Happy Birthday, Jennifer

I've really been missing my mother lately. There's just something special about a mother/daughter relationship! Men don't really understand this bond (although they have a similar one with the father/son bond). But, I got the best dose of medicine this past weekend for my blues. Mike and I went to visit our daughter and her family. Her birthday is today and we made a quick trip to see her and take her to lunch. I do mean quick.



We went to a new Italian place near her house and it was really good!



Jenn ordered this spinach ravioli with artichokes and tomatoes in a white wine sauce. It was soooo good. Mike got the veal and I got eggplant, but didn't get any pictures of them.



We walked around the shops for awhile. It was such a pretty day! A little cooler than we thought it would be, but still a nice day!



Last week, Kaylee asked her mom if she was ever going to take her to get an ice cream cone. It made Jennifer feel bad, like she had really deprived her of something. (Kaylee's such a manipulator!! Just like her Uncle B!!!!) So, of course we went and got ice cream! Mike got a chocolate chip cookie and shared a little with Nolan.

I know it doesn't look like he liked it in this picture, but trust me, he loved it. In fact, he really wanted more.



We did a little more shopping, then we went back to Jennifer's to spend a little more time with the kids before we had to leave.



Kaylee played with her American Girl Nikki doll.



And Nolan tried to terrorize, uhhh I mean, play with Snickers. Overall, we had a super day! A great mother/daughter experience!!!!! Have a SUPER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15: 1-2

Let all that seek Thee rejoice and and be glad in Thee.

Psalm 40:16

The Ranch

Here are a few pictures of the land we recently bought. It has lots of old oak trees, which attracts the deer.



Some cedar and brush. Places we can put food plots in for the deer.



Here's where we're going to put in some RV sites. Hopefully we'll put a small cabin or lodge in eventually. This place has a lot of history to it. I'm trying to do some research on it. Buffalo Jump is next to our place. It's where the Indians ran the buffalo off a cliff to kill them. There are lots of arrowheads on the land.



This is Tennant Hollow. Again, a lot of history here. I can't wait to do some research on it all.



And we have one of these. You can't have land in Texas and not have one of these. Sadly, though, we don't have the mineral rights. Oh, well. But............

we do have the wind rights, and there are these all around us!!!! At 3,000 a month, I think I would rather have three or four of these on my land.

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suff'ring and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

(Chorus)

So I'll cherish the rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down'

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above,

To bear it to dark Calvary.

(Chorus)

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

(Chorus)

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then he'll call me some day to my home far away,

Where his glory forever I'll share.

Busy Bees

Well, I haven't seen many birds, but I sure do have the bees! They are everywhere! The pink hawthornes are in full bloom and my Pride of Houston yaupon trees are full of berries, so the bees are loving it!!!! I tried to get a close up, but guess I'm just going to have to invest in a macro lens to get a really good picture. Hmmm, I think I'll have to check that out.

Jennifer's high school friend, Emily, gave this rose bush to me when she stayed with us one weekend. It's from Tyler, but I can't seem to remember what the name of the bush is. Anyway, it has blooms all over it. I was in a hurry (being swarmed by bees will do that to you) and I didn't get a very good picture, but this gives you an idea of all the blooms. There are buds all over just waiting to bloom. Maybe I can get some better pictures.

Here's a close up of one of the flowers. They're small, but very pretty. Just like velvet! Like I said, I may have to invest in a new camera lens. Guess I had better go do some research on Canon macro lens. And maybe a few filters. And maybe a few........ The list could go on and on! Guess I'll just have to be happy with what I have.

Feeding the Birds

Yesterday I bought some of this:




This:



This:




And this to put everything in.




The nut and fruit blend should attract cardinals, blue birds, mockingbirds and nut hatches. The finch food should attract, well, finches, of course! And the peanut treat suet is for all the birds. Mike's a little upset because we already have mockingbirds and they're just a little mean. I may decide not to feed them as much and try to attract more finches. I also put out my hummingbird feeder because I've already had hummingbirds coming to the window and wondering where their food is.



I'm hoping to be able to get some good pictures like these:




These were taken by Mary over at Little Red House. She takes some of the best pictures!! I play around with my camera and every now and then I get a pretty good picture. Here's one I took of a hummingbird in my front yard a couple of years ago.



Now if only the birds will come and visit me!!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 4-7