An Evening at North Star Acres, Dunnellon FL

We spent the evening with Roberta Cogswell on her beautiful farm located in the countryside of Levy County.  It was peaceful, quiet and awesome terrain and animals, all of whom are more pets than working animals.  Although, Roberta does use her horses for trail adventures through the Goethe State Forest that adjoins her property.  It was truly a awesome experience.

I don't know what kind of rooster this is but he is the most beautiful guy I've seen (and his cock-a-doodle-do is equally charming).

This is the young Llama who was actually born here on the farm.  His parents are on-site and Larry (Dad) and I actually took a walk together.

and this is Jack who kept a pretty close eye on us when we first arrived; he also has a partner named Jill--get it?  Jack and Jill.

just another sunset

The sunsets in Louisiana aren't real shabby either!

South Texas Botanical Gardens

This is the "Gator Pond" at the gardens.  We didn't see any wildlife except for a few ducks and occasionally an egret.  Most of the area is pretty typical Texas with lots of grasses, scrub trees, and cacti.

 There is a house of orchids and many of them are in bloom.  This one caught my eye--like a Lady Slipper in green velvet.

 And my fav:  a bed of poppies and larkspur--so colorful and pretty.  It reminds me of the wildflower field on the Nature Trail at Hilton Head Island.

 Pete and I were talking about the birds in this aviary and this little guy just popped his head out of the nest as though to say, "Who's there?"

Another of my favorites were the little wild crocus that were plentiful in the gardens.

Goats and Lambs and Chickens and Pigs and Cows, Oh My!

 I think this goat looks like a hound dog.  He is real sweet and would love to have nibbled at my shirt except for that pesky muzzle.

                                                           

                                                 In this case, the tail says it all.

     

    We have our lambs leashed and ready for a stroll around the park.  Check out the cool haircuts

  This is my chicken and she loves me.

              I'll take you for a walk so you won't be nervous prior to your time on stage.

Ah - a shopping bag within reach.  He was happily chewing away and Pete took it away from him.  Meany. 

Edinburg, Texas

When we headed for the Municipal Park in Edinburg, our plan was to visit the birding center, but we saw the crowds gathering in another area of the park and decided to check out the FFA and 4H Clubs of Hidalgo County Livestock Show.  We thoroughly enjoyed watching the young people groom their animals and even leash them and walk them through the park--just as we walk Winston. 

have you hugged your bull today?

Edinburg, Texas

One place we had not yet visited is Edinburg, Texas, so off we went to see what we could find.  We enjoyed walking through the Municipal Park where the wetlands are located and saw many, many waterfowl.