Above is the semi-complete guest bedroom. There are still several projects to finish, but at least the room is fully functional for guests. Among the projects: reupholstering the chair in the lower left corner (classic shape, $15 at a thrift store here in Brenham) and the one next to one of the walk-through windows (I love the lines of the arms and legs; $12 at a junk/antique store in Austin). I also need to go get some pictures and/or mirrors out of the storage building...

February 4-5, 2009

I was in Austin for TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association), and I took advantage of the chance to practice some night shots. I know the state capitol is predictable, but I've been researching some of the Lacy stories I grew up hearing, and the capitol is an interesting thread (I'll write about that later). I think the last time I took pictures of the capitol was the night of the 2000 presidential election. I had the amazing opportunity to assist the Associated Press photographers that night, which, of course, turned out to be a historical fiasco. George W. never did come out to greet the massive crowd that was braving the unusual arctic cold front (unusual for Texas in early November, anyway), much to everyone's disappointment--especially the press. The journalist in me wanted to document everything I saw, including the crowds and the large bank of broadcasters tightly organized into multiple levels of cubbies with light boxes and green screens... but the AP folks didn't want me to carry my camera, lest I be more focused on my own shots rather than running their film/memory cards--they wanted their images of the new president, or freshly defeated candidate, to hit the wire first. I ended up hiding my camera in a potted plant outside the elevator, and I think I managed to get two or three shots the whole night. That was frustrating, but very worth it just to be there. I'll try to find and post those sometime.

Anyway, back to present day, I used a tripod for all of the shots with the capitol.

These campus shots were hand-held; I was too lazy to lug my tripod, which is pretty bulky since I bought it for my heavy medium format camera when I was shooting film. Again, I know my location choice is not very original, but it was good practice. I love the campus at night--even though there are still many people in night classes, it kind-of feels like I have the place to myself.

Lisa Ling gave the keynote address on Wednesday at the convention. I have always respected her work, so it was a privilege to hear her speak and to meet her. I couldn't bring myself to take a cheesy picture with her, but I didn't mind capturing the scene. Oh, and her speech was very thought-provoking, of course. I'm not sure how many of you are teachers, but if you ever have the opportunity to go to the tech conference, go! It was inspiring and informative; I just wish I could have gone to more of the workshops. And it's always in Austin.

February 8, 2009

After driving over 45 minutes to eat crawfish at our favorite dive, we left in disappointment... The clerk at Repka's told us that because of the drought, crawfish season would be limited this year. Yet another reason to pray for rain...

February 11, 2009

February 25, 2009

It's beginning to feel (and look) like spring--which means I'm spending more time with my hands in the dirt. These pics are from the 15th, following my first plant-buying spree for the season. I'm determined to plant a fruit/vegetable garden in the back lot this year, so I have a great excuse to make regular runs to the garden centers. We bought a couple of three-gallon Meyer lemon trees (AKA Valley lemon in south Texas), and I'm very curious to see how well they will grow. I have wanted some citrus trees for a while, but most of the yard is just too shady. The back lot has northeastern exposure, and it should be a productive spot for my first "major" culinary garden. I've grown herbs, tomatoes, and peppers in the past, but my new garden will be much more diverse... So far, I have planted strawberries, several tomato varieties, and marigolds (a natural pest deterrent); I also have (not planted yet) cucumbers, serrano peppers, and red onions. Some of the other things I want to grow: blueberries, lettuce, green beans, squash, zucchini, limes, and avocados (ambitious, I know). My favorite herbs in order of use are cilantro (so much more flavor when grown at home), various basils, lemon verbena (if everyone would ask for it, the garden centers would eventually start carrying it again...), rosemary, Italian parsley, chives, thyme, catnip, and fennel (for the butterflies). Luckily, my herbs have always faired better than tomatoes in the partial sun, and basil is the only one that is usually too tender to be perennial, but sometimes even it will make it.

Below is a homemade strawberry pot that I made for the leftover plants. Most of them are in the back garden, but I thought these would look cute on the porch until the trees start to leaf. I'll post an update this weekend--it's already grown quite a bit.

Harper has been cooking more lately, which makes me the luckiest wife ever! This past weekend, he made the best gumbo I've ever tasted (It's almost all gone, and it was a huge pot!). The photos show him making open-face chicken enchiladas with green chilies and a fried egg on top. He used the leftover fajita meat that he had grilled a few nights prior, and the eggs are always fresh--of course!