Noel's Adventures

  Merry Christmas 2011 and prosperous New Year to all!

Happy Independence Day Barbados. We remain a resilient people in tough economic times. I cuh do wid some conkies now. Everybody will not get that.

  It has been a little over a year since I posted a pic for the caterpillar of the monarch butterfly back on October 20, 2010. It is funny how we saw no caterpillars this year but stumbled upon a chrysalis about 25 ft. from the drought smitten butterfly bush. We are keeping a close eye on this one and I hope to photograph the butterfly when it emerges.

  Thought I should post another pic from St. Vincent. This is a photo looking towards Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies. Young island is a short swim from the beach of the hotel we stayed at. I understand there is a hotel on the island. I imagine it would be a neat place to stay. On any given day you can also clearly see Bequia and some of the other islands. I will probably post a slideshow of some St. Vincent pics.

I recently visited St. Vincent on a business trip. This is the Salt Pond at the Owia Salt Pond Recreation Park. The pond is sheltered by the volcanic rocks in the background. The only disappointment was that I did not have my swimming trunks.

  Southern California is really beautiful. This is a view from one of the trails at the Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum in Banning, CA. Truly a place worth visiting if you are in the area.

  More flowers. This tree has a nice fragrance.

  Young berries on an elderberry tree. The elderberry is native to Europe and is used for food and to make wine.

  It has been a long time since I came across a hibiscus plant so it was quite refreshing to see this one. Taken this past week in Brenham Texas, home of Blue Bell ice cream.

  The zinnias are starting to flower and they are really lovely. We have three varieties so far and hope for a fourth one so some photo opportunities should be forthcoming.

  Happy Mothers Day 2011 to all mothers.

  The Geraniums in Gracie's Garden are starting to look good. In a few weeks the entire gardent should be in full bloom.

  Sunset at 33,000 plus feet somewhere between Houston TX. and Columbus Ohio (possible north east Texas or Arkansas).

  We had mixed feelings about the decision to plant early this year because the cold weather lingered for a while and the plants appeared to be struggling. Anyhow, the cold weather is finished and the plants are thriving.

  It is springtime again and the flowers are starting to bloom. I am looking forward to photographing some flowers this year and capturing some of those brilliant colors.

  I cannot believe it is time again for the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show. Time really flies by whether we like it or not. I had the flu for the trailride and did not take any pictures so hopefully I can make it up with a few from the Livestock Show. This is Jeron's favorite car (Chevy Cruze) so far this year. I wonder what it will be by summer.

I cannot believe another year has past since the trail ride last year. As usual, the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show promises exciting events so I will post some pics. I expect to see the PV Trail Riders early this week.

I cannot believe that the New Year has started and this is my first post. It is quite amazing how the first decade of the 21st Century has slipped into history. Wow! Anyhow, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and God's blessings for the future. I will stay away from making any promises about how many pictures I will post this year because I was reminded (on more than one occasion) that I did not live up to the promise I made in the post on January 31, 2010. I will only go as far as saying that I will try to post at least as many pics as last year. I cannot close this post without sharing a quote for this year. I find it fitting that it is from the wisest man who ever lived. King Solomon said, "a wise man will hear and increase in learning, a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel". Proverbs 1:5 NASB.