Springtime is short in Texas bursting forth from the cold, wet winter, and lasting only a few weeks. Then the summer months rule with hot sun and clear skies, perfect for every outdoor activity one can think of that requires a swimsuit, tank top and shorts, flip-flops, and sunglasses.
The native whitetail deer roam over the entire Central Texas area. Our property is home to a small herd. They come and go, mainly to drink from our birdbath, rest, or play in and among our live oak trees. Sometimes a doe gives birth right in front of our porch.
Live oak trees are evergreen, but they do shed their leathery leaves in the spring, when the new growth pushes out the old. We have dozen of trees, and right now, the leaves are raining down, covering the ground. The trees pollinate at the same time, and the pollen is so thick, a layer covers both porches, turning the concrete yellow until we wash it all away. The building is the back-screened-in-porch of my house. This oak tree is huge! Probably over a hundred years old.
The pastures fill with thick, green grass and wildflowers. I do not own a horse, but people nearby do.
The bluebonnet is not only the State Flower of Texas, it is the herald of spring, along with its faithful companion, the Indian Paintbrush. They’re growing thick this year because of our very cold, wet winter. Hillsides, roadsides, and pastures are turning blue.
It wouldn’t be spring without “toobin’” down the river. Underground springs bubbling up forms Spring Lake, creating a river that runs through town. It’s a very popular tubing and kayaking river.
A trail ride announces the Texas Rodeo in Austin. The group winds through several towns, covering about 125 miles. Members buy a badge and follow a strict set of rules. Some ride the entire distance and camp at night. Others join it only as it passes through their town. We live just off Ranch Road 12, and often we’ve had to pull to the side of the road to allow the riders access. It’s exciting to watch the beautiful horses and riders of all ages, led by a mounted color guard, followed by a chuck wagon and supply wagon. The procession parades right through downtown and on to Austin.
I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into my area. The arrival of spring promises excitement, newness, and euphoria. A little like being in love?
Celia Yeary
Romance…and a little bit o' Texas
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32 comments:
Wonderful, Celia! Fascinating! Texas is so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
Celia,
I loved this post. Very interesting. I love the Indian Paintbrush
Walk in harmony,
Melinda
Good morning, Celia. What a lovely blog. You made me realize spring is here. Now I can picture you in your natural habitat when we talk. And what a beautiful and serence setting it is. The bluebonnets are so lovely. Blue is my favorite color for flowers. Thank you for a wonderful start to my weekend. Linda
Simply beautiful, Celia. Did I mention I woke up with Spring Fever?
Another sunshiny day in northwest Tennesse. (Upper 60s temps.) A pair of gray doves have nested in the bush near my front porch. Beautiful birds.
Just beautiful, Celia! Even though I haven't lived in TX for 40 years, I'll always be a Texan. As for spring time...we have 6 inches of snow on the ground with more expected here in Oklahoma City.
Jo Ann Brown Belveal
Wonderful pictures, Celia. I love hearing about the unique events.
Have you ever joined in with the parade? I think it'd be interesting and fun.
While we had a week full of spring weather, I'm glad I haven't fully ucovered the flower beds. We woke to rain and cold temps. We've since had sleet and hail, now it's snowing. Silly for the first day of spring.
LINDSAY--thank you for visiting! I wish all of could realdly visit--on my back porch.Celia
MELINDA--Oh, I love the Indian Paintbrush, too--they're always interspersed with the bluebonnets--both thrive on the same kind of soil. Just beautiful. Celia
LINDA--Texas is beautiful during a good spring. Since we often have droughts in the summer and fall, we cherish every bit of color. Thank you for visiting--Celia
LAUREAN--it's easy to come down with Spring Fever, isn't it? I want to daydream and kick back and read--but, I have too much to do today! Celia
Jo Ann--Yes, a Texan is always a Texan, even if one has to live in Oklahoma. We lived in Stillwater for three years in the early 70's--for my husband to attend Oklahoma State, as we call it--OKE state. Thanks for leaving a message--Celia
BEKKI--join the Trail Ride and parade? Noooo! I can't ride a horse, and I don't want to ride on a wagon. I don't know how these people do it--obviously, they have a blast. Celia
Celia,
What gorgeous pictures. You really did give us a flavor of what Texas looks like. Breathtaking. Thanks so much for sharing.
*smiles*
Steph
THANKS, STEPH--You are a sweetheart! Celia Yeary
Romance…and a little bit o' Texas
Hi Celia,
Home from Memphis and saw this as I was going through my e-mails, and just had to stop and read (of course!) LOL As always, a great post, and very interesting. When it's springtime in TX, OK won't be far behind!
Cheryl
CHERYL---Wow--you had quite a vacation! Well, our spring is gone today--thunderstorms, cold rain, high winds, and maybe freezing temps tonight. I'm so glad you're back--Celia
I've never been to Texas, but my interest is peaked. The pictures are fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Celia,
Your love of your state shines through with every word and picture.
Bluebonnet Blue is one of my very favorite colors. I can't imagine seeing a whole field of it by the road but would love to visit and take it all in. Great pics and thanks for sharing a bit of home with us. That oak tree looks like the perfect place to sit under to have a glass of iced tea in the heat of summer.
Your images remind me of our first road trip across Texas in May of 1958. The wildflowers were spectacular.
Toni
Dear EA--Well, come on down!!! Thanks for visitng and leaving a message. Celia
REBECCA--the oak tre is why we bought this property. It's three acres, and I found the ad in the paper and told my dh--"Honey, we've got to go look at this place we might want to build our dream house." The grass and underbrush was up to my chest, but we waded through it all to look at the trees. In the center of the property, we found this tree. I said, "this is it--our house will go here, and we'll have a porch to sit on so we can look at it." Thanks for visiting. Celia
TONI--1958--I graduated from high school and married that same year. And yes, we're still married. Celia
Oh geez, that looks beautiful, Celia. When are you inviting me in for a visit?? :-)
Bess
Hey, Bess!!! You know where I live, so come on down! I don't go tubing anymore--although I've done it a hundred times--but you can. You'd love it--and no mosquitoes. Thanks for visiting here--Celia
Very nice, Celia. I'm ready to pack my bags for a visit! We are undergoing massive showers of live oak leaves right now too. I really enjoy your Texas blog posts. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you, Maggie--glad to see you back! I appreciate your comments--Celia
Celia - Your pictures are wonderful! The live oaks and the bluebonnets bring me the smell of Texas. Spring was, without a doubt, my favorite season while living in San Antonio. :)
SERENA--thank you! If you lived in SA, then you understand how precious a good spring is--remember August in SA? Haha. Celia
Celia, oh, wow! A trip through central Texas, so many good things. Wildflowers are always my favorites. I've even had some patches of Indian Paintbrush at another place. It's amazing.
That back porch of yours is too inviting along with your Live Oak. I know I love our old tree on the west side of the house, plus all our trees.
Heck, if I had a horse again, I'd be right there with the trail riders. Riding is absolutely one of the best things I've done in my life.
And tubing, omygosh, that would be fun.
I'm glad you have such a beautiful place to enjoy.
LOL - Celia, by Aug I was convinced that every naughty thought I had ever had was coming back to bite me with an early trip, er, downstairs! But then came the gorgeous fall and the heaven known as a mild Texas winter! I didn't realize how good it was until I returned to the frigid north. ;)
SAVANNAH--You probably would love the trail ride--I've read about them, some piece a participant would print in the paper, something like that. They rough it, but not as much as in the Nineteenth Century. And tubing--I did this so much during the 80's with my schoolteacher friends--men and women and often our husbands went along. You have to take an ice chest with you for your, uh, refreshments, or it's not as much fun! I have burned myself to a crisp on the river more than once--it's a wonder I have skin as good as I do. Thanks for your comments--Celia
SERENA--you definitely know what you're talking about. Just to get in a closed up car after it's been out in a parking lot smothers the life and moisture right out of you. And the Fall--we cannot wait for that first Blue Norther!!! Blessed cool air after months of baking sun. You gotta love it, though! Celia
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