Spring in Van Zandt County, Texas

Canton, Countryscape, Edgewood, Fruitvale, Grand Saline, Heritage Park, Nature, Redland, Spring, Travel, Upper East Texas, Wills Point

Spring sightings from various places in Van Zandt County, Texas – March/April 2016

Pear blossom and contented cows – Edgewood, Tx

A bird perching on a blossoming sassafras tree – Edgewood, Tx

Red bud trees by the railway – Fruitvale, Tx

Grand Saline Library – Grand Saline, Tx

Peach blossoms at a Peach Farm and Old Fashioned Ice Cream – Hwy 19, Edgewood, Tx

Hickenbach Texas a.k.a Jones Junction – US 80 & TX 19, Edgewood, Tx

Scott Cabin at the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas – Edgewood, Tx

A field of purple and gold by Side Pea Farm – Canton, Tx

Blooming azaleas – Canton, Tx

Canton Lake – Canton, Tx

Picnic Area on Hwy 64 – Canton, Tx

Indian Paintbrush and Crimson Clover on Hwy 64 – Redland, Tx

Crimson Clover – Redland, Tx

Indian paintbrush across the Tawakoni Spillway – Wills Point, Tx

Tawakoni Spillway Levee – Wills Point, Tx

Roses by the 1848 Will’s Cabin – Wills Point, Tx

The Best Kept Secret of East Texas

Beyond, Historic Parkway, Nature, Photography, Spring, Travel, Upper East Texas

Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden

Around 1954, over 1,000 acres of land near Gladewater, Texas, was transformed by the land lady, Mrs. Helen Lee, into a secret garden. Out of her love to the land, she converted what used to be a gravel pits into a daffodil retreat with a 5-acre lake and a 3-acre pond, called Lake Josephine – named after her mother. It took an entire boxcar load of daffodil bulbs from Holland and about 40 workers to make this daffodil garden. It is considered the best kept secret in East Texas. A replica of pioneer style log cabin was added to the site in 1954 overlooking Lake Josephine as a quiet place to enjoy the beauty of the land and its wildlife. Following her passing in 1984, at her request, the park has been opened to the public in spring.

Learn more about the park at http://www.daffodilgarden.com/daffodils_home.htm

Lake Josephine and Log Cabin Site

Photographs © Ine Burke | inegaleri.com

Spring Sightings

Edgewood, Photography, Spring

Red buds and plum trees are blossoming, jonquils blooming at their peak. Evergreen palm leaves and turtle basking under the evening sun. End of February in East Texas.

Explore by Van Zandt Newspapers

Edgewood, My Graphic Work, MySpread, Spring

My photo is recently used as the cover for the annual publication of Van Zandt Newspapers, Explore 2015/2016. It’s a complimentary publication dedicated to Van Zandt County, Texas, and the surrounding area, its history, communities, businesses, and activities.

Photograph © Ine Burke | inegaleri.com

Curves of Leaves – Magnolia

Edgewood, Fine art photography, Nature, Photography, Spring, Still

Magnolia

Curves of Leaves – Canna Lily

Edgewood, Fine art photography, Nature, Photography, Spring, Still

Backlit Canna lily leaves:

Canna lily triptych 1:

Canna lily triptych 2:

The Bomars’ Climbing Rose

Edgewood, Historic Parkway, Nature, Photography, Spring

April 2015

This is a photo essay about a pine-tree-climbing rose, grown and loved by The Bomar family, in Edgewood, Tx. It becomes quite a landmark when in blooms. The road where it grows by is a part of The Old Dallas-Shreveport Historic Parkway in Van Zandt County (near the Barren Ridge historical marker). The photos were taken in early spring (April 2015). Click on the first photo and follow the ‘next/previous arrow’ to read the story in sequence.

This is a photo essay about a climbing rose and the garden where it grows, in Edgewood, Texas.

On a property along this road, which happens to be the Old Dallas – Shreveport Historic Parkway, a climbing rose and a pine tree grow together.

It was a serene April morning after a stormy night. Everything looked fresh and green.

The clouds were still thick with a chance for another storm.

This tree, which seems to be a white flowering tree, is actually a pine tree covered with the blooms of a climbing rose.

The rose bush is at least 76 years old. It was a birthday gift from a husband to his beloved wife when she gave birth to their daughter, 76 years ago.

The rose bush grew in Dallas. When the daughter and her family decided to move to Edgewood in the 1980’s, they brought along the bush. It was re-planted in the corner of the fence line by a small pine tree.

The rose and the pine tree grow together ever since.

When the roses are in bloom, it becomes quite a landmark along this country road.

Pine cones and roses

Strands of rose stems hanging down the tree.

Branches of roses diving down the tree form a curtain of roses.

The blooms up close.

Rose petals caught by pine needles

The fallen rose petals scattered on the ground

A view from inside the garden.

The owner’s fondness of white is reflected throughout the garden.

Bushes and branches of trees offer nice cool shades.

One of the birdhouses in the nooks of the garden. This place is, without a doubt, a bird sanctuary.

A Japanese maple tree sits quietly in a corner with fern on its foot.

Almost hidden from the eyesight, a birdhouse sat at the end of the fence.

The same birdhouse was spotlighted by a drop of golden sun.

Magnolia Blossom

Edgewood, Fine art photography, Nature, Photography, Spring

Magnolia is an ancient genus. It is named after a French botanist, Pierre Magnol. Source: Wikipedia.

Heritage Park Museum Annual Banquet 2015

Edgewood, Heritage Park, Memorial, Photography, Spring

May 11th, 2015

The 38th Annual Banquet of the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas was held on May 11th, 2015, in Edgewood Civic Center, Edgewood, Texas. It was a big success with 85 in attendance and several new members joining. Many of the members contributed to the great evening beginning with the thirty minute mixer preceding the brief meeting which was followed by a great catered meal by the Lumber Yard Café. Among the highlights was the continuous video presented by Suzy Heckman and the sing-a-long led by the talented Carl Hall. Also, the silent auction was outstanding and covered all the banquet expenses. The live “Pie and Cake” auction closed the night with cheers and laughter. Thanks to everyone who contributed a helping hand. ~ from the Heritage Park update, May 2015.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The museum’s website: http://edgewoodheritagepark.org/

Photographs @ 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com

The Praying Citizens

Canton, Historic Site, Main Street City Texas, Memorial, Photography, Spring

May 7th, 2015.

The citizens of Van Zandt County, Texas, gathered and prayed together today to observe the National Day of Prayer 2015 at the historic Van Zandt County Courthouse, in Canton, Texas.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Blue Bonnet Trails in Ennis, Texas

Countryscape, Ennis, Nature, Photography, Spring

“Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and was designated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club.” Read more at their official website: http://www.visitennis.org/bluebonnet.htm

These photos were taken on April 20th, 2015, on the way to and along the trails.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Goode Garden

Edgewood, Historic Site, Nature, Photography, Spring

This is a photo essay of a garden and a house that has been capturing my eyes since I moved to Edgewood. I finally get to know the owners and have a chance to be there and see it, up close and personal. It’s the Goode’s Garden.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The House

Located in the old downtown Edgewood, Texas, this house is known as “Bennett Joseph Carter” Home, built in 1912, adapting Queen Anne-style. In 2010, it received the Official Historical Medallion from the State of Texas. It is still in great living condition, owned, lived, and loved by the Goode family.

Texas Historical Marker

Wraparound porch with shiplap siding

Wraparound porch supported by doric columns

The ironwork on the gate

The 1912 house

The house has hipped roof with projecting dormer and gable

Follow the Orange Brick Road

There is an open space between the main house and the garage. Almost all year round, that open space is filled with burst of vibrant colors from flowers and there’s a glimpse of brown rocks. I’ve been watching and admiring it for years.

Being there in person, the warm brick walkways will guide one’s vision and way throughout the garden, to the flower beds in front and around the house. Just follow the orange brick road.

The backyard is airy and spacious, yet still a lot of things to enjoy. A swing. Yellow irises, by the vegetable garden. Heirloom rose bush grows against the back fence. Pea blossoms. An outhouse. The azalea by the house.

Heirloom rose

The sound of birds singing and fighting fill the air. The red-breasted robins catching their dinner. The deafening sound of the train passing by.

The side porch provides the premier seats to enjoy the water-feature garden. Hibiscus. Roses. Dianthus. Viola. Pansies. Azalea. African daisy. Irises and many more. Bees and butterflies. The sound of water fountain.

Finally, there it is. The part of the garden that I have been wanting to see.

Fourth Week of Spring – Wildflowers of Texas

Countryscape, Edgewood, Nature, Photography, Spring

Second Week of Spring – Iris & Wisteria

Countryscape, Edgewood, Nature, Photography, Spring

Still in the second week of spring, irises decorates the ground, road side, and highway’s median. Wisterias climb up the fence and wire, and form walls or even tower of purple (and some white) along the road. They are fragrant, too. ~ See all my spring coverage at https://inegaleri.com/category/spring/

Second week of Spring – Native Tree Blossoms

Countryscape, Edgewood, Nature, Photography, Spring

Not as punchy as red bud blossoms, but these white – with slight pink shade- blossoms from the native trees are not less attractive.

Sassafras tree with its lime-yellow blossoms looks so light and airy.

Young leaves on the tree and weeds catching light in an early windy evening.

Second Week of Spring – Red Bud Blossoms

Countryscape, Edgewood, Nature, Photography, Spring

Native red bud blossoms appearing from among limbs and branches in surrounding woods. They get bolder and bolder each day. The yellowish sprouting tree leaves and big blue sky only add contrast to the pink-magenta blossoms. ~ Edgewood, Texas

The Beginning of Spring

Countryscape, Edgewood, Nature, Photography, Spring

Daffodils and jonquils have passed the relay baton to fruit trees and ground cover. Pear, plum, and peach trees are blossoming, along with the red buds. Patches of white, yellow, and purple flowers of the wild ground cover catch the dew in a foggy morning. New young cones of the pines reflect the yellow sun rays. Bees are buzzing high and low. So is the lawn mower. Welcome, spring!

Nacogdoches Azalea Trail

Festivals, Historic Parkway, Nature, Spring, Texas

We are not too far from having these indulgence all over again. Spring is just around the corner. It’s peeking and waiting patiently for this wintry weather to pass. Soon the spring blossoms will take over. Daffodils have already started it. Azalea and dogwood will follow soon. This is Nacogdoches azalea trail which claims to be the largest azalea garden in Texas. La Nana Creek is the dividing line between the Stephen F. Austin Mast Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize azalea garden where these photographs were taken last year. See them for yourself!

Azalea Trail 1

Azalea Trail 2

Link: http://www.azaleas.visitnacogdoches.org/

Grand Saline Salt Festival 2013

Festivals, Grand Saline, Photography, Rodeo, Spring, Upper East Texas

Grand Saline Arena

First night rodeo

Texas Barbeque cook off

Salt Festival Queen

Photographs © Ine Burke / inegaleri.com 2013

The 82nd Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion 2013

Athens, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas

June 1st, 2013 – Athens, Texas

The state’s longest running contest was held at the square of old downtown Athens, Texas, on the last day of May and first day of June, this year.

I don’t know enough about fiddlers and fiddling, but I can feel the old Texas atmosphere around the square by listening to the tunes played and sung.

The tunes date back older than the reunion itself, I heard.

Young and seniors fiddled in harmony. Ladies played bingo. Spouse guarded the instruments. Toddler watched in the shade of a big ol’ oak tree.

The youth, 18 years and under, practiced, waited, watched, competed.

Concession booths stood by.

Apple Blossom. Brilliancy.

The spectators swayed.

Kids played puddle. Teens wandered around.

Grand Saline Rodeo 2012

Grand Saline, Photography, Rodeo, Spring, Way of Life

In line with annual Grand Saline Salt Festival, Grand Saline Open Rodeo was held on June 8th & 9th this year. And here’s the pictures from the arena on the first night.

Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion 2012

Athens, Black and White, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

“East Texas was noted for fiddlers from the time of Sam Houston and Dave Crockett. Every house raising, log rolling, quilting bee and corn husking was followed by a night of dancing, the square, waltz and the schottische till dawn. Fiddlers were in demand and plentiful. Every young swain had to learn to play for the popularity and a small amount of cash.” – Excerpted from Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion’s website.

The 81st edition of Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion was held on May 25th, 2012. It took place all day at Henderson County Courthouse yard in downtown Athens. A fairground was also set up across the courthouse.

Ms. Pearl Cantrell, playing her ukulele, accompanied by daughter, Malia Cantrell, from Seven Points, Tx. Ms. Pearl Cantrell has brought Hawaiian music programs as a visiting instructor to Kemp Primary students two years in a row.

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 01

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 02

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 03

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 24

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 25

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 04

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 05

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 06

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 07

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 08

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 09

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 10

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 11

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 12

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 13

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 14

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 15

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 16

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 17

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 18

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 19

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 20

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 22

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 23

Panorama

Countryscape, Photography, Spring

Each of these panorama pictures consist of at least three shots taken with Leica M9 that were stitched together to make one panorama photo.

This year hay were baled early and they are abundant | Emory, Tx

-0-

Salt flat behind Morton Salt Mine, Grand Saline

A friend of ours who works for the county and has been working on reconstructing the road by our farm told us about salt flat near the salt mine, so here it is

Grand Saline, Tx

-0-

Crooked Creek Vineyards, Edgewood

A vineyard right by the Crooked Creek in Edgewood looks pretty after being manicured | Edgewood, Tx

-0-

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival, Edgewood & Canton

The participants of Balloon Festival were getting ready for the balloon glows | Tailwind Airpark, Edgewood, near Canton, Tx

-0-

Salt flat behind Morton Salt Mine, Grand Saline

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival, Edgewood & Canton

Crooked Creek Vineyards, Edgewood

Hay bales, Emory

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival

Canton, Edgewood, Festivals, Photography, Skyscape, Spring, Upper East Texas

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival was held last weekend (May 19th, 2012) at Tailwind Airpark in Canton, Texas. About a dozen hot-air balloons participated and specked the sky over Canton with colorful bubbles early Saturday, and also Sunday, morning. Airplane flying demonstrations entertained the crowds during the day until it’s time for balloon glows near sunset. Everybody seemed to have tons of fun in this event. The sight of giant glowing bubbles and the sound of hot air being blown into the balloons, plus children screaming of excitement, left me with happy feeling. I am looking forward to next year’s Van Zandt County Balloon Festival!

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-1

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-2

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-3

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-34

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-4

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-5

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-6

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-7

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-19

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-20

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-21

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-22

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-23

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-8

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-9

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-10

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-25

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-26

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-27

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-28

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-29

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-30

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-12

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-11

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-31

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-13

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-14

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-33

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012B-32

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-17

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-15

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-16

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-18

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-19

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-20

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-21

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-22

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-23

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-24

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-25

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-26

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-27

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-28

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-29

Balloon Fest | 20 May 2012-30

Tailwind Airpark wesbsite click here.

Rains County Fair 2009

Emory, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Way of Life

Rains County is one of the smallest counties (in population) in Texas. It is known as the Eagle Capital of Texas. The county holds several festivals every year, from Eagle Fest in February, Rains County Founders Day Festival in May, Rains County Fair and Classic Car Show mid September, and Christmas on the Square in December. The city of Emory, “Land between the Lakes” -Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni that is- is where all these festivals being held. These are the pictures from the old-fashioned county fair in September 2009, featuring parade, pageant, and classic car show, around the old downtown of Emory, Texas.

Car Show in front of Majestic Movie Theater

Wills Point Bluebird Festival

Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas, Way of Life, Wills Point

Wills Point Bluebirds Festival, an annual event, held on Historical Brick Street of downtown Wills Point, Texas. This year, it was held on April 14th 2012 with some activities occurred couple of days before the street event. Wills Point was founded in 1873 and named after its first American settler, William Wills. The city was declared as the Bluebird Capital of Texas in 1995 after the Annual Audobon bird count reported that this city hosted more bluebirds than any other area in Texas for 11 years in a row.

Majestic Movie Theater, opened in 1926, is family operated and still running.

This is the link to Wills Point Blue Bird Festival’s website.

Highway 80 Sale

Black and White, Edgewood, Fall, Photography, Spring, Texas, Trading, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

Each year, on the 3rd weekend in April and October, a sale along US Highway 80 is being held. The historic US Highway 80 stretches from Savannah, Georgia, to San Diego, California. The sale, however, is a three-state-event, starts from Mesquite, Texas, through Louisiana, and ends in Jackson, Mississippi. Antiques, flea-market items, plants, ‘this-and-that’ are among the sale items. This is one of the sale spots called Redhaw Creek Trade Days, at the crossroad of Highway 19 and 80.