IN THE MEANTIME... random photos from a recent jaunt

This is a Bodark Tree. It produces what we call (at least around here) horse apples. They are large, green, and have a rough, nubby "skin" similar in appearance to an orange peel. Folklore claims putting a few horse apples in your garden or in strategic locations in your house rids the premises of pests such as spiders, roaches, mice, etc. Never tested the claim. Regardless, this tree was massive and had an unusual shape. It was in the city park of Cooper, Texas.... home of the Delta County Fair.

The Champion calf... a real beauty!

This young cowboy sits atop his head horse, Zip. The young man and I spoke at length about his trusty stead. The horse had blue eyes!!

One of the coveted trophies at the Delta County Fair - a belt buckle. There were 2 belt buckles awarded for each animal group (sheep, rabbits, pigs, calves) - one for Grand Reserve Champion and the other for Showmanship.

This old grain elevator facility "spoke to" my lens.

Vine-covered brick on the back of the shops.

As usual, this alley caught my attention. I've no idea why such things speak to me.

Looking up at the archway of the Lamar County courthouse - Paris, Texas

The downtown street of Detroit, Texas. It even boasted a quilt shop!

A very picturesque and charming downtown square in Clarksville, Texas.

The Red River County courthouse in the town of Clarksville, Texas. This town claims it was founded in 1833 and houses records in the courthouse dating back to 1836. That is the year Texas became a state if I am remembering my Texas History correctly.

This abandoned house seemed less lonely with the carpet of bluebonnets as its front lawn.

Until I get an extended opportunity...

COMING SOON....

I have every intention of posting some pictures soon...really I do. Some will be "the prom" and others will be from yet another courthouse adventure.

Until I find the time.....

A SPECIAL CAUSE...and a request

Please indulge me and read this post to the end. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As I was raising my children there were several times that my ex and I were faced with serious medical issues involving one or more of the boys. There was the time when my first son was born that we were told he had severely elevated "numbers" and it seemed to indicate he might have been born with muscular dystrophy. Then when he didn't have properly developed leg muscles and his motor skills were lagging behind the acceptable level for his age, again we were faced with a serious situation that broke our hearts. We were further disheartened when he reached the age of 3 and had yet to utter his first word. Tests upon tests were performed on this boy by some of the finest specialists available. Children's hospitals, offices of speech therapists, occupational therapists, and Shriner's Hospital for Children became second homes to us as we sorted through the myriad of problems to reach a conclusive diagnosis.

As I sat in the waiting rooms for yet another appointment on yet another day, I would observe the other patients and their families. One thing I learned early in the process was that no matter how grim I thought my situation, no matter how heart-wrenching, there was always someone who had a much worse prognosis and far bigger challenge. To witness some of the mothers who tirelessly smiled as they once again spoon fed a meal to an oblivious, wheelchair-bound, diaper-wearing preteen broke my heart anew. I prayed for them... wondered why they seemed so happy despite the reality they faced every day as they struggled to provide a normal life for a child that would never say "I love you, Mommy" or would even know the difference.

We all face challenges at different levels that to each of us seem, at the time, to be the worst thing we've ever encountered. And if we are church-doing, God-fearing folks, we look around us and are thankful that we don't have life as bad as some others around us, because things can ALWAYS be worse.

So the next time you are feeling thankful for the good health of your children... or are thinking what horrible brats they are and surely are not your offspring, go read a story about how your life could have been and be thankful anew that no matter what hand we are dealt in this life, it is still something precious and worthy of a smile.

As you think about this, let me share something. A woman I met as a result of our mutual passion for quilting has an additional passion dear to her heart, her granddaughter Katy. I've known Perry long enough that I remember when Katy was born and Grandma Perry was proudly posting pictures of the newborn baby and her big sister.

I ask that you go read about Katy and all she has to deal with in her young life as she tries to be a normal little girl. Read about the reality her family faces as they strive to beat the odds and fight to find a cure. You can help with a simple donation and a shot at winning a gorgeous quilt made especially to raffle for this cause. Another post that tells more about Katy is here. Additional links are also located on these pages for further information or for donations.

I thank you, and no doubt Katy's family thank you as well. Please feel free to share this post with others in your life who would love to help by making a donation and taking a chance on winning a beautiful quilt in Katy's honor.

NO TIME FOR ADVENTURES

With the Easter holiday and nearing the end of senior year for my high schooler, I haven't been on any adventures recently. Next weekend is his senior prom, so I doubt I will get away for photo taking. .... unless I post pics of the prom-goers!! We'll see what happens....

Until further developments...

LEMONS ABOUND

I am really in a lousy mood today. I have all these papers to gather for my son's attempt to get financial aid for college and yet he won't do the simplest things for me in return... like clean his room. I am tired..... of many things!

Until I do some chillin'.....

ANOTHER YEAR....

As of today I have been on this planet for 54 years. Not really celebrating much. Ross helped me work in the yard a bit and he's promised to wash my vehicle this afternoon.

Here is a picture of a horse at the training facility where my sister and I are taking our lessons. I don't know this guy's name, but he didn't mind me scratching along his neck. There was another horse named Navajo who followed me along the fence no matter which way I turned. I got a kick out of that. In the past horses always seemed to dislike me. At last a horse had connected with me on some level. I was thrilled. (This isn't Navajo).



Last Sunday we drove to Rusk, Texas to board the Texas State Railroad steam engine for the hour and a half ride to Palestine, Texas. It was wonderful. The weather cooperated, the dogwoods were in bloom (the main reason for the jaunt), and the company was delightful. Here the train is rounding the bend as it pulled into the Rusk depot prior to departure.

Samples of the beautiful dogwood blossoms. I had no idea dogwood trees got very tall. For some reason I equated them more with a large bush.

We pulled into the Palestine station for a lunch break. Photo-ops abounded.

This was a close-up of the engine as it was disconnected from the cars and was backed up to go to the other end of the train for the ride back to Rusk.

We crossed quite a few trestles. This pond was full of lily pads. I bet it is gorgeous when they are blooming. It is still a bit early for lily pads. A cute story: on the way to Palestine we sat on one side of the train and then for the return trip we sat on the opposite side of the car so we could see the scenery we'd missed on the first leg of the journey. At one point everyone on the opposite side of us started laughing and clapping. A fisherman was on his boat in the pond as the train went past. He mooned the train!! Gave everyone a good chuckle and a memory.

More scenery along the tracks. There was a great deal of water standing as a result of spring storms. In a couple months the area will no doubt be begging for rain!



We passed this train engine turntable on the way back to Rusk. Too bad we didn't get to see it operate.

Once back in Rusk we got in the SUV and headed back to Palestine on the highway which parallels the train tracks. Palestine is the county seat and I wanted to photograph the courthouse as long as we were in the area. There were actually quite a few historical buildings in the small town. This church is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and dates back to 1890 according to the cornerstone. An impressive structure for such a small community. The doors were locked so we were unable to visit the interior structure.

I had a great adventure riding this train. I wanted to do it for several years. Last year the train was not operating due to springtime flooding and the necessity to rebuild some of the washed out sections of track.

Tonight I am celebrating the birthday. H is taking me out to dinner after Mass. At least I think that is the case because he told me to dress up nice for Mass.

Until the next adventure.....