Spring Break - 2012

Today is the last day of Spring Break - a week long holiday to enable students to enjoy the onset of spring. Having lived in US for the past four odd years this is the first time I participated in the break like a typical American student. Yes! I went on a short three day trip to the beach side holiday island resort of Galveston, TX. Before going to Galveston, we stopped at Houston and visited the Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. This post is about Sheldon Lake, the first stop in our spring break tour.

Sheldon Lake is probably the only state park in Texas that has no entry fees. The park ranger was surprised to see me flash my State Parks Pass and thanked me for supporting them by buying the same. We took the map and went around to explore the park. This is mostly being used as an environmental learning center for high school and college students. There are several small ponds built in a row with walking trails to provide access to each one of them. Two are open to public for fishing and no license or fee is to be paid if you are going to catch and release the fish.

There are several other attractions at the state park one can walk the .5 mile pond loop trail that meanders around all the small research ponds. There are other places along the way worthy of visiting such as the Fishing Deck, Floating Deck, Bridge, Pond Center, Heron Plaza, etc. There is an interesting sub trail known as the Bent Pine Trail about which I will be posting soon. For now enjoy the pictures of Sheldon Park.

The Pond Loop Trail

One of the pond/ Aquatic Labs

One of the Fishing Ponds

A Baby Chemeleon

Summer Burns Texas

It is almost a week since I returned to the US and I feel as if I am melting in the triple digit temperatures of Texas. The day I returned it seemed as if Gods had taken pity and cooled it down with a small shower. Then the sun came back with vengeance and it has been in the 100s ever since.

Today the sun burned a steady 104 degrees F making it feel more like 114. This is not the hottest day... if the weatherman is to be believed tomorrow the mercury is going to rise to 107 with partly cloudy forecast. Clouds don't mean rain but more heat because heat gets trapped underneath the clouds and above the earth's surface making it searing hot.

If there is one season I don't like it is searing hot summers in Texas. I can take icy cold when temperature dips to a negative 5 or 10, but when mercury rises to triple digit heat that is when I get extremely uncomfortable. When it gets cold I can cover up with more and more layers but in the heat there is only that many layers I can shed.

I just hope that summer passes off soon giving way to the nice two months of the year, i.e. fall.

Summer burns through Texas

This year we kinda lucked out with the arrival the severe summer heat that Texas is associated with. Summer arrived late but with a vengeance... after a few weeks of bearable heat, yesterday heat wave topped 100 deg F. In fact it was 103 yesterday and as I drove back home strong gusts of searing hot winds blew through the car. I felt as if I was driving through a forest fire of the magnitude of the one that is currently raging in Arizona.

Weather.com, the leading website that provides information about local weather in most of the first world nations always mentions temperature as actual temperature and what it feels like. I am pretty sure yesterday it would have said 102 degree and feels like 109 degree.

Texas sprawling landscapes offer numerous outdoor recreation activities but during the peak summer months and winter months these facilities are bereft of people. Simply because the weather is too hostile for anyone to get out of the comforts of their air-conditioned homes.

I have been planning to go swimming since the past one month but the heat has confined me indoors. Hopefully I will break loose and go one of these days...

A Working Summer

For students in the US summer break is not a time to enjoy holidays. Rather everyone does something productive such as taking up a job, volunteering, enrolling for summer classes, traveling to another country, etc. This trend is catching up in upcoming economies such as India but it is not enough to sustain the large population of youth in that country.

Coming back to what I am doing. This is one period of the year when I get unbroken time to work and pick up overtime hours. Overtime pays (1½ times) and when there is opportunity to earn overtime it is the best thing to do. Moreover with summer heat melting the muscle and vaporizing blood it is better to remain indoors in the comfort of the air-conditioning.

I hope I can blog occasionally....

Summer is here :)

It is that time of the year again... 100 degree days and sunshine upto 9.00 pm. It is a good time to go out and enjoy but at the same time the heat is so prohibitive it keeps us indoors most of the day. Anyway this is my finals week and then I will be working lots of hours during the next month... for now it is sitting in front of the computer and studying and during my break I create graphics like the one below.

Summer is almost here...

If there is something I particularly don't like about Texas, it is the 100 degree summer days. The days are getting warmer and more sunny showing a clear sign of oncoming summer. It's going to be 90 on Saturday and I am definitely not pleased. I'd rather have an ice day with sub zero temperature than a 100 degree sultry afternoon. There is precious little anyone can do about these super hot days but complain, fret and live on. That is precisely what I am going to do also. Just go on with life... the only difference being I'd be going around in thinner clothes and will be visiting the park more often to bicycle, walk and run hopefully.

Beautify your Trucks this summer!!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of RealTruck.Com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love trucks, though I am yet to own one. I have noticed that trucks, like motorcycles are enjoyed more during summer. Probably because people here love to spend more time outdoors during the sunny summer months. This is also the time when the trucks and cars start getting makeovers. Enthusiastic truck owners work on their trucks and enhance both the beauty as well as power of the vehicle. New paint jobs are commissioned, different truck accessories such as mufflers, lights, racks, etc are installed.

Showrooms and online stores refurbish their inventory of parts and accessories which will enable enthusiastic owners to customize their vehicles. Whether one owns one of the most popular pickups and cars from American manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, etc or imported cars such as Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, or Toyota; they all make a beeline to online parts and accessories stores to get their preferred items to dress up, modify or upgrade their loved set of wheels.

Some people prefer to modify their vehicles under the hood and work on enhancing the engine performance, maybe install new exhaust systems and get the preferred sound. Others prefer to make their cars look better by installing custom front bumpers, grilles, hood, side windows, truck rack, truck beds, tailgates, seats, etc.

In this jungle of automobile accessories there are few top brands that enthusiasts look for. Brands such as Access, Weathertech, Westin, TruXedo and others are more popular than others.

The best incentive of online shopping is always the cheaper price. Stores such as RealTruck.com provide a low price guarantee.

Enjoy an Italian Weekend right here in the US

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to travel whenever I get the opportunity: spring break, summer vacations, winter holidays, long weekends and any other time I have a few days on hand. One of my most favorite holiday hotspots within continental America is Branson, Missouri. Why do I love visiting Branson? The answer is pretty simple this is one location that offers something for every member of the family. This is one place that probably offers the largest number of live shows, concerts, and theater entertainment options. Some people call it the Live Music Capital of the world.

When we go to Branson the hotel of choice is of course either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. I recently came to know that the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is putting together this wonderful Italian Food Festival the last weekend of February. Titled Italian Culinary Weekend this event is scheduled to be staged from Friday, February 26 2010 through Saturday, February 27, 2010. Friday’s inaugural reception will feature antipasto and hors d’oeuvres paired with tongue tickling Italian wines. The most entertaining/ interesting part of the event is going to be on Saturday when participants will get an opportunity to try their hands at cooking their favorite Italian food.

Hilton is offering several wonderful packages starting from $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two. This is something that is not to be missed, especially since the package includes a five-course dinner and a goodie bag on Saturday. The only catch however is to make reservations before February 23, 2010.
Time is of essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity. Go ahead and enjoy the Italian weekend, it is time for some post-valentine celebrations.

Cold, boring but hectic winter days

The best thing about blogs, they just keep going. Hence I continue to blog about what's happening in my life even if it is most boring even for me to write about. I have been raving and ranting about winter and how the cold windy weather is preventing me from getting outdoors and doing something. Something good about winter though is that there is a lot of part time/ temp jobs available... so I am at least able to make some money during the holiday season... I hope the job streak continues into spring and summer....

Winter is crawling into town!!!

Last month I was cribbing about the searing heat which prevented me from enjoying the outdoor activities. Now I find myself ruing the rains and cold winds which are once again deterring me from going out and enjoying the bicycling trails or parks or swimming. The transformation from summer to winter was almost instant.
One day it was very hot and suddenly a thunderstorm warning came through and it rained flat out for the next two days. After that it has been mostly cloudy humid days with sparse showers which has kept me and my bicycle most indoors. I wish it would get sunny again but not as searing hot as summer.
I don't think it would get too warm because winter seems to have set in with the nip in the air. It looks like this weather will continue for quite sometime and will get colder as the months roll by.....

Branson, Missouri - The most exotic summer getaway

I have been in Dallas, Texas, US for nearly two years, during this time I have taken short and long trips mainly going west towards New Mexico, Arizona and California. I am yet to explore the attractions of other parts of this continent-sized nation. Most of my friends have told me about Branson, Missourie and its shows. Everyone is of the opinion that Summer is best enjoyed by visiting Branson and taking in the shows, culture, theatre, golf, and other attractions of the city.

One of the most important considerations while travelling is where to stay. So before I researched the attractions of Branson I searched for the hotels. I am quite finicky about the type of hotel I would like to stay and finally zeroed in on two hotels, Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. I chose these two hotels for my accommodation because of several reasons. The first and most important being the location, all the major attractions are within easy reach from here. Then of course the second and equally important reason for staying at the Hilton would be its fantastic service, luxurious rooms, and great restaurants.

Hotel finalized I did my research about Branson and what it has to offer to me. Indeed Branson is one of the most happening places in the US and if one doesn't visit this place he/ she is missing out on some great fun activities. I am completely enamoured by several of the attractions of Branson and have made up my mind to get there as soon as possible. While at Branson I would take a day off to visit the Track Family Fun Parks and enjoy go-karting, bumper cars, arcades, mini golf, and several other offerings. Then I would probably take in the Branson Ball Knocker which offers a superb down hill ride while strapped in the inside chamber of the 12 ft ball. After these hectic activities I'd of course visit Dino's Karrot Cake Company & Cafe to enjoy a scrumptuous meal of cakes, pastries and rolls. Feeling heavy after the meal I'd head straight to Branson's IMAX entertainment complex to catch a movie.

A visit to Branson would come to naught if one didn't visit some of Branson's 49 live entertainment theaters and enjoy the shows. These theaters are all located within walking distance from the Hilton hotels so all the more better that I stay there. Then of course for other member of the family there is loads of shopping opportunity at the numerous antique shops, specialty boutiques and outlet malls close to the hotels.

Of course after a busy day of sight seeing, shopping, and activities one would love to grab a cocktail and relax to good music. This can be done at the Trofi Restaurant within the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, so one wouldn't have to walk or drive after getting drunk.

My suggestion is just go ahead and take a trip to Branson, this summer or plan a trip for the next. It would prove to be a very memorable getaway with your loved ones or alone.

Head to Branson for a Fun-filled Summer Vacation

Hey friends! Summer is already here and my gosh I still haven't made my travel arrangements. Luckily for me I don't have to make new plans, I have decided to visit Branson, MO and take in the fantastic festivities and shows that is on offer there. My New York-based friend is going to book ouaccommodations at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and all I have to do is to pack my bags and get onto a plane that will get me to Branson. I am all the more thrilled because I am staying at a hotel which is close to the center of all action. I will have easy access to all the shows, museums and other attractions of the Midwest's entertainment capital.

Now isn't that cool, enjoying summer vacation at Branson, where all the action happens. I have told you all what I am going to do this summer, now it is upto you to decide and if you want to join me and my friends, book your accommodations immediately at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. We could hang out together and enjoy a great summer.

The reason why I insisted on staying at one of the Hilton hotels is because, they provide access to every conceivable attraction in Branson. Shops, restaurants, boutiques, river walk, tourist attractions and even a beautiful golf course. Now that is what I call real enjoying a holiday. With all luxury and facilities at our beck and call, the days in Branson would be packed and relaxed.

Whenever I visit Branson I look forward to their live entertainment and theaters. Of course there are other attractions such as the Father's Day Salute, Annual Clown Jam, etc. I hear that there are 49 live entertainment theaters in Branson, I have been to three and would love to take in the remaining 46 or at least three more in my next visit. My most favorite attraction in Branson, continues to be the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, a great family attraction. I simply feeding the fish and watching gobbling down the fish food. The guides out there are simply cooperative and they will talk to you and explain interesting features about the fish.

So are you coming to Branson with us this year? If you are still contemplating, the special packages offered by the Hilton hotels in Branson should convince you to vacation there this summer. Check it out and you will definitely create memories this summer.

Panoramic Summer Views

Summer in Texas is the season I dislike, the heat is searing and pierces into one's being. I would fall sick if I am out in the sun the whole day, probably because during the past year and half of being here I have been primarily indoors. Not like in Bangalore when I would be out in the open exposed to the elements more than one day a week. Anyway, one thing I like about summer in Texas is the opportunity to capture some great pictures in natural light. Beautiful cloud formations, colorful flowers, vast open spaces, large fresh water reservoirs, etc. I think the presence of over 100 large (really large) lakes in and around Dallas area makes it a tad cooler otherwise I am sure this place would have bee hot as hell.

Colorful Texas Summer

Summer has started and heat is back with vengeance. But this is also the time when we get to see color in nature. A welcome change of scene from the boring grey and brown, leafless trees. This is the season when wild flowers blossom everywhere, in the parks, along side walks, creek sides, beside highways etc. I took this opportunity to shoot some of these wild flowers and here they are for you all to see.

Summer without air-conditioning

Before I came to Texas, I heard from loads of friends that the weather here is similar to India. But what they didn't tell me was that the weather here resembled Delhi's and not Bangalore's. Coming from Bangalore I was expecting a nice salubrious climate throughout the year. But no, Texas is characterized by extremely hot summers (100+) and bone chilling winters.

We moved to Texas during winter and were hoping that we would experience mild summer and wouldn't need air conditioning in the house. But we were grossly mistaken, it is impossible to survive a Texas summer without air conditioning. But what we did was to minimize the use of air conditioning so we could save some valuable $$$s. Something that everybody would love to do in this tough economic times.

Anyway as a first step effort we maintained the indoor temperature only slightly cooler than the external temperature. Say when it is 100 outside, the inside would be 80. Next step was to insulate the home by placing barriers to prevent heat from coming in. Yes we have double pane windows, but they are not much help during summer. First step, we installed wooden blinds and heavy curtains, always drawn during sunny days. The ceiling fans are always on to keep air circulation going on. The patio is west facing and the maximum heat comes from the afternoon sun into our living room. We tried to avoid sun coming in by installing bamboo shades and it worked pretty well.

With all these steps in place we were able to keep our electricity bills low even with the air conditioning system running. Because we cooled the house we didn't have to keep the temperature too low and stress out the air conditioning system.