Coming Improvements

Our Mayor has listed several businesses that will be coming to our fair city in the next few months.  It seems that along with the new bridge, we will get our long awaited WalMart, that's been in the quotes for several years.  They have finally broke ground and are getting the excavation in gear for the store and parking lot.  There's word of a CVS along with a USA Murphy's, Charlie's Hamburgers and to housing divisions coming to our fair town.  I guess Royse City, TX is going to grow some more?

Holiday's

It's been a week of events, with all the festivities that have taken place here in our town.  Now, I'm sure the decorations will be taken down in a few days, right after the New Year's.  So, with this said I am hoping that the weather will hold up as well.  It seems that the weather people are predicting some winter precipitation for the North Texas areas.  That includes my area and with the huge trees looming over my home, I don't relish freezing rain.  Last year our areas had damage because of the ice storm and trees came falling down.  This is going to be a problem if we have much ice.......

Fake Tree

Well, our town, did it again this year.  Put up an artificial tree in front of City Hall for the holiday's.  I can't believe it, since I was raised to have a real tree and it seems to loose the spirit of Christmas,  for me to see that thing there again this year.  It also makes me think that our City is making a wrong statement to the children of our town.  I'm sure with all the fines, and water/sewer/trash collection fees, that they could afford a nice real tree, each year.  There are plenty of tree farms around that would love to make the sale.  Come on City officials, and do a better job next year, please?

Turkey Time

 

In a few days we will be looking for one of these big juicy birds for our kitchen tables.  Mostly, it will be the time for "Thanksgiving" and our culture gives us the pleasure of  this special time with family and friends........from our house to yours........have a special, safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Greg Abbott Wins...

Greg Abbott wins against Wendy Davis

Fall Day

I woke up to a bright crisp fall morning, in our local Texas area.  The weathermen reported that a cool front would come through and for once they got it right.  Things are comfortable and the sun is shinning brightly, with a gentle breeze to keep the leaves falling from the trees.  All too soon, it will be winter and the trees will be bare.  I hope the winter will be mild, compared to last winter.  I really don't like ice and falling trees.  The big one out front of my home is about to come down and that would do it.

Old Parkland Hospital

I was born at this place back in 1944..........

Dallas in History

Historical photos of Dallas, TX

Texas Elections

Texas elections are a mess............

Sunflowers......

This property on the north side of I-30 W, near Royse City, TX, has been grown up with sunflowers.  Just on the other side of it is a field which held grain for the livestock.  Until recently it was very full of grass and grain.......

 

At this writing, I noticed that the field has been mowed and baled into hay for livestock this winter.  Gone are the beautiful sunflowers, the birds were feeding off of.

Not Yet!

 

I've been watching this sign and land for the last 4 years and still no Wal Mart!

 

Before I moved out here Royse City, TX in 2011 the sign was posted on this property on I-30 W. surface road near Royse City, TX.  The road work on I-30 has been started but the City & County Codes, must be holding back progress on the shopping center needed to locate the Wal Mart store?  I wish we could get this developed and stop the traveling to Rockwall, TX to shop for needed groceries and supplies.  Come Royse City, TX, get the ball rolling on this, we've (your citizens) waited long enough and you are loosing needed revenue for our town.

Grasshopper

Last year was a bad year for these things and this year I noticed a few, but not as many.......This is a good thing because last year they ate everything in sight.  My roses even took a toll with these darn things eating the leaves and buds.  It's a common thing during the summer to have these pests attack here in our local areas.  The winter has alot to do with whether or not they are plentiful, with how cold it gets.  Don't want bad weather but these things can become trouble to crops and food supplies.

Colds & Flu

I'm sure it won't be long until the doctors will be getting many people in their offices, from all the colds and flu, this weather will help cause. I can only hope that this winter won't be too bad, because it's very hard to get places you need to be and dress properly. 
They say that if you don't like Texas weather, just wait a few minutes and it will change........

Do You Remember?

H.L. HUNT..........HLH FOODS.........HUNT OIL?  Just to mention a few of this historic man's endeavors. 

Borrowed picture by Andrew Hanson
Born in Vandalia, Illinois, on February 17, 1889, Haroldson Lafayette Hunt was truly an entrepreneur from the start.  Having only a fifth grade education in the public schools, at age 16 he left home, traveled across the US working as a farmhand, cowboy, lumberjack, and mule skinner. When his father died in 1911, H.L received an inheritance of about $6,000, which Hunt used to buy himself a cotton plantation near Lake Valley, Arkansas.  Not being content with farming, he hearing rumors of an oil strike in El Dorado, Arkansas,  decided to began oil trading, which gave him enough money to least a half acre. There he placed a rotary drill rig, that struck oil.  From then on this man became a tycoon who was known throughout the world.   Texas can boast of this man's endeavor's with pride, because of his large influence here in our State.

Ebola Patient Dies

 Thomas Eric Duncan, the first known person to develop Ebola in the United States
It has been a traumatic week for the local DFW residents.  Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital released him when he first showed up with a fever and stomach pains, even though he told a nurse he'd come from West Africa. We have been watching as this patient evolved with the virus ebola and eventually lost his battle with the virus.  What's even worse is the fact that these people who have become infected with this ebola, were over in the country where it is running rampant and people are dying daily.  They were around people in Liberia, who were already stricken and in need of help.  Texas health officials say they have narrowed to about 50 the group of people they are monitoring who had some exposure to Duncan.  The way this case has been handled shows serious flaws in the U.S. healthcare system.
Yesterday, another person who came in contact with Duncan turned himself into paramedics to be transported to the hospital,  after he started having stomach problems.  Hopefully he will get the needed healthcare and become diagnosed free of the ebola.

Picture of Duncan borrowed from news on the internet from CBS Dallas.

Storms

Storms last Thursday and this morning gave us some much needed rain in the North Texas areas.  The one on Thursday caused alot of damage and loss of power to a large portion of the local DFW.  Today, was a good soaker, with lots of thunder and lightning.  The sun is out; it's a cool crisp morning and the TX State Fair is in full swing.  TX OU weekend is coming and all the fans are gearing up for the battle........Go Longhorns!

2014 State Fair

The new Texas State Fair.............

Texas State Fair Opens Today

Big Tex's new clothes............

Tyler Roses

Tyler roses are famous.........

Corn Harvest

This is something you see in Texas right about this time of year...........

Texucation

Texas Star Ferris Wheel Ride

2014 Ride and Drive at State Fair

2014 Shooting for the Stars

Chevy Main Stage Lineup

TX State Fair

Coming soon..............

Computer Safety

Try this for your computer's safety, today.............

AMERICA, NEVER FORGET!

Founding Part 2

Come and get it.....

Founding Families

The old 300........the founding families........of Texas..........

TX BBQ HISTORY

TEX/MEX ORIGINS?

Tex/Mex Culture?

Building For Ages

Some history that you need to know......

Texas State Capital

Have you ever visited the Capital building for our great State?  It's a sight to behold and plenty of history to enjoy.

Historical Caruth Homeplace, Dallas, TX

 
 A piece of history.........Dallas, TX.

Flying Red Horse History?

How it came to be.........

The South

I found this picture on FB and it's from the "Southern Women" collection, I think.........but thought it was a great usage of words for us girls...........ya'll!

DA Lehmberg Video of DWI Arrest

Gov. Rick Perry Answers

Over-run by Illegals

What chance does America have?

Militias TX Border?

What do you think?

100 % Chance

It's listed as 100 % chance of rain today and it's here.  It's a nice slow rain, almost like a shower, not hard and pelting like a storm would.  It's in the middle 70's which gives relief from the humidity we've been suffering lately.  It will help the lake levels and the farmer's will be thankful as well.

TV Series Posters

We have several TV series posters that can be bought for $4 each plus shipping.  If interested you can contact me or go to "http://dallas.craiglist.org/dal/clt/4516201.html" and find them.

Storms

The storms we had last night and this morning gave us a few high winds and some much needed rain.  The thunder and lightning rolled for several hours during the night with only a few showers, but this morning gave way to the larger storm.  Around 6:15am the winds took the power and we were without it until 8:19am.  I was beginning to wonder if we would have to wait long for it to come back on.

 As you can see, we have a few broken limbs.  I noticed that the neighbor next door had one as well.  It's the bottom picture here on the page.

Coca Cola Glasses

These are collectable "Coca Cola" glasses.  The 6oz. green glasses are listed on "Craig's List" for sale.  There is a set of 12 in the original box, which was researched on "ebay" and 1 glass alone is priced for $11.77 starting price.  The box of 12, Lot # 6303, can be obtained for $45.00 plus UPS Priority 1-3 days shipping & handling if interested.

Budweiser Belt Buckles

A collection of Budweiser Belt Buckles by the Bradford Exchange is something your man cave could use.  There are 18 buckles on a black felt matte, with a center plaque of Clydesdale horses.  The collection wouldn't be complete without a leather belt and the hole punch included.  This set is for sale on "ebay" and "Craigs List" for $300 plus shipping and handling.  If interested let us know..........

Hall Looses Seat

After all his years in office the 91 yr. old Congressman, has lost his bid in the election, last evening.  His opponent pulled a good margin of votes and defeated the long time US Congressman in this district.  Ralph Hall, has been a name around for many years in the Rockwall County legal system.  We wish him the best in his coming retirement.  It's been a long journey for the tall Texan.

Ralph Hall

At age 91, it's become a question whether Ralph Hall, from Rockwall, TX will win his seat in this election.  He has been in office since President Jimmy Carter.  The US Congressman, is the oldest running in the primary.  John Ratcliffe, 48, was seeking to oust him in a primary runoff — claiming he's the stronger conservative.  I can remember him all during my childhood and young adult life here in our local area.  I wonder just how long he can last?

Weather in Texas

These clouds and wind are very present during the spring time and we hunker down waiting for the results after the storms.  Sometimes, we have a nice rain and other times there are horrible storms that wreak havoc on homes, buildings, vehicles and trees.  These large trees are just some of the fears I possess each time high winds and storms come through our local area.

Spring

This is one of the first iris's that are starting to bloom here in my yard.  North Texas, is alive with a new springtime of growth.

Final Roll Call at Fort Hood

Here you see the "final roll call" made by the Commander of the unit of soldier's where these fallen were located.  After the "taps" was played by the Cavalry Unit soldier at Fort Hood.

Ft Hood Memorial

Today, the soldier's who lost their lives last week in the attack at Fort Hood, in Texas, were honored.  Here you see some of the services which included part of  the presentation from President Obama.

The Beat Goes On

Once again Fort Hood has experienced a horrific trauma, by a lone gunman.  I'm sure there are many who this new attack is bringing back memories.  I have no idea how living through these types of situations can possibly be?  Still my heart goes out to the one's who are presently going through this trauma, and to the one's who are re-living their time back in 2009.
One thing I'm sure of as I watch this disaster unfold, is that the one who caused the attack in 2009 must be elated.  I would like to be a fly on the wall in his room, to see his expressions of pleasure at the knowledge of this attack.  He will surly die in hell for his tragic choices during the 2009 rampage, but even now he is getting some pleasure in this new horror. 
We know for sure that there was only one shooter, this time and authorities are collecting as much information as possible during the following days and weeks.  The shooter's name was release as  Ivan Lopez, who had been undergoing an assessment before the attack to determine if he had post-traumatic stress disorder.  Lopez, was from the  U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and is said to have join the U.S. Army in  2010. 
This type of thing is causing our American people to realize that something is not working when it comes to our national security and safety.

Ft. Hood Again

Here we go again........

Local Power Plant

 

I wasn't watching what I was doing when I made this video, I was concerned with getting a good view of the local power plant.  So, needless to say you hear some country music playing in the background by Alan Jackson.

I was traveling down CR 66, which in earlier years, was old Hwy. 67/I-30, when I decided to make this video.

This power plant was so much smaller when I was growing up here in the area.  Just that small stone building and 3 or 4 towers were there.  It goes to show you how much our local area has grown in population, since the 1950's.

Aliens Will Try to Cross Back.......

Aliens trying to re-enter the US..........

Greg Abbott

I've been reading up on some of the endorsements and possible new rules that this candidate is purposing for his seat in the Capitol of Texas.  Should he be elected Governor of Texas, it will be a definite change in the way we handle our State Laws in the next few years.
One of the things that caught my eye was the fact that he has a Latina wife.  I wondered if he would be biased to the Latinos because of her influence?  Reading further gave me some ease, to see that he wants to step up border patrol by hiring more DPS officers.  I also read where he considers Mexico and the drug cartels as a 3rd World type.  This is encouraging when most Texans are tired of the infiltration of illegal aliens to our State.  I understand that many have already made their way into our borders, and yes many are legal in some form or manner.  Yet, we the people who are affording the financial part of their family lives, are getting tired of them freely living on us.  Even if they have jobs, you will find them at the local post office or Western Union's,  on Saturday mornings, sending money back home to Mexico.  Therefore the money isn't being spent here, but sent back home to their families there.
I certainly hope that some good will come out of this election, should Greg Abbott, become the winner.  It's time for a change and I hope he will make it possible.

City Hall

This was at one time the annex for the 1st Baptist Church.  Now as you can tell, it has been made into our local City Hall.  The flags were flying at half mast because of the death of our Mayor's wife.  

I go here to pay my water bill, since I only live a few blocks away.  It's more convenient that taking time to write a check and mail the payment in. 

I-30 in the AM

This is how it looked crossing Lake Ray Hubbard Sunday morning, while driving to Dallas, TX to my part time job.  This was around 9:20am and by noon time the clouds were gone and the sun was bright with it's wonderful warmth.  We actually sat outside for a few minutes and enjoyed the nice day.

Rain/Cold

I hear the drops of rain starting once again. It's okay because we need it to get the spring going in full array. I'm so ready for the "spring" to burst out. It's my favorite time of the year, with all the new growth. It seems we were able to enjoy yesterday for a short time, in the 70's and today the weather will change once again. Tonight, the time changes as well so we will wake up tomorrow with a new way of doing things. At least it won't be so bad that we have to travel around in the snow and sleet, like we did last weekend.

Can't Win

Do you play the "lottery"?  I like so many others find myself standing in a convenience store, paying for gas or picking up something in a hurry and there I go.  It's like an obsession, pulling me in it's direction.  Maybe, just one, I tell myself and before I realize it, I've jumped in with all the money I have in my pocketbook.  Sure hope I don't have too much cash in there, cause I'll be in trouble. 
Either way, lately I haven't hit anything???? What's up with this?  I would just like to get my money back.  Is that so bad to want?  Hell, no, just a reality, of many who invest in this chance to win big.  I'm not greedy, just give me some of it.  Hey, what do you say, "Powerball?"

Church?

 Well, times keep changing and things change.  This was the First Baptist Church back when I was a girl.  In fact I was baptized in this church back then.  I sang in the choir, and sat while Brother Cole preached many sermons to us.  His wife and Mrs. Hughes were the one's who supplied our musical accompaniments, when the choir performed during services.  I remember singing special music several times as they played.  The organ and piano always as to a choir's music.

 I remember sitting on the edge of those planter walls after church many times watching the people come or go after services.  

Today, it has been transformed into "C.F. Goodwin" Library, and that's better than it sitting vacant, like many churches are doing these days.

How many of you went to this church years ago?  Do you have memories you would like to offer?

Museum

 Here are some of the old buildings in town, and as you can see the old railroad tracks still run through on the south side of the main street. (Hwy 66)

 The brown building houses the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge.  In years past the fire trucks would park in back of the building.  This in now a museum for the history of Royse City, TX.  They have visiting hours which you can take and see some of the old pictures of our town, back in the olden days.

If you notice the flags on the pole next to it are flying at half mast.  This is in honor of our Mayor's wife, who passed away this week.

Grain Silos

We still have a working grain company here in our town.  The freight trains come in on the rails to the right of the 3 silos you see on the right side of this picture.  They leave empty freight cars and pick up cars that are full of grain.  This last Christmas holidays, this company had a huge implement sitting right where the white pickup is now.  The big green monster was as tall as the building on the right and wide enough to take up that space in the middle.  I assume it was a harvester of some sort.  Can be sure since I'm not a farmer.

Back When

 This was a lumber yard back here in Royse City, TX,  several years ago.

 I'm trying to get my feeble brain to remember the name of the lumber yard, but it escapes me.  If you are old enough to remember, please update my old brain.

Texas Recipe?

Well, it looks as though that company is boasting of a Texas Recipe.  How nice since we do love our chili and other good spicy foods.  We wouldn't be Texans, if we didn't love our spicy foods on a regular basis.

Today's Temps

It just goes to prove that if you don't like "Texas" weather, just wait awhile cause it will change.  Here we are with 72* degree, sunny weather while the rest of the nation is cold and in a winter ice storm.  I'm not griping about our weather, it's something we've all been wanting for comfort.

Yellow Rose of Texas

Wow 39 Degrees

Outstanding, we finally got off the freezing mark.  It's still cold to us, but anything above freezing helps the morale, and keeps down the heating bills.  Today, it beautiful for a winter day, the sun is out and there's not much breeze.  I know there are predictions for more bad weather, but we will enjoy what we have while we have it.

Shirley Temple Black Dies

Shirley Temple a legend child star, who in later life went into politics dies at the age of 85.

A Visit

It looks as though George went to visit Mom & Dad..........I'd say great picture of family......
I found this picture on Facebook and thought my readers would enjoy seeing our two important men from Texas.......

Final Effects

This picture was taken yesterday, and now today it's mostly gone.  The temps should get rid of the rest since they are expected to rise to the 50's.  This will be a welcomed event from the cold we've been having.

Weather Lingers

At 26*degrees our snow lingers with it's promise to be frozen ice.  This morning was a cold morning for commuters as they slid their way to work.  The roads haven't been bad because the road crews did sanding in record time.  It's nice when they expect it and are ready to hit the pavement running.  We don't like to drive in the mess and it's always nice for the roads to be passable. 
Tomorrow is supposed to be a warmer day, which will lead to melting and then more icing that night.  By Sunday, most of it should be gone, with temps in the 50's.

Some Snow

 The top two pictures were taken around 9am......

 Around 12pm, I took these pictures and it was still snowing, even though it was small flakes, it was still mounting up, with the cold temps here in the Texas area of my home.