Why Did the Wild Hog Cross the Road

So.....I don't think some people really believed me when I posted this on Facebook this morning:  

We don't live completely in the boonies, although I'm sure it seems like it sometimes to you.  And to me, actually. It's been 14 years since we've lived close enough to a town to order pizza for delivery.  If I forget bread, I have to drive 6 miles to get it...unless it's after 8 pm, in which case I'd have to drive 17 miles.  It's 30 miles to "town" where civilization and things like movies and shrimp scampi are.  I buy a lot of gas and more tires than seems right.  It's weird to me that this is a whole other culture for some people because, except for 4 years in College Station (although even then we lived rurally, but that's a whole 'nother story) and 8 years in Houston, I've always lived "out in the country".  That's how I like it.

Anyway.....here is part of the herd of wild pigs. The first group passed in front of us and got away while I was in mortal combat with the seat belt.  This bunch passed behind us and almost got away while I was desperately attempting to remain upright.  Since I was shooting into the sun and just aiming in their general direction, I'm as surprised as you are that I even have this rather Sasquatch-ish photo.

 I love sharing these little glimpses of West Texas wildlife with you.  Thanks for being here! 

<3 Lori


PS--To be completely historically accurate, there were an additional three years of town living while I was in high school and junior college, but as evidenced by the fact that I just now remembered them, I have blocked out those years, so...there's that.

Country Roads Take Me Home

I love John Denver.  Yeah, he was a little goofy looking.  And in today's world, the music is a little sappy, but I loved him and his music.  I was a country girl (for which I also thank God).   I didn't go to Rocky Mountain High, but I would have if I could have.  Sunshine on my shoulders still makes me happy.  And country roads always took me home.  I'm a big fan.

On the way to work a week or so ago, amidst some tribulation that extends even to this very moment, instead of leaving on a jet plane, I decided to take my time and take some photos of my favorite country roads.

 I love this corner.  I especially love it with wildflowers added.

 I'm not much of a botanist. I don't know what the yellow flower is but the other one is an Indian Blanket.  Such a happy flower.

 Beauty.

 

Scissortails always remind me of my granddad.  They were his favorite.  Now they are mine too!  I was trying to get a really good shot of this guy when he disappeared.

 When I checked my shots, I saw this was the reason he flew away. Good call.  

 A little further along the way.  I just want to stop here and breathe in the tranquility.

Wild turkeys are not very smart, but they are very fast and hard to photograph.  I followed a rafter of wild turkeys down the road with my passenger window down trying to get a good shot.

 I love these trees.

 A friendly girl on the way catching some shade.

 Beautiful wheat ready to harvest.

 Combines had this field cleaned by the end of the day.  Wheat harvesting is a lot faster now than when I was a kid and had to help my dad.  They have giant harvesters and giant semi trucks not broken down combines and trucks held together with duct tape and bailing wire like ours was. 

My camera has some fancy settings that I have never used. I really wanted to try to capture the light on the tractor, but none of the settings I clicked would work until I chose "special effects" and painting.  I was surprised and happy with this shot. It's silly, I guess, but when I see sun rays beaming down like that, I think of it as God sending me a little hopeful message.

Just revisiting these photos has eased my mind some today. I know the Lord of Heaven and Earth has us in the palm of His hand.  "And we know all things work together for good  to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose."

All things?  Really?  Yes.  All things.  Even this.

May the good Lord bless you and keep you and offer you opportunities to feel His love on your face.

<3 Lori