While community events are in a lull, I thought it might be a good idea to check in with The Paradise Pond to see how the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts are progressing. It looks like the pond is making a nice recover except for the black willow trees.
Nice new sign
The vegetation has returned.
Bird sightings have returned. (Note the sighting of grilled chicken)
Funding for the recovery supplied by the Texas Ornithological Society.
This sign informs about the Saturday Bird Walk which happens each Saturday.
A statement of the recovery plan which concentrates on native plant replacement
Can see the black willows that have died as a result of the salt water.
You can see the lack of tree canopy over the pond. The replacement of the canopy is a priority.
Another shot of the absence of a canopy.
This grackle followed me around, so I decided to make him a portrait.
Hard to see but many new tree plantings.
Native plants returning.
Grasses
A lot of green
I could not help take this shot of Mrs. Woodys auto repair shop on the way back from Paradise Pond. Pink is the new olive drab
Fiction Favorites 
Such a bloody pain your weather. We moan about ours but really we have little idea about real weather. We’re amateurs fortunately. Bit ott that pink. Probably only works where you get blue skies most of the time
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Pink is an island color (as in pink Flamingos or Spoonbills)
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It’s heartwarming to see the recovery. With the devastating fires out west and the flooding in the east, one can lose hope. Port Aransas is a shining example of resiliency. BTW, I love the portrait of the grackle. Have a wonderful day, John.
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Thank you, Gwen. The grackle loved it too.
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Pink is the new olive drab? Whoa!
That grackle stood for the portrait – it must have been his intent for following you!! 🙂
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I think so, GP. He seemed to be having a good time.
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It’s a shame about the Black Willow trees. Someone really likes pink. Good pictures, John. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Yes Mrs. Woody loves pink.
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It’s so nice to see the recovery, John. Thanks for sharing. Boy, you sure can’t miss Mrs. Woodys! Have a peaceful Sunday.
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Thank you, Jill. You as well.
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Ha! I love the pink finale, John. A little humor after the black willow trees. So much has been done, but trees are harder to replace, no doubt. Funny about the gackle following you. Did getting his portrait taken satisfy him? 😀 Hugs on the wing.
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He was very happy. Said something about giving it to his wife for an anniversary present. Go figure.
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Great to see that the recovery is continuing. Also, that is a lot of pink there.
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It is a lot of pink. Thanks, Charles.
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Is Mrs. Woody’s auto repair related to Woody’s Sports Center, by any chance? It’s sad to see the trees. but that salt water is a killer. The only time it’s good is when a flood sends the water hyacinth down the bayous and channels; when it meets that salt water, the good times are over.
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Not sure, Linda. I know it used to be called Woody’s Auto Repair then Woody died and Mrs. Woody took over. Salt water is very inhospitable to fresh water plants. Thanks for the comments.
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Crazy, the effects salt water has on vegetation. Heartening to see regrowth. Mother nature is a force, isn’t she? Destroying one no it’s, rwbirthing the next.
That is some pink!!
Thanks for the walk!
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Thank yu, Dale. It is some pink for sure.
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It is great to see that the pond is recovering. I so miss going out on the boardwalk to watch the birds.
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Thanks, Greg.
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I love that someone spotted grilled chicken. It’s so sad to see the Black Willow trees bare and lifeless, but nature isn’t one a schedule, something will be back in their place.
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I’m certain of that, Dan
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Happy to see the recovery. Love all the pics especially the beautiful bird and the pink trees:) Gives hope to everyone things come back.
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So true, Denise. Thanks
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John,
A wonderfully pieced visual arrangement of a small town’s beating heart, as per usual my friend. You are such the Renaissance man- from writing to photography to playing Bogie- which is one of the many reasons I love ya.
Peace and Sundays
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Thanks, Marc. Don’t foget killer chef.
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I ain’t forget any particulars as far as your skill set goes. I knows them. Well.
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You are da best.
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Slowly but surely, it is coming back. Thanks for sharing, John.
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So true, Jan. Thank you.
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Hi John! I’m happy to see the recovery in progress. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing! 😊
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Thank you, Vashti.
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Too bad you didn’t catch up with that chicken. Is this where the alligator used to live?
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No that is a different preserve. She still lives there.
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Grilled chicken *snort*. That pink really reaches out and grabs you.
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I know on the chicken. Sometimes people have the best humor.
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Love that pink! Looks like the recovery is coming along pretty well. Why does the pond need a canopy?
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To keep the water cool for the beasties that live in it. The sun here in Texas could boil water sometimes.
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Ah, I see. Thanks for explaining.
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🙂
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I love your planked walkways, and oh, how I wish I was there for the birding!
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The whole reason the pond exists. Thanks, Deborah.
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It is so sad about the trees around the pond, John, as trees don’t grow overnight. It will take a while for the shade to return. It’s good to see how quickly some of the other vegetation is returning. The grackle obviously wanted his portrait taken. LOL. The pink palm trees are fabulous, especially since pink is my favorite color. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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I had a great Thanksgiving, Michelle. I hope you did as well. 😀
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Thanks, John. It was wonderful!
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Excellent.
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