I was organizing my old photos and came across this.  A fun memory from Houston, TX.  I had a hummingbird feeder out in the backyard hoping to catch pictures of some of those amazingly fast little flyers.  Along comes a bold little chameleon.  (Okay, Anole, really.  But, they are sometimes called American Chameleons).  The humming bird returned and didn’t know what to do.  He flew all around, looking at the little lizard, assessing the danger.  Eventually, he seemed to determine that the lizard wasn’t much of a threat and took a drink before leaving.

It’s the middle of February in Houston, and the wildflowers are already in full bloom.  The bees are so busy they don’t even notice you getting in close for a portrait.  This bee looks like he’s just reporting to work in the morning and indeed they were working hard.

Watch out wandering in the tall grasses and flowers though.  There are ant mounds down under there.  They were not happy at all with me stomping around.  Ah well… It was worth it.

In downtown Houston, there are areas with great old trees forming archways over the roads and walkways.  It’s a great place for a morning jog or just a stroll.

This photo and other photos of Houston are available at www.BriansArt.com

Wandering around downtown Houston, there are some rounded buildings covered in windows. On a clear day, they are sky blue with a reflection of the neighboring buildings.  Note: They don’t really like you taking pictures of their business so just stay in public areas where you’re allowed to take as many pictures as you like.

This photo and more photographic prints are on www.BriansArt.com

Recent fires in Texas have destroyed more than 1000 homes. This is a home in a nearby town of Magnolia.

There were nearby homes that were spared.  Driving by, we had to imagine what it would have been like come back after the evacuation to find nothing but ashes and rubble where the living room used to be. 

Moving slowly through the Texas Renaissance Festival, was this woman.  She was carrying a staff and giving evil stares to all passers by.  Happy Halloween all!

The Texas Renaissance Festival is one of the biggest Ren. Faires.  (This IS Texas, after all).  It attracts all types.  The girl on the left is sporting a little chainmail top, a cowboy hat and a tail!  The woman walking near her has an ankle length medieval dress.  Her little fairy daughter clings to mom and wonders how that woman got a tail.  What a crazy place to people watch. 

The 2011 Summer is bringing record heat and record drought to Houston.  The beautiful evergreens in The Woodlands are often a glowing orange-brown in the searing sunlight.

Another serene place.  (Maybe I needed a break).  South of downtown Houston stands St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.  Built in 1929, it is designated as an icon of the city by the Houston Chronicle.

The Houston Garden Center can have beautiful displays of roses. But, when they’re not looking great, the Japanese style pavilion is a relaxing colorful place to visit.