Church In Ruin

Church In Ruin

Through a friend I learned of a beautiful old church in ruin. It wasn’t abandoned but was no longer an active church; and it was slowly deteriorating. Its character, however, wasn’t diminished by the relentless process of aging. The church stands tall and proud as if waiting for its members to return for worship services….

“The Swamp” – St. Catherine Creek NWR

“The Swamp” – St. Catherine Creek NWR

After visiting Vicksburg National Military Park and the Vicksburg National Cemetery (my wife’s great-great-grandfather who died in the Civil War is buried there) we took an indirect route back home. Along the way we stopped at St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Natchez. My wife is a bit of a “birder” and I like…

Darwin Falls – A Death Valley Wonder

Darwin Falls – A Death Valley Wonder

Death Valley certainly isn’t the kind of place you’d normally think of where you would go to photograph a beautiful scene such as Darwin Falls. The name “Death Valley” instantly brings to mind a harsh, inhospitable environment. The perception is not without merit. Consider some of these Death Valley weather facts from the National Park Service….

Study In Contrasts – Ye Cannot Serve God And Mammon

Study In Contrasts – Ye Cannot Serve God And Mammon

Sam Houston Park sits at the edge of, you guessed it, downtown Houston. It contains 10 buildings representing the buildings and culture of Houston’s past. One of these is St. John Church. Built in 1891 in northwest Harris County it was relocated to Sam Houston Park in 1968 and has become a Houston landmark. I…

Dad At 93

Dad At 93

My dad, James E. Schaffner, Sr., passed away at age 100 last August. I came across a photo of dad at 93 the other day that is one of my favorites. So, I thought sharing this photo and a little about him would be a good way to honor his memory. Dad died of old…

Smith Street

Smith Street

Smith Street is home to iconic Houston architecture. These two glass and steel towers have become landmarks with their reflections of the Houston skyline. Although similar in design they each have their unique characteristics. These buildings are now the home for Chevron Corporation’s Houston operations. But it was the former tenant that brought these building…