Gators Galore!

We live in Anahuac, the alligator capital of Texas, where it is claimed that gators outnumber people 3:1.  Recently we visited the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and got to see lots of alligators in their natural environment. We saw small and large, sheltering from the sun, swimming, and one amazingly quick manouver (went underwater and came up behind us in a bit over a second!) by a gator to reposition and better watch what we were doing. 

We've seen other wildlife on our drives and finally captured some photos of these woodpeckers in our backyard.  That's a grasshopper in his beak.

God has blessed us with some awesome sights around our new community.  One of my favorites is of the Gulf waters.  This one was taken from Smith's Point and looks toward Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula.  Of course, I had to share one of many water shots from time spent on Galveston Beach recently. 


Do you see the dolphin fin is this photo taken from the ferry?








Other interesting sightings were made at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center.  They have a long (it seems long when you travel it in the heat of a 100+ degree afternoon) boardwalk which is surrounded by previous swampland and has many a photo opportunity if you like cobwebs and spiders. 









Isn't God creative in the creatures He has placed on earth? When I see these, who really are not cuddly and cute, it serves as a reminder that I am called to love and serve all persons, regardless of what they look like, their living conditions, or their affinity for me.  We have to find a way to get along and I believe that God provides us the strength and direction to serve all whom He has created.

The refuge is having a photo contest to fill the pages of a new book they are publishing.  This means it is absolutely necessary that you not copy, post, share, print or reproduce any of my photos.

Margarita Cilantro Rice

I love rice!  In fact, they grow it in the fields around Anahuac and I have hopes of seeing how rice is harvested. 

I was playing around with recipes and came up with this one just before our move.  I thought you might enjoy making it for your family.

What you need:
1/2 cup margarita (not the mix)
1 1/4 cup water
juice of 2 limes
zest of 2 limes
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups instant rice

How to put it together:

Zest limes.  Chop cilantro.  Juice the limes.

Place the lime juice, water and margarita into sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Add the zest, cilantro and rice to the boiling liquid.  Place a lid over the pot and set aside, removing from the heat.  Let set for 5 minutes or until the moisture is absorbed into the rice.  Fluff with a fork before serving. 

Houston Skyline

At the end of May, we attended the Texas Annual Conference.  These meetings were held at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston.  While at Conference, Methodists gather to worship, visit and handle the business of our church. 





These are some very special people - clergy spouse's - during our annual luncheon.










It's been awhile since I've been downtown.  The buildings are lovely and reflect the beauty of this urban area. 





I do wonder what the bill is to backlight the top of this tower.  It looks awesome!

I had to head up to the 24th floor of the hotel to get a few night shots of the glowing skyline!












This is the view, looking East, towards our new home and churches.  Yes, those are oil refineries all lite up in the background.

Kelly and Melissa took time to visit about her experience as a first-time lay delegate.

There are a few sports teams in Houston.  From our hotel we could see the Toyota Center (Houston Rockets, NBA Team) and Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros, AL Baseball Team).

Thank you for respecting my copyright on these photos and not sharing, reposting, resending or reusing any of my photographs without my permission.

Classic Pot Roast

I love this meal!  One dish, only a few minutes to put it together and into the oven and before you know it - you have a complete dinner ready to serve.  Basically what you are cooking is a stew but without all the chopping!

This is classic comfort food at its best and easiest.

What you need:

Beef Pot Roast

Thyme (a couple Tablespoons dried or several stems fresh)

Bay Leaves (2-3)

1 Can Diced Tomato

Small Bottle Merlot

Onion (1/2 large)

Celery (3-4 stalks)

Carrot

Potato

Salt and Pepper to taste

The cast iron mice were a gift from my hubby as a loving nod to our daughter, nicknamed "Mouse".

Cut the ends off the celery and carrots and leave in large pieces.  Wedge cut the onion.  Season the meat.  Put everything together in a pot which can be covered and goes into your oven.  Cook at 350 degrees for (+/-) 3 hours (depends on the amount of meat and your desired level of doneness). 




















Be sure to remove the bare thyme stems and the same number of bay leaves which you put in.  These are not tasty nor edible.

If you want to do two meals in the time it takes to prep one - buy and fix a double batch.  Take the remaining meat and shread it (do this right in the pot).  The next night, dice up a few more carrots, potatos and such.  If you need more liquid simply add a bit of beef stock.  Simmer on the stove top and serve a tasty stew for dinner!

Lace Shawl with Nubs: A Reminder of God's Care

This is a great little shawl - lightweight, beautiful design, fun color, quick knit.  It is the Annis Shawl by designer Susanna IC (the same designer of my Pink Easter Shawl).  She offers such great designs in this shoulder-hugging crescent shape.  The yarn is Karabella's Supercashmere Fine, 100% true luxurious cashmere in a light neon green colorway. 

No, it isn't too hot to wear here on the Texas coast because the lace is so open.  Even with moving and unpacking during the same timeframe, it still only took 2 weeks to finish this great accessory to my wardrobe!  The bumps are called nubs and were fun to learn and knit.

You can see from the before, during and after photos that aggressive blocking is necessary to show off the lace.

How many times do we encounter bumps in the road and fret over how to deal with them?  Our Lord loves us amazingly and entreats us not to worry for He is in control.  He clothes the flowers and feeds the birds.  This move, although we are now happily settled, wasn't without a few glitches. When I see these nubs on my shawl it will serve as a reminder to not worry about the little bumps in my life but to turn the situation over to God and watch what beauty He creates from them.