Christmas Lights

Right after Thanksgiving and on that same day, we noticed a man outside putting up his Christmas decorations, the next evening while driving home, I got a huge surprise.  The house was fully lit, with white Christmas lights, and a sight to behold.  I was almost ready to call my sister and tell her how much that man really had been working, but keep hoping she will drive down the street as I did and see all his efforts.......

Our Weather

This has been an up and down thing.........sometimes you get great warm weather, and then the freezing cold hits.  It's not magic, but the trouble that Texans face yearly.  Not only have we had this horrible drought, now we are looking at another year of this mess.  I frankly wonder if there will be enough water to service our homes this coming year.  I hope the rain is plentiful because I intend on a good spring vegetable garden.  The ground is tilled and if the rain will give us a week, then we can turn it over again, before planting time.

Cold Front

It's morning in Texas and as I look out the window I see clouds that hide the sun's warmth.  It's going to be another cool wet day and we are glad to get these days.  Right now the relief from the triple digit temperatures we had 2 months ago are enough to make us be thankful.  The rain is most needed because of the drought we are in, so that's a plus as well.  I'm certain there aren't many Texans worried about the rain that's coming in the next few days.  They are finding it a welcomed change compared to the days prior.  I wonder what this winter will give us.  We had a rough one last year, but not as bad as some who live up east in the snow bound areas. 

A Texas Summer Blessing

Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry.

Please keep it cool in mid-July.

Bless the walls where termites dine,

While ants and roaches march in time.

Bless our yard where spiders pass

Fire ant castles in the grass.

Bless the garage, a home to please

Beetles, scorpions, ticks and fleas.

Bless the love bugs, two by two,

The gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you.

Millions of creatures that fly or crawl,

In Texas , Lord, you've put them all!!

But this is home, and here we'll stay,

So thank you Lord, for insect spray.

You Know Your in Texas in July

When:
The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

The trees are whistling for the dogs...

The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

Hot water now comes out of both taps.

You can make sun tea instantly.

You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron..

The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.

You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car..

You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.

Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, 'What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?'

You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

The cows are giving evaporated milk.

Ah, what a place to call home. .

God Bless The State of TEXAS !!!

 

 

 

Never Forget

The Great State

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”

New Article

Hi Nita Watson,

Your content has been published on Associated Content from Yahoo!.

Old Trees

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8184475/old_trees.html


This article was written in June and is just now getting published.

Rain

We have been praying for rain and this morning many areas in north Texas found themselves with the nice refreshing rain.  I was one of those people, and am truly thanking the Lord for this precious stuff.  It has been raining for about an hour and still is pouring outside.  This will be great for the grass, trees and plants.  I hope that it keeps the temps down as well, and we don't have a humid day later to contend with.

HOT ....HOT.........HOT

It 's just plain hot here in the Lone Star State and it doesn't look as though there's any relief in sight.  They predict that this will be a record week for high temperatures and this is not good.  There have been several heat related deaths in the last few weeks and with the heat being even higher this week, the city medical teams are worried there will be more.

As always make sure to check on young children, older people, and pets.  Never ever leave them in hot vehicles unattended. 

Hi Nita Watson,

Your content has been published on Associated Content from Yahoo!.

My Hobby

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8101211/my_hobby.html

Hi Nita Watson,

Your content has been published on Associated Content from Yahoo!.

Planting by the Moon

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7883786/planting_by_the_moon.html

Rick Perry Speaks

Texas Governor Rick Perry, repeated his personal opposition to gay marriage in a speech to conservatives in Denver Friday.  He didn't backtrack on his statement last week in Aspen that New York's recent decision to allow gay marriage is "their business." That's despite a direct attack earlier in the evening from a rival GOP presidential hopeful, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who took Perry to task for the comment.
Perry simply told the crowd that the traditional definition of marriage "suits Texas and this governor just fine."
Spoken like a real 'Texan".

Texas State Of..........

Don't Forget

 
The Flying Red Horse downtown Dallas, TX.  The Mobil symbol was atop the building for years.

Stranded

The Texas Blastoff Bungee Ride where riders are launched 150 feet into the air using bungee cords attached to two massive poles, like a giant slingshot malfunctioned.  The bungee wires got tangled leaving a couple stranded 100 feet above the ground for hours on Monday night.  Dallas Fire-Rescue was called to the park to save the riders.  Temperatures at the time of the incident were still in the triple-digits.  They were lowered to safety with no serious injuries, just some dehydration after being stuck in the air and heat for such a long period of time.
The Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park in Dallas, located near the intersection of Interstate-35E and Walnut Hill Lane, will have to determine whether or not the ride is safe.
Everyone is thankful that this was not an accident that caused any injuries or fatalities. 

Texas Rangers President Ryan......

President Nolan Ryan is in a Houston hospital undergoing tests on his heart. The 64-year-old Ryan is “resting comfortably and reports he is feeling better.” He is expected to be released from the hospital in a few days.
Reports are that the discomfort began while at his home in Georgetown on Sunday morning.  It  is believed to be a recurrence of the heart condition which he had previously experienced back in 2000.
Get better soon, we need you at the games!

100 Degree Heat Plus

It keeps coming with no relief in sight.  The triple digit heat is causing a large area of drought and this may lead to water rationing.  I hope that we can get some needed rain, before all the trees, bushes and plants die from exposure.  Those of you with small children or elderly family members, be extra careful to check on them often.  The are the one's who will suffer quickly from heat exposure.  Make certain your animals are where they can get plenty of shade and water.  As always, please remember not to leave a child or animal in a hot car to suffer from the heat that becomes fatal swiftly.

Triple Digits.....

The State of Texas has been in a horrible drought, plus right in the middle of triple digit temperatures.  It's very hot and many times humid.  The weather forecasters don't give us much hope of any relief in the coming days.  Even if there happens to be a pop up shower, they won't be in our area of the state.  Several areas of grass are turning yellow, because of the lack of rain and the extreme heat.  I would like to water, but wouldn't be able to afford the water bill, if I did.

Utility Poles

These power boxes are extremely rusty and look to be located here for many years.  It would be nice to see a new gray one replace these old ones.  If you will notice, there are many large old trees hanging over the power lines, which could snap them, during a major storm.  It would be nice if the electric company would come out and trim back some of the huge trees, which line most of the street's length.  This is just my street and there are many other streets which are in the same condition.

Hasan To Face Death Penalty

Maj. Nidal Hasan, charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder, will be tried in a military court and face the death penalty. It was not immediately clear when Hasan will be arraigned in a Fort Hood courtroom. He must plead not guilty based on the nature of the case, according to military law.  This has drug out too long and it's time they did something to bring some closure for the victim's and their families.

Texas Warns

Texas has issued a warning to people who are vacationing or traveling across the border for the 4th of July.  The DPS warns that traveling in the area of Laredo, along the Rio Grande River, could be dangerous.  Information has been found that the "Zetas" known as a dangerous drug cartel, have threatened to launch attacks on the people from Texas and other areas.  This cartel is considered to be violent and the attacks would be as such.  Nuevo Laredo, is the town located on the other side of the border, where many attacks have occurred.

Happy 4th

Lucas Farms

The "Lucas Farms Packer and Processors" were the first big industrial plan developed in Mesquite TX, and it in operation for many years.  It was located southeast of Mesquite, TX on Mercury Road.  The dairy farm was founded by Greek immigrant Falthon P. Lucas who came to Dallas in 1910.  Lucas was one of the first to express concern about the local conservation.  His philosophy was carved at the entrance of the farms.  "Top soil the course of all life, is the duty of every good citizen to conserve what's there and to rebuild what others destroy." 
The farm which was still owned by his descendants was downsized in later years. There is still an operational restaurant by the name of "Lucas B & B Restaurant", on Oak Lawn in Dallas, TX.  It has been in business for many years.

City Streets

This worker is preparing to pave a small area of the street in front of my driveway.

 Here a dump truck with asphalt is backing up getting in place to drop the asphalt into the hole.

 It took some of the men with shovels to loosen the asphalt so it would start falling.

 The backhoe operator pulled it up and stationed it in position but the supervisor over the crew waved him off.  I was surprised to see the supervisor actually take a shovel and help his men spread the asphalt. 

Education Cuts

The Texas State government has sent a bill to Rick Perry's desk to cut the budget.  This bill includes the cutting of funds for the education of our children.  It will cause many layoffs and this target is aimed at the Administration positions.  I realize that you have many departments which handle the actions of the school districts.  These positions are there to utilize the needs to be met for complete as well as a safe environment to educate the children. 
I believe that the State could have put 5 to 10 cent tax on the alcohol & cigarette sales.  This could help alleviate the cuts to our State education funds.  Where are their mental attributes when these things are being designed?  I can't believe they couldn't find a better way to handle these budget cuts.

What A Surprise

I got up this morning, put the coffee on, came in and turned on the computer, then opened the window blinds.  This is what I saw, and it was very dis concerning to say the least.  I knew that we would need to get someone up here to clean up the mess.  I was thankful that the tree limb fell where it fell.  Yesterday, my car was parked there, and I moved it.  It barely missed the power lines which connect the house to the power pole out at the street.  We were very lucky.

Rangers

I wonder if we can pull off another victory?  The Rangers play well and then loose badly.  It's a toss up with them just as it was for the Mavericks until recently.  A long hard struggle finally won it for the Mav's, and now our attention turns to the Rangers.  Will they or won't they?  That is the question!

Rave Party

These "Rave" parties are really a big blast catered toward the young people.  I worked in the concessions outside of the main door a few years back and couldn't believe the amount of young people who were attending this affair. 
The Rave typically features music, colorful light shows and dancing that uses musical acts and art installations "to create a feast for the senses."  This year's "Rave was sold out and left hardly any standing room for the attendees. 
A death, the second connected with an Electric Daisy Carnival in less than a year, occurred and several others were hospitalized. Last summer, a 15-year-old girl who attended the festival in Los Angeles died from an overdose of the drug known as Ecstasy.  Some 25 to 30 other people were treated for heat, drug and alcohol-related problems during the Electric Daisy Carnival.

More Fires

Fast moving wild fires are taking their toll on several states.  The dry weather with high winds add a fast fuel to a small smoulder from tossed cigarettes and other items.
The fast-moving Dyer Mill Fire destroyed 30 homes about 80 miles northwest of Houston and scorched 3,600 acres.  The Bearing fire that authorities say is one of the largest in east Texas history, was burning through about 14,000 acres on Sunday.  The Bearing Fire, which started on Friday, was 40 percent contained.  In central Texas, seven mobile homes were lost to the Green Cedar Fire in Kendall County.  The National Weather Service had warned that wind gusts could reach as much as 60 miles an hour in several states in the Southwest.

Tree Lined Street

 

You can find this street in the town of Royse City, TX.  This is the historical district and most of the houses located along this street are very old.  Some have been remodeled and others are in dire need of repair or demolition.  The big tree on the right has mastered many years of weather and tree trimming by the local electric company.  I would figure it to be around 150 to 200 years old, with a large amount of it starting to decay.

MAV'S

Well, they did it and now we have at least one team that made the grade.  It's been awhile since Texas and the DFW areas have had something to shout about.  Hats off the the team that made Texas come back to life.  Good luck to the men in the future and may they have a great year coming up.

OK Mav's........Get Going!

The Heat held on for an 88-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night for a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals. Recent history says this is a huge win for the Heat. The Game 3 winner in a tied finals has won the championship all 11 times since the 2-3-2 format began in 1985.  The Heat go into Game 4 on Tuesday night with a chance to do what they did in 2006: win it all on Dallas' floor. They'll need to win that game and the next, on Thursday night.  Nothing came easy for anyone. Shots were contested, bodies collided for every rebound and guys were flying into the stands after loose balls. Fans stood throughout, wearing their blue gimme T-shirts and fired up by videos such as one featuring encouraging words from Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Nolan Ryan and others.  Yet it was the visitors from Miami who walked off celebrating.  Now, what?  Are we Dallas fans going to see the same old stuff, we've seen for years?

Hot!

Oh my, it is so damned hot, here in Dallas, TX and it looks to be around the 100 mark by the evening.  I'm trying to stay cool, but the air conditioning is not keeping up.  It makes me want to go get in my car where I can control a smaller area and it would be much cooler.  I hope this isn't the start of a long hot summer, like we here in Texas have had so many times.

Go Mav's

 

Miami Heat's LeBron James goes for a shot during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, May 31, 2011, in Miami.  The Mav's were taunted by the Heat's players which gave fire to their actions and brought a win.

Summer

It's officially here and with it comes those hot temperatures that can kill you.  I'm literally mean, kill you.  The 100* weather can cause the elderly, small children and sickly many problems to deal with.  Most of us are blessed with that outstanding air conditioning.  The elderly are on fixed incomes, and therefore it's either food or other conveniences that must suffer.  I can remember my grandmother sleeping in her own sweat with only an oscillating fan to move the hot air inside and an open window for draft of outside wind to cool  their home.  Texas, is in the drought zone as we speak, with a chance for some relief this weekend, only to come back later on next week.  Whew!

Storms

More bad storms came through the north central Texas areas again this morning.  We made it through without a problem here in the Dallas area.  I still haven't gotten the news from other areas in the north central corridors.  Hopefully, we all made it through with out a hitch.

Good Saddle Horses?

Looking for good saddle horses?  I know a good horse ranch close to Cross Plains, Tx. that has many to choose from.  These horses are trained by my lovely daughter and her boss Roger Blackmon.  The horses are bred for quality that buyer's are interested in finding on the market.  The trainer has 7 years of service with the "Blackmon Farm" and worked for other ranchers as well.  She has background involved in handling horses at a racetrack, during racing season.  Think you need to invest in some good stock, then check out their ranch, on Hwy. 469, just outside of Cross Plains, Tx.  Here is the phone number of Mr. Blackmon's ranch:  1-254-725-6805, call them up and find some of the best bred saddle horses in the State of Texas.

Migrants

The never ending flow of migrants are happening everyday.  Migrants who were found in two trailer trucks bound for the United States, sit under the guard of a policeman in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, Tuesday May 17, 2011.  Authorities say they rescued 513 migrants: 410 of the migrants were from Guatemala, 47 from El Salvador, 32 from Ecuador, 12 from India, six from Nepal, three from China and one each from Japan, the Dominican Republic and Honduras. Rescued is not the word, actually "captured" would be a better term.  If you want to think that they could have died in there, then you could call it "rescued".

Cock Fighting

The last few years has seen the evolution of laws against "cock fighting". It's well known that most of these people have since moved on to Mexico. Still, the Texas House has approved a measure to toughen punishments for activities related to cockfighting. Some some lawmakers actually crowing for emphasis to support this bill. It amends the state penal code to make it a felony to knowingly cause one rooster to fight another, earn money from fights or operate a facility for them. Also the owning or training a cock for fighting will be a misdemeanor and attending a fight as a spectator a lesser misdemeanor. It causes worry to people who are actually raising chickens for the farm fresh eggs. I suppose everything is going commercial, and the includes raising chickens for eggs.

12 Found

It is reported that over the weekend 12 illegal immigrants were found by U.S. Border Patrol agents in South Texas. They were sweltering in a cargo truck with no ventilation. Some agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint found the people hidden behind a cargo of furniture. This is something that happens very often and many times there are victims that can't be saved. It’s difficult to convict human traffickers because under current law prosecutors have to prove that a person trafficked someone with the knowledge that person will be forced into labor or services. The Senate has approved a bill that would make it easier for prosecutors to convict human smugglers. I personally don't believe this is the case. I believe these people are actually trying to enter the border illegally on purpose to work and send money back to their families. The vote Tuesday makes it a state jail felony to intentionally transport a person with the intent of hiding the individual from law enforcement officers or fleeing arrest.

Tornadoes

MABANK, TX TORNADO 4-26-11 Full HD Footage
This coverage does in fact prove that Texas had it's share of tornadoes last week. 

Texas Schools

Last Friday, brought the cut of over 200 jobs in the DISD and it is considered to be something the District has to do, in order to save money. The troubled financial department, has found itself lacking in funds way too long. The State of Texas has found ways to cut financial aide to the school districts in our State. Now, the school districts, must adjust the financial spending against what's already overdrawn. I see very hard times ahead for these districts, because of the trimmed budgets.

Cool Front

We're definitely in Texas, because it's for sure the weather has changed once again.  They say that if you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a few minutes and it will change.  Change it did, and now it's down in the middle 50's after all the nice warm days we've been having.  The fish in the lakes don't know whether to spawn and go back to the deep water.  The plants are feeling the nip in the air, and they've slowed down on their growing.  Texas has always been known for crazy weather, and this year is no different.

Donkeys

This is one of the donkeys, that live in the pasture which surrounds my sister's home.  They live outside of Greenville, TX on a farm that is property to my brother in law's family.  He and my sister took the family home, then remodeled it so they could in it.  I visited them this last Easter weekend and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the farm.  I went outside, sat under the trees just listening to the sounds of the country.  The birds, the squirrel and even the bumblebees were in full noise.  Ever so often you could hear one of the cows let out a loud "moo".  Here my sister is petting one of the donkeys.  She has them spoiled, to her treats of apples and other fruit during their visits.  They will come up to the back fence and look straight at the kitchen door, waiting for her to come outside.

Tall Trees

 

As I was driving down the road that leads to my sister's home, these tall tree loomed overhead and made for a beautiful country view.  I almost took some more pictures of the road and it's country atmosphere, but a car up ahead of me was bearing down on my area of the road.  Since the one is barely passable for 2 cars I had to make sure that I got over to the side, so as to give them plenty of room to pass.

Native Wildflowers

While driving down the farm road to go and visit my sister, I saw all the beautiful wild flowers that are native to Texas.  These are "Indian paintbrush" and "white larkspurs." 

These are the "wild buttercups", that grace the roadsides every year.  There are plenty of them, but they seem to be much smaller than in recent years.

Cows

These cows are grazing right outside of my sister's home.

There are also 2 donkeys that share this pasture with the cows.  My sister goes out and pets the donkeys and feeds them apples and other fruit as a treat.  The property is part of her husband's family owned land on the other side of Greenville, TX, close to Campbell.  I had a nice peaceful visit, this last weekend when I spent the night out there.

Still Burning

  

A wild fire burns out of control in Palo Pinto County, Texas April 19, 2011. High winds and high temperatures are hampering the efforts of fire crews to contain the blaze.  It's not getting any better even though we've had several rain storms in the last few days.  My daughter is having to watch their horse ranch because these fires have broken out along their north pasture.  She tells me that she has had to fight them as well a keep watch over the horses.

 

This is a herd of cattle trying to run away from the oncoming fires....

A Gun?

Where did this child get the gun it was carrying?  Can you imagine the outcome of this situation.  News has it, that a "Kindergarten student" had a gun in it's pocket and the gun fell out while the child was in the lunchroom at Ross Elementary in Houston, TX.  Three children were injured, when the gun discharged.  Bullet fragments hit the child and two other students when it discharged.  None of the injuries were listed as critical.
I can't imagine a small child being able to get to such a thing.  What were the parents doing, during this whole time?  How awful and stupid of the parents to be so irresponsible.

Wildfires

I talked to my daughter who works at a horse ranch in Cross Plains, about 20 miles outside of Abilene.  She told me that she has been having to go out and fight fires that have broken out on the north end of their ranch.  All worn out and very tired from feeding because of the drought conditions, she still has to protect their property and livestock from the fires.  I'm worried it will get out of hand with the high winds we have been having.  So many people have lost their homes and businesses recently.  Cross Plains, TX was victim to these fires a few years back and most of the main part of the small town was destroyed.

Upcoming Festivals

Hi Nita Watson,

Your content has been published on Associated Content from Yahoo!.

Festivals in Dallas

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7981883/festivals_in_dallas.html


Everyone can find something to do and enjoy!

Texas Salute

I found this festival listed for all you visitor's as well as local residents who want to enjoy the down home flavor of Dallas, TX.
It's a Texas-sized happy hour where jeans are not only allowed, they are encouraged! Tip your hat to local winemakers and artisanal food producers. Feast your eyes on an impressive array of fine Texas wines, hand made cheeses, gulf shrimp and more - all grown, brewed, baked and created within a day's drive from Big D. Tip your hat to local winemakers and artisanal food producers. You'll be impressed by the increasing diversity and quality presented by the winemakers, artisan cheesemakers and other local producers at this all-Texan affair. This casual event is the perfect casual evening where you can scoot your boots and tip your hat to the very best of the West.

Storms

Last night was a night for caution as we heard the sirens go off, warning of bad weather.  I had the local news TV channel on and they were interrupting every few seconds, keeping us updated.  The drama unfolded and there was large hail all over the area, plus heavy rain, lightning, loud thunder, and high winds.  I stayed up and watched making sure that the weather made it past us, and my family who lives a few miles past my area.  It was a time of worry, since their areas were more directly in the path of the tornadoes. 

Wildfires

 

 This home is in the Amarillo area, and completely destroyed by these wildfires.  The Red Cross is assisting with as many as possible.  This year's fires are said to be the worst in sometime.  Gov. Rick Perry is supposed to make a trip to the areas affected by the fires in order to assess the damage that's been caused.  Fire officials have been checking the areas for hot spots and keeping a close watch of the wind driven wildfires. 

The Band

Back in 1960-61 I was a member of the Mesquite High School marching band. It became one of the bands that was invited to march in the "Rose Bowl Parade", that year. As you know the "Rose Bowl Parade" is an annual event that precedes the "Rose Bowl Game" each year. We beat out all the other marching bands in the State in competitions and were invited to participate. I doubt if there are many members still out there, since I know of several who have passed on. I invite the one's still alive to comment and leave some of their memories for me to post.  Below is a picture of the front page of the "Dallas Times Herald Sunday Magazine", showing our band as we were getting prepared to make out trip.

Laid Back

I'm wondering if it's the "calm before the storm", so to speak? There's not much been going on down here in Texas and that's scary. Our State is usually full of all kinds of newsy items happening. If it's not political, sports or weather, there's always something happening. Either way, we are glad it's quiet on the home front. Who knows what tomorrow might bring?

A Dove

As you can see I live in an apartment, and there's not much to behold out in the courtyard.  I noticed this dove sitting on the corner of my railing out front.  It's one of a pair of doves that fly around here in our complex.  They must have a nest or place they like to roost, because they are here all the time.  I can hear them cooing at each other when they get separated.  It's not long until you see the other one show up and they fly off together.

My Friends Opinion

 Here in Texas we have legislation that just keeps mounting.  We are about to loose many teachers in the DFW area because of lost funds.  Below is a written statement and opinion sent to that website about what could be a good solution to the problems our teachers are facing.  My friend is listed under his own name, Manny Campos.  I believe you will find his opinion interesting and a solution to the loss of funds for our teachers.
http://www.statesman.com/opinion/rude-and-cellphish-people-1353480.html

Saddle Horses

Looking for good saddle horses?  I know a good horse ranch close to Cross Plains, Tx. that has many to choose from.  These horses are trained by my lovely daughter and her boss Roger Blackmon.  The horses are bred for quality that buyer's are interested in finding on the market.  The trainer has 7 years of service with the "Blackmon Farm" and worked for other ranchers as well.  She has background involved in handling horses at a racetrack, during racing season.  Think you need to invest in some good stock, then check out their ranch, on Hwy. 469, just outside of Cross Plains, Tx.  Here is the phone number of Mr. Blackmon's ranch:  1-254-725-6805, call them up and find some of the best bred saddle horses in the State of Texas.

Local Ads

How many of you get these damn things in the mail on a weekly basis?  I swear you can fill up a trash can in a month with just these store advertisements the mail brings.  It gets to the point that when I see them in the mail, it's as if someone has given me more problems to deal with.  I realize the need for these but damn the build up they cause and then you have to take the trash out too!  This is exactly the reason I don't buy a newspaper anymore.  I'm sick of it!

Texas BBQ's

Here it comes, the time of year all Texans look forward to enjoying their BBQ & beer.  It's time to get out the smoker/grill, clean it up and get the supplies you need to get this year's weekend fun in gear.  There's nothing like a good old cookout with friends and family.
BBQ ribs, briskets, steaks, sausages, burgers with beans, tater salad, cole slaw, cold beer or iced tea.  Man it just don't get any better than that.  We love it and try to "getter done" as often as possible.  The weather has been just beautiful and it's bringing out the "spring fever" we get when that warm sun hits our skins.  Yeah, it's time to get the fire going, and hang out with your best buddies while the meat is on the grill.

Inside a Bar

 This is one of the areas in a bar that I go to during the week days.  I've found one other bar in the local East Dallas area that has one of the dogs still being displayed on the counter.  It is also located in the East Dallas area.  This particular bar is consider on one of the rating lists as being the top dive in the Dallas area.  At least one of them.  I've seen some that make this one look great and more refined.  It's been around for many years and the present owner has had it quite awhile.  During the daytime, you have the regulars that are there everyday, but after 7pm the place goes to a younger crowd that hangs out on lower Greenville.  You can really meet some interesting as well as boring people in this place.

Happy St. Patty's Day

Guns In Car .......

The Texas Senate has passed a bill allowing people to have a gun and ammunition in their car while at work.  The bill stipulates that the gun and ammo must remain in the car for the person to be legal.  I know of people who have had guns in their cars before this bill was passed.  They also carry their permits with them in order to protect themselves should they be question by law officer's during a possible motor vehicle check point.  It is my hope that the people who carry guns will be responsible citizen's and protect the safety of each individual.

In Harm's Way

Recently there has been a huge disaster happen in the Japan areas.  Our hearts go out to the people of that country as well as the families here in the states whose family members are over there.  I am acquainted with people who had their children in various areas.
One friends' daughter is living in Hawaii and was found to be safe and sound after the waves that hit the beaches did some damage.
My biggest worry was my other friend's son, who is stationed on a military base over in the Japan area.  She sat by the phone for what seemed hours on end.  Finally, the call came in from her son, that he was safe and ok.  I received an email from him last night telling me that he was ok.  I cannot imagine the trauma those people are feeling, as they try to maintain during these horrific times?  It is my prayer that as with Haiti, an outpouring of assistance and help will arrive in time to make a difference.

Spring

 

I caught a shot of this beautiful crap apple tree while driving down a street in Dallas last week.  It's been such nice weather, and the trees know it.  They are in full bloom and so are the springs flowers that grace the local lawns.  I noticed the daffodils are blooming and found some narcissus  bursting out with their gorgeous white buds.  The red bud trees are in full array like some of the peach trees with their pink blossoms.  Spring is my favorite time of the year, when new grow bursts open to new life.

Farm Hands Threatened......

There is little doubt of increased unease on Texas border farms.  Most brazen among the reported confrontations occurred earlier this year on the sugarcane field near Rio Grande City.  A Hidalgo County employee was similarly threatened by three men along the border river to stop clearing brush near a canal, last month. Last weekend, on a ranch adjacent to land owned by country music star George Strait, a ranch foreman was shot at by men inside a pickup truck who were found trespassing. The foreman returned fire, and no one was hurt. It is said that farmers are scared to speak out.  The Rio Grande Valley is largely farmland, making it an almost necessary route for drug smugglers. The border fence built in the last few years doesn't run through all the farms, and even farmers with the fence worry about their safety while cultivating their crops between the fence and rivers. It is getting worse, and even some people who's families live down in Mexico are worried about visiting across the border because of the danger.

Baskelball

This time of the year everyone is watching basketball games.  It looks as if you are stuck with either baseball or basketball, during the off season for football.........I'm ready for football again.  The famous "Dallas Mavericks" are trying to hold on to the winning streak.  We'll see what happens when they come down to the final stretch!  I hope they can make it this year.  For some reason being a sports team that's located in the DFW area, there's a hex that keeps them from winning the big titles?  Do we need a "hex" remover for our local teams?

The Skies

 

It was so beautiful yesterday, and then today we wake up to clouds which takes away all the enjoyment we wanted to have on a Saturday.  I only hope that the day evolves into a beautiful afternoon with the sun breaking through and giving us the warmth we have been having the last 2 weeks.

Yellow Rose Of Texas

Texas Our Texas

Farming

I found this website and this picture when looking for some farming information.  It's said that this is farming in East Texas, and I believe it because that's what you see, when your out on the farms around our areas.  Now that's a tractor down below...........they sure have changed since I was a kid!

The cotton farmer was something many of us were involved with.........I remember picking many bags of cotton..........not fun.....

Springtime

It's time for the farmer's to make the necessary adjustments in their way of handling the new crops, animals and properties that are about to burst loose.  You know how it is...........just more money if the year works out right.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and they will have a good year with their hay & feed crops.  It's nice for the animals to have plenty of fresh grass, along with plenty of good hay, 

oats and corn.  The new calves, foals and such will be coming and with it will come added work.  A farmer does not like to see those big black birds flying over their farm, that means one has gone down.  They will need to go out an look for the fallen animal just in case there's a baby to save.

You Know

Well, you know who won the Super Bowl, so now it's on to the time when the players try to negotiate their contracts and money.  I'm not sure how this is all going to come about, but you can be sure that the players want more money, and the owner's want to keep their money.  Damned it, they already make money I'll never see in my lifetime, and they are wanting more?  Where's the end to this crap?

The Sun

It's out in all it's glory and we are so very glad to have it back.  It seemed like forever, during those days of cold, ice and snow.  Now, we can enjoy the warmth it's bringing back to our Texas towns.  We don't like cold weather and we are spoiled to the warm weather that we have here in our fabulous State. There's nothing like Texas!

Soon Enough

They told us that the "groundhog" didn't see his shadow, this year and that we would have an early spring.  Most of us "Texans" are spoiled to warm weather and to us, it can't be soon enough.  Most of our winters have been mild and we are accustomed to having one bad day and then a warm up.  This year has thrown us a curve and we're not happy with it.  I suppose we should be thankful, because there are states that have winter every year and it's not nice.  Deep snows are always expected up in the eastern and northern states........it's just a way of life.  I'm so glad I live here in Texas, because we can get relief for this type of  weather.

We Have Snow!

Here it is in all it's beauty and Texas is full of it.........it's even down in the lower areas of the State.......I'm impressed! 

 

As you can tell I used the areas close to my apartment doors to get a view of the snow without venturing out into this stuff.  The road crews just got the roads where we could pass on them, now they've got the job to do all over again.........Looks like a short paycheck for many this week..........it's a good thing it's going to warm up in the next 2 days, cause Super Bowl Sunday is in need of plenty of travel time.......

Snow

We got some snow, and sleet during the night and this morning.........I'm sure some of you are laughing at us, because of the lack of accumulation we have.  The temperatures are horrible, with 5 degrees for a wind chill factor........as you can tell there is snow and sleet on the steps and roofs, plus I'm sure it will freeze tonight, if not even today.

What's even worse is now the sun has decided to come out and tease us.