A Texas New Year

Hey.....you guys.....no matter how....f......g bad it gets.......do your darnedest to have a good  Texas one.........how ever you have it......have a  Texas drink.......get Texas laid..........whatever........just do it the Texas way.......yippee.....2013

12/25/2012

Here I am in Royse City, Tx watching the snow fall..........it's Christmas Day and the weather decided to give us a white Christmas.............so be it............
We lost power 2 times and now I'm back online, but who knows what the next 24 hours brings............they say alot of cold temps.........
I've got the gas stoves on and am ready for the cold temps........Merry Christmas...ya'll

Red Horse

Yes, it's still there but is now down in the middle of a bunch of skyscrapers.  It's hard to see it unless you are right down town Dallas, TX.  The Mobil building has been home to the piece of history and we hope it can remain many years to come.

Born Here......

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 2012.........it's the best experience that I had the pleasure of and I wouldn't trade for anything. 

Just Another

The Cowboy's have been through many harrowing events in the past few years.  This last week just added to the trauma the team has endured.  Each year new players are brought on to the team and with each player comes a set of family, emotional and physical ties.  Standards are expected to be met and there's always something or someone who can't make the grade. 
As this year comes to an end so did a few lives which included one of the Cowboy players.  We are not able to accept these things with favor, but they still happen.  It's my hope that the team can forge ahead and become a play-off team.  Our prayers are with the team members, the families involved and for the future of each individual who has been affected.

Check It Out

They Won

The "play-offs" look closer as the "Cowboys" managed to pull out another win.  As "Dale Hansen" says, they don't quit or give up.  They just keep trying and to me that's what it takes to make a football team come together for a win.  Yesterday, was marred by the death of a team mate, but they managed to use the game to focus on something else for awhile.  Thankfully, it was barely enough to get them one step closer to the "play-offs".

No Snow

Well, it's colder than a "well digger's ass", but we didn't get any snow in our area.  Some places got it, but we managed to get passed by.  I saw where the lower parts of the State got plenty of rain and storms to add some misery.  One friend on Facebook, commented about loosing power, last evening. 
This morning its was down in the high 20's and right now it's 33 degrees which none of the North Texas areas has been having.  Man, it's too cold for me even in the house.  I can imagine what it would feel like outside.  My cat brought her skanky butt in the house ans hunkered down in the back room after filling up on a belly full of good cat food.  Guess she decided it was cold out, too.

Cowboy's Loose Member

Today, the Dallas Cowboy's play with heavy hearts as they try to win the game with the "Bengals".  This is a must win game or the fans will have to wait another year to generate hope of a play-off season.
They lost a member of their team to a car accident Saturday morning after 2 team mates left a club in Dallas.  The other team mate is still in Irving, TX jail, pending a bond hearing on Monday morning for "intoxication manslaughter".  Condolences to all involved during this time.

73 Degrees

The beginning of the Christmas season here in Texas is roaring in with high winds and spring like temperatures.  It's par for the Texas weather as most Texans know. We have been exposed to all sorts of weather here in our wonderful State.  Tomorrow maybe a cold one or not.  It's a wait and see situation with this time of year.  Now, if we can keep from being blown off the roads, we will do some needed shopping for the upcoming holiday's.

So Long JR

Texas looses another famous person.  Larry Hagman died at the age of 81 at a local Dallas hospital.  The long time actor who made the TV sitcom's  "I dream of Jeanie" and "Dallas" hits had come back to Texas to revive the "Dallas" program around his children and Bobby's.  Now, they will have to write him out of the program or cancel it altogether. Born in Weatherford, TX we can claim him as one of our own.  Condolences to family, friends and his many co-worker's.

Thanksgiving Food

Here's a picture of our family dinner, back when we were doing it and the most important thing of the day.......the food......but today, we are smaller as far as family goes, and now we just make do however the chips fall.  It's too bad because everyone had a good time back then.......

Weather

Some rain is on the way today, tomorrow and possibly the next.  It's predicted that Sunday will be the best day for the rain.  As I write this post it is partly cloudy, the wind is gusting real high and leaves are falling each time the wind.blasts them.  I need to get out of the house and do some shopping, but am debating whether it's that important or not?  At least the sun is in and out of the clouds, giving us a nice warm day.  Real unseasonal, but Texas weather is always unseasonal.

Darrell K. Royal

The former Texas University football coach has passed away.  He was 88 yrs. old.  Condolences to family, friends and former coworkers.

Our Future?

Pecans

A Texas native which most people utilize into holiday recipes, is said to produce a "bumper crop" this year.  I hear that it's been rough in previous years because of the drought, but this year's rains have helped the pecan crops to increase.  It's possible that we may be able to find these nuts at a decent price compared to recent years. 

Places in Texas

The recent posts have listed at least 2 of our beautiful state parks, where you can enjoy many of the Texas sights.  I find that there are so many nature areas here in Texas and this is an introduction to the beauty you will find, should you take a trip to one of the state parks.

Buescher State Park

State Park

85 MPH?

From Texas

Mr. Texas

Cool

Once again, you have "Texas weather".  Yesterday we were enjoying 70 & 80 temps and then it hit.  After lunch time, the wind got up and started blowing in the cool front.  It only slowed down when the showers started.  Then after a few of those, the wind began gusting again.  Most of the night it rained off and on while the wind howled.  This morning I got up to 48* degree temperatures.  Now, I would say that's quite a drop from yesterday's temps.  Needless to say, my choice of clothing will be somewhat different this morning as well.  I had to put the trash out since it's my day for the trash truck so, I wore a heavy house coat and house shoe to take it out.  That wasn't enough for my old bones.  I hurried to get back inside to the shelter of my home.

Weather

It's a no brainer, that fall is here.  The leaves are all over the yard, the weather is turning cooler and soon it will be the holidays.  The news caster says that by 4pm today we will know that a cool front has arrived.  They say that cooler temps will be had by our areas as well as other states.
I talked to my son, who is in WY and he said they have snow up there.  I'm glad I live in TX because I don't like cold weather. 

Brain Foods

The Doctors Health e-Bulletin is a daily e-letter focusing on alternative health remedies, breakthroughs, news and advice. They regularly offer other products such as health newsletters, books and nutritional supplements from Bel Marra Nutritionals.

Fun Fest

 

I can't figure out what happened to my camera, but it surely messed up on these pictures.  This is downtown Royse City, TX today with all the festivities happening.

Fun Fest Today

The 23rd Annual Royse City FunFest on Oct. 20 will be an all day affair.  Some of the activities will include a Lil’ Miss Funfest Pageant, truck pull and doggie contest.  There will be the  annual Boy Scout pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and the annual Girl Scout spaghetti dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. 
Arts and crafts, and food vendors will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be carnival rides, children’s games and pony rides from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
So come one, come all and have a great time at Royse City's FunFest today.

Big Tex Burns

The iconic "Big Tex" caught on fire and burned within a matter of minutes.  Someone noticed smoke coming from around his neck.  It seems there was an electrical short inside his neck where the moving parts for his mouth connect.  
This was his 60th year at the "State Fair of Texas" and the officials gave him a birthday party at the opening of the Fair.  Word has it that he will be revamped and be back next year.  Certainly this has been a historic morning for Texas and the State Fair.

Hot 60th Birthday

Bomb Threats

In recent weeks we've seen bomb threats at different colleges around the country.  Texas is no new comer to these types of threats.  Recently there were threats sent to 3 or 4 universities in the states of Colorado, Texas and others.  The University of Texas at Austin, recently received a threat during that time.  Today, Texas State University received one through an email received by an employee who works off campus.  I believe it is just a matter of time until terror becomes a way of life.  Texas has been the target of several attacks which were thwarted.  It is our hope that we as Texans can bypass these attacks because there is such a large area for these to happen. 

Almost Over

The State Fair is into it's last week of running and will end next Sunday.  It's been a wet year for the Fair and I'm sure the people who went anyway, had to carry umbrellas and raincoats.  Otherwise they had to borrow trash sacks and poke holes in them for head and arms to exit.  I'll bet there were some who just enjoy playing in the rain, and getting wet.  The vendors had a time keeping things running well and keeping customers happy.  I'm sure the buildings were flooded with traffic each time a shower began.  The cleaning people had to keep the floors moped so that they would be as safe as possible for people to walk on. 
As for the games, it's really a sad thing to admit that "Oklahoma", beat us.  What's worse is they gave us a good old fashion "ass whooping".  That hurts!

Overnight Storms

How well did you fare during the weather we had yesterday?  Last night was wild as the cool front passed through areas of Texas.  The reports give that Young County had some minor damage with a small tornado.  No reports of injuries or fatalities.  That's a good thing. 
Here in Rockwall County we experienced the brunt of it's force during the night.  Around 2:15am I awoke to brilliant lightning, crashing thunder, high winds and heavy rain.  I got up and checked the house and outdoors making sure everything was faring well during it's onslaught.  Even though I went back to bed, I didn't go to back to sleep until the thunder and storms were well east of this county. 

During Spring

This last spring I found my front yard to be in purple hue with the hyacinths that were blooming.  If you look to the right you will see an old tree which remains even today.  It was there when I was a child and that was a few years ago.  I think it may be in the realm of 150 to 200 years old, since I am almost 68 and it was a huge tree to climb when I was young.

Admit

I must admit that the temperatures did get a bit warmer.  Today, it's cloudy and wet.  They said that there was a fog, but I do not see a fog.  I see clouds and moisture that drips off the roof, but I don't see fog.  Maybe I'm not looking in the right direction, who knows?  I know that the temperature is 64*degrees as I write this.  I can say that yes, it is warmer than 2 days ago, but still the wet seems to make it cut right through you.  There is more moisture predicted and that's ok with all of us Texans, since we know that it could be otherwise.  I'm sure the people trying to enjoy the State Fair are having a rough time.

Warm Up

I'm not seeing this, are you?  They predict that it will warm up for a day or two and then some more rain.  I realize that there is no more 90's weather.  Still the nice 80's sunny days make for a nice fall or spring.  I suppose that these clouds will roll away as the day progresses, but right now it sure looks gloomy outside.

Difference

Wow, what a difference a day makes.  Just 24 hours ago, we were having warm temperatures and today it's down in the 50's with no relief in sight.  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 60's but I think the summer 90's are over.  It's really cool out doors and sort of damp feeling as well.  The tell us that there will be some scattered showers develop in the North Texas areas today.  I know one thing that happening.  My bones are hurting and I'm sure the State Fair is experiencing a brisk morning.  That's Texas weather for ya.

Sunshine

The rain finally stopped about the middle of the day yesterday and today we have beautiful sunshine.  The wind is blowing a bit strong, but all in all it is a beautiful fall day for the visitor's at the "State Fair".  The first 3 days of the Fair was rained out and the local newscaster's showed that many people still braved the weather to go to the Fair.  I saw that those who could find a nice person with trash bags, had obtained one which they donned to keep dry.  I'm not sure if I will be able to make it to the Fair this year, but am willing to try.

State Fair Begins

 The Texas State Fair begins today, with a big parade downtown Dallas and then on to the "fair grounds".  There'll be plenty of food, rides, games and exhibits for all to see and enjoy.  Of course we wouldn't want to leave out "Big Tex", who has been the major attraction each year, since the Fair began.

Antique Booth

"Better Days Mall" in Greenville, TX has a new booth  It is going to be operated by Rebekah Parrish and Carolyn Faulkenberry.  They have been browsing different sales and thrift stores in search of items you will want to purchase.  Go to the mall there in Greenville and see what they are offering.  The link in this post will take you to the blog currently being written by Ms. Parrish.  I think you'll find her articles interesting.

The Border

A good plan for the border........

Increasing Moisture

The winds from the Gulf are bringing up moisture and there is two systems to watch this weekend.  They may combine to bring us some needed rain.  Unfortunately should this happen the opening of the State Fair of Texas will be a wet one.  The could reek havoc on the rides and concession stands which offer games and food.  The buildings where exhibits are located become a refuge from ill weather.  So, we may have the good rain and still be able to enjoy the entertainment at the State Fair.

Fatter?

Well, here we go with another pun against Texas.  It's just one thing after another, these days.  Now, their saying that Texas rates 10th, as the fattest state.  Is it the steak, BBQ, or down home country cooking that's to blame?  It's no secret that us Texans love our steak.  We pride ourselves in having big BBQ's and inviting a huge amount of family and friends to them.  So, you tell me if you thinks it the foods' fault for being so delicious.  Possibly it's the cook's fault for making the food taste so good.  Either way they are telling on us and saying we should downsize our bodies.  What do you say Texas?

Prison Break

The news is reporting that there has been a prison break in Mexico.  The prison is in the area of Piedras Negras and they are predicting that there are over 132 prisoners missing.  It seems that they escaped from Cereso prison through a tunnel which came from the old carpentry workshop.  Wire was then cut surrounding the complex.
There is speculation that corrupt prison officials may have been involved in the break.  This prison is located around 150 miles southwest of San Antonio, Tx.  Reports say that there is a reward for the help in capturing each prisoner.

Bodies Found Central Mexico

Authorities aren't saying who they think is behind the killings but the area is a cartel battleground and the groups often leave such grisly remains behind when they fight for control of trafficking routes and markets. The mutilated bodies of 17 men were found on a farm in a part of central Mexico Sunday. This area is disputed by drug cartels. The identities of the slain weren't revealed, but the bodies were naked, mutilated and stacked with chains around their necks. They had been killed at another place and brought to that property.  They were found near a highway in the town of Tizapan el Alto near the border between Jalisco and Michoacan. Michoacan is home to the Familia Michoacana and Caballeros Templarios groups.  Jalisco has seen violence by the Zetas and Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartels. Signs were placed in various areas of Jalisco last week by the Caballeros Templarios which threatened the Zetas and Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Over 47,500 people have been killed in the drug violence since December 2006, some groups say the figures are higher.

Rain

What a wonderful blessing that has come to us in the last two days.  The slow drizzling rain is just perfect for us.  We don't like the storms that so often come with rain here in Texas.  So, this slow drizzle is just what the doctor ordered for our areas.  The nice temperatures are also a plus, when you consider that only a few days ago, we had triple digit heat.  Today, is so soothing and nice.  I'm able to sleep with the windows open and enjoy the cool nights.  This rain will help with the drought conditions that have been plaguing most of the US states. 

How Stupid

Texas Flag

I found this picture of our flag on Facebook and decided to borrow it to place it here.  I can't get enough of our beautiful flag.

State Fair

You will find that many of the official contests for s1st 2nd and 3rd places in events which take place at the Fair each year, have been put into gear.  It won't be long until it will start for 2012, this September 28, through October 21.  I  for one, will try to attend.  I say this every year, but many years have been abandoned by myself.  I just couldn't get up the money or the urge to make the trip and wall all day.
 I have extended family members who work at the Fair in one of the concession stands.  I worked in it one year and was worn out in just one day.  Long grueling hours are what it takes to make a concession stand pull in good returns.
Either way you will find it a great place to have fun, eat plenty of good food and see all sorts of people and their cultures. 

Cloudy

Texas residents are so thankful for the weather and it's just going to be more of this for the next few days.  It's 70* degrees outside and cloudy with a hint of possible drizzle before the day ends.  No more triple digit temperatures this week and it looks as though fall has arrived. 

24 To 17 Final

The Cowboy's went to New York and met the Giants in what turn out to be an upset for the Giants on home field.  This is a good start to the new season which gives the Cowboy's a good feeling.  We hope they hold on and make this a good year.  The fans are ready and now with improvement we hope the Cowboy's are ready. Go Cowboy's

Horse & Buggy Days

I notice the writing on this photo as being July 4th, but the two vertical slashes beside it leave me to think it might have been 1911.  It has the name Lewisville, which must give us the destination of Lewisville, Tx on that particular day.  Wow, just look at the old buildings, what a sight to see.  The town was full of people coming to celebrate the 4th.  They had on their "Sunday best", just look at the long sleeve shirts..........on a hot day, too.

Days Gone By

These were the days that people thought were hard.  Many were living with meager means.and didn't consider being any other way.  It was a way of life, and you did the best you could.

Harvest

 Time to harvest when you find this.  You will see the big harvesters moving down the rows as they gather the corns to be taken to the mills and transported to food processing plants.

Tasseling

Here the corn has gotten to the point of making tassels which is considered the bloom.  Soon small shoots will form along the side of the stalks, and start growing the ears of corn.

New Corn

This is a new crop of corn that about 2 months old.  As you drive along the country roads as well as the freeways, this is the sight in many areas.  The farmers use this land to make the need crops to feed their livestock in the coming months.  Other farmers sell their crops to companies each year to feed America and other countries.

Cotton Field

This field is still green and the boles are opening which will be a great crop for this farmer.  Each year the weather takes it's toll on crops, when there isn't enough rain.  It looks as though this was a good year as long as the bole weevils and grasshoppers leave it alone.

Cotton

 
Growing up in Texas you came in contact with the many cotton fields during planting and harvesting times.  This is a cotton field ready for harvest and the big machines will come and strip the stalks, take the raw cotton to the local cotton gin where it will be processed. 

Freighter's

Here is a sight you will see daily, in the harbors of the Gulf Coast regions.  Houston, TX is just one of the ports where you can catch a glimpse of these freighter's transporting goods to other areas of the country as well as the world. 

Texas Weather

 
As you can see we here in Texas find time to run and hide when things like this start.  I often wonder just how our wonderful State has fared as well as it has with all the storms we experience each year.  This oil platform, looks to be in the path of a tornado.  The Gulf Coast has had it's share of bad weather, with the hurricanes and the tornadoes they spawn.

Oil

Yes, as you drive around Texas, you will have the occasion to see this.  We have several of this pumps located around the State of Texas and are proud to let you know it.

Disaster's

Texas is doing well considering the weather that's been attacking the "Gulf Coast" regions.  Issac bypassed us and went up into Arkansas.  We do have clouds, some spotty showers and some winds, but not the mess that Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have been hit with.  We are thankful that it didn't come up through this area and cause damage.  Our hope is that those people who are in the middle of all the ruin will find a way to cope and rebuild.

The Season Begins.....

September 5, is the starting of regular season for the Dallas Cowboy's who head to New York to play the Giants.  This team will be hyped up ready to attack us and we had better be ready for the onslaught.  Jason Garrett has been watching his new player's as they try for certain positions on the team.  Last night they played the Miami Dolphins and showed a very good game.  Lets hope not many of these hard working players get cut from the rooster Friday.  Oh yes, Friday is the last day for Dallas coaches and owners to decide who stays and who goes.  I must say that, this year looks to be a hard decision time because there are so many who have showed well in training camp as well as the pre-season games.  I wouldn't want to be in the coaches and owner's shoes come Friday evening. 
Good luck to the new, young players who have worked so hard to make the team.

Weather

It looks as though hurricane "Issac", will come on over to the Louisiana coast, to attack New Orleans once again, almost 1day to the time that "Katrina" hit 7 years ago.  The track of the storm shows that Texas will be missed and that's a plus as far as the destruction is concerned.  We could have used more of the great rains we have been recently experiencing.  Yet, we wouldn't want to have the Texas coastline torn up again, as it's been so many times before from hurricanes. 

Big Tex

Of course we wouldn't want to leave out "Big Tex", who has been the major attraction each year, since the Fair began.

State Fair of Texas

You will find that many of the official contests for s1st 2nd and 3rd places in events which take place at the Fair each year, have been put into gear.  It won't be long until it will start for 2012, this September 28, through October 21.  I for one, will try to attend.  I say this every year, but many years have been abandoned by myself.  I just couldn't get up the money or the urge to make the trip and wall all day.
 I have extended family members who work at the Fair in one of the concession stands.  I worked in it one year and was worn out in just one day.  Long grueling hours are what it takes to make a concession stand pull in good returns.
Either way you will find it a great place to have fun, eat plenty of good food and see all sorts of people and their cultures. 

Cowboy's

Pre-season games have been under way for the Cowboy's and all other teams.  The NFL has a harsh schedule starting out for the beginning Cowboy season.  Not only do they start of their first game away from home.  They also start off with the New York Giants, who were Super Bowl Champions, last year.  We can only hope that our boys will be ready for the grueling schedule ahead of them.  The first game will be rough enough, but the next games following will be almost as bad.  All I can say is "Go Cowboy's".

Issac

Hurricane Issac is bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico, and will be over Cuba very soon.  It's possible that the 50 mph winds will loose strength as it go on land in Cuba, but will regain strength when it comes into the Gulf.  Determinations of where it will actually land has a wide path showing.  It will definitely graze Florida and go toward Alabama, Georgia and possibly Louisiana.  It's never a sure thing when predicting these storms, but it looks as though Texas will be spared this go-round.

TX Ranger Baseball

 
Have you been keeping up with the Rangers?  They are trying to stay in the game again this year.  We are wishing them the best and look forward to many good games in the future.

Oh Yes

 
This road was once the main highway, until the new one was built back in the 60's.  Back then it was Hwy. 67 but today is the Hwy. 66 you can follow on most of the rural areas.

TX Blubonnets

The beautiful bluebonnets are always found scattered along the roads and in pastures here in Texas.  It's a beautiful thing to see in middle to late spring.  If you notice in the picture there is an "indian paintbrush" nestled in the middle of the sea of blue.

Polk Salad/Weed

There was a time when this stuff grew everywhere, especially out in the pasture areas where there were plenty of trees.  This "polk" was cooked by the older people several years back and eaten.  I tried it and found it to be very good.  When cooking it you have to be sure to do it right or it is poison and you can get very sick.  Possibly even die if you aren't careful.  I fix it like spinach after the pre-cooking is finished.  I also like to scramble some eggs into it, which is a preference.  Eating it was a good experience, with the taste being much stronger than spinach.
When I lived in Florida back in the early 90's this "polk" grew wild in my back yard.  I gathered it often and had a great vegetable meal along with the fish I caught in the ocean.  Here in Texas I haven't been able to find any in many years.  Too bad.

Storms

Wow, what a full night we had last evening.  Lightning, thunder, wind and wonderful rain.  I didn't gripe one bit when it started coming through the local areas.  As long as the storms weren't severe, who cares?  Everyone in this area of Texas was sure glad to see the rain coming our way.  We kept our fingers crossed that there wouldn't be any bad winds like the day before when Ft. Worth, TX got hit hard with storms and high winds.  We are thankful for the rain and the weathermen are predicting more very soon.  The humidity is rough today, but that's life here in the Lone Star State.

Texas

We have a very hot summer each year and this year is no exception.  Yesterday our thermometers registered a whopping  108 degrees.  Now, I don't know about you but that's a record day here.  It was a very hot humid day, because we actually had some spotty showers the day before.  There wasn't enough rain to help, but it sure raised the humidity and heat index. The heat was very extreme and I found myself looking for relief, even with the air on. 

Texas is best known for it's Cowboys and Longhorn cattle.  I've never seen a cow ridden before, but I guess you can train just about any animal if you want to make the effort.

 The Cowgirls ought to get a kick out of this picture.  Since us Texas girls love a guy in tight jeans.

Welcome

 I think the sign speaks for itself, but if you are coming through Texas then, make sure to read it.  We're not considered a "redneck state" for nothing. 

 
The two flags that mean something to Texans.  Then raised over a bed of "Bluebonnets" & and orange "Indian Paintbrush".  For those of you who don't know, Bluebonnets are the State flower.

Hard Day

 Looks like a hot dusty trail for these guys.  I wouldn't have lasted an hour doing this type of work.

 Here ya go ladies............tight jeans and chaps.......oh yeah!

Cowboy

After a hard day or just checking out the land?  What do you think this picture represents?  I think someone was trying to find a funny caption.

Texas

Been Here?

Places to Go

Flag

Our flag is something we proudly display, just about everywhere you look.  Texas is a very proud state and we often tell you so.

Football

What would Texas do without it's sports?  We have some of the finest colleges and some of the finest football teams in the country.

Hot

Damn, it's hot...........Texas has hit the triple digits and it's not feeling good..........I hope it gets rid of some of the mosquitos and grasshoppers.  They are a menace to our everyday lives.  I don't want to get bit by a mosquito and catch the "West Nile Virus" and the damn grasshoppers are eating everything in sight.  Maybe we will have a decent winter that will kill off these things this coming year. 

Cruz Wins

I suppose David Dewhurst is licking his wounds after the loss to Ted Cruz?  It's just that Texans can smell a skunk a mile away and they know when there's no one else to vote for they have to make the choice.  There wasn't much left to vote for except the one who finally won.  That's the problem with politics these days.  You just can't find a real person to believe in ..........anymore.

Nelson On Tour Again

It seems that Willie Nelson is back on tour, starting today.  This time he's taking a new swing at things and going on the railroad.  He starts at 10am this morning and travels to different towns, stopping in certain areas located around the train tracks, sets up and plays to crowds who have bought tickets to his show.  Then they get back on the train and travel to the next town to do the same thing.  He will manage to go into at least 3 states doing his tour.  I wish him well, because of all the problems he's had of late.

Rains

We woke up to nice showers, this morning here in the northern part of East Texas.  I've been enjoying the cooler temperatures that have been around, during these times.  The much needed rain has also given us a need to mow our yards once more.  I think that my vegetable garden is a loss for having to go too many days without the rain.  Either way, I am thankful for it today.

Battle of..........

Remember

 
Logged in the history books this famous mission located in San Antonio, Tx is still standing.

Just Part

Wild Fires

While we haven't had a large amount of fires, still we are worried about them starting.  Our state is doing fair this year, with just one large fire outside of the DFW area.  I really feel sorry for the people up in Colorado, with that awful spreading fire that's taking it's toll on properties and homes.  Firefighters are standing by to take the place of exhausted fighter's who come out of the field where the temperatures are horrible. 

Mosquitos

Well, the problem with having alot of rain is the damned mosquitos and their bites.  Now, we have spraying because that "West Nile" has come back and some people have caught it from the bites.  I've been scratching like crazy and wishing something could be done.  The only standing water that's here is for the cat when she's out of doors, and I freshen it almost daily.
We've got damned grasshoppers too and their attacking my vegetable garden in hoards.  The winter was too mild to kill off these things and now they say crickets are bad as well.  Still it would be nice to get a good soaking rain to soften up the hard ground and get rid of those awful cracks in the ground.

Grasshoppers

Damn, grasshoppers are bad this year.  I was mowing the yard with my riding lawnmower. and a grasshopper lit on my hand.  Almost had a damned wreck before it jumped off again.......... :(

The Heat

I knew it wouldn't be long before the summer heat would hit us.  Predictions are for next Monday and temperatures to be up around 100*degrees.  That's going to make for a  hot day here in the North Texas areas.  I'm not looking forward to it, because of the electric bills.  There will be plenty of beverage drinking to keep hydrated.  Hope my plants can hang on, without too much watering.  Yet, I have to water to keep them alive.

Travel Warning

The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning about Tamaulipas in February, and on Tuesday noted that it "continues to advise U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas." Tuesday, the day of the arrests and the unsealing of the indictment, urges U.S. citizens in Mexico to be on guard. "Given the history and resources of this violent TCO, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to maintain a low profile and a heightened sense of awareness." American travelers to Mexico should beware of possible violent retaliation for this week's arrest of alleged Zetas drug cartel associates and family members inside the U.S., the U.S. State Department has warned.
I found this warning on a website and thought you might want to see it, because of it's nature.........

No Rain

It's been all around me this week, but there's been no rain here.  There's even been golf and baseball size hail in other parts of the local area.  Thank God, none of that was here.  Still the ground is in need of a good shower and it would have been nice to get the rain..........not the storms.

USS FORT WORTH

Weather

As I watched the local news last evening I noted with interest the weather.  It seems they predict we will have a wetter summer than usual for our areas here in North Texas.  I''m glad to hear this because of recent years, we have been stuck in a horrible drought condition.  Water rationing has been set up each year for at least the last 4 or 5 years.  I really am glad to get the needed rain, but fear the bad storms which accompany them. 
Today, we are expecting local scattered storms and that can escalate with the onslaught of heat.  It is my hope that only a good soaking rain will occur and leave us feeling refreshed and calm.

Storms

Today, we woke up to a bright sunny morning with the birds singing.  Yesterday, was totally different as the clouds hung thick and black over the Texas skies.  For the previous 2 days it's been non stop storms, bringing the needed rain our cracked ground has been begging for.  The have been power outages as well as down trees from the high winds which accompanied the lash of the storms.  Now I will need to go out and see what has aspired while all this was going on.  My vegetable garden will be jumping with growth adding to a better harvest.

The Border

During the recent weeks and months there have been horrendous attacks on people who live in and around the areas of the Texas/Mexico borders.  Gangs who are associated with different drug cartels have advance their attacks against local law enforcement personnel as well as local citizens.  These attacks are an attempt to control the drug traffic which they have been maintaining along the border areas.  Texas has issued warnings to would be traveler's to stay away from these border towns when going on vacations.  It has become too dangerous to travel to these areas because of the drug wars that are going on.  Mexico has said that this is causing them to loose needed revenue during the vacation season, and is simply untrue.  Yet we see recent accounts of beheaded bodies being strewn alongside a road in a certain area of Mexico.  This leaves us with an uneasy feeling about crossing the border into Mexico or even being close to those border towns.

HEAT

It won't be long till the heat powers up and makes for another hot Texas summer.  This is something we all know about when living here in the "Lone Star State" and it's something we dread.  Not only does it get really hot, but we get drought conditions and the ground cracks open so bad.  Having a vegetable garden means that if we don't get the needed rain, then you have to water.  Not only that, but the ground opens up and lets you know it's dry, so you have to water the grass. plants and trees.  Last week we got some good rain, and right now the ground is perfect.  I hope we can keep getting good rains, as long as they don't come with the bad storms, we Texans have experienced.

Already

All that great spring rain we had is for nought.  The ground is so dried out that it's already cracking and I must water just to save the tender plants. That's Texas weather for ya, and it's not going to get any better.  I will certainly have a huge water bill if I keep this garden in good shape.  Just look at the darn nut grass already taking over.  Man, I love the summer but it's going to be a hot one from the looks of things.

Italian Fried Chicken....

Spartan Races?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The times are changing and with it comes a whole new way of exercising as well as body development.  This trend goes beyond the natural exercise resumes that you find at health spas and resorts.  The Spartan Race  has a combination of sports events which will push your body to it's limits.  You often see different sports related races, which include some harsh workouts as well and tough terrain to deal with. 

Spartans were tough as nails and in the world we live in today, you have to be tough! Why race Spartan obstacle course races? Because we all thrive under pressure, survival of the fittest. Spartan Race's goal is simple... to get you off your couch, throw you in the mud & trails, and feed you one tough endurance event day that will be the adrenalin rush of your life.

I know that I would never be able to handle such tough sports, because of my age and body size.  It's this type of race which you younger people would like to join.  I believe there's plenty of competition as well as sports related exercise during these races.  Why then wouldn't you want some excitement in your life, other than the usual health spa?  I believe this is the new way to enjoy your life and keep in shape at the same time.  For more information click on this link and look around.  http://www.spartanrace.com//sp…

Rain

As you can see the water from all the rains are still with us, standing around as if to taunt us, from last year's drought.  You know how hard it was to find enough water to keep our lawns and trees from dying.