Now that my suitcases are unpacked and I've settled back into the routines at home, I thought I'd share a few more photos from my recent Texas trip. I wish I had also taken some photos of the beautiful crepe myrtle trees that seemed to be everywhere.
After visiting 3 Stitches, I headed down to Kemah on Galveston Bay. The views there were spectacular! Unfortunately, my photos don't do justice to the beauty.
After visiting 3 Stitches, I headed down to Kemah on Galveston Bay. The views there were spectacular! Unfortunately, my photos don't do justice to the beauty.
My friend, Connie, who you saw in the San Antonio class photos "hawking" (her term) her mother's date nut bars, told me about the wonderful oak carvings in nearby Galveston. Galveston is an island off the coast of Texas. It's about 30 miles long and 2-1/2 miles wide.Galveston has survived two very bad hurricanes, those of one in 1900 and then another in 2008. In 1900, Galveston was the fourth largest city in Texas. One-third of the buildings were lost, and over 6000 people died as a result of this hurricane.
In 2008 as Hurricane Ike threatened the area, orders were issued to evacuate. Thousands of residents decided to remain. Out of those who remained, many were rescued, and I think that there were only around 7 deaths. Quite a change from the 1900 hurricane, and also quite amazing when you see photos of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ike.
Galveston is still rebuilding from Ike. Although many buildings have been restored, you can still see lots of damage today.
In addition to the loss and damage to private property, over 40,000 trees were destroyed. One of the residents had the idea to have artists carve sculptures from stumps and standing trunks of destroyed trees. Below are photos I took of some of these unbelievable works. The carvings are too amazing not to share with you. I guess Galvestonians truly know how "to make lemonade, when life gives you lemons".
I have found Texans to be very kind and generous and with such warm hearts. I also love it that you all talk like I do. We know that "you all" is simply the plural of "you", right? Plus no matter how old you are, you still call your father "Daddy". Hmm--that reminds me I need to give Daddy a quick phone call.Thank you to all who made my Texas trip such a memorable one! Hope to see you all again soon!
10 comments:
Thanks for sharing your pictures they are very nice to see. The carvings out of the trees that was distroyed are amazing to see. That person knew what he saw in each piece of stump or what was left of the tree. Glad to see it was put to good use. I do check out your work too. Which I just love as well.
I'm glad you had a great time in Texas. Thanks for those pics -- that is so cool about the tree stumps carvings in Galveston! Smart people down there! I call my father daddy too. :D But I don't say y'all. lol!
Thank you so much for sharing those tree sculptures. They are gorgeous and a exactly as you said in reference to making lemonade out of lemons. Thanks again.
Hi Ellen, what a great trip you had. Love the tree stump carvings in Galveston - how clever and what a great 'green' thing to do.
Hi Ellen: For someone who hasn't been west of Ohio I loved your photos and comments. With all your travels you could write a book of history with pictures. I especially loved the carvings. I think the one with the column was my favorite with the tin man a close second. Thanks for sharing. JoAnn
On behalf of the ladies in Texas, we thank you and Tom for gracing our state with your presence! Come back soon--the puffy tacos (and barbecue) are waiting!
Connie
So glad y'all had a good time! :) We lived in Houston for the last three hurricanes, and they are terrifying. Even up north in The Woodlands where we lived during Ike, we were without power for over two weeks. I love to go down to Kemah and Galveston. Come back soon!
Glad you liked your TX trip. We live in Clute just 40ish miles from Galveston. Have been planning to take the grandsons to see the carvings. I was in a class with Anna and Mary Jones who took your class. I was sorry that I didn't get to San Antonio that weekend. Come back to TX soon.
Wanda
Great photos! Saw your link on the Primitive Quilting group :O).
I am a B.O.I. here on Galveston Island. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon your blog while researching about our many trees that still live through carvings post hurricane IKE. Some of these carvings, I just saw for the first time here through your blog.
The island continues to improve daily post disaster; better than ever!
I hope y'all make it back to the island to see our growth.
Kathy
skinsnkathymarie@gmail.com
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