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.