Springtime in Texas brings the bluebonnet, or Lupinus texensis, which after a long fight, beat out the Buffalo Clover (Lupinus subcarnosus) in the hearts of Texans. You can find plenty of history on the Web for the details and were you to stumble down that way this time of the year, you'd likely find them everywhere. You'd be thanking the lucky stars and all.

For me, the sight of bluebonnets means Spring. So much of the weather in East Texas is extreme. We suffered extreme heat, torrents of rain, damaging hail, and the ever-present threat of tornadoes. Winters are mild, yes, but Spring brings a fresh start, a crisp new beginning and the Texas wildflowers, especially the Bluebonnet and Indian Paintbrush, trumpet that arrival.

You notice the flowers most when driving, and the trip is often a long one since Texas is so large. A rolling Springtime jaunt (three hours) to Austin from Houston takes you along wide, divided highways whose median and shoulders are bursting with color. The sky is a special blue, saved for you and for this day and the road opens before you invitingly. And with a widely-enjoyed 70-mph speed limit, what better way to take in as much color as possible?