Friday, November 13, 2009

Pink Saturday Morning Walk to the River

This morning I want to share my morning walk…It’s a sunny day and there’s still lots of pink to be seen even though it’s November. So come along with me…the flowers we’ll we admiring are not exactly wildflowers but naturalized volunteers that have just appeared along side the fence.

First there’s this sweet pink vine, my mother calls it “That pink vine that we had by the carport in McAllen; you know, coral vine.”  Most of our plants have a family association and every thing is called by its common name not the Latin proper name…

flowers 11-09 002

It looks so pretty against the morning sky…

flowers 11-09 001

This is an old favorite in Texas and is frequently found thriving around abandoned  home sites. It will provide splashes of pink until the first frost. As we walk along the fence, there’s a Lantana with a cluster of pastel flowers. This one just showed up one spring…probably a gift from a visiting bird.

flowers 11-09 007

Lantana is native to Texas and it grows wild along roadsides and in pastures and meadows. It’s one flowering shrub that the deer generally won’t eat. When we are in a deep drought, they will browse on the tender new growth -if there is any. The pink Salvia has naturalized from the flower beds up by the house. How it got down here is anyone’s guess.

flowers 11-09 012

The hummingbirds and the bees are happy to have it. There’s a little breeze moving the flowers in and out of focus…they are going to seed, so there will be even more next year.  Same thing with the Rock Rose…it just volunteered and started to bloom. The flowers close at night and this one’s not fully awake yet, but come back in the early afternoon, and it will be showing off.

flowers 11-09 008

I don’t know if you can see the seed pod between the flowers at top, but they pop out like the bluebonnet seeds do  and so this group should be joined by lots of little seedlings in the spring.flowers 11-09 026

The Four O’ Clocks are not fully awake either…but they are prolific re-seeders so I’m not surprised to find them along the way…

flowers 11-09 024

And now the best part, the Guadalupe River as it meanders through New Braunfels…the Cypress are wearing their fall colors…sort of pinkish wouldn’t you say?

flowers 11-09 016

I love the way the river looks in fall and admiring  it is such a peaceful way to spend a morning. Last night the sunset was a perfect pink, but we were not at home for me to come down here to capture the sky and river together. Look up river toward the Common Street bridge…

flowers 11-09 019  Yes, it’s my favorite time of the year…a slower time, perfect for a dose of Pink…so stop by Beverly’s to see who’s posting this Saturday. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Have a Pink Week…I’ll be busy here in town as we get ready to host Weihnachtsmarkt, a wonderful German Christmas shopping event…75 different booths,  with everything from handmade German ornaments, wine and gift food baskets, rhinestone cowgirl glitz, monogramming while you wait, delicious lunches and our famous bread pudding with warm vanilla sauce, Christmas wreaths, clothing for young and old, custom made tailored menswear, pet gifts , pictures with Santa in an antique sleigh…it really is an amazing event. If you live in central Texas, it’s worth the trip. Bring your Christmas list and your appetite!

 http://www.sophienburg.com/weihnachtsmarkt.html

See you next Saturday! LaVerne

10 comments:

Nancy said...

You lucky sack living on the beautiful Guadalupe! This however is a great way to take a morning walk and maybe i'll take another one tomorrow morning with you via computer. Have fun at das Market. I'd come if I didn't have to stay home and clean my dirty house! See you soon. xo N

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a lovely post. You live in a lovely spot. Thanks so much for sharing your photos with us. I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Mollye said...

Hi Laverne and Happy Saturday. Oh my gosh I have a confession to make and to ask you to forgive me. While I was visiting the PS blogs, I realized with horror, that I have not sent your Giveaway pressie yet. I am sooooooooo sorry Laverne. I promise you it will go out Monday. I now have it in the dining room in [plain sight. Maybe we could just blame it on old age creeping up on me? Well it's worth a mention! teehee. Warm hugs, Mollye

Nancy said...

Thank you! That was just a wonderful "walk". It is just lovely and makes me miss Texas. I'd move back in a heartbeat!

Happy Pink Saturday. Be sure to stop by my blog to participate in my gift certificate giveaway.

Mollye said...

Laverne, Please email me your address again. I'm so sorry I cannot find it but I do have your package now ready to mail! Thanks, Mollye

Suzie Button said...

your flowers are lovely, LaVerne! I especially love the river pictures! I really wish I didn't have to work next weekend, or I'd be there for the craft show! Happy PS! Suzie

CC said...

Such a beautiful post and wonderful pictures. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. Happy Pink Saturday and have a wonderful week.

LADY JANE said...

Dear LaVerne...Happy Pink Saturday! Just a little thanks again for the great give-away...we have recieved BABY DEAR in the mail...an update tomarrow Janelle will be induced again,if she does not come on her own Dr. will do a C section at 5 to 6 pm! Thanks again and keep Janelle and Jalina in your prayers!

Char said...

Oh LaVern, so many pretty things to see, I love all the blooms, but have to say a walk by the water and all the fall colors is my favorite. This time of year seems to be so short and it's just so beautiful, I always hate to see it end, Happy Pink Saturday, Char

Anonymous said...

A few years ago, my hubby and I visited San Antonio (River Walk) to celebrate our anniversary. A few days later, with my AAA Tour Book in hand, we meandered into the town of New Branfels. I fell in love with it. I recall visiting some specialty shops and antique stores. . . that was in June. Just a short time later, the Guadalupe River flooded some areas of town, we heard. Your photos of the now peaceful river are wonderful. . . and so are your great flowering plants! I didn't realize Lantana was native to Texas. It is a plant I just discovered summer before last. I find it one of the plants I have a hard time killing! :)

Happy Pink Saturday! Dana



Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.