April 2009

Photography:


Arts and crafts:

Happy Earth Day

Estigmene acrea, or Salt Marsh Moth -- or possibly a Estigmene albida

I've seen quite a few of these very pretty moths this year, thanks to one of my dogs.

By jumping up to peer into my office window, my new dog, Ansel, has created a large hole in the bug screen. Because the evenings are so pleasant now, I open the glass pane every night. Moths are attracted to my lamp light and thanks to Ansel, there is no barrier. Various critters have easily found their way in to visit me and occasionally to have their portraits taken. For now, I prefer the communion with nature than doing the home repair.

Oh, and maybe I shouldn't use the word pretty to describe this particular specimen, because as per the bug guide site, this is a male moth. He is distinguished from the female by his handsome orange hindwings.

A very Happy Earth Day to all, great and small.

Tiny World

Tiny flower, tiny bug
Mom's Woods, near Gilmer, TX

Of all the wildflowers I took pictures of in East Texas, I'm not sure why I'm selecting this one, an unknown specimen, about a quarter of an inch in diameter. Maybe because not many will have seen it. Or the bug which is even smaller.

Mom's Birthday Gift

Coiled yucca basket, Debi Cates 2009

It's taken me a little while, but after three previous lumpy attempts, I made a decent basket just in time for Mom's birthday. It's about the size of an Asian rice bowl. The light center is from fronds found in the hidden, center of the yucca where it has yet to get sunlight.

Not only is it 100% West Texas yucca, it is 100% wild yucca growing in Debi's yard. At last, I found a reason to love the unwanted "weed." ;)

P.S. I'd love to hear from any basket makers out there, especially those that make baskets from natural, local materials.

Back from Vacation

Magazine Collage, Debi Cates 2008

I can't believe here it is April 19th and this is the first blog post of the month. What happened to April? To March even. I'm not entirely sure.

The latest and best news is that my brother and I have just returned from spending a week's vacation in East Texas with Mom. All along the 500 mile drive, the famous Texas bluebonnets were blooming.

Mom's place has all kinds of blooms, too, including lots of different kinds of irises and roses, apple tree blossoms, violets, johnny jump ups, and wildflowers galore. She has made her place so very pretty, and visiting in April it was cool and rainy. I'm always amazed at the difference between West and East Texas. We are desert. She is piney woods. Yet we are both Texas.