Texas Railroad Tracks

I took this outside of Mission somewhat near highway 83. Near the tracks was that big underground ant colony from a few photos ago.

Ants near railroad tracks

A colony of ants by some railroad tracks. They didn’t have an above ground mound like other fire ants in the area and were definitely much bigger.

I was at the local WalMart a few days ago to get some toys for my nephew when I saw this.

G.I. Joe figure in disguise

You just gotta love WalMart. A little re-tape and it’s good to go!

Unless, of course, Hasbro did this on purpose. It does say “intelligence officer” on the box.

Dark ocean-blue clouds rolled in this week. It’s wonderful to finally have the temperature drop below 90.

Dark Blue Rain Clouds

A few clouds moving in before the big storms hit.

Moving Clouds

So there I was, minding my business at the local HEB (that’s a big Texas supermarket chain for you folks up North) when I saw this in the canned meat isle.

Sweet Sue's Canned Whole Chicken

Sweet Sue’s Canned Whole Chicken.

Seriously? There’s a need?

A close up of some entwined trees from a recent visit to Mexico.

Entwined Trees

A photo I took around sunset outside my in-laws’ home.

McAllen skies

I’ve always had my suspicions Texas sees the Rio Grande Valley as the ugly red headed step child of the family. It’s the little things. Like a federal checkpoint an hour away from the valley outside Falfurrias Texas. And mandatory USDA permits for taking fruit out of the valley area.

No, really!

These signs are everywhere in the valley, and this one was posted at a local Staples.

Citrus permit sign

Content follows…..
—————————-

If you are leaving the Rio Grande Valley and intend to take citrus fruit with you,or if you are shipping citrus fruit out of the Rio Grande Valley, you must obtain a USDA permit.

There is no charge for the permit.

Call or come by for instructions on how to obtain a permit.

USDA – APHIS – PPQ
4909 East Grimes Ste 103
Harlingen TX
956 421 4041

USDA – APHIS – PPQ
Federal Building
320 N. Main Street Room 119
956 686 3631

Texas Department of Agriculture
900-B East Exp 83
San Juan Texas 78589
956 787 8866

Finally got a few days of rain. It broke up the 105 °F / 40.6 °C days and felt wonderful while it lasted. Here’s what I saw when walking outside in a break in the storm.

Storm clouds with rainbow

Another version…

Storm Clouds with rainbow 02

Some rolling in…

Gathering storm clouds

Last one…

Gathering storm clouds 02