genuine verdict

Persimmon, originally uploaded by trekr.

This Persimmon came up in the backyard. I let it grow because it was an interesting understory beneath a towering oak. And now we have fruit.

Any Road, originally uploaded by trekr.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Lewis Carroll

Nicotiana, originally uploaded by trekr.

A surprising volunteer … now the search for the tobacco hornworm begins

Rose, originally uploaded by trekr.

The fruit rivals the flower

Dallas Aboretum, originally uploaded by trekr.

A pespective on current affairs …

Notre Dame, originally uploaded by trekr.

The detail of the statue of Mary is normally difficult to see because of reflection.

Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie, Ohio, originally uploaded by trekr.

The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from the waving folds of this banner. ~Author Unknown

St. Mary’s Lake, originally uploaded by trekr.

I have come by this place on St. Mary’s Lake my whole life just like the ducks …

Crepe Myrtle Arbor, originally uploaded by trekr.

Jacqui wanted an arbor to train Wisteria so I lashed this together from Crepe Myrtle branches

Birdhouse Gourd, originally uploaded by trekr.

Not a great year for volunteers, perhaps less than a dozen gourds … this one found a colorful home

Lake Erie Sunset, originally uploaded by trekr.

I see a dark horizon
A cloud hanging over me
No moon be rising
Take cover in the lee

— with respect to Fogerty

Log Bench, originally uploaded by trekr.

“A throne is only a bench covered by velvet.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

Chili Tepin, originally uploaded by trekr.

It hasn’t been a great year for chili tepin. The esthetics of Nature’s flower arrangement suffice.

Cypress Vine, originally uploaded by trekr.

Now sleeps the crimson petal, now the white — Tennyson

Holy Cross Hill Notre Dame, originally uploaded by trekr.

The “Walk” begins at the top of the hill where once was Holy Cross Hall, the home of the Hogs.

Lake Erie Sunset, originally uploaded by trekr.

Another view of a spectacular sunset on the shore of Lake Erie.

Put-in-Bay, originally uploaded by trekr.

A goat at a sidewalk bar brings out the usual crowd.

Sunset Lake Erie, originally uploaded by trekr.

Taken on the dock of Miller’s Ferry on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie

Chinese Empress Seed Pod, originally uploaded by trekr.

This is the first year the tree has produced seeds.

Japanese Maple Understory, originally uploaded by trekr.

Under a native Pecan, the color of Maple.

Mongrels, originally uploaded by trekr.

Vinnie and Nash. Two strays that used to loiter by the dance studio. We agreed to keep them for just the weekend many weeks ago.

Redbud, originally uploaded by trekr.

Redbud against a background of a weathered fence and Red Tip Photinia

DSCN0555, originally uploaded by trekr.

“Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers,
laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
Christ is risen.”

Thomas Blackburn
“An Easter Hymn”

Autumn Leaves, originally uploaded by trekr.

December in north Texas

Birdhouse Gourds, originally uploaded by trekr.

For the past several years we’ve been harvesting birdhouse gourds that come up in the landscape as volunteers. Here is this year’s crop; a few goosenecks amongst them.

DSCN2079, originally uploaded by trekr.

I’m going to call this spider Charlotte after the E.B White’s heroine. I have no idea of the actual gender of this spider since she isn’t a black widow. I’m going with Charlotte and if you think its Charles, let me know. This spider has been making a good living all summer long over the Hawthorne bushes. Her orb shaped web is about the size of your average umbrella. This morning Charlotte is remodeling.

Blue Swallowtail, originally uploaded by trekr.

Remember the pipe vine caterpillar? Here is a newly emerged Blue Swallowtail.

Obedient plant, originally uploaded by trekr.

It’s not.

Chiltepin, originally uploaded by trekr.

Chiltepins drying in the hot Texas sun.

Pipe-vine Caterpillar, originally uploaded by trekr.

Another interesting caterpillar. It should grow up to be a blue swallowtail.