Rambling aimlessly down the trail, I notice the night dew still clings to the soil and makes the plants glisten. In the east, the sun breaks like a yolk on the horizon and it seems all of creation is suddenly awake.  A happy sort of clamor fills the air. Squirrels chatter and chase each other through the boughs. Birds raise their voices in promise—to fly together, to breed, nourish, sing. Trees are festooned with glossy leaves under long lance rays; each breath holds the fragrance of new flowers…. Read More →

One of the cool things about science is that it allows us to solve mysteries. Much of what we know about nature and how it works is based on science. In earlier days, however, our relationship with nature was based more on folklore and stories passed down by elders. My grandmother, for example, fervently believed crop success in her garden depended on planting during the proper phase of the moon. Thanks to science, we understand the process better today.  The character of Texas is largely chronicled in legend… Read More →

Like many Americans, Texans often travel great distances in search of fun experiences, overlooking opportunities in their own backyard. Gonzales is a Texas town like no other. About 50 miles South of Bastrop on State Highway 304, it’s a truly enchanted place, a living legend, a jewel in the crown of Texas independence. Gonzales is a trove of colorful history, heroes and fascinating stories. Your first stop needs to be the Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, located in the old Gonzales County jail. Here you will find… Read More →

Want to get away? Looking for winter warmth and a change of scenery? In Texas, all you have to do is head due south for 5 ½ hours. Yes, it’s a long drive but, unlike Maryland or Rhode Island, when it’s over you’ll still be in Texas! On the Mexican border, Falcon State Park is located between Nuevo Laredo and Hidalgo, Texas on the Rio Grande. While it is definitely a temperate climate, be careful what you wish for.  When we visited in February 2017 the temperature reached… Read More →

Confusion is a human condition. Whether it be setting the alarm on a modern oven, dealing with foreign call centers or understanding Stephen Hawking’s theories, we are easily muddled. Take, for example, the Mexican national bird.  The Crested Caracara, often referred to as the “Mexican Eagle,” is in fact thought to be the bird depicted on the original national emblem and flag of Mexico.  The modern Mexican emblem and flag show a Golden Eagle.  So what gives? The confusion turns on an old Aztec legend. According to the… Read More →