As another Thanksgiving is almost here and will be gone before you know it. I am very Thankful.
Sometimes normal life gets a little crazy and things don’t turn out like we plan, but counting my blessings would be impossible. My Faith, Family and Friends keep me on “My Normal”. Photos help too!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Photographed: Aransas Wildlife Reserve – Aransas Pass, TX 2015.10.17
My Wife’s Catholic Daughter group had a State Convention May 2nd through May 5th in McAllen Texas. Neither one of us had been there in a while. I have been appointed (Actually I volunteer) as the Court #2100 Photographer so naturally I went as well.
The first stop was the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine. It is a beautiful Church and has a great history. We have been there a few times but it has been a while ago.
While we were in South Texas, I wanted to go to see the La Lomita Chapel before something happens like a “border wall”. This is a beautiful old church built in 1865 and is still standing today. Unfortunately for me, the day was a little overcast but that makes for some nice filtered light.
I went in search of the Border Wall and didn’t see much. I did see some structures in which a nice Border Patrol Agent suggested “I did not need to be there” so I promptly left. Hidalgo is right on the border of Mexico. It was really busy there with a lot of cars, trucks and people walking to and from the port. I really wanted to take some more pictures but I decided to leave well enough alone.
I also got to go to Bentsen State Park which is part of the World Birding Center. Of course this is not the time of the year to see many birds as most have already migrated north. I did see more White Winged Dove that I have ever seen in my life. They were everywhere. I also saw some very noisy birds named Chachalaca.
Zebadiah and Adriana got to go as well taking their first plane ride. Of course they didn’t get to see much while in my camera bag but they did get to see some things.
I am not sure I would specifically make a trip back down there but if something comes up, I would go again. I would be cool to go in the fall to see all the migratory birds and butterflies.
30-30-1 Project Day 30
The last day of the 30-30-1 project. It has been fun and challenging, for me at least. This project has definitely expanded my creativity.
This last day we find Zebadiah, Adriana, Zachary, Zayda, and AdaLynn all together. They really enjoy each others companionship but know they will all head in their separate directions soon. Zeb and Adriana tell everyone, “see you later”. Family is everything.
We never know what the future holds. No one is promised tomorrow. Zebadiah says “We should all live life to the fullest. Be humble, kind, generous and never loose faith. Treat others with the same respect as you expect. Don’t try to be someone else, just be yourself. God first, Family before everything else.”
We have not seen the last of Zebadiah Duck. His adventures will continue on so stay tuned and check back often.
Together once more, as they all gaze into the sunset, we wish them well.
Peace!
30-30-1 Project Day 29
One more day of the project and we see more family.
Adriana’s sister, AdaLynn, stops by to meet this dude that Adriana is always talking about. Zebadiah is happy to finally meet her as well. AdaLynn is a yellow rubber duck, but she is anything but typical.
She has done a little of everything, and says there is no reason to stop now! Zeb has heard the stories of adventure in the wilderness, rock climbing, off-roading in a Jeep, you name it and she either has done it or wants to!
She will jump in any water no matter how deep. Some might call her a dare devil, I will just call her adventurous.
30-30-1 Project Day 28
Today Zebadiah took Adriana down to the Trinity River in Downtown Dallas. We have had several inches of rain over the last few days and the river has risen over its banks.
In the distance we see a teal rubber duck that resembles Zebadiah’s sister, Zayda. Zeb hasn’t seen his sister in a while now and with anticipation waits to see if it really is her. As she gets closer, Zeb becomes more excited and sure enough it is Zayda. Zeb and Zayda are so happy! They hug and laugh while Adriana has an idea this is Zayda but wonders who this girl is hugging Zeb? Finally he realizes Adriana has never met Zayda and introduces her.
Zayda was the athletic one of the family. You can catch her, if you can, running, cycling, bowling or just about any other sporting event. This evening she was jogging down the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas.
30-30-1 Project Day 26
Today Zebadiah and Adriana found out they are getting to take a plane ride to South Texas. Neither one can remember if they have ever been on a plane, but chances are when they migrated to Texas they did.
We are heading to South Texas for a Church conference. Of course Zeb and Adriana can’t wait to go. They hear the planes fly overhead most everyday while on their walks and in the back yard. They often wonder where are all these people going or where have they been?
Hopefully we will get to see one of the oldest churches in Texas, La Lomita Chapel while we are there. We will also see the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan and maybe the World Birding Center.
30-30-1 Project Day 25
Since Zebadiah and Adriana finally met each other, they are almost inseparable. When you see one, the other is not far away.
They have taken many long walks, rubber wing in rubber wing. Waddling across the walkway, they stop to see the yellow wildflowers in the open lots behind the park. Adriana and Zeb are partial to the yellow flowers since many of their friends and relatives in the rubber duck heritage are yellow.
Adriana and Zeb are both glad they share many of the same interests like Family, Friends, Cycling, Antiquing, Traveling, and Food.
We never know what lies ahead in life. Live good, laugh, be kind, go to church, are all things that their mother’s used to say.
