Thursday, March 21, 2013

'Home' in Houston

Yesterday we left the hospital, but we have not yet left Houston. My folks live 9 1/2 hours away in Amarillo, and sitting for that long is not yet an option. Understandably, my dad feels like he has been hit by a Mack truck, and has been resting most of the time since his discharge. I don't think anyone gets much rest in a hospital!

We are staying in Faith House 2. I encourage you to click on the linked name and read about it. What an incredible ministry this is, and a wonderful blessing to be staying here! I happen to be sitting with my back to that window in the upper right corner of the building, the muffled sounds of birds outside and washers and dryers inside providing pleasant white noise.

The bird I've spotted most often here is a new one for me, the white-winged dove. They sound similar to the Eurasian collared-dove that has moved into our area. I took this photo this morning while on a walk about the neighborhood. There are many big, lovely homes near Faith House – some with even bigger, lovelier trees!
Since childhood I've loved 'sightseeing' in nice residential areas, taking in all the different architectural and landscaping styles. It's always interesting to see how things vary from region to region. You see much more brick in Texas than you do in NW Oregon, and we don't have these amazing live oak trees. Of course, we have other amazing trees....

Tomorrow I may get my first look at the Gulf Coast; we'll see!

11 comments:

Country Girl said...

Oh, what a beautiful dove. I can see the blue around its eyes. And those houses. Wow! As I read, I wished I could walk that far. I have to get something done for these darn knees of mine.

Mama Pea said...

Doesn't that gorgeous tree in the last photo just absolutely MAKE the house? Up here in northern Minnesota, the largest city in our area has lots of brick homes, too. Most of them were built in the early 1900s by timber barons.

Prayers that your dad gains strength with each day.

Florida Farm Girl said...

Brick houses are so common down here it makes me appreciate any other kind of house. And, we take the gulf so for granted. I forget that there are folks who have never seen it! Hope your Dad is doing well and continues to do so.

Mary Ann said...

I take it your dad is doing better? I have friends who have either been treated at MD Anderson, or their family members have... so I know he got superb care. I'm so very glad!

Tombstone Livestock said...

Beautiful houses and landscaping, those brick houses are for when the hurricanes and tornados decide to huff and puff, harder to blow down brick houses (if they are built right). Take care, hope your dad is up to the trip home soon.

Theresa said...

So glad to hear your Dad is out and resting and hopefully, getting more comfortable each day. The Gulf coast around Houston may not be the prettiest, too bad you can't head down to Corpus Christie....Lovely area, beautiful houses and I haven't seen one of those handsome doves since leaving Texas 14 years ago (Bryan-College Station).

Unknown said...

If you feel like getting yourself and dad out for a bit, you ought to come see us and sit under an oak tree! We're down in Pledger at the north end of Matagorda county. Give us a call on the farm number at (979) 217-1673!

Michelle said...

What a nice invitation, Andrea! Unfortunately, we are not straying from Faith House today, unless MD Anderson (finally) calls us back and says to come back. My dad "sprang a leak" from one of his incisions in the night, and we're trying to keep things dry....

Suzan said...

You seem to be in a very nice area. Looks like the azaleas are already in full bloom and everything is so green. Sorry to hear that you Dad has sprang a leak! hope that they are able to fix it and he continues to improve!
GOD Bless!

Vicki Boster said...

Michelle- I'm sorry your father has been unwell-- I know that brings a lot of worry to your life. Certainly we all send prayers for his recovery.

Thank you for your visits and comments. I appreciate you so very much-/
Vicki

A :-) said...

It looks beautiful there - I'm glad things are going well :-)