American White Pelicans White Over in East Texas — Photo Gallery by kenne
Lakes, marshes, salt bays. In breeding season mostly inland, nesting on isolated islands in lakes and feeding on shallow lakes, rivers, marshes. Feeding areas may be miles from nesting sites. Also breeds locally on coastal islands. Flocks in migration stop on lakes, rivers. Winters mainly along coast, on shallow, protected bays and estuaries, also on large lakes in warm climates. Source: audubon.org
Guthrie Kennard at Ken & Mary’s Blues Project (October 15, 2013) — Image by kenne
In October of 2013, we were visiting family and friends in the Houston area. The timing was great since we could attend one of Ken & Mary’s Blues Projects in Porter, Texas. The headliners for this event were Guthrie Kennard and Julie Bonk. I just learned that Dallas singer-songwriter Guthrie has cancer and is undergoing radiation. However, it hasn’t stopped him; he’s out on the road doing shows. Guthrie, may the force be with you.
Mike Durbin Talking To Blues Friends (Ken & Mary’s Blues Project, May 2017) — Photo-Artistry by kenne
The Blues Project
They called it a project, a Blues Project, but really, it was a party — a party for family and friends to share happy times, talk about living life, and a love for good old blues music.
Once this party began there would be no stopping it, even when forced undercover of rain, friends laugh and talk about déjà vu the evening had become.
Just sitting on the front porch doing that front porch thing telling stories now embellished by all the good times dancing and singing the night away in the woods off Old Houston Road.
The Blues Project may be over so listen, the night will lead you to the music, the stories told, and smile one more time for each house concert was just a rehearsal for what our tomorrow’s will bring.
— kenne
Kenneth Harris shares the story of how Ken & Mary’s Blues Project came about. (May 20, 2017)
Growing up, I recall an old-timer Who was poor, but knew the truth The difference between right and wrong Telling me to take whatever comes, Moving on down the river Like a drifting boat — Drift on my friend, drift on.
Panels in Kenneth Harris’s Fence, Porter, Texas — Images by kenne
(Click on any image to see in a slideshow format.)
Currently, Ken’s fence has 31 panels and growing. I took photos of eight before the music started at Ken and Mary’s Blues Project, May 20, 2017, in Porter, Texas. His fence has got to be one of the most creative fences in Texas. Great work, Ken!
“Said the cunning spider to the fly, “Dear friend, what shall I do, To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you? I have within my pantry good store of all that’s nice; I’m sure you’re very welcome; will you please to take a slice?” “O no, no,” said the little fly, “kind sir, that cannot be; I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see.”
Ken & Mary’s Blues Project — The Last Waltz
Computer Art by kenne
Down the east Texas road, there is rain in the wind as the musicians’ setup for an evening of the blues with friends gathering the last time at Ken and Mary’s Blues Project,
the best house concert ever.
In recent years we’ve missed some of the concerts in
the woods having moved
to the desert southwest, then last February, we received word of the “Last Waltz” for the Blues Project — plans were made immediately.
With Coleman cooler,
yard chairs and
cameras in tow we walked over old
bottle caps toward the Blues Project stage, to be greeted with hugs and kisses — Welcome!
Mary announced the food
was ready, and Ken shared some
background on the beginning
of what became the Blues Project.
Not long after the music began, lighting lit up the darkening clouds with thunder adding to
the magical evening.
Other than an occasional drop or two, the music played on until, as if the plug was pulled, the dark sky began to fall. A rain delay was called as the tarps were brought out to covered the equipment.
Using our smartphones we could see radar showing the rain would be lasting for an hour or more. As has happened in the past, the musicians gathered inside to continue an evening of music.
Most of those who remained were inside or on outside porches, knowing the best of the evening was yet to come — jamming the night away on a hot, humid night in the piney woods of east Texas.
It may be the last waltz
for the Blues Project
but that doesn’t mean
the party is over,
the music still plays on
and on, and on — may
we stay forever young.
We’ve got to go, but our friends will stick around.
East Texas Sunset — Photo-Artistry by kenne
“Wine for Two” — Photo-Artistry by kenne
East Texas Southern Magnolia — Image by kenne
Spider In Its Web — Image by kenne
Ken & Mary’s Blues Project — The Last Waltz
