tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925849354812306602024-03-08T05:33:52.482-06:00Theres just lifeMy life is anything but normal. Then who's is. To get through this life I try to see the funny side of things. This is not a political commentary. My cardiologist says I need to avoid stress. Beside dealing with the government has taught me to curse like a sailor, and I'm trying to clean up my act. Oh if your trying to practice for the spelling bee, don't count on my help, I'm a horrible speller. THANK GOD for spell check. Now, if I would remember to use it.Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-14264913462991514752019-09-03T16:52:00.000-05:002019-09-03T16:52:37.197-05:00What the heck Gaia<br />
So I saw this posted on Facebook....<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="w-100 h-100" height="320" src="https://safr.kingfeatures.com/api/img.php?e=gif&s=c&file=VGhlRmFtaWx5Q2lyY3VzLzIwMTkvMDgvRmFtaWx5X0NpcmN1cy4yMDE5MDgzMV82NTcuZ2lm" style="visibility: visible;" width="276" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And after the summer we have had with 40 days over 100 degrees. I was sooo excited. <br />
<br />
Yes cooler weather on the way .<br />
<br />
Then I watched the news today and saw this....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="clipImage" src="https://screenshotscdn.firefoxusercontent.com/images/7fde6b55-6295-4e4a-87bb-fd355d3ccd67.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 398px;" />
<br />
<br />
Oh yeah. I live in Texas. And in central Texas now where drought conditions rule and temperatures are high.<br />
<br />
When I moved here last August it was an unusually wet year and the average temperature 87. My brother said the east Texas weather must have followed me to Austin.<br />
<br />
Well this year was unusually mild through June. The normal first 100 degree day is June 29th but this year it was July 14th. The weatherman said we might not even have 32 days of 100 or over this year. <br />
<br />
But it was a trick. Austin had NO rain at all in July. We even had 19 days in row over 100 that was the 3rd longest in record keeping history. That is hot. Where is a tropical depression when you need it.<br />
<br />
I really was hoping to be able to break out the sweaters and hot chocolate soon. Well maybe in December I can put up the shorts and flip-flops. <br />
<br />
<br />
Until then I will just have to be content with this....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Hot Chocolate, Snow, Winter, Chocolate, Hot, Cup, Drink" height="266" itemprop="contentURL" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/12/14/14/23/hot-chocolate-1906515_960_720.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
#AustinTxWeather #AustinTx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-71143607656307612762019-09-02T17:57:00.000-05:002019-09-02T17:57:13.513-05:00I blame Geoffery<br />
Remember this commercial<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vUEKQQm-rY" width="459"></iframe>
<br />
I do. And everytime I don't want to adult I sing this song.<br />
<br />
There are many times I am just tired of making all the decisions that we all must make everyday. Most of the time I just knuckle down and get it done. <br />
<br />
But there are times I think of this and Geoffrey's message of not growing up. I then put off my work and play.<br />
<br />
Yes there is a lot of benefits doing just that. But if you do that to much, you get in trouble. Bills don't get paid. The house doesn't get cleaned. Dinner doesn't get cooked. Clothes don't get washed. Plans for the future don't get made and you slip into the limbo between childhood and adulthood.<br />
<br />
As I look around the house at the clothes piled in front of the washer, bills piled on the table, and dishes in the sink. I hear my mother's voice in my head saying to just get to it and get it done.<br />
<br />
So I might as well get to it.... but wait. What is that I hear? <br />
<br />
"I don't want to grow up. I'm a Toys for Us kid..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-44383172828353580762017-03-07T23:17:00.001-06:002017-03-07T23:17:20.581-06:00It's been awhile and a roller coaster of ride... <br />
I haven't posted a blog in quite awhile. There has been a lot going on since. I was last on here. There has been so much going on. <br />
<br />
I finally married my soul mate and the love of my life after 26 years. (He has been proposing for the last 15, I was the one who hesitated. I really don't know why).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9IReKLXDIMSSJYfssdbWxbro9YltX5mVTLkBmjtnR9JnN-wwGj9Pm2CMeDGM3-Hqqj8iqEXRqNRtKBJVXuraB0QGX5jOVmZtIPBTXe8yVIS74P1z7dCXElcQIEA1iUgVNlHMP8zKBow/s1600/Our-wedding-Kiss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9IReKLXDIMSSJYfssdbWxbro9YltX5mVTLkBmjtnR9JnN-wwGj9Pm2CMeDGM3-Hqqj8iqEXRqNRtKBJVXuraB0QGX5jOVmZtIPBTXe8yVIS74P1z7dCXElcQIEA1iUgVNlHMP8zKBow/s320/Our-wedding-Kiss.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We found out Jack had cirrhosis of the liver, from a blood transfusion back in 1989 that saved his life, but gave him Hepatitis C. He took medication and was pronounced Hep C negative.<br />
<br />
We found out he qualified for a liver transplant. (Good and Bad news).<br />
<br />
We then found out he had developed liver cancer from the cirrhosis.<br />
<br />
3 months later we were told it might have spread outside the liver, so he was taken off the transplant list.<br />
<br />
Then there was a Doctor who didn't think there was anything to worry about, so refused treatment. A discussion with the insurance allowed us to go outside of network to MD Anderson where we found a wonderful Doctor and staff. But the 6 week wait for treatment allowed the cancer to double in size and spread to the lung.<br />
<br />
The only treatment available was given to him. By the time we found out it wasn't going to work. There were no trials available.<br />
<br />
We were told the cancer was spreading so fast that he would probably not make Christmas.<br />
<br />
Jack made Christmas and New Years, but passed away at home on January 12th.<br />
<br />
I have been just kind of drifting these last few weeks. I have gained weight and cry at the drop of a hat. So I have decided I need to get back to my writing. I know that is what Jack would have wanted. He was after me for quite awhile to get back to writing and drawing. So I am going to try to do that.<br />
<br />
I can't promise I wont vent my anger and frustration at life, but I will try to not be a downer all the time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeOYUWvZsQZRDQrCKDb0CYdxGQwFTcPaT1aQolNTVXw16vGxn054s9msudP1BUDSCh0bfSRjKS44B9OzCoyOsQAZPH2LinUTPkPB_bPIZ4pqfvdDFWUxalDYY5LJclSEzaQ09z0N7HPk/s1600/Jack-at-Rail-oct2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeOYUWvZsQZRDQrCKDb0CYdxGQwFTcPaT1aQolNTVXw16vGxn054s9msudP1BUDSCh0bfSRjKS44B9OzCoyOsQAZPH2LinUTPkPB_bPIZ4pqfvdDFWUxalDYY5LJclSEzaQ09z0N7HPk/s400/Jack-at-Rail-oct2016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack on the Tall Ship Elissa at our daughter's wedding</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-12122182886989295152014-06-02T02:34:00.000-05:002014-06-02T02:34:34.313-05:00Another Character development story Here is another short story for character development. We were asked to develop a character by choosing a method we either haven't used or have used the least.<br />
<br />
So here is my story. Let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Ice Cold Killer...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> The tall amazonian blond walked in the
door, her short red dress drawing an admiring glance to her figure
and long legs. Her ice blue eyes searched the dimly lit club until
she spotted her prey sitting in the back corner. Quickly scanning
area around him she easily spotted his muscle-bound guard dogs in
their black suits with conspicuous bulges. A small scornful smile
turned up the corners her red lips as she saw Liam and his men
checking her out. “This is going to be easier than I thought”</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> She made her way to the bar and
ordered a Margarita on the rocks, she would have preferred straight
Tequila, but she need a clear head. These preppy bars always watered
down their mixed drinks so she could drink all night if she had to.
She turned around on her bar-stool and studied Liam Williams. She knew
him by reputation but had never meet him and that's why his bosses
hired her. He would never see her coming. His file was in her purse,
but she could recall what it said. Dark-haired man in his early 30s,
married with 3 kids, mother still living. He goes to visit her at the
Sullivan nursing home everyday at 10 in the morning. Spends most
nights at the Culture Club on 8th street. Looking at him she could
also tell he was a narcissistic middle man with dreams above his
station. If he hadn't been here tonight she would have had to catch
him at the nursing home tomorrow. He was due to testify before the
grand jury at 9am on Friday. The burner phone in her purse lit up to
show another urgent text, she had no idea what Liam knew but it sure
was making the wrong people nervous. That was the 3rd text she had
received since 5 o'clock this evening. “Their going to have a
nervous break-down if they don't calm down. They know I always finish
what I say I'll do. That's why they pay me the big bucks.” she
mumbled to herself.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Through the flashing lights and
cigarette smoke she saw Liam and his entourage making their way to
the dance floor. She palmed the small atomizer of cyanide solution
and made her way to the floor. She danced her way over to Liam, and
pretend to stumble. She apologized purposely slurring her words and
sprayed him quickly in the face as she pretended to hang on for
balance. One of his bodyguards helped her off the floor and back to
the bar, to make sure she would be okay. When he headed back to his
boss, she collected her purse and headed for the door. As she left,
the door was closing behind her, she heard a scream and a yell “Call
911 he's having a heart attack.”
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> She hailed a cab and climbed in the
back. She sent the text: 'DONE' smiled and threw the phone out the
window. She leaned back against the seat of the cab humming to
herself. The other $50 thousand would be in her account by morning.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-11782828364459554472014-05-22T02:21:00.001-05:002014-05-22T02:21:39.157-05:002nd Draft of a Starry Night SupriseOkay here is the 2nd Draft...<br />
<br />
What do you think???<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><u><b>Night
Sky Surprise</b></u></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After
the last game of the season, John and Amy decided to spend the night
stargazing. Even though he was on
the team and she was in the cheer group, they much preferred a quite
night spent studying the constellations to the loud, mindless parting
of their peers.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By the time they reached the hillside,
the faint sliver of moon had just set. The night was clear with a
darkness so thick you could feel it. A perfect night to watch the
stars. John easily swung the backpack with the telescope and blankets
off his broad back. After handing Amy the blankets, he turned to set
up the telescope. Amy spread the blankets on the ground, her mom's
yellow patchwork quilt seemed to glow against the dark grass. This
had always been her families favorite spot to stargaze, and ever
since she meet John in Astronomy club he had joined her. The
temperature was making a quick run through the 40s as it headed for
the upper 30s. Amy shivered in John's leather varsity jacket and
wrapped it tighter around her body. Pushing her long brown hair back
inside her knitted cap she re-wrapped the long scarf her Aunt made
her. Grabbing the small insulated backpack she had been carrying, she
reached inside and pulled out the big thermos of hot chocolate and
two mugs. She had also brought an assortment of snacks for latter.
The wonderful smell of chocolate drifted to her nose as the steaming
liquid filled the mugs. <i>'Mmmm, was there anything better than the
smell of chocolate on a cold night?' </i>Turning toward John, Amy
stopped dead and stared at the horizon. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>'What
the heck?' </i>She slammed her eyes shut to see if the image would
disappear. But when she opened them the pulsing lights were still there. John turned
toward Amy and his smile froze when he saw her face.<i> 'Oh man.
She's white as a sheet.' </i></span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Amy.
What's wrong?”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She
just pointed toward the horizon, as if afraid to make a sound. John
glanced up and his eyes widened in shock. Coming toward them were two lines of pulsating
lights in a wide V shape formation. Behind the lights the stars
seemed to vanish leaving only a black emptiness. The lights slowly
glided across the sky without creating so much as a whisper.
As they moved overhead, a rounded boomerang design became visible
against the starry sky. It was a some kind of craft that seemed to be
almost a mile wide. They continued to watch the giant ship as it
glided over the hill and disappeared behind the tall pines at the
other end of the field.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">Amy
looked quickly at John to verify he had seen what she did. “Was
that what I think it was?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">John
nodded and the both said at the same time,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">An
alien spaceship!”</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">A
secret Military Plane.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">“</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">A WHAT????” turning they stared at each other.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="File:The Cat's Paw Remastered.jpeg" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/The_Cat%27s_Paw_Remastered.jpeg/577px-The_Cat%27s_Paw_Remastered.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="385" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cat's Paw<br />http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1228a/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-18033448231730147472014-05-17T22:25:00.000-05:002014-05-17T22:25:48.485-05:00Night Sky Surprise ---A Short StoryAlright folks. I had another assignment.<br />
<br />
This time I was to turn on the radio and make note of the first thing I heard. I was then to write a short story of no more than 500 words about it.<br />
<br />
So I turned on the radio and the news channel was on. Being how it was after Midnight, there was no news. It was Coast to Coast AM, and what do I hear... the host and the guest are discussing triangular UFOs and the debate of whether they are military craft or extraterrestrial.<br />
<br />
Okay, this is going to be real interesting, I didn't know there was such a think as a triangular UFO.<br />
<br />
So I did a quick internet search and came across the Phoenix Lights story. Hmm, okay now I got an idea....<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><u><b><i>Night Sky Surprise</i></b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i>John and Amy decided to
spend the night star gazing. By the time they reached the hillside,
the faint sliver of moon had just set. The night was cold and clear.
The darkness so thick you could feel it. A perfect night to watch the
stars. John easily swung the big backpack with the telescope and
blankets off his broad back. After handing Amy the blankets, he
turned to set up the telescope. Amy spread out the blankets on the
grown, her mom's yellow patchwork quilt seemed to glow against the
dark grass. This had always been her families favorite spot to star
gaze, and now that John didn't have any games he could join her. The
temperature was making a quick run through the 40s as it headed for
the upper 30s. Amy shivered in John's leather varsity jacket and
wrapped it tighter around her small body. Pushing her long brown hair
back inside her knitted cap she re-wrapped the long scarf her Aunt
had made her. Grabbing the small insulated backpack she had been
carrying, she reached inside and pulled out the big thermos of hot
chocolate and two mugs. Inside was also an assortment of snacks for
latter. The wonderful smell of chocolate drifted to her nose as the
steaming liquid filled the mugs. 'Mmmm, was there anything better
than the smell of chocolate on a cold night?'</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turning toward John, Amy
stopped dead and stared at the horizon. </span>
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'What the heck?'
She slammed her eyes shut to see if the image would disappear. But
when she opened them the pulsing lights were still there. John turned
toward with a smile that froze on this lips when he saw her face.
'Oh man. She's white as a sheet.' </span>
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Amy. What's wrong?”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i>She just pointed toward
the horizon, as if afraid to make a sound. John glanced up and his
eyes widened in shock. Coming toward them were two lines of lights,
forming a wide v shape. Behind the lights the stars seemed to have
vanished and there was only a black emptiness. The lights slowly
glided across the sky without a making so much as a whisper in the
night. As they moved overhead, John and Amy could tell the object was
some sort of ship. The rounded boomerang design visible against the
starry sky. It had to have been almost a mile wide. They continued to
watch the giant ship as it crossed the hill and disappeared behind
the tall pines at the end of the field.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i>Amy looked quickly at John
to verify he had seen what she did.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Was that what I think
it was?”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i>John nodded slowly and the
both said at the same time.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">An alien spaceship!”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">An experimental
Military Plane.”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">A WHAT????” they
both said while staring at each other like they suddenly gone mad.</span></span></i></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-56535132076882352672014-05-15T19:17:00.000-05:002014-05-15T19:17:57.479-05:00Heightening your observation assignment.Well, I have written another assignment. This one is about heightening your observation. It is to help you slow down your writing by adding more detail to it. (Boy, did it work, it took me almost 3 hours to write one very short story.)<br />
I was to go back to my last assignment for developing a character and add more detail about the person and the scene. They wanted you to use your powers of observation to add sights, smells and sounds to the story.<br />
<br />
The hardest part of this was the space count. I edited and edited and edited to get it down to fit in the space provided. I went from 1952 spaces to finally 1201.... <i>Wait 1201. One freakin' character off.</i><br />
Oh hell, if the reader can't tell the story is over, they need a whole lot more than <i>one freakin' period.</i><br />
<br />
So here is the final draft... <i>all 1200</i> <i>freakin' spaces of it.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i>As I listened to the
bird's and watched the ever changing pattern of sunlight through the
tree leaves, I heard the deep rumble of the school bus. With the
sweet smell of honeysuckle lost in the acid smell of diesel fumes the
big yellow bus came to a stop. The doors opened and I saw her on the
steps. Her light brown hair swung forward hiding her face. A pair of
worn blue jeans and red short sleeve t-shirt accenting her small
frame. A sweater stuck out of a backpack that looked to weigh as much
as she did. She slowly stepped down onto the black asphalt, took a
few steps turned and waved to the bus. She fussed with her backpack,
casting a sideways look through a curtain of hair. The boisterous
noise of kids faded, she turned to go. The poor dear was limping and
could only hobble a few feet before crumbling forward like someone
let the air out of her. “Are you okay?” At the sound of my voice
she jerked up and made a quick swipe at the tears I saw running down
her face. She tried to smile, but failed. She shook her head and
struggled to walk without limping. Recognizing that resolve to show
no weakness, I offered her a tall stick 'to keep the dogs away' and
watched her gallantly walk on</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-84346383216737868612014-05-09T19:21:00.001-05:002014-05-15T19:18:20.399-05:002nd and 3rd assignment...Well, I have completed two more writing assignments. The first is to develop a character out of your notebook in 200 words or less. I have been taking notes of people I see as I set out on the patio. I picked out a school girl who get off the bus at our corner, for this assignment. I have no idea who is really is, but I will call her Sally.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #93c47d;">Sally stifles the grimace of pain that
crosses her face. She looks down allowing her long blond hair to fall
forward and hide her face. She turned and waves good-bye to Mr. Merit
and her friends on the bus.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #93c47d;">Pretending to adjust the heavy blue
backpack, she waits until the bus moves out of sight. The
overpowering foul smell of the diesel fumes robing her of what is
left of her breath. Turning toward home she gives into the pain of
her injured ankle and allows her legs to buckle. At least no one was
around to see her crying, she thought as the tears ran down her face
refusing to be held back any longer.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #93c47d;">“Are you alright, Honey?” said a
concerned voice from the garage she was passing.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #93c47d;">Sally jerked up as if pulled upright by
the strings of a puppeteer. She gave a quick swipe at her face,
before looking up. Not trusting her voice she nods, waves and slowly
hobbles down the road toward home and Mom</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After reading excerpts from George Orwell and Zoe Heller we were asked to revisit our assignment and add more detail to make it better. I chose to change viewpoints to add more depth to the paragraph. What do you think?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I noticed Sally when she stepped off
the big yellow school bus. Normally she bounces down the steps with
that big blue backpack and hurries down the road. Today she hesitated
as if fearful of getting off. I saw her grimace as she stepped down,
took a few slow steps forward turned and called good-bye and waved
toward the bus, without really looking. She fussed with her backpack,
while casting a sidelong look at the retreating bus. When the bus was
out of site, she turned toward home. </span></i><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Then I saw why she was acting
different. She was favoring her right ankle. The poor thing was only
able to hobble a few feet before crumbling toward the ground.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“Are
you okay, Honey? Do you need some help.” </span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">At the sound of my voice
she jerked straight up and made a quick swipe at the tears running
down her face. She tried to plaster a smile on her face, but it came
out as a pained grimace instead. She shook her head no and struggled
to walk without a limp on down the road. I recognized that pride and
determination to not show any weakness. So I offered her a stick 'to
keep the dogs away' and watched her walk away. What she didn't know
was I shadowed her, just in case.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which one do you think is better? Did the second one improve the character development or not?</div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-55126557596673427692014-05-09T18:38:00.000-05:002014-05-15T19:18:46.065-05:00Feedback desperately needed...Hi all. Remember me.<br />
<br />
No, I'm not dead, at least I don't think so. If I am this is so cool... there is internet access in the afterlife.<br />
<br />
I am trying to get back to writing, so I am taking an online fiction writing course at futurelearn.com. I am really enjoying it, except for one thing. There are too many freakin' people taking it with me.<br />
I spend time writing posting my assignments, but no feedback. So I am going to start posting them here.<br />
Hopefully you guys can help me out. After all without feedback, I think I am getting better, but who knows.<br />
<br />
Well, here goes.<br />
<br />
My first assignment was to write 2 paragraphs mixing fact and fiction. One paragraph had to contain 3 facts and 1 fiction the other 1 fact and 3 fictions.<br />
<br />
Here is what I wrote:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>The pyramid glowed in the night. Creating a comforting light for those who lived near by. The magical powers of it's sound chambers gave the people a long healthy life and bless the lands with prosperity. My father was one of many that designed it. The location was chosen for the underground springs that would create the proper harmony and energy needed, and now, after 20 years, Khufu's Horizon was complete.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>The strong winds continued to blow, as they had for the last 9 hours. The lights had gone out 2 hours after the hurricane's arrival, and the candle light seemed to make the constant roar even worse. We stood at the windows watching the trees lean further and further over as the rain soaked grown gave up its hold on the shallow roots. One more tree down across the creek will block it and cause the water to raise onto the porch. The suddenly there was silence. The storm had passed and we were spared.</i></span><br />
<br />
Well can you tell which one is which? Did I blend fact and fiction well?<br />
<br />
Please, <span style="font-size: large;">Please,</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Please help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
I will be forever in your debt and promise to remember you when I become rich and famous.<br />
<br />
Crap as bad as my memory is I had better make up a file now with everyone's name so I can keep my promise. (Opens new File and types Little People who helped my out...)Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-57552214731154393402012-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:002012-12-22T00:01:00.662-06:00HELLOOOO!!!! Anyone still out there??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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HELLOOOO!!!! Anyone still out there??? </div>
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<br /></div>
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If the world ended yesterday, I guess no one will be reading this. </div>
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If it didn't ...... HA, HA, they got you....</div>
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<img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://cloudfront3.bostinno.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Really-Though.jpeg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="337" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep, it did!!!!</span></div>
<br />Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-72641689493723455622012-12-21T00:01:00.000-06:002012-12-21T00:01:01.452-06:00Welcome to the end of the world... If the world ends today:<br />
<br />
1) I just wanted to say bye... I have really enjoyed meeting all of you.<br />
<br />
2) Spend your last day enjoying yourself. <i>(go out with, a smile not a frown)</i><br />
<br />
3) Call in sick to work...<i>.(if you were at the end of year party last night... you probably wont be lying.)</i><br />
<br />
4) If you work for the government, I know you have already figured out away to keep collecting taxes.<br />
<i>(Why not press delete on the program...what are they going to do? Fire you!!!)</i><br />
<br />
5) Kiss someone... <i>(but don't get arrested, it would be a bummer to spend your last day in jail)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> </i>And last, but not least...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Don't do anything you can't undo, if the world does not end.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Well, I hope to see you all tomorrow. <i>(I sure hope the jello pudding thing works)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ItjE3f3clQQ" width="560"></iframe>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-91538010021847254082012-12-20T19:05:00.001-06:002012-12-20T19:05:13.385-06:00Party like there is no tomorrow...<br />
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</div>
<br />
Is it just me?<br />
<br />
Does anyone else feel like the Mayan's made their calender so the world would have the ultimate excuse to party?<br />
<br />
If so, they definitely sent out the invitations in plenty of time. And publicity.... <b><i>WOW</i></b>. This party has been publicized world wide for years. <i>(I know there are plenty of PR people that are green with envy.)</i><br />
<br />
So everyone out there, grab your favorite beverage and toast all your friends and loved ones. If the world doesn't end tomorrow.... oh well, I guess we will just <i>have</i> to throw another end of the world party later.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rp.xcaretexperiencias.mx/images/altar-muertos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Click On The Image To Know More About The 6TH Festival Of Life & Death Traditions At Xcaret!!" border="0" height="254" src="http://rp.xcaretexperiencias.mx/images/altar-muertos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some people have been waiting decades for this party.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-35450169596979317712012-04-30T13:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T13:30:00.749-05:00W, Y and Z is for...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/2012-to-z-challenge-sign-up-list.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WIyEwCfClQVBLUYxH0uK_QR3u_nm_RDNMB3FZB85YwrzivMskqyffvBI6gSwhAcwJWBIioFXEGHA3B666iTZeDuqE5OklWNrQts5Q0Cms2aXRIByYEVeue1g45WHHCMPLOEy3OEnMUY/s220/A+to+Z+Badge+2012+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the badge to visit the other bloggers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Okay so if I was stopped by the cops and given a field sobriety test I would fail the alphabet. Blame it on sleep deprivation. I do know that W comes before X... honest I do.</div>
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<div>
Well here is the misplaced W. W has 2 flowers I couldn't decide between. The first one is "Winecup" <i>Callirhoe involucrata. </i>I just love the name and the look of these little flowers. They are everywhere in the spring. They bloom through out the state, except in far West Texas, from February to June.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Callirhoe involucrata" height="271" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-305-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i> </i>The second W is "Wild Azalea" <i>Rhododendron canescens. </i>You see many cultivated Azalea through out Texas, Houston even has the Azalea Trails every spring. But there are also 2 native Azalea plants in the east Texas woods. This one blooms in early spring before or just as the leaves start to emerge. Look for the flowers from February to May.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rhododendron canescens" height="271" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-383-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For Y I had to pick this showy flower..."Yellow Lotus" <i>Nelumbo lutea. </i>This plant has completely round leaves. The fruit and center of the flower actually look like shower heads. It is also relation of the sacred lotus of Asia, and can be found in muddy quite ponds in Eastern and Northern Texas. This lotus puts on its show from May through August.</div>
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<i></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nelumbo lutea" height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-135-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="269" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<i></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nelumbo lutea" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-134-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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And for my last wildflowers of Texas, I present the Zinnias. There are actually 2 in Texas "Desert Zinnia" <i>Zinnia acerosa</i> and "Plains Zinnia" <i>Zinnia grandiflora. </i>Both are relitives of the fimiliar garden zinnia. The Plains Zinnia is found in the western half of Texas and starts its blooming period in June, a month earlier than it cousin. The Desert Zinnia can be found in far West Texas and the southern tip of Texas. The Zinnia bloom from July through November.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Plains Zinnia</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Zinnia grandiflora" height="274" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-551-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Desert Zinnia</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Zinnia acerosa" height="271" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-552-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This concludes our wildflower trip in Texas. I hope you have enjoyed and learned as much as I have. I have just touched on the Wildflowers of Texas. There are over 120 different flowering plants, not to the mention flowering trees through out the state. So next time you come don't forget to take a closer look at all the things around you.... you just might find something wonderfully unexpected.</div>
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There are many great sites out there for wildflowers the one I used the most was from the University of Texas check out there <a href="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/browse.html" target="_blank">Wildflowers of Texas site here</a>. Another great site for wildflowers, not only Texas ones, is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, you can find it <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-80543732120592653392012-04-30T00:59:00.000-05:002012-04-30T02:00:06.210-05:00U, V and X are for....<br />
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<br />
<div>
I am so far behind, that I will have to do multiple letters. Jack has been back in the hospital. So I was there too. No computer... well no to get to the flowers.</div>
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U is for "Unicorn Plant" <i>Proboscidea louisianica subsp. Fragrans. </i>When you hear the name you might think of this guy or gal...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://free-extras.com/images/unicorns_in_water-1844.htm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Unicorns In Water" border="0" height="235" src="http://images.pictureshunt.com/pics/u/unicorns_in_water-1844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Click here to get<b><a href="http://www.free-extras.com/" target="_blank">Images</a></b> &</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="http://free-extras.com/images/unicorns_in_water-1844.htm" target="_blank">Unicorns In Water Pictures</a> - <a href="http://www.allansgraphics.com/" target="_blank">Pictures</a></div>
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But this flower is actually a member of the common "Devil's Claw". The seed pods of this plant when rip will split in half and hook themselves on to the clothes or fur of anything passing by. The plant grows in West Texas and though an annual it can form clumps up to 6 feet wide. The foliage is sticky and unpleasant smelling with blooms from June through September.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Proboscidea louisianica" height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-489-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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V is for "Violet Ruellia" <i>Ruellia nudiflora var. nudiflora. </i>This pretty little flower can be found in central and southeastern Texas. It grows anywhere including yards, where it is considered a weed, though a very pretty one. The ruellia blooms from February to November, but more abundently in the early summer. It is sometimes called a wild petunia, but it is not related to the petunia plant at all. The deer love the leaves and bobwhite quail eat the seed of this plant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ruellia nudiflora" height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-495-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="268" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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No for X. First let me explain when I started these post I decided to use common names instead of scientific. That has worked out great....until now. There is no x common name, so I took a little liberty to post Xtra pictures that I have taken of wildflowers around my area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUbW0ssAfXleh6CfKQLZZw2V_tVUosbQLr2yw3_3YYQujoME_QALrcdx_OZCkgLzxSZqDAsU0exhONUDmmRxF4Yzf1-dOLJA4qG_wDkPIqF-EpuURkUcKf1_x3PhzFT7TL66TSI061JA/s1600/101_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUbW0ssAfXleh6CfKQLZZw2V_tVUosbQLr2yw3_3YYQujoME_QALrcdx_OZCkgLzxSZqDAsU0exhONUDmmRxF4Yzf1-dOLJA4qG_wDkPIqF-EpuURkUcKf1_x3PhzFT7TL66TSI061JA/s320/101_0397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xnm8wJCsxsFHnnhVMZdjTTS78aejquEHWeOwiDgMecBbcwy3Ll2-tgyLZZpvWjEdP47329zvS8UpJwf7d8bgNqAnaPyJUh8acDDjulUG6Kmp7dvoZvAI7AGdJpJ6OGchft0A7UGpo6w/s1600/101_0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xnm8wJCsxsFHnnhVMZdjTTS78aejquEHWeOwiDgMecBbcwy3Ll2-tgyLZZpvWjEdP47329zvS8UpJwf7d8bgNqAnaPyJUh8acDDjulUG6Kmp7dvoZvAI7AGdJpJ6OGchft0A7UGpo6w/s320/101_0402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16xXDiUpewy0vELUhJIhcmPGcSdYnBw1-9xzNZwhvhd9pW137rRZNqnWQrt9z8g4MS8OpbBGp78FoYw19BbTWaYN_J9IYqHaNiCKClvJVa1aW1ZltdcsREgWPKnZITgmuzgXxpjcQkgg/s1600/101_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16xXDiUpewy0vELUhJIhcmPGcSdYnBw1-9xzNZwhvhd9pW137rRZNqnWQrt9z8g4MS8OpbBGp78FoYw19BbTWaYN_J9IYqHaNiCKClvJVa1aW1ZltdcsREgWPKnZITgmuzgXxpjcQkgg/s320/101_0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinging Nettle... I stood waaay back for this one.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xzqKzkpZgeIWgCccZwm_8Nm1pvqKHTAYxxy3IfGr0XB1yOr7WeyGX2jAb6sPEML9e3YFsdJ6y_h7-5ClsTi9e6jbJijK4gOFlhlhiI3dYLatkQ_aFiGOBDOUN9BCs3pkjt3gzsB8mDU/s1600/RoseVervain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xzqKzkpZgeIWgCccZwm_8Nm1pvqKHTAYxxy3IfGr0XB1yOr7WeyGX2jAb6sPEML9e3YFsdJ6y_h7-5ClsTi9e6jbJijK4gOFlhlhiI3dYLatkQ_aFiGOBDOUN9BCs3pkjt3gzsB8mDU/s320/RoseVervain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfmtLRc0elpV_SJJEBAMKtJALwdPy10SESNT3vdwmhg2IgbOBiKlEEYRRHHLXu0GMgyRTp_vX_Rwf6c4trh944CvA2YN5URBuhNFQ1zyxr6FSBH5HIAvkiOq-0Z3Ok7tN2UwTCQ-trNk/s1600/101_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfmtLRc0elpV_SJJEBAMKtJALwdPy10SESNT3vdwmhg2IgbOBiKlEEYRRHHLXu0GMgyRTp_vX_Rwf6c4trh944CvA2YN5URBuhNFQ1zyxr6FSBH5HIAvkiOq-0Z3Ok7tN2UwTCQ-trNk/s320/101_0428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little flower only blooms at night, I had to head out with the flashlight for this one.</td></tr>
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If you would like to see others I have taken check out this blog post... <a href="http://theresjustlifeyaliveit.blogspot.com/2011/03/signs-of-spring.html" target="_blank">Signs of Spring</a><br />
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Since this is the last day I have another post scheduled for 1:30pm central time so that I may actually finish with everyone else.<br />
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<br /></div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-77448663762664515602012-04-23T04:01:00.001-05:002012-04-23T04:01:29.888-05:00T is for....<br />
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Today I have 2 more plants that are edible. One you probably already know about and one you may not. The first is "Texas Thistle" <i>Cirsium texanum. </i>This plant grows through out the state, except the Panhandle and the Pineywoods. The young leaves can be eaten raw in a salad or cooked. The tap root is also edible, and I read that when cooked the flavor resembles the artichoke. The stem fibers of the thistle plant can also be used as thread. </div>
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The Texas Thistle blooms from April through October.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Cirsium texanum" height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-587-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="271" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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As you can see others think it pretty good food too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/ML502/ML502_IMG0098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Melody Lytle of Travis.Tx</td></tr>
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The second edible plant on today's list is "Texas Prickly Pear" <i>Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri. </i>The Prickly Pear is one of the most well recognized of all the plants in Texas. It grows abundantly through out most of the state. The flowers on this castus can be yellow or orange. The orange being the most common in south Texas. During droughts it can also be used as emergency food for cattle. The prickly pear or tuna of the plant is delicious and the flat succulent leaves when the spines are removed are cooked as <a href="http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Ethnic-Unique-Foods-Ingredients-645/nopalitos.aspx#axzz1sqqbvMfu" target="_blank">"nopalitos"</a>. <i>Beware that older pads contain oxalic acid and may cause oxalic acid poisioning if eaten to excess.</i></div>
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The cactus blooms from March through July, and is a feast for the eyes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Opuntia engelmannii" height="266" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-334-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/ML502/ML502_IMG0019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Melody Lytle of Travis.Tx</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/JAM6151/6151_IMG00783.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Joseph Marcus of Austin, Tx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-72228297382299527272012-04-21T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-21T00:30:03.046-05:00S is for....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay S is a really hard one for me. Not because it is hard to find an S plant, but because there are too many interesting S plants. But one of the most interesting has to be the "Spanish Dagger" <i>Yucca treculeana. </i>Not because it is a beautiful flower, even if it is, but because of its unique relationship with its pollinator the Yucca Moth. Their relationship is such that one cannot live without the other. The small short lived moth does not have a long tongue like other moths and butterflies, but has testicles under its chin. The adult life is so brief they don't eat. After emerging from their cocoon, the male and female meet and mate in the blooms of the plant. The female then scraps up pollen from the flower of the Yucca and holds it under her chin. She then flies to another flower on another plant and searches for a flower in the right stage of bloom. She checks to make sure no eggs are already laid in the flowers ovary. The females can smell the scent of other females. If another female has laid eggs, she moves on to another flower. If too many eggs are laid in a blossom the plant will get rid of the flower and the eggs will die. So the female make sure of the survival of her offspring by laying only a limited number of eggs per flower. After she has laid the eggs, she goes to the stigma of the flower and spreads the pollen she collected on it to ensure pollination. </div>
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The flowering months of the "Spanish Dagger" is only 2 months March and April. The plant grows in the deep south of Texas.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/SAW/SAW_04013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from the Wasowski Collection at Wildflower.org</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="289" src="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/images/yuccamoth/Yucca_moth_MJ_Hatfield_lg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tegeticula sp. Photo by M.J. Hatfield, BugGuide.net</td></tr>
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One other very interesting plant in S is the "Spotted Beebalm" <i>Monarda punctata var. lasiodonta. </i>All the Beebalms have a strong fragence when brushed or crushed (Lemon Beebalm can be used to repel mosquitoes). This version of the Beebalm or Horsemint has a strong fragrance of thyme and has the antiseptic compound thymol. This compound has been used in cough syrups and in the past has been used for the commercial source. This plant can be found in most of Texas except the extremly dry areas of West-central, West and Deep South Texas. The Beebalms bloom from April through August.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-457-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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I had to show the pictures of these beauties as well. The information can be looked up on the UT Library <a href="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/browse.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Southern Lady's Slipper <i>Cypripedium kentuckiensis </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-090-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="272" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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Strawberry Cactus <i>Echinocereus stramineus </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Echinocereus stramineus" height="272" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-340-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</span></td></tr>
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Silky Camellia <i>Stewartia malacodendron</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Stewartia malacodendron" height="271" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-313-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i><span style="color: #8fa078; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-12376708040108274532012-04-20T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-20T00:30:02.301-05:00R is for....<br />
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<br /> Today I have a couple of hardy souls. Both grow in limestone with very little soil. The first one is "Rock Rose" <i>Pavonia lasiopetala. </i>Despite the name this little flower is not a member of the rose family, it is a close relative of the hibiscus family. It naturally grows in the crevices of limestone and the dry areas of the Edwards Plateau, West Texas and south Texas. But the wildlife and cattle like it so much, that it is easier to find it transplanted into gardens. The drought tolerance and long bloom times make it a popular choice. This plant blooms from February all the way through November.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-312-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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The next one is "Rock Daisy" <i>Perityle lindheimeri. </i>There are 15 varieties of "Rock Daises" in Texas that grow on the limestone cliffs, only one variety grows in dirt. The "Lindheimer's Rock Daisy" grows on the cliffs in the Edward's Plateau and blooms off and on through out the year, from April through September.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-577-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<br /><br /></div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-57343940691503626792012-04-19T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-19T00:30:01.349-05:00Q is for....<br />
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Q is for "Quartervine" <i>Bignonia capreolata </i>also known as "Crossvine". This woody vine was originally found in East Texas but has now naturalized in many parts of the state. The vine can grow to 50 feet. Around my house, you can find these flowers by looking up... way up in the trees. The flower colors have variations from bright red and yellow to solid orange, red and others. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO6X8xmUu510olrEZhWDeerODhyphenhyphen-4nHiW8XDGidnuOdj0b65_Q0GmjvouB7wLQkWLz220b76JBKBhnGtScZN8asXWjx95Gir7muti1AuB8lCDtwGxctGP1PxEKrj6gOiVz16ncStPzws/s1600/Crossvine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO6X8xmUu510olrEZhWDeerODhyphenhyphen-4nHiW8XDGidnuOdj0b65_Q0GmjvouB7wLQkWLz220b76JBKBhnGtScZN8asXWjx95Gir7muti1AuB8lCDtwGxctGP1PxEKrj6gOiVz16ncStPzws/s320/Crossvine.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture by Pamela Jo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-484-580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) #11854" src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/JAM6151/6151_IMG00237.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer: Marcus, Joseph A of Austin Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-21268944349943087712012-04-18T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-18T00:30:01.198-05:00P is for....<br />
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For P I have another vine. "Pasionaria" <i> Passiflora incarnata</i> or "Passionflower". This plant is also known as "Apricot Vine" and "Maypop". This vine can be found all over the eastern half of Texas. Beside the showy flowers this vine also produces an edible fruit. In his book "Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf" by John Muir. He states the apricot vine has "the most delicious fruit I have ever eaten." </div>
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The fruit ripens from yellowish to light brown. The pulp of the Passionflower is sweet and fruit when ripe. But, if it gets over ripe it has a fermented foul taste.</div>
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There has been discoveries that suggest the Native Americans use to cultivate the vine for the fruit as well as medicinal use. Even today the dried and fresh whole plant is used in Germany, France and other European countries for nervous anxiety.</div>
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I find this one around my house a lot, but I have never tried the fruit. I think I will this summer. Isn't the A to Z great I am learning new things everyday.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Passiflora_incarnata_fruit.jpg/538px-Passiflora_incarnata_fruit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="359" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture for Wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-23503448123909104192012-04-17T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-17T00:30:00.900-05:00O is for....<br />
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O is for "Obedient plant" <i>Physostegia digitalis.</i> This flowering plant get its name from the fact that when you move the flower to the side it will stay in that position.<i> (I could think of some people and dogs I wish this worked on.) </i><div>
This plant grows 3 to 5 feet high. This showy flower is found in the open, often wet area of East Texas. It has also been cultivated for gardens and with these beauties I can see why. As I am sure you already guessed the butterflies and hummingbirds like these flowers as well. The blooms show up from June through August.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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</div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-19442277375314376272012-04-16T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-16T00:30:01.654-05:00N is for...<br />
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Can you beleive we are now over the halfway point on the A to Z? Yes we are on the downhill side, but we also have some of the toughest letters coming up. V, U, X and Z. I have them all covered but one. I leave it to you to figure out which one it is.</div>
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Today is the letter N and n is covered. N stands for "Net-vein Milkvine" <i>Matelea reticulata. </i>I love the little star flowers of this plant. They do look like the netting from tutus with a little pearl attached to the middle <i>(or is that just my dance background speaking)</i>. This milkvine is the most common on in the Edwards Plateau in Texas, but can also be found in far West Texas, as well as south, and central Texas. The plant gives off an unpleasant odor when brushed and, as the name suggests, has a milky sap. The vine blooms from April all the way through October. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</span></td></tr>
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Oh and you might be wondering what the Edwards Plateau is. Well it is a raised plateau of mostly limestone with very little soil. It is bordered on 2 sides by the that is bordered on 2 sides by the Balcones Fault. That is speculated to be the end of the Ouachita Mountains that run through Arkansas and Oklahoma. </div>
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<br /></div>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-61385380164216951342012-04-14T00:30:00.000-05:002014-05-24T01:22:20.802-05:00M is for....<br />
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This bush is another one of my favorites..."Texas Mountain Laurel" <i>Sophora secundiflora. </i>The flower on this plant smell just like grape Kool-ade, but be warned the bright red seeds are poisonous. This small tree or shrub likes it dry. It happily grows in the limestone areas of Central, Southern, and West Texas. An early bloomer, this plant puts on a show from February to April.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sophora secundiflora" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-209-580.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="268" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-91846844208824942522012-04-13T00:30:00.000-05:002014-05-24T01:21:49.246-05:00L is for....<br />
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This flower is called "Living Rock Cactus" or <span class="scientific" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Ariocarpus fissuratus</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> . </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This plant grows in the dry Big Bend area of west Texas. It blooms in late summer and fall.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ariocarpus fissuratus" src="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/photos/txu-herb-dexter-350-580.jpg" height="271" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Center</td></tr>
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In this picture you can see why it is called a rock cactus... how many do you see?</div>
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(Hint ... not all of them are blooming.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/PCD2419/PCD2419_IMG0002.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center</td></tr>
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Want more information check out <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/about/" target="_blank">The Lacy Bird Johnson Wildflower Cente</a>r and <a href="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/exhibits/wildflowers/index.html" target="_blank">The Plant Resource Center at University of Texas Libraries.</a></div>
Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-75007961149611086872012-04-12T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-12T00:30:01.675-05:00K is for...<br />
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Today's wildflower is the "Kansas Gayfeather" <i>Liatris pycnostachya. </i>I get a kick out of one of its other names "Hairy Button-snakeroot", but I already had an H. This is a tall drink of water, growing 2-5 feet high. It is also very showy, half of the height is covered in blooms. There are 14 other gayfeather plants found in Texas, but this one prefers the wetlands or damp sand. The others prefer more dry areas. Part of the name of this plant comes from the Greek word for crowded. That perfectly describes the flowers on this plant, that bloom from the top down. Kansas likes to show off it's blooms from June all the way through October. This plant is another favorite of the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Guide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792584935481230660.post-28291018041944578862012-04-11T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-11T00:30:02.663-05:00J is for...<br />
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To days flower has a name I love "Jack in the Pulpit" <i>Arisaema triphyllum. </i>This really likes wet feet and is found in the deep forests and bogs of east Texas <i>(and most of the eastern United States it looks like)</i>. This plant has both male and female flowers on the same spike of the plant. The male at the top and the female at the bottom<i> (hmm, maybe someone needs to talk to the female flowers)</i> </div>
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The plant can be easly identified by its three leaves leaflets as well as it's spiked flowers. Jack blooms in the spring from April to June. In the fall red berries about 1/3 of an inch round will be found on the plant in a conical shape up to 3 inches long. This is a member of the herb family and the root can be eaten, <u><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">but only after being boiled several times</span></i>.</u> The root has an extremely sharp taste and irritates the mouth tissue other wise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from University of Texas Plant Resource Guide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Theres just lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557649636152032566noreply@blogger.com3