The Trees in Dallas

These trees are in different stages of dropping their leaves.  Fall has been weird this year and the trees know it.

 

This one is green while the one on the top is brown, then there's the willow tree across on the other corner, blowing in the warm 70 degree weather we are having today.

Dallas Street

This street was just the perfect area for this photo because it showed the haze over the downtown area.

Cold Here

It's really getting cold here, in the DFW area........it is down in the middle 30's right now and doesn't look to get much higher later today.  I noticed that there was frost on my car windows this morning when I looked outside.  I suppose it that's time of year for us Texas to bundle up and stay warm......anyway it's almost Christmas and that's even better.

The Farm

My sister lives on a farm out in the country about 40 miles outside of the Dallas area.  I took some pictures of the pasture out behind her home, where all kinds of animals tend to roam.  They have donkeys and mules on the farm as of this year but are planning to have other livestock next year.

Plum Tree

The weather turned cold here in the Dallas area, and I noticed a plum tree outside at my sister’s home during a recent visit.  It was so pretty that I took a picture of it to show you.  It’s too bad that I couldn’t get a closer view of it.  The cold weather was biting through my coat, and I stood at the door to take the picture.

Go Texas Rangers.......

The Rangers will play in the World Series for the first time in franchise history after closing out the AL Championship Series in Game 6 on Friday night with a 6-1 victory over the mighty New York Yankees. 

A sellout crowd of 51,404 was thrown into a state of delirium as soon as the last out was made, and the Rangers swarmed the field in a heap of white jerseys as they celebrated.

 The World Series begins Wednesday at the home ballpark of the National League champs.

Beautiful Day

 

It's a beautiful fall day here in Dallas, TX today........the weather is crisp and cool with the temperature at 71* at 11:15am.  The trees are just this week starting to drop a few leaves, to let us know that fall has actually started it's decline and soon the folage will be down on the ground.  

There are only three days left for me to make it to the State Fair of Texas and then I will have to wait again until next year.  I have a free ticket so, it's just a matter of me deciding whether to drive down, and park paying the $15 or to ride a city bus to and from the fair grounds, for only $4.  Either way all that walking will take it's toll on my hips, because I haven't walked in quite awhile and am starting to get a bit stiff with my old age.  I'm happy to be alive and still able to enjoy the time that is unfolding in our daily lives.

Last Week

All you Fair goers, will find that if you haven't been to the "Texas State Fair" this year, you had better get a move on.  This is the last week for this year, and then you will have to wait another year before it will happen again.  The closing day will be Oct. 17th........and you know your going to miss out on the corny dogs, corn on a cob, turkey legs, and chocolate coated ice cream on a stick.  It's a must have, along with trying the new food ideas they have listed this year.  The exhibits, are going fast, with only a few days left to take advantage of the fun items they are showing.  So, if you are planning on going, then get your butts up and in gear and head out before it's too late. "Howdy Pardner"!

Remember Him?

Audie Murphy, a little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts:
Most Decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (represen ting n ine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces �Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.

1st Day

The first day of the State Fair of Texas went well, the weather was just right and everyone had a good time.  That was yesterday and today has presented another realm of Fair going.  I woke up this morning to thunder and heard the wind pick up.  It's been raining ever since and I can just imagine, what the people working at the Fair are going through.  Not only will this cut down on the customers, but it will be miserable working in the outdoor stands that sell food, beverages or offer games to play.  Most of the visitors who go to the Fair today will run quickly to one of the buildings to browse the different displays.  The clean up crews will be working over time, keeping the water from the door areas, so people won't slip and fall.  The rides won't be running because of the danger involved.  I'm sure there will be many who choose not to go to the Fair at all because of the weather.  One of them is me and I will make plans for a later date.

TX...OU Shoot Out.........

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Texas vs Oklahoma Sat Oct 2nd 2:30pm

Rain

Today was the second straight bout of rain for Dallas-Fort Worth, after tainfall exceeded 2 inches in many locations Tuesday – about what Dallas-Fort Worth can expect, on average, in an entire September.  he storms snapped power lines in places, and more than 11,000 scattered power outages were reported this morning, most of them in the Dallas area.  At local airports, the weather caused a few cancellations and other delays. American Airlines reported 22 flights canceled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Southwest Airlines had a handful of delays at Love Field.
Tropical Storm Hermine came ashore near the Texas-Mexico border Monday and took a northerly swing that carried the center of the storm over San Antonio.  The heaviest rain, up to 2 inches per hour, blew up the Interstate 35 corridor after dropping a foot of rainfall in Central Texas. By 10 a.m., some areas had seen 5 inches of rain, and showers stretched south all the way to San Antonio.

Dallas Texas

Here in "Big D", as it's called, we often find ourselves in the middle of a horrible rainstorm.  It's mind boggling at the fierceness of these storm attacks.  Three days ago, out of what seemed to be nowhere, came one of these storms, following with thunder, wind and heavy rain.  It cooled things down and we appreciated the temperatures for a few days.  It's looking as though we may develop more hot days, before this late summer is over with.  We aren't ready for a bad winter, but the ease from the heat has been nice.

Troops Deployed To Border

Troops in New Mexico were in different stages of training and don't yet know when they'll be deployed on the border. A Texas National Guard spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment.  The troops will be stationed in the desert at "strategic locations" along the border.  The troops will use binoculars, night-vision equipment, remote cameras and computers to conduct surveillance on the border, and will have radios to communicate with Border Patrol agents. 
The first of 532 National Guard troops are set to begin their mission in the southern Arizona desert on Monday under President Barack Obama's plan to beef up U.S.-Mexico border security.

State Fair of Texas

Each year Texas has their huge "State Fair of Texas", which has been known worldwide.  They have this food cooking contest that can come up with some very uncertain fried foods.  This year is no exception, and it looks like we will be in for a treat when the 2010 State Fair opens.
The best "fried foods" finalists have been announced and the winner to be announced later, during the Fair.
Deep Fried S’mores Pop Tart
Deep Fried Frozen Margarita
Fernie’s Fried Club Salad
Fried Beer
Fried Chocolate
Fried Lemonade
Texas Fried Caviar
Texas Fried Frito Pie
Okay, now I’m confused………just how the heck do you fry a margarita……

My Birth Place

I was born at old "Parkland Hospital" back during war times of the 1940's.  Back then the hospital was a army hospital and located in a entirely different area of town, from where the present hospital is located today.  I boast that I am a "native pecan", "made in Texas, by Texans, for Texans", when I socializing with friends or others.  There have been times, that I lived in other places, but Texas has always been home.  I could always feel comfort in coming back across the state line, because I knew that family wasn't very far away.  Being back on familiar soil, was one of the best feelings you could ever have, when you finally got back home. 
I've watched Texas evolve, from the 1940's through 2010.........it's best and experience that has I wouldn't trade for anything. 

34th President

Born Oct. 14, 1890, Denison, Texas, U.S. — died March 28, 1969, Washington, D.C., 34th president of the U.S. (1953 – 61). He graduated from West Point (1915), then served in the Panama Canal Zone (1922 – 24) and in the Philippines under Douglas MacArthur (1935 – 39). In World War II Gen. George Marshall appointed him to the army's war-plans division (1941), then chose him to command U.S. forces in Europe (1942). After planning the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, he was appointed supreme commander of Allied forces (1943).This is just one of the President's that Texas can boast about..........

Sonora Caverns

The Caverns of Sonora is located on Interstate 10, about half-way between Big Bend National Park and San Antonio Texas. We are located 15 miles southwest of Sonora, Texas and the Caverns is a great place for people of all ages to experience the wonders of nature. 

 







In 1966 the cavern was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior, and is one of the most active caves in the world with over 95% of its formations still “growing”.
Back in about 1971-72, I lived in Sonora Texas for awhile........during this time my husband and I made a visit to these caverns.........it was a very nice visit, but we walked and walked and walked.  The fact that we had a stroller with a 2yr. old in it made things a bit more difficult to maneuver.  When we finally made it to the end or the exit........we were glad to get out.......!  The different areas were so beautiful and something I'm sure I will never see again, but being back outside was comforting. 

TEXAS

Have you ever been to the “Lone Star State”. It is really something to see. We have just about anything you would want to see, visit or indulge in. Texas, is a great wonderful state, with so many things to offer.

I’ve lived in other states, but always came back home. It just doesn’t feel like home, anywhere else. I’m biased, that’s true, but until you come and feast on the pleasure’s of Texas, you haven’t lived.

I’m a TEXAN, “a native pecan”, and darn proud of it!

“Made in Texas, by Texans, for Texans”

Dallas Cowboys

 

Week 2 of training camp and the "Boys" are getting ready for the new football season to begin........

Greenville TX

Greenville was carved out of blackland prairie by sturdy pioneers who cleared the tall grass for their homes and farms. When Hunt County was created by the first legislature of the new state of Texas in 1846, Greenville was named the county seat. Our community blends heritage and contemporary lifestyle for the best of both worlds: the city and the country. 
Greenville was named for Thomas J. Green, a general in the Texas Army in the war for independence from Mexico and, later, a member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. (The city narrowly escaped being named “Pinckneyville” in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first Governor of Texas!) Hunt County commemorates Memucan Hunt, another Texas freedom fighter and Minister to the United States for the Republic.
The rich blackland soil that stuck to shoes and buggy wheels when wet proved to be a real economic asset. It grew a high quality cotton used by English spinning and weaving mills.
Back when I was a young girl, before segregation came, the water tower had a slogan, which read "the blackest land and the whitest people".  It stayed that way for many years, until it became an improper slogan, causing the town to change it. I also remember going there during the Christmas season, to see the Christmas parade, which happened every year.......

Davy Crockett National Forest

The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins. The Davy Crockett National Forest was proclaimed a National Forest by President Franklin Roosevelt on October 15, 1936.

Gunfire Scares Citizens........

Late-night gun battles with gangs who forced citizens from their cars and used the vehicles to block streets paralyzed a border city, sound of gunfire alarmed Texans on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande.  The Nuevo Laredo city government posted messages on Facebook warning citizens to stay indoors as the battles erupted at several intersections in the city across from Laredo, Texas.  Frightened people on the U.S. side of the border called emergency dispatchers after hearing the gunfire.  Gangs used stolen cars and buses to block several main avenues in the city across from Laredo, Texas. Several residents called local newspapers to report thefts.

Last week, drug gangs introduced a new threat to Mexico's drug war, detonating their first successful car bomb. The attack killed a federal police officer and two others in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua's largest city.
It's too dangerous to visit Mexico anymore, the people who go across the border for vacations, are opting to fly down to resort areas along the coast.  Fear of the drug cartels, have become a daily risk to residents and visitor's alike.

White Rock Lake

The lake was formed by damming White Rock Creek, which today widens into the lake before continuing south out of the spillway and emptying into the Trinity River. From its earliest days, area residents wanting to get away from home constructed cabins on leased property along its shoreline.  Although originally permitted, swimming was banned in September 1952. A ban on motorized boats followed in 1958.  The lake is surrounded by White Rock Lake Park, which features a 9.33 mile trail for hiking, running and bicycling, the Bath House cultural Center and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. There are several fishing piers and sailing is permitted.  Many events are held at White Rock Lake, including the "White Rock Marathon", which, for part of the course, runs around the lake.

Video Below.......

A recent visitor to this site, ask if I remembered "Penny Whistle Park"?  I found this video of someones birthday party, in the park, which was an enclosed building, with rides catering to "children's birthday parties".  I remember the smell of the different motors, which made the rides active.  That part of the park I didn't like, but the rest was good, especially in bad weather.

Penny Whistle Park/Dallas, TX 1991

Texas Longhorn Cattle

Through the mid-1800s, these range-rugged, big horned cattle multiplied without the help of man. Traits were genetically fixed, and as a result of survival of the fittest, resulted in ecologically adapted bovine families with extremely good heath, fertility, teeth, disease resistance, and soundness of body and limb. They multiplied by the millions. In 1876, an estimated 1000-head breeding herd was introduced into southern Alberta, Canada. By 1884, these cattle were estimated to have multiplied to 40,000 head with natural births and importation.
The historic Texas Longhorn was the time tested choice of some serious producers. Although later trading occurred between Longhorn producers, six unique strains were selectively perpetuated by private ranch families before 1931. Several early producers were instrumental in providing Longhorn genetics when the United States Government realized the near extinction of these creatures. The government herd, established in 1927 at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Cache, Oklahoma, was to become the seventh of the preserved Texas Longhorn families. These family genetics established in the early thirties and before are still maintained by family members and friends. Today producers of Texas Longhorns either raise their favorite family bloodline in a pure state or mix and select combination of several family bloodlines.

Hottest Year.......

The world is enduring the hottest year on record, according to a U.S. national weather analysis, causing droughts worldwide and a concern for U.S. farmers counting on another bumper year. Period of a El Nino weather pattern is being blamed for the hot temperatures globally.  The world is enduring the hottest year on record, according to a U.S. national weather analysis, causing droughts worldwide and a concern for U.S. farmers  counting on another bumper year. However, as cooler temperatures may set in later this year, it remains to be seen whether 2010 will overtake 2005 as the hottest year overall.

State Fair of Texas

 

September 24 - October 17, 2010

Birthplace of Big Tex & Fletcher's Corny Dogs

Over 500 Layoff's

Dallas City Manager's office, said this morning that it expects to give layoff notices to some 500 civilian city employees to help balance the city's budget in October. Many of those employees will be part-time workers for the library and parks departments, among others.
The deficit had soared to $130 million in the city's roughly $2 billion operating budget as a result of precipitous falls in property and sales tax revenues.  The city staff will present a balanced budget plan to the City Council in early August for adoption in late September.
Deep cuts to city services, including libraries, parks and cultural facilities have helped close that gap, along with plans for a host of new fees, as well as layoffs, furloughs and paycuts for city employees.
In addition to 8 furlough days in the next budget year, city employees can expect, on average, a nearly 2 percent cut in pay.  It is still negotiating with police officers and firefighters to implement furlough days in those departments - which consume nearly 60 percent of the city's general fund budget.

Natural Bridge Entrance.......

Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns  in the state of Texas. The name was derived from the 65 foot natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheater setting of the cavern's entrance. The span was left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed below it.
The caverns are located near the city of New Braunfels, Texas in the Texas Hill Country next to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a drive-through wildlife safari park. The caverns feature several unique speleothems and other geological formations. The temperature inside the cave is 70° year-round and the deepest part of the public tour is 64.3 m (211 feet) below the surface.
The caverns are still very active and growing. Water flows and drips constantly throughout, causing the formations to retain a waxy luster that can be seen in few caverns.

RiverWalk in San Antonio

Cap Still Unsure.....

 

BP's work to cap its Gulf of Mexico gusher was in limbo Wednesday after the federal government raised concerns the operation could put damaging pressure on the busted well and make the leak worse.

An administration official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the talks with BP, said the government was acting out of an "abundance of caution" and didn't want potentially dangerous pressure tests on a tighter cap that has been placed over the well to go ahead until BP answers questions about possible risks.
The delays were a stunning setback after the oil giant finally seemed to be on track following nearly three months of failed attempts to stop the spill, which has sullied beaches from Florida to Texas and decimated the multibillion dollar fishing industry.

Hey Ranger Fans........!

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I found this and thought you might be interested!

Pecan Tree.......

Mockingbird........

The official state bird of Texas......

Texas Horny Toad

Some call this a lizard......

General Sam Houston........

100 Year Old Battleship Texas

San Jacinto Monument

American Airlines Center

Texas State Capitol

Reunion Tower.....

When you see pictures of the Dallas skyline, this is the ball that you see. The first deck is an observation deck, the second deck is being converted into event space and the third deck will be Antares Restaurant and the Dome Lounge bar.

Dallas Skyline From the State Fair Grounds

Dallas skyline at TX state fare

Synthetic Marijuana.......

The synthetic marijuana is legal in most parts of Texas and the United States. But alarmed by its growing use and easy availability, states and local governments are now scrambling to take "fake weed" off the streets. Authorities say the fake weed appears easily accessible to teenagers. It can be bought in head shops and at gas stations – and also from anyone who can buy the chemical that is sprayed onto herbs to make the product.
Seven head shops in the Dallas area declined to comment on their sale of K2. None would talk about how old – or young – their buyers are, although many shops claim to sell only to adults. Known on the streets as "spice," "genie" or "zohai," K2 is a mix of herbs and flowers sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids. Depending on the potency, it can sell for $30 to $50 for 3 grams. The chemical compound in the spray is similar to THC, the natural active ingredient in marijuana. But it is untraceable in drug tests.

The Alamo

Happy 4th.........

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated or parodied, it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism.

4th Weather.......

Only isolated, pop-up storms are expected in the afternoon of July 4th. A little more sunshine will heat things up to around 93 degrees on Sunday. The rain chances will be around 20 percent. So, most of us will be rain-free, but a few will see a little rain. However, any showers should dissipate by sundown, just in time for all of the fireworks displays going on around North Texas.

Texas Ranger's Baseball

What a beautiful park!

Alex Not So Bad........

Coastal residents had been preparing for the worst, stocking up on essential goods and readying their homes. But the storm appeared to have saved most of its wrath for Mexico. Shortly before it came ashore, the hurricane center downgraded its hurricane warning for the Texas coast to a tropical storm warning.

By then, the outer bands of Alex had taken several swings at Brownsville and South Padre Island, where 66 mph gusts closed the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway. The span linking the tourist island to the rest of Texas remained closed Thursday morning.

Who Will It Be?

The 2010 Texas gubernatorial election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 to elect the Governor of Texas, who will serve a four-year term beginning on January 18, 2011 and ends on January 20, 2015.

Son of Sam Laws

Whether or not inmates are profiting from their murderabilia, it's against the law to sell it in some states. Eight states, including Texas, have so-called Son of Sam laws, which prohibit an offender from profiting from his crime. If the criminal writes a book, makes a movie or TV show, or uses his name to make money, the third party doing business with the prisoner must pay all the profits to the state.

Escort Challenged......

Assistant City Manager Ryan Evans said an official external investigation into the use of DPD officers for Brown's funeral procession will be completed.
  Asst. Chief Cato, said the decision to provide the escort was made on the fly "to address the immediate public safety issue."

"We'll get statements from officers. We will get the tapes from dispatch, and an outside firm will handle it."
The use of police detail infuriated leaders of Dallas Police Association groups, and some have called for Bernal and Cato to be fired.

 

Safety Before Honor........

Getting Ready

A beach goer gathers his belongings as a thunder storm passes ahead of Tropical Storm Alex, Tuesday, June 29, 2010 in South Padre Island, Texas.

Hurricane Alex.......

A truck pulling an RV passes under a sign leading to South Padres Island warns of Tropical Storm Alex approaching the coast, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.

 

 

Fireworks At The Lake

Is anyone going to the lake at Lake Ray Hubbard to see the fireworks this 4th?  They are having a big deal out there, and having a top entertainer to perform..........sounds like it's going to be a great weekend!

The Flying Red Horse

Fair Park Midway during Texas Centennial/Pan American Exposition, 1936-37...Notice Ripley's "Believe it or Not" on the Left...My Father was stationed here with U.S. Army during 1936/37 as they supported the Centennial.

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them. Bill will be asked to approve all tags before others can see them.

The Tornado That Hit Dallas........

Remember the tornado that completely took off the top floor of the Johnson&Johnson plant in '57 or '58?

Pat Boone Came To Town

Regarding State Fair and Pat Boone, this link has a video clip that has some footage of the movie as well as much old (early 50s and earlier) Midway footage. The link has been on the page before but somewhere along the line the links button disappeared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7echWgNuOE8

Remember when they filmed State Fair at Fair Park in 1962 with Pat Boone, Ann-Margaret and Alice Faye? I remember seeing Alice Faye on the Merry Go Round during filming.

Elvis Came To Town........

Remember when Elvis appeared in the Cotton Bowl in 57?  They had good microphones - and we shared a pair of binoculars. and I got to say I had seen him in person. It may have been October of 56, tho - he quit touring local places the end of 57.

Remember Penny Whistle Park?

A couple if days ago we drove past where Penny Whistle Park used to be. We drive past it often but this was the first time I caught a glimpse of the faded Penny Whistle Park sign. It was just a vacant building.

Texas Is......

One big State full of things that make Texas the great State it is......like cows, horses, armadillos, rattlesnakes, ranches, plains, cactus, rivers, forests, and other things........

A Texas Slogan.......

You often see this slogan on signs around the State of Texas.......it's something we are proud of.

The Great State