GALVESTON

I awoke this morning to the sounds of beach birds. My window is wide open to the scented sea air. The rattan blinds gently rocking in the sweetest of breezes. I am sitting in a big comfy bed, with my letterless laptop propped on a cushion on my knees. Bliss. 

Yesterday I spent a perfectly lovely day surrounded in the loud enriching sounds of smiling welcoming Houston children. My workshop went off without a hitch and as I told the bright and funny young people  who had elected to spend their lunchtime with me – I was sad when we had to end our workshop.

We left the bright and busy environment and drove out to Galveston turned right and proceeded down the beachfront until we found Amanda’s family beach house.

It was busy driving all the way.

But crossing that bridge brought us into another world. There is a different feel to the streets – an old fashioned blowsy kind of feeling.

Galveston is a barrier island  on the Texas Gulf Coast.  Long and thin and picked at  by the flowing diving currents. The sun was setting ahead of us as we drove the length of the island to our destination.  And the Atlantic Ocean that fills the Gulf, and that  Gulf Stream that flows through just beneath the surface, was choppy and chilled – her sea eyes slapping and narrowing at us as we drove along the sea wall.

The first thing I need to do when I settle anywhere is get my bearings. The faces in a North/West direction.  I have been peering out the window but I cannot see the sea from here (best not to live right on the beach in this hurricane ravaged coast). Though I have not been onto the beach yet the shore line seems to run East and West.  This gives me a slightly odd feeling being used to an East facing Coast or a West Coast beach.  I have a feeling I would have been able to see the sunrise too, probably over my shoulder,  if there had been one. But it seems I brought my clouds with me.

Later last night we went out to dinner and as we walked we passed galleries and bright clothing shops, the people were planted sprawling and unhurried in their chairs on the sidewalk, weedy and casual. When we went out to dinner it was loud and festive and a delight.  (I had giant shrimp on grits and it was divine – I have never had grits before – the word GRITs does not sound inviting – but the dish is not gritty at all). They tell me there is a New Orleans feel here but I have never been to New Orleans so I cannot compare. However, there is definitely a different air here – different from anywhere else I have visited in the vast United States.

Everywhere I have visited so far this year I have brought clouds. It seems it is no different this time either. Until I set foot on this island there was a sunny weekend forecast. The irony! It is warm though and this dull light makes for good colour saturation in photographs.

I will be out walking on that beach just as soon as I can get myself ready. Before that Illinois rain catches up with me.  I have been warned about watching out for rattlesnakes so I will take my Aussie Snake Stick with me.

I hope you have a lovely day. I will have a lovely day of exploration.

More tomorrow.

Love celi

 

WEATHER in Galveston TX

Saturday 03/03 10% / 0 in
Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 71F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday Night 03/03 20% / 0 in
Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph.

WEATHER on the farm

Saturday 03/03 0% / 0 in
Sunny. High 49F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night 03/03 0% / 0 in
Clear skies. Low 27F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.