Just a Countrygirl!

Happy Birthday to Me, Today...heeheehee!!

2009-12-30T14:30:00.004-06:00

It's going to be a day of "spoiling and cheers, blessings, joy & love"! That's the lovely way Tanya of New Zealand put it and I love it so I borrowed her words from her. I like to post internet blog birthday pics & wishes on this day...

Here's one from Bruce of Michigan...

Thanks for being such a wonderful friend, Bruce!

I've been doing some facebooking lately and have been keeping in touch with my blogging friends this way and it's been fantastic and fun! Thank you to all of you who posted wonderful and beautiful birthday wishes on my facebook wall! I greatly appreciate all of your kind words, wishes and thoughts!

Love, hugs, sunshine, light, joy, blessings, & cheer to All!!,

Countrygirl

Blackbeard's at South Padre '09!!

2009-08-13T01:14:00.003-05:00

Yum, yum, yummy...scrumdeli-icious!! This is my favorite place to eat at while at the island.

-Countrygirl

Medina River Natural Area & Greenway/San Antonio, Tx.!

2009-08-10T17:07:00.005-05:00

I went for a walk/hike with my sister down this hike/ bike trail by the Medina River. Upon entering this Natural Areas environment, there was this warning posted, about what we may encounter, that made me think twice about walking through there but we did it anyway and it sure was fun! I happened to have my camera with me so I took photos of the trail. I kind of liked these. Enjoy!

South Padre Island/Summer '09!!

2009-08-10T15:29:00.009-05:00

Hey Everyone!

I kind of lost myself in my children's lives and am just starting to focus on me again. Here's a few pics of some of my favorite places to relax and unwind at the island and in the Port Isabel area. I love semi-private areas with not too many people around if possible. Yup, that's my stuff in front of those gorgeous homes and condos. My daughter says she will own her own one day and will invite me over to relax and enjoy it with her! Enjoy!

Sandra

Spring 2009

2009-04-05T18:58:00.002-05:00

Just some thoughts...I would LOVE to visit Ennis, Texas sometime in my lifetime during the month of April!! In case you don't already know, I absolutely ADORE bluebonnets and I hardly ever get to see them!! I miss them every Spring!! Anyone up for a roadtrip...heehee!!

Happy Spring!!

-Countrygirl

Countrygirl will be A Birthday Girl this Month!

2008-12-26T10:39:00.020-06:00

This is a pic of an Oak tree in my sister's backyard. Recently, at my neice's birthday party in San Antonio, I was just looking up and enjoyed the view and snapped a pic.

I hope it's not too late and I hope I get some responses. In just a few days, I'll be having a birthday on December 30th. Yup, it's that time again. For the past two years, I've put the request out there for some cool pics to be posted on that day for me to admire and appreciate and I received some fantabulous responses. I know this year is a little different because I haven't really blogged or posted much but I still love you guys and I love how you have continued to be so thoughtful and kind even though I haven't had the time that I'd like to post. Think about it. I'd love to see some of your inspirational and gorgeous photos on that day.

This small town countrygirl wishes a very Merry Christmas to everyone in blogland! I hope you had yourselves a very merry little Christmas!

Love,

Countrygirl

____________________

***JANUARY 2, 2009...Wishing the Happiest of New Year's '09 to everyone! Here are some wonderful responses I received to fulfill my Birthday Request for 2009! : - ) Thanks Guys!! You so made and brightened my day! Thank you so much for the posts of the GORGEOUS pics from Michigan and Malaysia.

...Bruce, thanks for being so wayyyy cool! I loved my Fall pic!

...Divemuster, wayyyy cool! Your beautiful words always brighten my day!

...Ladyhawk, you are sooo sweet!! I loved your 'Time Passes On' inspirational message!

All of you are so extremely talented, thoughtful and kind! All of you sure do know how to make a countrygirl smile!!! :- )

Wishing All only the BEST in 2009!!

Love,

Countrygirl

South Padre Bound!!

2008-06-11T11:34:00.002-05:00

Yep! Headed south once again! I absolutely love spending the summer at South Padre! In this particular area I was able to see a couple of dolphins cruisin' in and out of the ocean. They were just beautiful!

I'll be trying to teach both of my children how to ride bikes this summer. I'm kind of having a rough time with it. So I could sure use some helpful hints. I haven't been successful in the past but am determined to succeed this time!!

Loads of sunshiny smiles to everyone!

Love,

Countrygirl

Texas Wildflowers! Hello, SPRING!

2008-05-08T20:34:00.009-05:00

Hi! I know I haven't posted in a long while. I enjoyed this trip to San Antonio in March and decided to stop and snap a few photos. These are a few of my favorites from that day. The indian paintbrush and the bluebonnet are a couple of my favorite Texas wildflowers that bloom every year in April and May. I hope every one of my blogging buddies is well!

Sunshine and smiles from Texas!,

Countrygirl

HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD 2008!!!

2008-01-01T08:26:00.000-06:00

A Countrygirl's wish for the happiest of New Year's '08 headin' your way from Texas!! Happy New Year everyone!! I hope '08 will be filled with enough love, joy, and laughter to last throughout the year!!

I'm lookin' forward to checkin' out your blogs and seein' what '08 has to bring in posts of beautiful people, places and things! It seems "Great in '08!" is going to be the saying of the year. I think your blogs are already filled with GREAT photos, art, thoughts and sincerity!! Keep it up!! ; - )

HAPPY NEW YEAR....California, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, and all in this World!! Wishing you only the best always!!

It finally got a little chilly down here! I'm lovin' it!

Cheers to All!!,

Countrygirl

December 30, 2007.....December/Birthday pics of the day!!!

2007-12-30T21:00:00.001-06:00

December 30, 2007.....December/Birthday pics of the day!!!
Thanks Moggs, Dive, Ladyhawk and Bruce!! You guys and gals so completely made my day on my birthday!! Your thoughtfulness and kindess is greatly appreciated!! I loved the posts that I got to see on that day and I loved the dedications!! They were absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you so much guys and gals!! ;- )

Merry Christmas 2007!!

2007-12-24T03:28:00.000-06:00

I only bake these at Christmas time. The recipe is the same recipe my Mom used to use. My mother used to have to bake a ton of them because they would just disappear as soon as she pulled them out of the oven. There is much feeling behind these cookies that bring back so many memories and that is why I only bake them on or around Christmas Day. These oatmeal cookies are a family favorite and have been since I was a little girl. We grew up with these homemade cookies at Christmas time. I finally have begun to make them myself. I have to admit they are pretty darn SCRUMPTIOUS...heehee!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from a Countrygirl in Texas!

Love,

Sandra

Countrygirl...a Birthday Girl again...so Soon!

2007-12-20T23:47:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!! Remember these pics from last year? Wow, I can't believe another year has just flown right on by! I don't have the words to share as I did last year. I also haven't gotten to visit this little bar yet in December. I guess I'll just have to find some time to hang out with my girlfriends and enjoy one of these margaritas that I love so much before December is over. Life had just been a little busier this year. Even so, I am going to try this again because last year I loved all of the fabulous posts that I got to see right smack on my Birthday...December 30, 2006. I am once again making a request for some fabulous posts to be posted from all around the world on December 30th. Come on, blow me away with some of your amazing photos on that day! I sure would love it! ; - )

This Countrygirl in Texas also wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!! I hope that on New Year's Day 2008 your hearts will be filled with enough love, joy and laughter to last throughout the year! ; - )

Love from Texas!,

Countrygirl

Saving My Day....Thanks Dive, Moggie, Ladyhawk, Bruce, Rog, Anthony and All of my blogging pals!!

2007-10-14T08:56:00.000-05:00

Photo ©2007 Roger R. Lopez, La Vernia, Texas

I had to borrow one of my favorite pics from my brother, Rog! He snapped a photo of what I love most about the countryside and shared it with me this past Spring. Walking freely through a field of bluebonnets does wonders for my spirit!! He knew that I wasn't going to be able to make it home to see them so he emailed me some gorgeous pics of my favorite wildflower...the bluebonnet and saved my day that day!! He's good at that!

Dive, Moggie/ Moggs,Ladyhawk, Bruce and Anthony along with many of my new blogging pals have that same knack for being able to blow me away with dedications on their blogs that are filled with wonderful words of inspiration and gorgeous pics that just so completely save my day!!!!! Dedications such as these really sweeten my day!!! Thanks guys and gals!! You have a knack for making people feel really special!! Thanks to Anthony for introducing me to the world of blogging! If it weren't for him, I would have never met you...such wonderful guys and gals! He's the one that got me started!

Thanks from my part of the world...Texas, USA!!

Love and sweet sunshine to all of you!!

Love,

Countrygirl

Las Vegas, Nevada 2007!

2007-10-07T22:50:00.001-05:00

In September we managed to escape once again to Nevada with some friends! It was sooo nice! We stayed at the Paris Hotel this time. We had a wonderful time! The margarita's were scrumptious! Loved that Art sculpture so I snapped a pic of it to share!

Luv and smiles from Texas!!,

Sandra

In Celebration of World Peace Day 9/21/07

2007-10-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share some pics of where I feel most peaceful. I feel the most peaceful alongside the ocean shoreline or amongst the countryside. These two places are my most favorite places to enjoy spending time thinking about the things I love most in life.

Sending luv and sunshine from Texas!! : )

-Countrygirl

Whenever You Travel Down a Country Road, Think of Me and Smile!

2007-09-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hey All!! Hi Rachel, Divemuster, Ladyhawk, Sharon, Dintoons, Moggie and Tanya!! I haven't forgotten about you guys! Thanks for missing me!! ; o ) I'm sooo sorry that I haven't been able to respond to your lovely comments. I spent most of the Summer away from home and unfortunately it had to be spent without a computer. I came back home only to have to DIVE into WORK!! And, unfortunately, that's what has been taking up most of my days and nights lately. I'm doing really GREAT!! Work, home and my children have been requiring most of my attention lately. I'm lovin' it but haven't had too much time to devote to this blog and nor have I been able to be checking out your lovely blogs. Hopefully things will calm down soon so that I can post some pics that I took over the Summer. Love and miss all of you!! Thanks for always being the lovely people that you are!! So so NICE having such wonderful friends around the WORLD!!

Smiles and Sunshine to my buds around the world!

Love,

Countrygirl

King Ranch...Kingsville, Texas!

2007-07-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

I also visited the famous King Ranch while there! King Ranch is a historic ranch located in South Texas between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. It's one of the world's largest ranches! It was so beautiful!! I didn't take the tour. I just shot some pics of the entrance. Enjoy!!

Love and sunshine from Texas!!,

Countrygirl

Texas A&I University (presently A&M), Kingsville, Tx! GO HOGGIES!!

2007-07-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hey All!,

I visited my college Alma Mater recently. It was nice! The pics show the view I had from my dorm window. My dorm room was the 5th window from the left on the 2nd floor...very cool visiting it again! I attended a small town college and high school. I'm just a small town girl! Enjoy! ; o )

Love and warm sunshiny thoughts headed out to my buds and budettes...heehee!

-Countrygirl-

Sunset at South Padre '07!!

2007-07-23T01:50:00.000-05:00

Hello All!!,

Just spreadin' some Texas Sunshine!!

Luv from Countrygirl! ; o )

I Love You Daddy and Roggie!!

2007-07-11T10:52:00.000-05:00

Photos ©2007 Roger R. Lopez, La Vernia, Texas (First three pics only...the last two are mine...heehee!) Thanks for sharing, Roggie!! Those trees!!! Those GORGEOUS trees!!! What a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic and just soak in Mother Nature's beauty!!

Hey Guys and Gals!! I can't believe that I started this blog about a year ago and ended up posting every month except for this past June. I guess my Summer vacation just kind of took over. Moggs, Dive, and Ladyhawk, thank you so much for the sweet messages. I responded to all of them. ; o )

These photos are from a recent trip to San Antonio, Tx. My Father had an episode with his heart on Father's Day and so I drove to San Antonio, with the kids, to go and see and spend time with him. Thank goodness, everything turned out GREAT!! He is doing well. He gave me a scare but he is doing well and is home now. I ended up spending a whole week there with my family. We enjoyed some wonderful times together as a family. It's rare that my Father can have all four of his children together with him. He thanked me for going and spending time with him and for just being with him. I love him so.

My brother, Roggie, is the coolest!! I also got to spend some great times with him. We like, never, get to go and have lunch, just the two of us. Well, during my stay there, and once we knew that my Father was going to be okay, Roggie treated me to some sightseeing in Downtown, S.A. and also treated me to lunch at this beautiful restaurant called The Guenther House ( a historic home, museum, and restaurant) a part of the Pioneer Flour Mills along the riverwalk . We had the greatest time chatting over a wonderful lunch overlooking such a gorgeous atmosphere. Thank you Roggie, for being who you are!! I had the greatest time spending well deserved time with my family.

I don't wish to be out of the circle. I love this new circle that I have become a part of. Thanks for soaking in my pics and enjoying them. It makes me feel good to make someone else feel a little happiness.

Take care!

Love,

Countrygirl

South Padre 2007!!!! Summertime is almost here!!

2007-05-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

We visited South Padre Mother's Day weekend! Here's a few pics from last weekend! Enjoy! I tried to take pics of some different things. The one with the bag and the shoes shows you don't need much to relax and soak in some sunshine out there! ; ) A belated 'Happy Mother's Day!!' to all those who so proudly can be called, 'Mommy' by their little loved one's in this world, especially the one's I've come to know through blogging...Tanya, Saffron, Ana!! In about 7& 1/2 days I'll be able to enjoy a little vacation time with my little boy and my little girl!!! I can't wait!! I'll post a few more of this weekend, soon!! ; )

Luv, smiles, hugs, happiest of thoughts, and sunshine to all!!!,

Countrygirl

The Tropical Tip of Texas!!

2007-05-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hello!,

I took my first steps on that beautiful tropical tip of Texas a couple of weekends ago beside The Gulf of Mexico! It felt sooo good! I'll have to try that horseback riding along the beach and through the sand dunes someday! It sure looked like fun! I thought it was funny how they just rode right past some onlookers on the beach. The kids enjoyed themselves. I took them in regular clothes to try and get some pics of them. My daughter wasn't too happy about getting her pretty little skirt all wet. ; ( I sure enjoyed the peacefulness and the sunshine that day. It's always nice taking a stroll along the beach. Searching for shells to add to our collection is always fun, too! Hope you enjoy the pics! I didn't try too hard but I thought these pics were nice enough to share. ; )

Just thought I'd share some Texas sunshine!

-Countrygirl

Happy Birthday, Carbine (Anthony)!!!!

2007-04-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday dearest Anthony!! Happy Birthday to you!!! And many, many, many, many more!! ; )

Great big bear hugs being sent your way all the way over there in L.A. from this Countrygirl in Texas!! Happiest of birthday wishes going out to someone with an adorable personality and magnificent talent!!!!! ; )

Cheers to ya, Anthony, for being who you are!!!!

Love,

Countrygirl

Birthday bear hugs also going out to Ana, Moggie, and Rachel as well!! I'm not sure but I think Bruce may have also had a birthday?? Bear hugs goin' out to ya anyway if I'm mistaken..heehee! ; )

Catch you guys and gals later!! I hope you like the pics! ; )

Texas Bluebonnets!!! (Roger's pic)

2007-04-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

Photo ©2007 Roger R. Lopez, La Vernia, Texas

The birthdayboy, a countryboy who happens to be my big brother, sent me some pics of what I adore the most about Spring...Bluebonnets!!!!! He is an avid cyclist who participates every year in the Easter Hill Country Tour, a bike ride in Kerrville, Tx. He shared with me that the bluebonnets are lush in that area right now! He also shared some awesome pics of them with me. Check out his pics, they are wonderful! I hope to take some pics like these, if not this year, for sure next year, no if's, and's or but's about it! I am going to plan ahead and make a special trip to the Texas Hill Country the first week of April to snap some photos of the Texas Wildflowers that are so abundant in that area!!! ; )

Thanks, Rog, for always knowing just how to make me smile and for always being such a cool big brother! I love my other older brother just as much and am anxiously awaiting some pics that he's taken as well. They both love photograpy and are really amazing at it!!

Love and smiles!!,

Countrygirl

Happy Birthday, Countryboy (Roger)!!!!

2007-04-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dearest Roger, Happy Birthday to you!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day, this 9th day of April!! This tree is blooming really pretty right now! It was a tiny little thing when I first planted it a few years ago.

Thanks sooo much for sharing your bluebonnet photos with me!! If it's alright, I'm going to post one of them to share how cool you are...heehee!

Love ya lots!!,

Your lil' countrygirl sis' Sandra

Tiny Blossoms That Smell Sooo Good!!

2007-04-07T00:07:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love the beauty and the scent of jasmine!! I adore jasmine!! It also happens to have some sentimental value for me as well!! It's a constant reminder of fond memories I hold deep inside. Every year I anxiously await for these tiny little blossoms to appear! I get the best feeling inside everytime I smell the scent of the jasmine. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! ; )

An early HAPPY EASTER to everyone!!!

Love, sunshine and smiles from Texas!!!,

Countrygirl

Country pics!!

2007-04-04T23:38:00.000-05:00

The Livestock Show in Mercedes, Tx was a fun time!! Here's a couple of pics of some beauties we saw there!! I love piggies and cows and oh, Lite beer...heehee!!

The next two were from a trip to a friend's ranch in the valley. Pictured here is a field of bluebonnets but the picture doesn't do the bluebonnets justice. The bluebonnets were beautiful but it was hard to get a good picture of them because it was private property and I couldn't get close enough with my little pocket camera. ; ( Anyway, all of the blue looks much better in person! I'm still going to keep trying to take the pics that I really want to take!! ; ) Wish me luck!! The second pic was on the ranch. It was absolutely wonderful spending the day out there!! I loved every minute of it!!

Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, Tx!!

2007-04-01T19:10:00.000-05:00

Hey!!...Hello!!...Hi!!!! The wish has been granted!! ; ) I hope you guys and gals enjoy them! ; ) These are some pics of my most favorite animals at the Zoo...gorillas, orangutan's, flamingo's, pigme hippos, rhino's and giraffee's!! I love to go and see these guys! The only favorite missing is the Elephant!! I absolutely love to see the elephants but sadly, this Zoo no longer has any. ; ( They shipped them off to another Zoo. I don't know why?? I really missed seeing them. They are sooo beautiful!! I've really missed blogging. I had to quit for a little while. Life got a little busy. ; ( I do love all of the comments and the encouragement to continue!! ; ) I still have been dropping by but just haven't had alot of time to post or comment. ; ( Please forgive me. ; ) This trip to the Zoo with the kids was a SUPER one!! I hope to post more of what I enjoy real soon!! ; ) Take care everyone!!

Love, smiles, happy thoughts, and sunshine to everyone!!,

Countrygirl

I LOVE GIRAFFES!!!!!!!!!! ; )

2007-03-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys and Gals!! I finally managed to make it out of the house!!!!!!!! Yippee...Woohoo!!!! I love animals. nature and the great outdoors!! It's just been rare lately to be able to get out and enjoy it!! My kids and I managed to get ourselves to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Tx and to a Livestock Show in Mercedes, Tx.! I hadn't snapped any photos in a while and life, in general, has just been a little hectic lately. Anyway, this is just a quick post! I'll be sharing some pics and stories soon!! ; ) All is well in Texas! I hope everyone is well!!

Enjoy!! Bye for now!! ; )

Smiles and sunshine to ya all!!!

Countrygirl

Spring is in the Air!!! Yippee!!!

2007-03-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

I took these photos at work the other day. I noticed the oak trees were budding like crazy! I love to see the first new little buds appearing on the trees! It always makes feel so good! I used to have a tree right outside my window and now I don't ; (. Anyway, I always walk under these trees on my way to work so I took a couple of pics of them because they looked so beautiful! I haven't made it to San Antonio yet but hopefully I will soon!

I have a new favorite Country artist as well. Her name is Kellie Pickler. Her first and only album is titled, "Small Town Girl", and you can see from the title why she is now one of my favorite artists! She sings really beautifully. I already love a few of her songs, especially the song titled, "Small Town Girl"! Check her out on iTunes!

Happy Spring!!

Love, sunshine and smiles to all!!,

Sandra, the small town countrygal ; )

Life in the Country!

2007-02-25T22:24:00.000-06:00

Just sharing more pics of Dad's place in the Winter time. Hopefully I'll be able to take some pics of the wildflowers in the Spring. I can't wait!! ; ) Enjoy! Lots of Livestock Show Events and activites going on this time of year! Hopefully we'll get to enjoy some of the upcoming shows and events! Lots of fun!

Luv and smiles!!,

Countrygirl

Rainbows for Moggie!!

2007-02-25T22:19:00.000-06:00

You can barely see them but they are there....from Dec. 24, 2007. Enjoy!

Luv and smiles!!,

Countrygirl

Daddy's Cows!

2007-02-24T01:12:00.000-06:00

Just hangin' out and eatin'. What else is there to do? Sure miss this place! I miss all of the room to just breathe! ; )

---Wow!! How exciting!! Yesterday I got hits from other places around the world including Ireland, Turkey, China, Brazil and all on the same day. Very cool!! Hello to all of you from this Countrygal in Texas! Thank you so much for the visits! Also got hits from my pals in New Zealand, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and California, USA. Awesome! Thanks guys and gals!
---Met two new talented people who left me very thoughtful and sweet comments...Ale from Turin, Italy and Alina from L.A., California. Thanks gals!!

Awesome blogging day yesterday!! Thanks for making this so much fun! You guys and gals sure know how to make me smile!

Love, sunshine, happiness and smiles to All of you!! ; )

--Countrygirl

For you, Whisky, Divemuster and Moggie!

2007-02-23T15:11:00.000-06:00

Whisky, thank you for the post!! I finally got it! What a treat to receive a letter in the mail from a gal pal from the United Kingdom!

Thank you for the thoughtful words that you sent! I greatly appreciate you!

Divemuster and Moggie, I greatly appreciate your dedications to me on your blogs! I loved them!! Thank you for always being so wonderful to me, all of you who sent me some TLC from afar! I truly appreciate all of you!!

I'm feeling much better.

Love and hugs to ya all, from the countrygal in Texas!!,

--Sandra

Could use a little TLC about now...

2007-02-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

Hello my blogging friends! This Countrygirl could use some TLC and Hugs about now.

I had the absolute worst day ever today.

I got sooo sick.

I thought it was a pain that would just go away but it didn't. Of course, I immediately started to panic and thought the worst. Anyway, I saw an awesome Doctor and he was so very sweet to me. He took such sweet care of me and sent me home with what I needed to continue feeling better. I'm just missing the TLC and Hug part because my Mom isn't here to give it to me and my family is too far away. ; (

You Guys and Gals always know just what to say to make me smile! I hope all is well with all of you!

Luv ya! Sunshine to ya!

--Countrygirl

Bye, Bye Winter? Happy Groundhog Day '07!!

2007-02-02T01:43:00.001-06:00

Please let it be cloudy today, I don't want Punxsutawney Phil to see his shadow!! I desperately want him to stay above the ground as a sign that Spring will be returning to us soon!! ; ) The sun finally shined on us yesterday, Feb. 1! Oh my gosh, what a relief, it was absolutely gorgeous outside!! My spirit was instantly lifted as soon as the Sun began to shine down on us!! Come on Spring!!! I can't wait to see all of the wildflowers!!! I hope to try and snap some photos of them to post!!!

These are some pics of Winter that I took on Christmas Eve and Day! Enjoy! They were taken at my sister's place, my brother's place and my Dad's place just outside of San Antonio, Tx. Believe me, I had the best time spending time out there!

Happy 75th birthday, Dad! I'm on my way to see you!

I can feel it! Hopefully Spring will be in the air soon!

Sunshine, smiles and the happiest of thoughts to everyone!!

-Countrygirl

Thoughts...

2007-01-27T16:28:00.000-06:00

...about how life can be so beautiful and yet so sad at the same time. Home...I used to be able to wake up and look out these windows every morning and see the open land and hear the roosters crowing early in the morning. I miss it.

The other is a pic of my Daddy's driveway. I can't wait to open that gate and drive down that driveway and see him and give him a hug. He'll be turning 75 years old this month.

About today...today my baby boy celebrates his 7th birthday and here I am letting stress get the best of me. My little girl had a birthday earlier this month as well. Anyway,I tried to do a little something for my son on his birthday today. I know that he wanted to spend some time with his little friends. I get really weirded out having to be the center of attention so I was trying to avoid a big party. Anyway, we decided to go ahead and invite some of his little friends to a pizza party. It turned out okay. I didn't have any of my family members with me. They live too far away and had other plans anyway. I was a little down that I couldn't have any family members with me and so I called this very good friend of mine and she told me, "Don't worry Sandra, everything is going to turn out just fine. Your son is going to appreciate what you are doing for him and he is going to be really happy!" Of course, when I hung up with her, I instantly felt like crying because she couldn't join us either. Anyway, everything did turn out fine and my son had a great time! That is the most important thing. You know before I had my son, I didn't think I was going to be able to even have children and it was getting really depressing and then I was blessed with twins but only my son survived. I lost the other baby really early in the pregnancy.

Well, let me tell you, 7 years ago, on this very day, my son made me the happiest woman alive!!! I love him so!!!

---The whole point of sharing all of this...I was reminded today not to take things for granted and really appreciate what life has to offer.

As I was loading my son's birthday cake into my vehicle this morning, I noticed this man walking alone down the street and immediately thought, of course, please let him keep walking and let me do what I need to do. Well, he did, but not without wishing me a good day. He said, "Morning! How's it going?" or something to that matter. I thought maybe he lived around the neighborhood and was just taking a morning stroll so I replied, "Morning! It's a nice day, huh?" and he replied, "Yup, sure is, but it would be a whole lot nicer if I wasn't homeless." And then just continued on his way. Needless to say, no words could express how I felt at that moment.

---Guys and Gals, thanks for all of kind words, visits and lovely posts that you share daily!! They really mean alot. I only wish the best life has to offer for all of you!! You sure do know how to make me SMILE!! ; )

Sunshine and Smiles to all of you, always!!,

-Countrygirl

For Tanya!

2007-01-24T00:32:00.000-06:00

I had this pic on my profile. Tanya told me, "I'm lovin' that ol' truck!" Here it is for you, Tanya! My Aunt and I walked to the back of her place on Christmas Eve and took some pictures in the rain, under an umbrella of course. This 1950's Chevy truck belonged to my Uncle. I remember when he used to come over to our house with a crop of watermelons in the back of this pick-up and unload a few for us. They were always so yummy! That wire going across is an old clothesline.

Anyway, I kinda liked these pics so I thought I'd share them.

Happiness and Sunshine to All!,

-Countrygirl

Rog Doin' What He Loves!!

2007-01-22T00:05:00.000-06:00

"Roggie!!! Caught you in action surrounded by the one's you love (your little helpers)! You rock at this kinda stuff! You've always loved it and I'm so happy that you still get to do this every once in a while!"

Rog has always been our music man and photo guy! He loves it! This shot was taken at a good ol' country bumpkin wedding out in the country on December 23, 2006. He did this as a favor for a long time family friend who was getting married. We've all grown up being entertained by Roger and photographed by him as well! He's extremely intelligent and talented and cool! Love ya, Rog!! Keep on being cool! You are very good at it!

Your sis',

Countrygirl

Tiny Helping Hands!

2007-01-21T23:46:00.000-06:00

YUMMO!! Tiny hands and tiny baking tools helped bake Mom's famous homemade oatmeal cookies today! Tradition is that I only bake these cookies in November, December and January! I now have tiny hands that can help me. Too much fun and, yes, they are really yummy!! That's exactly why I can't be making them just anytime of the year...heehee!

Smiles to All!

-Countrygirl

Farewell, Mogwai!

2007-01-13T17:01:00.000-06:00

Andy, I tried to catch a pic of a rainbow for ya on Christmas Eve. You can barely see it but I promise you, it's there. I was thinking of you when I was trying to capture it. I know you will be missing your best friend terribly. I hope your smile will return to ya soon. You are dearly missed by your friends as well.

Take care!,

-Countrygirl

December 30, 2006.....December/Birthday pics of the day!!!

2006-12-30T22:22:00.001-06:00

I will be posting cool December/birthday pics as soon as I get a chance! Thanks guys!! ; )

Here we go! Here are some December/birthday pics of the day (December 30, 2006)!! Thanks guys and gals!! I am elated with the awesome responses that I got!!! ; )

Photo ©2006 Roger R. Lopez, La Vernia, Texas

This photo here is a picture that my older brother Roger took in Connecticut. Isn't is lovely!! I believe that they are gerber daisies...my favorite and even in my favorite color. How cool is that? Little did he know when he was taking this shot that he was snapping a photo of something that his baby sister absolutely loves! I immediately asked him if I could borrow it for my desktop...heehee! He and his girlfriend had taken a trip to New York in September because his girlfriend was going to be in a triathalon over there so he took quite a few pics on that trip. He shared them with me recently. He came to spend New Year's with us. He sat and shared a slideshow of 600 pictures with me from his trip. I saw pictures of New York, Brooklyn, and Connecticut. They were absolutely lovely!! My brother is extremely awesome!! He shared all of his music and photos with me and made us some fudge as well! He brought his camera, his computer, and even a cool handmade disk to cook outside on! Uncle Roger...we love you very much!!! He even brought his guitar to play and sing for us but there were so many things going on that he just didn't quite get to it. Next time there's no escaping it Roggie...heehee!! This countryboy is extremely talented and I love him very much!!!!!!

The following are the responses that I got! Thanks so much everyone!!! You guys and gals made my day!!! ; ).........

....Roggie, your pic was greatly appreciated!! I absolutely loved it! You rock!!!! Click here also!! Thanks Rog!! ; )

....Anthony, your December pics were awesome!! Click here also! I love the latest San Diego one! Thanks so much for adding one more December post to appreciate and enjoy!! Awesome!! Absolutely loooove it!

....Divemuster, you are waaaayyyy too cool!! I absolutely loved it!!

....Ladyhawk, you are the BEST! Lovely pic that you chose! I absolutely loved it!

....Whisky, you are soooo awesome!! I love ya!!! I absolutely loved it! Thanks so much! ; )

....Tanya, thank you so much for your warm birthday wish that you posted on my 'Margarita' post on 12/09/06! You are always so super sweet to me!! Thanks for that!

....Saffron, thank you so much for your warm birthday wish that you posted on my 'Margarita' post on 12/09/06! You, too, are always so super sweet to me!! Thanks for that!

....Moggie!!!! (1/23/07) I've missed you so!!! You are back...yippee!! Thank you sooo much for the birthday wish! I loved it!

You guys and gals are some extremely talented and kind people!! You guys and gals sure do know how to make a countrygirl SMILE!!! ; )

Wishing you and All only the best in 2007!!

Radiant thoughts being sent to All from Texas!!!

-Countrygirl

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2006-12-29T02:09:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone! I finally made it back. I spent Christmas in San Antonio with my family. I took a ton of pictures and hope to post some soon of Christmas in Elmendorf. I've got lots of stories to tell...heehee! I hope everyone had a joyous and peaceful Christmas. I had a SPECTACULAR time! I just thought I'd share these pics for now. Enjoy!

Joyful thoughts to all!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!,

Sandra

The first pic is of my little "George Strait" at Grandpa's in Elmendorf.

This next pic is of my first Krinkle ornament. I love her! I think she is precious!

The last one is of one of SANTA'S gifts to my little princess. I spent most of the day putting this castle together. She loved it!!

I hope to post country pics soon! Bye for now! ; )

Merry Christmas 2006!

2006-12-20T00:14:00.000-06:00

A really cool ornament that I bought this year for our tree! It's made of fused art glass. I bought it at Molten Gecko Glassworks from some gentleman from Canada at The Dias Festivos Marketplace event in McAllen, Tx. Just spreading some Christmas cheer! Enjoy! ; )

Merry Christmas!

-Countrygirl

More Rainbows for Moggie!

2006-12-18T23:55:00.000-06:00

A few more rainbows for ya as seen through the eyes of Rick Lee. There are some awesome shots here that I just know you'll love! I hope they help cheer ya up!

Take care always! I hope all is well!

Countrygirl

Mom and Dad's Place

2006-12-17T01:32:00.000-06:00

This is a side view of where I grew up. I hope to take my time and try to get some nice pics of Dad's place as soon as I can. I kind of liked this one to post for now. I'm looking forward to taking some pics of his place in the springtime. Yup! This is a snapshot of where I grew up! Many years ago, on the other side that fence, there existed an orchard of plum trees. As kids we used to run through them all of the time and, of course, pic some juicy plums to eat...Yum! My Mom used to make the best homemade jelly with those plums! YUMMO!! And, NO, that is not a pic of my house. The old house that is pictured here was on the place when my parents purchased the property. My Dad uses it for storage. Cute old house! Growing up here there was no such thing as cable T.V. or DirectTV or even city water ( we had only well water). Of course, these things existed but just not for us because we lived too far outside of the city limits. We watched T.V. but didn't have the luxury of cable T.V. We grew up enjoying climbing trees, checking out the squirrels and horned toads, playing baseball in the backyard, walking through our neighbors creek, taking rides on my Dad's tractor and helping Mom cook and bake using fruits and vegetables that were homegrown in our backyard. I absolutely LOVE fresh, homegrown tomatoes! Yummy! Great snack with a little salt! Come to think of it, I haven't had one in forever! : ( Anyway, just thought I'd share. Enjoy! Bye! ; )

SANTA is on his way! I hope all have NOT been Naughty.... but NICE...heehee! I know for a fact that you guys and gals have been extremely NICE to me so I know that SANTA will be good to all of you...heehee! MERRY CHRISTMAS to All! Only sending the happiest of thoughts to All always!!!!

I am hoping to spend Christmas at home this year! I'll take some more country pics and hope that they turn out okay! I'll share if they do...heehee!

Countrygirl Will Be A Birthdaygirl this Month!

2006-12-09T03:33:00.000-06:00

I am placing an all out request for some awesome recipes for 'Margaritas' and awesome photos to be posted from around the world on the 3oth! This countrygirl will be a birthdaygirl on December 30th! Yup! You have all month to find a cool pic to post on the 3oth! I'll be looking forward to checking you guys and gals out that day...heehee! As for the 'Margaritas', I do know that my favorite tequila is 1800 Reposado! I just don't know what the secret is to making the perfect tasting 'Margarita'?? I actually got to join some friends for a drink after school one day this week. The 'Margarita' that is pictured here was, I have to say, SCRUMPTIOUS!! Anthony, I stole the word you used recently to describe my food! YUMMO!!! Saffron, I just stole your word also...heehee! I am very picky with my 'Margaritas'! San Antonio and South Padre were the closest places I had to go to to enjoy a good one but now...Wow...there is actually a cool place in town that makes a really delicious one....heehee. Anway, think about my requests guys and gals!! I guess I got a little carried away posting, huh? I added a ton of new posts all at once so be sure to continue to scroll down after this one...heehee! I finally posted some precious pics of home!! It was sooo much fun posting!! We finally got some awesome weather and it put me in a really good mood to post as you can see!! I also got a desperately needed hairtrim which also added to my good mood to post! Yippee!...Finally!...my hair feels much better. I like to keep my hair long but it had gotten a little too long! Anyway,...Bye until next time! Be sure and continue to scroll down...heehee! ; )

Heaps of the happiest of thoughts to ALL always!!

Countrygirl

Elmendorf, Tx! Pop. 664...My Hometown!

2006-12-09T02:16:00.000-06:00

Hey Guys and Gals! Here's a few pics of home that I snapped recently. They don't mean much to anyone else unless I explain why I took them. They do mean a great deal to me, though. These photos bring back memories, memories, memories of wonderful times...lovely and precious memories for me when passing through here! I snapped this photo about a mile away from my Dad's place! I was on the way to snap some photos at his house but I was kind of in a hurry and didn't get too many good ones. I'll have to try again next time. This is the road we drove down to go to school every morning.

This is the view from my Dad's driveway. It's usually covered with grass but I guess they have been working on clearing the area here. This is the view I had every morning when checking the mailbox for mail for my parents. In the spring, this area ( on both sides of my Dad's driveway) gets filled with tons of bluebonnets and indian paintbrush. One winter, when I was a little girl, this whole area was covered with layers of snow. I put my Dad's rubber boots and walked out there to see it. It was soooo beautiful!

Elmendorf is a tiny little town. There is only one main road off Loop 1604 that curves right back up to Loop 1604.

This is a snapshot of that road.

This tree was off the side of the country road that I posted previously by my sister's house. I just thought it was really beautiful! I thought this pic came out kind of pretty.

As you can see Elmendorf is a beautiful place! I will cherish where I grew up always! Love that enormous Oak tree! Lots of families decorate their homes with beautiful Christmas lights down these country roads. Every year I look forward to that chance to be able to go home and drive down those country roads to see them. Enjoy!

Just a Countrygirl wishing all you of you guys and gals heaps of the happiest of thoughts always!!! Bye!! ; )

Blog Tagged!

2006-12-09T01:05:00.000-06:00

I've been tagged by Saffron

"According to the rules... Each player of this game starts with the "6 Weird Things about You". People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog!"

SIX WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME

1. I'm waayyy too shy when in a crowd of people. Even when it's family or friends. Waayyy too weird! I shut down and won't utter a word! I really hate that about myself!

2. I talk to myself all the time!! Most of time it's about things that I do wrong or need to change. Can't stand that weird thing about myself either!

3. I feel very claustrophobic in a room where there is only one window. It kills my spirit and my mood. I absolutely love and have to have some kind of view and be able to the see the outdoors and it absolutely kills me when I know I can't appreciate the view. Weird, I know!

4. I stay inside most of the time when I'd much rather be and am dying to be outside only because I feel I don't have the space or room that I would like to have when outside and I don't want very near neighbors to be bothering me. Very weird!!

5. I refuse to buy myself a nice jacket! I don't think it's that weird though because it's very rare for it to get cold where I live. It's really hot most of the time but then when it does decide to get cold...I'm suffering because I don't have a nice jacket to keep me warm! Weird!

6. I stay up way too late and refuse to go to bed! Weird, weird, weird!

Ok, I now tag Tanya, Divemuster, Ladyhawk, Moggie, Whisky, and Rachel.

For Saffron! Special Request....

2006-12-08T23:52:00.000-06:00

...from Saffron! Here are the recipes you requested to have, Saffron. I hope you enjoy them! I went ahead and posted for all to use if you wish. I've never shared these recipes with anyone. It feels good to share. I cherish these recipes because these are the recipes I grew up with. My Mom used these same recipes to bake pies for us every year at Thanksgiving. They are very precious to me. I didn't start using them until I had a reason to and that reason now exists. I now bake them for my children. They are still too young to realize how precious these recipes are to me. My sister has my Mom's original Betty Crocker Cookbook. One Christmas both my brother and my sister gave me the same Betty Crocker's New Cookbook for Christmas. I kept them both and had them sign them to remember always the day I received them. Take care always! Heaps of Happiest thoughts to all!! (Heaps is a word that Saffron uses and I really like it!) Will be posting more of home soon! Home being Elmendorf, Tx. pop. 664. Funny, huh? Bye! ; ) YUMMO, Saffron!! Enjoy!!!!

Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie
(Makes 8 servings)
(This recipe comes from the back of a can of Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin, America's favorite pumpkin, over 75 years of quality)

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) Libby's 100% pure pumpkin
1 can (12 fl. oz.) Carnation Brand Evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell
( I like to make homemade crusts but sometimes it just isn't possible)

MIX sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425 F. oven for 15 minutes. REDUCE temperature to 350 F. ; bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

You can also visit Very Best Baking Recipes for Libby's Pumpkin Roll recipe and more!

_____________________________________________________

Pecan Pie - Recipe from Betty Crocker's New Cookbook
PREP: 20 minutes; BAKE: 50 min
Makes 8 servings

Pastry for 9-inch One-Crust (page 93 of the cookbook) or 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup stick margarine or butter, melted
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup pecan halves or broken pecans ( we also added sliced almonds to this one)

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare pastry.

2. Beat sugar, margarine, corn syrup, salt and eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk or hand beater until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pastry-lined pie plate.

3. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set.

Thanksgiving 2006 In My Hometown!

2006-12-01T00:21:00.000-06:00

Yum...yumm!! Roast Turkey with all the trimmings of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner! Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without homemade pumpkin pie! I baked 4 pies...2 pecan and 2 pumpkin. Loved it! It was so much fun! We spent Thanksgiving at my sister's this year. She has a gorgeous place out in the country down the road from where we grew up. Her home is surrounded by Oak trees and open land. I love visiting with her! I don't get to see her as often as I'd like to. I love her place! It's so extremely peaceful. I love the sights and sounds here at her place. I included a view that she has from outside her bedroom window and also a view from her driveway. Love it! I hope to post more soon of my hometown. I have a few more pics that I'd like to share. Enjoy!

Happy thougts to all!! Bye!,

Sandra

A Rainbow For Moggie!!

2006-11-22T00:42:00.000-06:00

You have to check out Carbineblog's Rainbow!! I hope it helps cheer you up!! It works for me everytime!! One afternoon while driving down to the beach I saw the most beautiful rainbow. How I wish I would've taken a snapshot of it. It was sooo beautifuI! That's okay because I have this beautiful one to enjoy plus all of Moggie's as well! I hope all is well with you, Moggie!

Happy thoughts to all!
(I love this new greeting Divemuster and Ladyhawk started using! I liked it so much that I use it all the time now!)

Bye Guys and Gals! ; )

Colors of the Rainbow for Moggie!

2006-11-20T01:08:00.000-06:00

This post with the "colors of the rainbow" is for Andy and his best friend, Moggie! They need a little cheering up. Moggie is Andy's cat and he is not doing so well. Moggie won't be posting to his blog for a while because he needs to care for his best friend. Moggie loves rainbows and was so kind as to post one for me when I needed some cheering up so I wanted to do the same for him. The only thing is I don't have a photo of a rainbow but I sure do have pics with the "colors of the rainbow" in them. I hope these will help cheer you up a little, Moggie!! Thanks for always being to kind and sweet!! I will miss hearing from you and will dearly miss your posts. I will be anxiously awaiting to see a new post and to hear from you soon. Take care and Happy thoughts go out to you from Texas!! Bye! ; )

Sandra

Sunset At South Padre...a few more!

2006-11-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

A few more pics from this past summer....I sure do miss going on the weekends! On this particular evening, I sure had a great time looking for something to photograph! Football and soccer have been taking up our weekends now. Enjoy! Bye! ; )

True Texan!

2006-11-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

To be a true Texan, you gotta own a pair of red boots and possess a true blue homemade quilt even if it's in toddler size..heehee! I know I had mine when I was little! I know I owned my own little homemade quilt to snuggle up with on cold Winter days, it was one that my Mom made for me! Enjoy!! Bye! ;)

Sunset in Rio Grande City, Texas!

2006-11-04T02:10:00.000-06:00

Last Friday we drove to Rio Grande City to watch a football game. The weather was beautiful. It was just cool enough for a light sweater and a light blanket. It was an exciting game! I've been carrying my camera with me everywhere and looked up at the sky that night at the game and loved the colors of the sunset and tried to snap a photo of it. These two snapshots came out okay. I hope you guys and gals enjoy the new posts! Enjoy! Bye! ;)

The Search for the Great Pumpkin!

2006-11-04T01:37:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love the Peanuts Classic, " It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" by Charles Schulz. We watch it every year. I hadn't shared any of my October pics so I decided to share a few. I love pumpkins!! I absolutely love autumn and the month of October! I love the feel and smell of the first cool fronts that begin to reach us in October. The only problem is that this past October it was a little too warm for us this year. I included some Kinder creations and Halloween pics here, also! The book, "A Tree For All Seasons" by Robin Bernard is one of my favorites of childrens books for Fall. I absolutely love the photo on the front cover. I would love to see a tree and a place like that someday! "The Pumpkin Patch" by Elizabeth King, also one of my favorites for young children! There are some shots of a "bumpy pumpkin". I think the imperfections give the "bumpy pumpkin" character! It's just another variety of "gourd". I think, whatever the case, it gives the pumpkin character and is a cool look for the jack-o-lantern! I hope to bake a pumkin pie for Thanksgiving this year! One of these days I'll have to try what my sister did and actually cut up the pumpkin and cook it and use it for the filling. I cheat and use the canned pumpkin but I do make my own homemade crust! Hopefully I can take some photos of the homemade stuff at Thanksgiving this year! We shall see. The little hands holding that tiny pumpkin are my son's. I thought it was a cute pic! Anyway, enjoy! Bye! ;)

Milestones

2006-11-04T00:31:00.000-06:00

Yippeeee!! My 2 year old daughter is finally coming along with her potty training!! Yeah....Woohoo!! Sorry, we are finally reaching a milestone and I just had to share! She's sitting on my lap here with her favorite book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear.. What Do You See?" by Eric Carle. "Mommy, Mommy...What do you see?"..."I see my little one going on 3!" Also had to share a pic of her precious, tiny little feet. She's a big girl now! Bye! ;)

Love ya Georgie!!

2006-11-04T00:17:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it! I actually got to listen to Friday's George Strait hour on 100.3 KTEX! Woohoo! It was so awesome! Sorry, I just had to share with someone! This country station plays George Strait music for 1 hr "strait" every Friday at the same time of the day and I never, I mean never get to listen to it so that's why I was so happy to be able to listen to it today (11/3/06)! Just felt like sharing a Happy thought! Bye! ;)

Fire Prevention Week in Texas October 8-14, 2006

2006-10-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Here are some shots of a recent trip to the Fire Station with the kiddos! The firefighters had an amazing presentation for us! This is Fire Staion #4. It is located by the airport and services all including the airport. The kiddos always love to see the water show that the green fire engine presents for us! It is used only for airplanes. We love all of our firefighters all around the world.!! Thank you for all that you do for us!!!

Sunshiny Morning...a few more!

2006-10-07T16:25:00.000-05:00

Too beautiful not to share! I haven't taken any new pics so I thumbed through the ones I had and decided to post just a few more of that morning sunrise in July. That slight difference in each makes them uniquely beautiful.

My Friday ended miserably so I needed to look up something beautiful to cheer myself up! It worked!! Enjoy!! Bye!!

trying something out

2006-10-07T15:06:00.000-05:00

I was trying to figure out which photo to post on my profile. I think I'm gonna try this one for a while...a pic from The Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada. We shall see.

The patterns here remind me of something you would see on a handmade quilt. Lovely! Bye!

Sunset At South Padre!

2006-10-03T23:03:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we packed our stuff and turned in the key...booohoohoo...cry, cry, cry! It really would be nice to own something out there. Maybe someday in my lifetime...heehee! Anyway, I took the kids for a drive to try and find a nice sunset pic! I spotted it here and drove straight to it! I thought these next shots were kind of pretty!

As I was driving around, I spotted some really amazing homes. Wow! There sure are some amazing ones along the shore on the island!

I took several pics of the sunset and chose these to share. I thought they came out kind of pretty. Enjoy!

"Paradise" under construction! That's all I have to say about the last pic! Bye! Enjoy! :)

Good Morning Sunshine!!

2006-09-27T00:21:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more shots of the same sunrise in Port Isabel this past July. This was the only morning I was able to take a pic of the sunrise in the past 6 months. It sure was a beautiful morning!

The last pic is from this past weekend. I took a drive to the island to try and get a good shot of the sunset over the ocean but I didn't have any luck so I gave in and stopped at the famous spot everybody stops at to take pics. Enjoy! Bye!

For Others Far, Far Away...a few more

2006-09-25T01:24:00.000-05:00

Anthony, thank you for your encouragement to start this blog, for your kind words, for your compliments and for your encouragement for me to continue! Thanks! Have a fabulous time at Yosemite National Park in California! Can't wait to see your phenomenal pics on pbase! Be careful on your hike up Half Dome! Moggie, Whisky, Divemuster, and Tanya, thank you so much for all of your kind words, for your compliments and for your encouragement for me to continue posting! Thanks everyone for being so sweet to me!

I like the rays of the sun in this shot. I spoke to my Mom alot while up here...funny huh?

MGM, where we stayed, absolutely gorgeous!

Hey Rog, I think this is about as close as I will ever get to seeing the Statue of Liberty! I wish I could've joined you guys in New York! Wow! So happy you had a great trip!

Moggie, I posted more pics of Vegas just for you! It made me feel so good when you asked me to please post more! Thanks guys for all of your lovely comments! They have made me feel really great! Thanks for that! :)
Divemuster, I hope you like this shot! I posted this one for you! After looking at it again and again, and after the comment you left on my other shot, I thought this one was kind of pretty, too, and thought you might enjoy this shot also! Thanks!

Only in Vegas! That's all I have to say about this pic! Enjoy! Bye!

A Couple More of Vegas...

2006-09-23T01:36:00.000-05:00

A pic from the Luxor where we saw Pat Benatar and Paris and the Eiffel Tower. We only got to see this one from far away. We didn't get to go inside of it. Maybe next time. I sure am looking forward to the next time that we get to visit this beautiful city! Bye! Hope to post something new soon!

The Wynn Hotel & Casino

2006-09-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

I thought this was the most beautiful hotel of all the ones that we got to see. I loved all of the mosaics on the floor, all the flowers, all the brilliant colors, and the waterfall. Everything matched! Even the shuttle bus matched the flower theme! I just thought this place was too beautiful not to share. What a view from that patio! Check out the gorgeous bar! Enjoy! Bye!

Viva Las Vegas!!!!

2006-09-21T23:50:00.000-05:00

I'm going to share my pics of Vegas a little bit at a time because there are several that I would like to share. I had the best time! Enjoyed good food, did some sightseeing, did some shopping, caught a concert (Pat Benatar), and had just an overall wonderful trip! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and a little cool!! Everything looked so beautiful during the day and the night. This was only my 2nd time flying out of Texas, first time was 6 years ago also to Las Vegas before I had my kids and before 9/11 so that's why this trip was such a big deal for me and that is why I was panicking a little...okay alot. I'm not particularly fond of flying. These flights, thank goodness, all turned out great!

I really liked this shot. It was when we had just left the airport in McAllen and were heading toward Houston, Tx. I thought the clouds were just gorgeous!!

Here I was trying to get a pic of those beautiful mountains. I think these two came out okay. I had to take the shots from far away. I couldn't get any closer.

This one is a shot of the Grand Canyon from up above on our flight leaving Las Vegas and heading towards Houston, Tx. There was alot of turbulence on this flight. I kept thinking OMG, OMG, please let me make it through this without getting sick and without panicking and thinking that something terrible was going to happen. We ran into a little rain but everything was okay. I talked myself out of feeling that way and everything was fine. I managed to continue to take shots of the view. Enjoy! Hope to be posting more of Vegas soon! Bye!

Hidden Ranch

2006-09-15T00:45:00.000-05:00

To my surprise...I accidently found this slice of heaven! I was invited to a girls night out by a friend who lives in a beautiful subdivision kind of out in the country. They don't live the country life. They just live on a grand piece of property. Anyway, I was a little early so I decided to drive around the neighborhood and took a little detour and to my surprise..Wow..I stumbled upon this little ranch hidden away in a corner. You can even see a red barn in the distance. Gorgeous place...so totally my kind of place and so close to my work and I didn't even know it. I think I'll take a cruise by there every once in awhile now. I want my kids to know what it is like to grow up out in the country. Maybe someday my wish will come true. It was so beautiful and peaceful and completely surrounded by trees and open land! I was so amazed to see the beautiful horses. It is a rare thing for me to be out and about without the kids on a weeknight so I enjoyed my drive alone on this rainy day. I finally made it to the gathering and had a great time.

Rainy Morning Sunrise

2006-09-15T00:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning as I stepped out of the car to walk to my classroom, I looked up and thought the rainy morning sunrise looked kind of pretty so I took some shots of it. I took several of them and I thought these were the prettiest ones. We finally got some much needed rain. It was fun! It was a great start to my day!

Beach Time Fun!

2006-09-11T00:52:00.000-05:00

Just sharing some more pics that I liked from the past couple of weekends. I know I take alot of pics of the ocean waves. I just think they are so beautiful. One weekend the ocean was nice and calm and in the distance you can see there was a sailboat sailing away and then the next weekend..Wow..the waves were wild and beautiful. I was amazed with the sandcastle that this family built. I thought it was kind of different and cool. I know that there is a Sandcastle Days at the island and a Kite Festival also so hopefully we will make it out there to check these festivities out this year. It'll be a great time to take some pics to post. That'll be something to look forward to. Hope to post something new soon! We'll see what I can find that's interesting to take pics of.

Rainy Day Skies in Port Isabel

2006-09-11T00:24:00.000-05:00

I am so sad. The rainy day pics kind of show how I feel. I just want to break down and cry. It has been sooo beautiful spending the weekends here in Port Isabel this summer. I don't want it to end but our time here is almost up. Here are a few more pics to share. Last weekend I spent the weekend at the beach with the kids and it was just absolutely gorgeous out there. We built sand castles, splashed around in the water and took some pictures. This past weekend it was raining so we didn't make it to the ocean but it was still beautiful sitting outside and enjoying the view at the resort.

My Precious Friend

2006-08-08T01:03:00.000-05:00

I was ready to escape to the beach with the kids today when I suddenly had a surprise visitor arrive at my house. It was my very dear 73 year old friend coming to visit me. She used to be my neighbor. When I first met her she told me that she didn't have any daughters and I told her that I didn't have my mother anymore. We agreed that instant that we would be that person for each other. She has always been so loving and caring since that first day that I met her. She went to visit me and be with me at the hospital when I had both of my children. She recently moved away to go live on a ranch with her husband and her son and his family. It turns out she now lives on a 48 acre ranch. My precious friend is now the countrygirl. I dream of having that kind of room to breathe. As soon as she walked in the door to my house she told me, "Please come and see where I live now so you can come and visit me anytime you want. She had been asking me to go for a while already so I immediately cancelled my plans and decided to follow her to her home. We had a wonderful visit. She told us that she loved us and missed us and she treated us to some ice cream. We took some pictures. She gave my kids lots of much needed hugs and kisses from a Grandmother figure and told them that she loved them as much as if they were her own grandchildren. She showed me the rose garden that her son planted for her right outside her bedroom window so that she could wake up to them every morning. She showed me where she keeps the Mother's Day card that I gave to her this past Mother's Day. She keeps it on her dresser where she can see it everyday. I will always love and care for my dear friend. She has always continued to be so wonderful to me and my children. Here is a picture of where she lives now. It's so beautiful out there! Just wanted to share this special day.

South Padre!!

2006-08-07T02:34:00.000-05:00

The waves and the surf....just beautiful on this weekend. There were so many people at the beach. Our favorite spot wasn't so private this time but we still had a great time! The weather was perfect! It was just absolutely gorgeous everywhere you looked.

Sunset in Port Isabel, TX

2006-08-07T02:07:00.000-05:00

I escaped to Port Isabel and South Padre for the week this time. We had a fabulous time! My daughter and I got to spend some time at the beach alone...just the girls. It was great! I later took her out to eat at our favorite seafood restaurant on the island...Blackbeard's...delicious!! School is going to be starting soon and we needed to get away. We were enjoying the evening outside and I had the camera with me and took these shots. I kind of liked these. I was wishing I could go for a sail on that boat for a while as well.

Sand Dunes at South Padre

2006-07-25T00:46:00.000-05:00

This countrygirl truly loves the beach! I took a drive going North on the island on Sunday morning. There's nothing but sand and dunes out there. No buildings in sight! OMG! It was sooo gorgeous out there.

There were several people camping out on the East side of the dunes. I was wishing I was one of them!

When we were little, my parents used to take us to camp out on the beach in Port Aransas, TX. It was the best stepping out of the tent onto the beach in the morning, seeing and hearing the ocean just a few feet away from us and smelling the breakfast cooking. I will never forget those good old times.

Sunrise in Port Isabel, TX

2006-07-25T00:04:00.000-05:00

I went for a walk this beautiful morning in Port Isabel and took several shots of the sunrise. I kind of liked this one.

Sunshine and Summertime

2006-07-21T01:10:00.000-05:00

Just love that old tub of flowers and metal flower garden ornament. It's fun to go to nurseries in towns like New Braunsfels, TX and market days in Gruene, TX to look for these sorts of things!

Lantana

2006-07-21T00:48:00.000-05:00

My lantana finally decided to bloom! I was having a little trouble with it. We finally got some much needed rain. I think it just needed a little drink of Mother Nature's water.

Live Oak

2006-07-21T00:31:00.000-05:00

My live oaks are growing slowly but surely. My sister lives on 17 acres in the outskirts of San Antonio, TX and her property is loaded with enormous oak trees. I'll have to take some pics of them someday soon and post them here. We had to plant ours. There are mostly mesquite trees in this area. It's only so obvious how much I love my plants and my trees, huh??

Nice Evening in Texas

2006-07-20T00:17:00.000-05:00

I was feeling a little down yesterday due to the fact that the time left being able to spend the whole day with my children is limited now. The stress level is a little high right now thinking about all of the things I need to do and prepare. So I decided to take a stroll in the front yard and play with my camera and take some snapshots of the landscaping and the way it looks in the evening. It made me feel much better. I don't know what I'm doing but I kind of liked the way these shots turned out. Today maybe we will head out to the island to take some more snapshots and maybe go on a dolphin watch or something. Hopefully we will be able to visit San Antonio, Elmendorf, Gruene, or maybe even Boerne, Tx sometime soon! Enjoy!

More of My Favorite Pics

2006-07-17T12:35:00.000-05:00

Me at 5 years old at Six Flags in Dallas, Tx. My mother used to love sew. She used to make all of my outfits. The other is of me by my Dad's brand new '67 Ford F150 pickup truck. That's my Grandma Amada watching over me. I've always loved these pics!

More of Those Texas Skies

2006-07-17T01:03:00.000-05:00

I just thought the sky looked sooo pretty again today. I really need to get out more! I'd really like to get myself to Gruene, Tx. There are a lot of picture perfect sights there.

Can You Tell I Don't Get Out Much?

2006-07-15T01:56:00.000-05:00

My little girl wears me out so I spend a lot of time at home. The first pic is of an old garden ornament that I used to be able to stick in the ground. My poor froggie has been through heck! So I decided to hang him on an antique sprinkler that I purchased from Gruene, Tx. The other is a shot that I probably shouldn't have taken but I took it anyway and I kind of liked how it turned out.

My Abuelita Amada

2006-07-15T01:42:00.000-05:00

My Dad's Mom...we used to call her "Vuelita Mada" (not sure how it's supposed to be spelled). She used to have the longest hair and barely any gray at age 86. She would roll it all up into a bun. She lived with us for over 17 years. Here she is at my Dad's place in Elmendorf, Tx with my older brother and sister.

Beautiful Day With Mom on My Mind

2006-07-14T02:30:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in the Southside Cardinal blog, I love to pass the time fussing over my plants as my Mom used to love to do. My Mom passed away 12 years ago but I smile everytime I walk out my backdoor and I see some of her favorites growing in the backyard. She especially loved the crape myrtle. Here it is shown with the beautiful clouds in sight. The clouds were exceptionally gorgeous yesterday! My favorite oak tree of all the one's we've planted is shown here on this beautiful day. Just sharing some pics of summertime. Enjoy!

South Padre Island, Tx

2006-07-14T01:25:00.000-05:00

It's really beautiful at South Padre! Pictured here are some of the seashells that we have collected so far. My friends were really amazed with the size of some of the ones we collected. We love to spend time at South Padre Island, Tx during the summertime. Both of my children love the water. Last summer my son refused to plunge his face in the water but he's come a long way with his swimming since then. He can swim underwater all the way across the pool now. My daughter loves to splish and splash around on the steps of our pool but she's still not too crazy about getting in the ocean water yet. She prefers to spend her time playing in the sand on the shore. She's learning how to swim. I have a feeling she's going to learn a lot sooner than I ever did.

Not afraid anymore

2006-07-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a pic of the waves at South Padre Island, Tx from a weekend trip recently. The other pic is one of my most favorite pics of me at 5 years old when I used to be extremely afraid of the water. I took swimming lessons as a 5 year old and never learned to swim because I refused to plunge my face in the water. I didn't learn to swim until I forced myself to finally take a Swimming class in college. Although, I am not afraid of the water anymore and I did learn to swim, I am still afraid of swimming in the ocean while at the beach. So, I choose to just hang out on the edges of the shore....still just as enjoyable for me. My son James who is 6 years old, on the other hand, is not afraid to swim in the ocean at all. Now that's a whole different story I'll have to share later.