— While walking at Copperfield Nature Trail (Austin, Texas), near my home, I saw this flower for the very first time. I was surprised to see it there at the entrance of the trail. As often as I have been … Read More

— I found out about the Pep Ventosa technique in my photo challenge class a couple of weeks ago. As long as I have been using social media, I never saw anyone I follow using this technique in their photos. … Read More

— Just yesterday I went to Northeast Metropolitan Park to look for subjects for an assignment. Although the fall season has barely started in Austin, Texas, I couldn’t help noticing that some trees are already exhibiting quite a bit of … Read More

— When I was a child, there was a song that became a big hit in Brazil. It was called “The Garden Flowers in Our Home,” and it was performed by unimitable Roberto Carlos. It was a sad song talking … Read More

— One knows summer has arrived in Texas when even sunflowers start to wither with the intense heat. A walk to my neighborhood park shows plenty of evidence about the effects of summer heat.  That was the case this week … Read More

— With summer temperatures clearly around us even before the official start of summer, there is not much one would think could be in bloom in the middle of triple-digit temperatures in Texas. Incidentally, for those who use Celsius for … Read More

— I can now check another item off my bucket list when it comes to wildlife. In April this year, I went for a hike at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, just 40 minutes from home in Austin, Texas. … Read More

— In March 2022 we revisited Davis Mountains SP. As one of our favorite destinations in Texas, the park offers unparalleled views on Skyline Drive and various trails throughout the park. Since the distance from Austin to the park is … Read More

— Whenever I go to Pedernales Falls SP, in the Hill Country, outside of Austin, Texas, I often hike trails along the Pedernales River. After all, the river and its falls are the main attraction drawing people there. A few … Read More

— For this week’s assignment in my photography challenge group, participants were asked to submit a photo using the high-key photography technique. In plain terms, high-key photography is one that exhibits little or no shadows and is mostly bright. The … Read More

— Another freeze has come and gone in Texas. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the first freeze of this year. This second freeze was much stronger, but it was nothing like the 2021 freeze. Nevertheless, we had three … Read More

— Texas is truly a mixed bag when it comes to weather. One day we are in shorts and t-shirts, and the next day we experience a freeze. That was the case for the first couple of days in January … Read More