Catching up.

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As we wait for some excitement to show up, I can share a few pictures from recent travels.

A couple of weeks ago, I returned to the Hill Country. I planned to visit as many art galleries as I could find and place my photos with them on consignment wherever possible. I hauled a trunk load of prints with me. It was a rough trip. The economy in this tourist Mecca is not good. Art dealers were as eager to receive new art as to enjoy a comprehensive audit by IRS. So, the trip turned out to be more work and less benefit than I hoped. I take it as a positive sign I was not actually physically ejected from very many galleries.

Undaunted, I managed to get a few photos of interesting architecture during my travels and can share a few of them here.

The "Good Art" Gallery is a neat place with some fine painting, sculpture and photography. I recommend it for your shopping needs in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Dooley's five & 10 cent store is a Fredericksburg landmark. When you visit, the staff speaks fluent German, upon request, or so I have heard. I guess they do it because they can.

Gingerbread homes and ornate buildings abound here. It is hard to resist smiling at them. They seem to be refugees from a Thomas Kincaid painting...

The two-day trip wore me out! Who could imagine a measly 48 hours of uninterrupted rejection becoming so tiring? Not I. Well, I do now.

I think I shall return to travel and photography primarily as a joyous hobby, at least for present. Should any readers want to purchase prints shown on these pages, I will be happy to provide them. All pictures are available on paper or canvas, suitable for framing. Prices vary with size and materials. I think they are very reasonable.

You are welcome to email me at hank.burden@gmail.com with interests, questions or requests.

Next topic: EASTER

Easter landed on me with all four grandchildren last Sunday. I have pictures to prove it. I usually do not take pictures at these events. I think it can get in the way of enjoying the people and other activities. This time, I made an exception. During the half-day celebration at my daughter's home, there seemed plenty of time and cuteness to go around.

The little guy over there (right) is William. He is almost 5 years old (wow) and bright as a new penny. I was lucky to get this shot during the few milliseconds he was still. I missed about a dozen times, capturing blurs more often than not.  The angelic expression requires high-speed photography.

< - Sophia! She just turned three and is in the princess phase of her life. She might remain there well past forty, I fear. I have never met a sweeter child, but I do not envy her father in coming decades. She has "Pip" written all over her: a grandfather's delight and the cause of much potential sleeplessness for parents in nine more years. I see nailed-shut windows in her future.

The handsome lad [right] is August. It is hard to believe he is only two-ish. He is chatty and adventurous. He is kind and affectionate. Like all my grandchildren, he has a taste for chocolate, particularly Hershey's Kisses. Naturally, I give him all he wants. Heh, heh.

The newest addition to the Easter parade is Joshua. He is a happy, peaceful child who devotes much of his time to eating, sleeping, and smiling at those funny-looking people around him and well, you know. (It is the diaper thing.) We all love him very much and are eager to discover who he might become in coming years. I am optimistic for all of them.


I know, I know. This is not what any of us expect in an adventure blog. Still, it is amazing to have the future of my line run to me and leap into my arms or into my lap [Oof! - Ghaaa!] when we meet.



They give me hope that the world might be a better place one day.

This is a typical collection of spoils from the Easter egg hunt. The warm light seemed to highlight the spirit of the occasion.

Sophia and August are exuberant co-conspirators.










Next time, I promise to do something outdoorsy, hopefully not involving violence to my remaining body parts.

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