conservation Area-Glen Rose,Texas

This deer had the most beautiful rack of antlers I had ever seen. It wasn't the size, or whatever the measurement is in "deer" terminology, it was they looked like velvet.

Giraffe at Fossil Rim

What a face! One has not lived until a giraffe slurps food out of one's hand. Baby giraffes were everywhere.