SouthernBlend at Louie's Backyard, SPI, South Padre Island

 

After seeing J. Michael Laferty at Tequila Sunset and seeing the band, SouthernBlend, come in to set up, I searched for SouthernBlend on Facebook and went to see them the next night at Skully's, where I connected with some dedicated SouthernBlend followers who invited me to come see them a few nights later at Louie's Backyard. It was really nice to sit and watch the sunset with such amazing live music. 

I also learned about a wonderful resource - the ultimate guide to finding music anywere on SPI - https://spimusicguide.com/  On any given day, you can click here to find out who's playing where on a given day, and usually the next day as well. Also found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/780389062094747

J. Michael Laferty at Tequila Sunset

Several times, I have walked by the musical hotspots, like Tequila Sunset, that line the Laguna Madre Bay without ever checking them out. Today, I heard the music playing and decided to wander in and check things out. 

J. Michael Lafferty was playing and singing some really good country music, so I stayed to listen until his gig was over. He played so much good ol' stuff - - even providing some stories and backgrounds of some of the music, like the story of how Kris Kristofferson was discovered by Johnny Cash. 

He also sang several of his original songs that were just as good as those old classics. And he makes his original music available for free! https://jmlaferty.com/

I tried out the mango ceviche, which was really good!

At the end of the gig, an SPI band called Southern Blend was coming in to set up. They play a "blend" of classic oldies, country classics, and a little modern. I can't wait to check them out as well. 

I will definitely be going back to Tequila Sunset. 

Sabal Palm Sanctuary

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to go to Sabal Palm Sanctuary for the first time in a long time. It is a favorite hiking place for me.

The pathways are so inviting . . .

. . . and picturesque!

Bird melodies play in the background . . .

and resacas along the Rio Grande have bird blinds to get a closer look.

Sabal Palm Sanctuary, I will be back.

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park is a great place to walk in the cool, crisp "winter" air.

 

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park 2024

 

First of the new year trip to Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen, 

and I was not disappointed. 

From the delicate and beautiful egrets,

vibrant cardinals . . .

and mourning doves . . .

To the wild and rugged javelinas

Always a nice excursion!

My New Musical Friend

I bought this little ukulele about three weeks ago, and I can't get over how it has changed my life. I wanted to learn something musical and I thought this would be perfect to take along when I'm on the road. 

I have had a wonderful time getting to know the instrument and learning songs. I have found that there is little room for negative thinking the last few weeks. Anytime I feel a little down about something, I just pick up my friend and strum away the stress. 

I took my "friend" to the beach one day and felt like I was in a 60's beach movie. The combination of beach and ukulele is like a match made in heaven!

 

A Drive Along South Padre Island

 

I went to the beach and, for the first time, drove in at the northernmost entrance. Then, completely unplanned, I decided to just keep driving to see how far I could go before the driving conditions got bad and I would have to turn around. I ended up driving 15 miles! Even then, I wouldn't have had to turn around, but it was getting to where the fishers and beachgoers were getting to be out of view, and I sure didn't want to get caught up there where even AAA probably does not go. But if was such a lovely drive! I saw so many heron and pelicans along the way. 

Beautiful dunes . . .

Not much to see here, thank goodness! Lol...

When I got back to town, I walked around Jim's Pier for a while. It was so peaceful to watch, with just a little music from Laguna Bob's drifting over the way.

All around, a very special and enjoyable day!