My Aggie Bear

Baby Squirrel

The Beetles

The beetles are so beautiful.

Blue Jays Love Peanuts

Red Dragonfly

Best Fried Chicken

A Hot Afternoon in Texas

Parenting

Cardinal & Sparrow

Squirrel

One Beautiful Sunday Morning

For more than a week, we had rain, thunderstorm, and gusty wind, finally the sun came out this morning. I went out to check on the rose bushes in the backyard whether they were damaged during the severe weather or not. I am so delighted and relieved to find out that the rose buds are still strongly attached to the stems.

The sky was so blue and the air was crispy fresh but I noticed the unusual quietness; no birds were chirping or singing. After 5 minutes or so, a dove flew over, and stopped hastily on the neighbor's roof. Since there was no other activities around, so I snapped the picture of the dove just for fun. Before even my index finger released from the camera shutter, I heard an awfully loud and sharp noise. Instantaneously, I looked up and was shocked to see the dove was being attacked and snatched away by a hawk of some sorts. I barely had a glimpse of the the dove which was struggling helplessly trying to free itself. In the blink of my eye, both the predator and the victim were vanished in the air without a trace.

I held my breath, lifted my toes attempting to get a better view, but all I could see were some scattered feathers left on the rooftop except a white feather; solely floated aimlessly in the air for a few seconds, and finally rested on the concrete silently.

The sky is still blue, the air is still crispy fresh, it seems like nothing has happened or shouldn't have happened on this one beautiful Sunday morning.......but unfortunately something sad did happen.

Barber Shop Sign

This old weary barber shop sign is located in front of the Cottage Antiques in Mineola, Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineola,_Texas

The Tortoise and the Hare Teapot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tortoise_and_the_Hare

I love to collect teapots with an extraordinary design such as this one. It's remarkly attractive!

Store Sign

This old C & S sign is located at C & S Ace Hardware, 200 Spring Creek Vlg # 1,Dallas, TX 75248.

Russian Folk Arts & Crafts

Last week my brother took a trip to Boston, and when he returned back to Dallas, he handed me a small shopping bag full of surprises. I carefully unwrapped each and everyone, they are these utterly adorable Russian Folk Arts and Crafts.

I always love and appreciate handmade items because they reflect the patience and pride of the craftmen who had spent hours to create these unique and artistic products.

"I miss you all!"

When our love ones are no longer with us, do we miss them? Yes, I do, I miss my brother terribly, my grandpa, my uncle, and my best friend also. Last weekend I went to White Rock Lake to take some pictures, how I wish they were there with me too. Well, if they were there....

The first one who would run up to me would definitely be my dear brother Alan. He would hug me affectionately, and ask anxiously, "How's Mom..... why don't you call me anymore..... I miss you, sis..... don't cry!" We used to talk on the phone at least once a day, sometimes 2 or 3. Alan was my older brother who had known to have a big heart filled with love and passion. He was always there for me during good times especially difficult times.

I would expect my Grandpa to show up in his favorite white suit and black bow-tie with a walking stick, oh, I almost forgot his hat. He would probably bring us a box of European chocolate, and tell us interesting, funny stories of different countries he had once visited. Traveling was his hobby, he had been to all over the world except Australia. Grandpa was a man full of wisdom and kindness.

Uncle Tom was the happiest person I had ever met. I would hear him humming the tune of hymns while walking towards us. As usual, he would greet us with a bright smile and wave, "Nice to see you guys, what a lovely day!" Then he wouldn't wait to start taking pictures because photography was the love of his life. He was the one who had taught me how to develop black & white photos before digital cameras became popular.

How about my best friend Arnold, what would he say to me? Perhaps he would ask, "Hey, how are the turtles?" He bought me a pair of cute Brazilian Turtles and a rose for my birthday one year. "Why turtles for birthday present?", I asked with doubt. He answered sensibly, "Turtles represent longevity." We both laughed.....it was one of the sweet memories!

As for me, I would tell them loud and clear, "I miss you all!" I absolutely miss them all.