Winter Storm Fern has coated our town in inches of sleet, now frozen into glassy ice. With the temperature sitting at 16°F, we ventured out to take it all in… and, of course, to go to Waffle House.
One squirrel watched us like we had lost our minds. I don’t think I’ve ever been judged so harshly by wildlife.
Looking like a fascinating cross between a bee and a hummingbird, this little visitor appeared among the blossoms of my Texas Sage. I had never encountered such a creature before, so its presence caught me completely by surprise. Curious, I did a bit of research to figure out what it might be, and it seems that it may actually be wandering a bit outside of its usual range. Regardless, it was a delightful discovery—an unexpected guest that brought both wonder and beauty to my garden.
Originally constructed to span the Trinity River in Arlington, this historic bridge was later relocated to Euless, where it crossed Bear Creek on Main Street. In the 1970s, it was replaced by a modern structure designed for greater traffic capacity. Rather than being dismantled, the bridge was preserved and moved to South Euless Park, where it now stands as a cherished historical landmark.
Earlier this week, a series of storms rolled through the area, leaving the air crisp and charged with a quiet energy. The next morning, as I stepped outside, the sky put on a breathtaking display. Thick clouds still lingered, but where they curved and parted, slender beams of sunlight pierced through, casting a soft, ethereal glow. It was as if the sky itself was gently backlit, each cloud edged in light, creating a scene both dramatic and serene.
The waves of Joe Pool Lake, just outside of Dallas, TX, gently beat against the shore, their rhythmic motion creating a calming, almost meditative sound. The water rolls in with a quiet persistence, shaping the landscape with every ebb and flow. It’s a peaceful scene, where nature’s steady pulse contrasts with the bustling city not far away, reminding you of the quiet power of the water.
When you arrive at the GeO-Deck of Reunion Tower, one of the first things you'll notice is the unique interior design—the walls are adorned with geometric shapes that are backlit and constantly shifting in color. The subtle, ever-changing glow adds a dynamic and modern touch to the space.
Though the design is relatively simple, it’s a surprisingly captivating feature that complements the futuristic feel of the landmark and enhances the overall experience.
Reunion Tower offers an incredible vantage point of the Dallas skyline—one that feels straight out of the iconic opening sequence from the classic TV show Dallas. Standing up there, you can truly appreciate the scale and character of the city.
Although my visit happened to fall on a cloudy day, the view was still absolutely stunning. The low-hanging clouds added a dramatic, almost cinematic feel to the landscape. That said, I’d love to return on a clear day to see the skyline in all its sunlit glory.
My work campus is home to some beautiful natural areas, including serene wooded sections and even a creek that winds through the property. With such a scenic setting, it's no surprise that local wildlife occasionally makes an appearance.
The other day, I came across a turtle trying to cross one of the trails. It looked startled and froze up as I approached, so I gently picked it up and placed it safely in the bushes on the side it was headed toward. Hopefully, it continued on its journey without too much stress.
What really caught me off guard was its size—it was nearly a foot long and about seven inches wide. Definitely one of the largest turtles I've encountered here in Texas!
The ocean has always held a certain fascination for me; there’s something about its vastness, its power, and its mystery that draws me in. But even more captivating are the people who live and work on the water—their connection to the sea runs deep, and their lives are shaped by its rhythms.
These boats in Galveston, TX, are poised and waiting for their next adventure. They are more than just vessels; they are the lifelines of hardworking crews who venture out into the Gulf, fishing the waters to bring fresh, local seafood to the tables of hungry people. Each journey is an act of both skill and courage, a testament to the timeless relationship between humans and the ocean. It's a world that remains as wild and vital as the waters they navigate.
A cheerful squirrel eyed me with curiosity as it scurried along the ground, searching intently for nuts or any other tasty treasures. Surprisingly, the little creature let me get quite close—close enough to snap a few clear photos. It must be fairly accustomed to people, perhaps a regular visitor to this area.
While squirrels can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance—raiding bird feeders or sneaking into places they don't belong—they're undeniably fascinating animals. Their quick movements, clever problem-solving, and bushy-tailed charm make them fun to observe. Watching this one go about its day was a small, unexpected delight.
Every year, wildflowers make a surprise appearance in my yard, adding a little burst of unexpected color to the landscape. This spring, among the usual blooms, I was delighted to find a single bluebonnet standing tall and proud. Though it was just one, it felt like a quiet but powerful reminder of the beauty and spirit of Texas, where the bluebonnet holds the honor of being our beloved state flower.
Here in Texas, it’s a cherished tradition to pull over on the side of the road where bluebonnets bloom in abundance, just to snap a few photos—families, friends, even pets all gathering for that classic springtime moment. While my yard isn’t quite picture-worthy yet, I like to think that maybe one day I’ll have a whole patch of bluebonnets big enough for my own bluebonnet selfies.
