What To Plant In Texas In April

1. Cantaloupes, 2. Collards, 3. Corn, 4. Cucumber, 5. Cushaw (and Pumpkins) 6. Eggplant, 7. Melons (honeydew), 8. Lima Beans, 9. Luffa, 10. Malabar Spinach, 11. Okra, 12. Peppers, 13. Pumpkin., 14. Snapbeans (19), 15. Southern Peas, 16. Summer Squash, 17. Sweet Potatoes, 18. Swiss Chard, 19. Tomato* 20. Watermelon

*On tomatoes plant transplants (too late to plant from seed)

These are all plants which are great for planting in April here in Texas.  I've been learning all about the best time to plant different plants from a book called Month-to-Month Gardening in Texas.  I wish I had gotten this book years ago...it's teaching me so much about Texas gardening that I really was absolutely clueless on!  I knew Texas had two growing seasons but I really didn't understand when the seasons started or ended.  It turns out I trying to grow nearly everything at the wrong time!  I'm going to try to share tips from the book each month (but there's so much info, I couldn't even begin to share it all).   They also share what else you need to do each month (when to fertilize, aerate your soil, tackle weeds, etc.). 

But, if you just want info on what veggies and herbs to plant each month, you can also get that information online here.  That's a good resource for  other states too.

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I found the photos for my mosaic on Flickr, and the photographers were nice enough to offer up for use through Creative Commons (click on the links to see the photos larger).  Yes, the Sountern Peas (ie cowpeas) in that picture are blighted (that was just a hard one to find, so I took what I could get.)

I'm linking up at the gardening linkies at Living More, Spending Less and Ramblings of a Christian Mom.  Also linking up at Mosaic Monday.

So, I heard Texas got snow...

So...this happened...

That picture (and the humor) was from a friend of mine in Houston...not from me, cause as you know if you read my last post, I'm not in Texas anymore.

And NOW it decides to snow.

You remember around 2008 - 2011 or so Texas got some pretty good snow? (And, for any northerners dropping by,  by "pretty good"  I mean enough snow to scrape a snowman off your yard if you try really, really hard).  

Well, you may not but my kids sure do...and EVERY SINGLE YEAR SINCE any time the temperature would drop, they would look to the sky for white stuff, and get mad when none would come.  

So now I'm in a place with mountains in short driving distance...but even the mountains aren't getting snow (least not any that sticks long enough for us to get there.)  Meanwhile, TEXAS is having tons of it (and by tons, I mean...ah, well, um....SOME).   It's like the state is blowing snowy zerberts at us!

Seriously, though I can't complain...it's like 75 degrees here.  

Enjoy the snow ya'll!

In the Shape of Texas

Ah...Texas pride.  It leads to Texas shaped everything.  Found a couple more examples of this at our local HEB...

A texas griddle

And texas cast iron skillets!

Ah man...

This is Texas

Texas Christmas Gifts - On Sale

Check out this fun Texas Christmas Collection (you can see just a little bit of it below) by various Zazzle artists.  On Cyber Monday use coupon code CYBERMONRTRN for  70% off cards and invitations, 50% off gift tags and labels, 40% off ornaments, and 20% off stockings! 

Railroad Commissioner Websites Are Comedy Gold

I've been researching republican primary candidates, and oh my word, reading Railroad Commissioner candidates' websites is comedy gold...

Take Doug Jeffrey's website...one whole paragraph and a link to his facebook page is the whole thing. No mentions of issues...just a bio with this gem to convince us he has experience in the oil industry (which is what Railroad Commissioner regulates...that and gas, but ironically, not railroads):

"Doug has continued his family's tradition of raising cattle and has active investments in the oil and gas industry." 

Like, "I invest in oil companies" is the closest thing he has to experience...all grouped in there in a sentence about his cattle experience, like that's just as relevant.  Nice.

 Or try this one by John Greytok (who's site overall isn't too bad...at least it has some content, this quote not withstanding)....

"...in 1994, outraged over the arrogance of the Clinton White House, Greytok filed suit against Bill Clinton in a Texas federal district court." 

And that was ALL it said about that. So, was the suit about... Clinton's arrogance? I mean really, cause he didn't  say WHY he sued him, other than that. I can just picture that day in the courtroom...as John Greytok stands in front of the court and in a booming voice says, "I file this suit over the egregiously pompous arrogance perpetrated by President Clinton."


Ron Hale does talk about issues a little...but someone please get this man a copy-editor.  He has a whole line of "bullet points" all formatted like this....

Conservative Principles I plan to regulate on the basis of traditional values, limited state and federal government involvement, individual liberty, and free market principles.

Wow, that's new...this is the first Republican I've heard of that wants to regulate conservative principals. Seriously Hale, advice from a former English major...you need a dash or a colon or some bolding or something in there. Really, pay some college student $20 to edit your site...it's worth it).*

 *Yeah, yeah, I know I'm going to be creamed for that cause I probably have a few errors in this myself. Granted, I'm not expecting anyone to vote for me though.

So, who did I decide on?  Someone who doesn't have a website at all (at least not one I can find)...which usually would be a pretty swift knock against him, but nearly every article on the race I could find seemed to be endorsing him, and their reasoning seemed sound.  The Dallas News, The Eagle, Corpus Christy Caller Times and Waco Tribune all endorse the geologist and current commission employee Lance Christian (not to be confused with Wayne Christian, also running, who seemed to get some pretty hearty UN-endorsements).   The Texas Tribune also had a very detailed and mostly positive article about Lance, though it wasn't an official endorsement.  And the Houston Chronicle suggests a vote for EITHER Lance Christian OR John Greytok. 

Below are some quotes from those endorsements...

For Lance Christian

Of all the candidates, Lance Christian not only is the most knowledgeable about the commission, but wants to use that knowledge to help industry thrive responsibly. He's a geologist working for the commission — not just a geologist but one versed in hydrology. His science background and his knowledge of the inner workings of the agency would be uncommon assets to the commission. He knows better than the others which rules work and which don't.-Corpus Christy Caller Times

Unlike many of the politicians in this race, he keeps a focus on the straight and narrow duties of the commission: preserving the safety of Texans and our environment, and fostering the oil and gas industry. But maybe he doesn't go for the political pot-shots because Christian can actually talk about the policy and science that consumes most of the day-to-day duties of the commission.
- Houston Chronicle

 [Lance Christian is] likely to bring a measured, reasoned voice to difficult discussions about energy and environmental concerns. For example, Christian cited a need to review regulations to help the embattled oil and gas industry, including revamping a bond structure to allow small operators greater financial flexibility in plugging dormant wells. He also said the commission needs to carefully address harmful environmental emissions without hurting a struggling industry. This is a reasonable, balanced approach.
- Dallas News

For the record, the only candidate who stood out of the Texas Railroad Commission wannabes assembled...was Lance Christian, a low-key, 44-year-old geologist who works for the commission. He talked about things like horizontal drilling, injection wells and protecting groundwater. In short, he knew what he was talking about and didn’t feel the need to proclaim himself pro-Israel or pro-gun. 
- Waco Tribune

 For John Greytok

Greytok has legal expertise. With a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Greytok has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the state of Texas and as a briefing attorney to the chief justice of the Third Court of Appeals in Austin. He understands the legal aspects of the commission's rulemaking and is also endorsed by former Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.
- Houston Chronical

Anyways, also along the way I found some seemingly non-biased sources for info.  This article lists quotes from a candidate forum (which unfortunately I couldn't find the full transcript for.).   While the Dallas Morning News itself isn't un-biased, their voter's guide seems to consist of verbatim answers to questions from the candidates, so offers a good overview without their own slant to it.     There was also a Q&A session I found, but  Lance Christian wasn't included (he came into the race late, so maybe that's why).

Texifornia Quote of the Day

Around October you will become very tired of summer and wish it would go away.  Then one morning you will awaken and it will be 40 [degrees] outside.  All the leaves will have departed the trees overnight and will be sitting in the yard, demanding to be raked. 

~ Helen Bryant, from Fixin' to Be Texan

Some Texas Printables

A sample free sample coloring page from the Deadly Insects & Arachnids Coloring Book by Dover Publishing--FIRE ANTS.  *Shiver*

Also on the Dover sampler I found this Texas Wordsearch from the All About States Wordsearch Books.

Sale at the Texifornia Souvenir Shop

Through August 6th use coupon code STUDYINSTYLE for up to 50% OFF the following items with my photos and designs...

An InLinkz Link-up

Supermarket State Pride - This is Texas

I've mentioned before how I find Texas stuff EVERYWHERE!  Our local supermarket is full of it.  

Any other place, I'd have to go online to find state shaped cookie cutter (unless I just happen to live down the street from a souvenir shop).  And yeah, you can find cookie cutters online for any state, but try this...go to Google shopping and search for cookie cutters for any state.  By the end of the first page, you run out of things that have anything to do with that state, most likely.  NOT TEXAS...those cookie cutters go on for pages.

They've got landmark cookie cutters too...

I forgot missions were a thing in Texas too.  I remember making models of California missions in 4th grade.  That and Sutter's Mill was pretty much the extent of our California history lessons.  Here in Texas they learn the State Flag, State Bird, State Mammal, etc. have yearly celebrations of Texas Independence (Texas Round-up Day), learn about all the famous people who founded Texas, and that's just in elementary school.  There's a whole class just on Texas History in middle school (I've subbed those several times).  

Anyways, those were things I found recently...here's some that were hanging out in draft form since last June (oops).  

And On the Candy Aisle

Linking up today at My World Tuesday

Join us tomorrow for...

 

Texas/California Giveaways

Of Texan/California Interest (but open to anyone)...

(1/9) BOOK: State of Treason (What if Texas did secede?)

(1/24)  Santa Barbara Bars

(1/27) $25 Texas Roadhouse GC

(1/29) Del Taco Giftcard (I've HEARD that Del Taco is now in TX too)

(2/6) See's Candies (oh MAN how I miss these)


Local Texas Giveaways

(1/16)  2 Tickets to The Marvel Experience (Dallas, TX)

(1/17) Wonder Lab Session (Austin, TX)

Local California Giveaways

(1/24) Los Angelos Travel and Adventure Show  (Los Angelos, CA)

And Now Texas has Earthquakes...

Alright already, first there was snow in Southern Cal, and now there's earthquakes in Texas?  Of course, it was only a few little quakes...all under 3.0.  That would hardly be an event in California, but people out here are more used to blowing than shaking (meanwhile in California, they are crying "tornado" over a dust devil.)

But anyways, back to the quakes...guess theres's been a few of them now up in Irving, TX (yeah, there's an Irving in California too...so I have to specify, this is the one near Dallas).  And funny, in the various news reports I've seen, I haven't once seen this...

www.dropcoverholdon.org

Yeah, that's what you're supposed to do during an earthquake, just so you know.  Not that the little quakes in TX have been all that deadly, but still, I'm surprised, since there's been several of them now, not to see any safety warnings (sort of standard fair.).  Cause actually, if there ever was a larger earthquake in Texas it would be more deadly than one in California, since the buildings out here are build for tornadoes, not quakes.  DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE.  You do NOT want to be standing next to a brick building in a quake.  Or parking under an underpass, for that matter.  Or sitting under your Aunt's collections of heavy glass figurines.

But hopefully no one here in Texas will ever really need that info.  Cause while there's a lot in California I miss, I'm happy to let Cali  keep her earthquakes, thank you very much.

New Postcard! (And 50% off ALL Postcards TODAY)

All postcards at my Zazzle Shop are 50% off TODAY with coupon code POSTCARDDEAL. And, I have a two new postcard designs to share--one with the Waco Suspension Bridge and Texas Longhorn Sculpture, and another of the cowboy sculpture (both part of the "Branding the Brazos" series by Robert Summers).  This coupon above good at my other Zazzle shops too.

Waco Suspension Bridge by Texifornia

Mockingbird Chick

About a month ago I went out to water my potted plants, and as I went to get the hose this grey bird started going CRAZY chirping and ruffling it's feathers and doing everything it could to get my attention.  It even swooped at me.  "Hmm...I thought.  Must be a nest nearby.  Good mama"

But as it turns out, it wasn't the nest she was concerned about.  When I went to water my flowers I almost watered this little guy...

"How on earth did he get there?" I thought.  These planters weren't under any trees, or anywhere else there might be a nest.  I wondered what I should do...but in the meantime brought my children out to take a look.

"Do you see the baby bird?  Don't get too close.  You don't want to scare it.   Just look...don't touch."

Afterwards I went online to identify it's mom, and see what I should do.   Our mother and baby were  Mockingbirds--the Texas State Bird.   I can't believe I've lived here all this time and never knew what our state bird looked like.  I've seen these birds all around but just never tried to find out what they were.  I didn't get a good picture of the mom, but here's one from Wikimedia Commons...

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

Photo by DickDaniels - http://carolinabirds.org

Not only is this bird the Texas State Bird, it's also the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee  (and used to be the state bird of South Carolina).  On Florida's site about this bird I learn this...

  When the chicks are about 12 days old, they will venture from the nest and hop around on the ground or in low shrubs. During this transitional period (after leaving the nest and before they can fly), the young birds are still in the care of the parents, who feed them up to five times per hour. If found hopping around on the ground, they should be placed low in a tree or in a shrub and left alone. The parents will continue to care for them for several days until they learn to forage for themselves.
- The Florida Gardener

My mom, who always kept birdfeeders out and full, once commented on this bird.  "I used to like those birds," she said, "...until I saw how they bullied the other birds.  They chase away any other birds that come around."  I wish I could have shared with her what I learned (she passed away last summer).  She would have loved seeing the baby bird we found, and I think knowing that these birds acted the way they did to protect their fledglings would have warmed her heart towards them.  She was fierce like that as a mother too.

Throwback Thursday

Dear Texas Drivers,

Thanks to Bill Abbot for use of the picture above. 

OK, Texans (well, some of you...you'll know who you are)...I want to share with you about a useful communication tool in your car.  It's called a BLINKER.   You use it to let other people know that you are turning into their lane  (really, that's what it's for).  When you see someone using their blinker, you are supposed to slow down to let that car into your lane.   If ya'll can't manage that, at least have the courtesy to maintain your speed in stead of speeding up to block the person from getting in.

Cause Texans, I know you all pride yourself in your Southern hospitality.  And honestly, it's true--ya'll are nice people, by and large.  That is, until you get into the car, and then all that hospitality gets thrown out the window.

Really, California has you beat on that.  And it's not just my own idealized memory.   My friend and her husband from New England were telling me about how they noticed that on their last trip to California:  "When people there put on their blinkers, they do it well ahead of when they are going to merge, and everyone, universally, just slows down to let them in."  My friend thought it was so polite.

And politeness is a good thing, right?  If we rewarded people by letting them in when they use their blinker, maybe more people would use them, and we'd have safer, friendlier roads.  Wouldn't that be great?

So, Texans, DRIVE FRIENDLY and PLEASE use your blinker or at least be nicer to those who do.  Thanks.

Sincerely,
A Texifornia Girl

(OK, rant finished).

Garden Bloom Day: A Natural Beauty

They're back!  Those beautiful wild pink evening primroses have come up again!   

They even manage to make my messy yard look beautiful.

I can take no credit for planting or cultivating these lovelies.
They were a gift from nature and come up faithfully every year.
I just be careful to mow around them.

See more lovelies at
Garden Bloom Day and Wildflower Wednesday

Giveaways 4 Texifornians

The following giveaways have California and/or Texas appeal, for my Californian and Texan readers!  Lots of local stuff.  These are usually low entry too.

(2/28) Lishy Lou and Lucky Too Tickets (Los Angelos, CA)

(3/1) $50 Gift Card to California Delicious Online Store

(3/3)  $100 GC to House of Blues Restauarant (CA & TX Locations:  Anaheim, Los Angelos, San Diego, CA;  Dallas, Houston TX)

(3/21) Easter Extravaganza Tickets (Irving, CA)

Oh, and I found a blog with a whole section just for California Giveaways Here.  Cool huh?  You might want to buzz over there to see if there's any new CA giveaways I missed.

Giveaway 4 Texifornians

The following giveaways have California and/or Texas appeal:

(2/8) Knotts Berry Farm Tickets (in Southern California)

(2/11) Harlem Globe Trotter Tickets (Anaheim, CA)

(2/12) 4 Tickets to Gala of the Royal Horses (in Austin, TX)

Oh, and I found a blog with a whole section just for California Giveaways Here.  Cool huh?

Texas Giveaways

A few giveaways  with Texas flair!

Pollyanna Theater Tickets (12/10) - Austin, TX

Various Items including Ad Space on the Texas Blog (12/10)

Massage Envy Giveaway (12/23) - DFW

Massage Envy Giveaway (12/29) - DFW


Full Disclosure:  some of these giveaways I get extra entries for sharing

Have a Massage for Charity (Houston)

On September 18 Houston area Massage Envy Spas will donate $10 for every one hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation.   Now THAT'S the way to donate!  I wish I lived closer to Houston.

To help promote this event, Money Saving Parent is holding a giveaway for a Deep Tissue or Sweedish massage at a  Houston Massage Envy.  Giveaway ends 9/17.

Texas and California Giveaways

Ad Space on California and Texas Blogs, among others (2/28) - In Dallas, TX

Ad Space on a Texas Blog, and a Gift Card (2/28)

Texas Themed Starbucks Gift Card (3/1)

Family Pack Tickets to Laurie Berkner Band Concert (3/2) - In Dallas, TX

Ticket to Dallas Foam Fest/Mud Run (3/3) - In Dallas, TX

2 Books and Texas Souvenirs (3/4)

2 Tickets to Dinosaurs Unearthed at the Witte Museum (3/8) San Antonio, TX

4 Tickets to Escape From Planet Earth (3/8) - DFW, TX

4 packs of tickets to Scarborough Renaissance Festival and a Gift Card to Ol South Restaurant (3/8)  - Waxahachie and Fort Worth, TX

4 Tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba (3/10) - Houston, TX

If you know of another Texas or California giveaway, please let me know.