Views of the Neighborhood – Looking for Blooms

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood looking for anything blooming. It is still a little early for the crape myrtles to be fully out, but maybe we can catch a glimpse of some early bloomers. We are being catered by Salt Lick BBQ of Driftwood, TX. Our entertainment is The Turtles.

Menu

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

Let’s start with a rainbow that signaled some welcome rain.

A large magnolia in bloom.

A Mexican butterfly weed.

White crape myrtle just starting.

Pink crape myrtle also just beginning.

Red roses.

A lighter shade of red rose.

Pink roses.

Russian sage.

Purple salvia.

Vitex is in bloom.

Lantana.

Another white crape myrtle.

A fabulous Vitex.

A fountain with water surrounded by vincas.

That is the tour this week. So let’s have some food and listen to the music.

 

 

69 comments

  1. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    Great pictures, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. For some reason your comment came through as “someone” but your gravatar is still there.

      Like

  2. GP's avatar

    A great trip for this Sunday, John. And thanks for the prime rib, center cut, x-tra rare!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are welcome GP. Thanks for coming along.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Darlene's avatar

    Gorgeous blooms, I especially love the magnolias. And The Turtles, now that takes me back!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The Turtles took me back as well Darlene. Thanks. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  4. shoreacres's avatar

    Coincidentally, I noticed crape myrtles in full bloom for the first time this week. Our Vitex is doing its thing, too. Crape Myrtle happens to be the Texas state shrub: a little ironic, since it’s not native. Eventually, the legislature appointed purple sage the official state native shrub, and everyone was satisfied, if not happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We have purple sage that is just beginning to bloom. Not enough for a photo though. Thanks, Linda.😊

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Pretty flowers. Don’t see roses around here often. Not sure why.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hmm. Could be the influence of the ocean. We could never grow roses on the coast either.

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Makes sense. Too much salt?

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Gorgeous, John! I just bought a purple salvia last week, hopefully mine will grow that big. The hummingbirds love it. Thanks for the tour! Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Salvia and hummers were made for each other. Thank you for the wish and hope yours is the same. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Your neighborhood has some beautiful blooms going. As soon as I saw The Turtles, I knew what song they were going to play.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, I chose it for the upbeat nature. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Upbeat does pair well with flowers.

        Like

  8. Jennie's avatar

    I think the only flower on your neighborhood tour that grows in New England is salvia. Thanks for a visual feast of something different.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Always a pleasure, Jeannie, 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I thought you guys would be farther along on the bloom season. You seem to be there with Boise this year. My kids thought The Turtles would prefer catering from a pizza place.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, I think they would prefer pizza. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Dan's avatar

    Tis the season. Love this time of year. Are your Catalpas in bloom yet? Thanks for the tour,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Not even sure we have catalpas here. They usually grow along the coast where conditions are more moist. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks, Dan

      Like

  11. Priscilla Bettis's avatar

    I LOVE magnolia blooms! They’re big and aromatic.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love them too. I have one in my yard but not as developed as the one in the photo. Mine is blooming its heart out now.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL! I love that name of the BBQ restaurant! The menu looks yummy, and the blooms beautiful! I love the crepe Myrtles and the purple sage.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Our myrtles are slow this year for some reason.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. circadianreflections's avatar

        Slow is good as they’re still showy! 💜

        Like

  13. noelleg44's avatar

    Love the purple salvia! It doesn’t do particularly well here, but crepe myrtles are ubiquitous – we call them crappy myrtles. Moved ours (provided by the construction company) to the backyard and planted a white dogwood.
    Ribs and the Turtles, a great combo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. White dogwoods are beautiful.

      Like

  14. srbottch's avatar

    Wow, baby ribs and bread pudding for me. Live the blue skies and the Turtles song. We’re they miming? 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Of course they were lip syncing. They did that a lot on the TV shows since most groups had studio bands behind them and it was expensive to have the bands attend a TV show. Things did progress to having the background score recorded and the performers live. The Turtles were a little too early for that.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Such a beautiful time of the year! Our area is blooming as well, and the butterflies keep me in awe. Enjoy the day, John. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I hope you enjoy yours as well.

      Like

  16. Dan Antion's avatar

    Looking good around there, John. The crape myrtles are really nice. That’s something we don’t see. I’m sold on that prime rib.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Dan. The prime rib is supposed to be good. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

    Beautiful blooms! I’m always sorry the magnolias don’t last longer…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. I still have some blooms but know they won’t last long. Thanks, Becky

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Pit's avatar

    A very beautiful neighbourhood, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pit.

      Like

  19. TanGental's avatar

    some delightful splashes of colour, but mostly, right now I’m jealous of your rain…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We still need more.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Marcia Meara's avatar

    An absolutely beautiful walk today, John! Saw lots of flowers I love and at least one I’m not familiar with (vitex?). Was really impressed with the beautiful roses.

    Thanks so much for sharing. I always feel good after a stroll through your neighborhood! 😀 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marcia. We feel good having yu with us for the stroll. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Marcia Meara's avatar

        😊😊😊

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Dale's avatar

    I was in a rib mood, so great choice of eats!
    Your spring is blooming in a lovely manner, John.
    Hope you had a wonderful Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. super Sunday. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Perfect! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  22. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Great pictures, John. It’s good to see so many blooms. Good music, too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Tim. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  23. dustedshades09's avatar

    You’re neighborhood is very beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing the pictures. 😍

    Like

  24. Teri Polen's avatar

    Glad you got some rain. We have two crepe myrtles at the side of the house, but one didn’t survive the winter. You sure have some colorful ones in your neighborhood.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. They need a couple of weeks to really get colorful.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Debbie's avatar

    How I miss my crepe myrtles … and magnolia! Ah, well, at least I get to enjoy them here — thanks, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m feeling pretty blessed that I am surrounded with Magnolias and crepes Thank you, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Sorryless's avatar

    When it starts with a rainbow, you know it’s going to be a keeper. And this tour just got better and better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I always love a good rainbow. Thanks, Pilgrim

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Great stuff, as per.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. dgkaye's avatar

    Thanks for the beautiful bloomin’ tour John. Loved the rainbow – and the bbq chicken. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad you liked it, Debby

      Liked by 1 person

  28. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    It’s wonderful to see those blue skies and all the flowers coming up in the neighborhood, John. Thanks for brightening my morning!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad you enjoyed it, Diana. Makes it the right thing to do.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Princeca Diaries's avatar

    Beautiful pictures. I just love nature

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for coming along on the tour. I’m glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person