OFF TO A ROUGH START....but with promise

This new year has gotten off to a rough start. Make that very rough. In the short course of 23 days there has been a change in college plans, a readjustment to an un-empty nest, a death in the family, a family member undergoing major surgery and then experiencing undesirable major complications, unforeseen financial mishaps, and enough additional events to leave ones head spinning and psyche reeling. "Will it ever end?" has practically become mantric.

I don't wish to leave the impression nothing *good* has taken place. Several events have actually softened the sting of the seemingly endless cascade of troubles. My cousin "with connections" has located a sweet deal (how much sweeter can FREE be?) on a fabulous aquarium setup so I can further indulge in the relaxing world of an aquarist....not that I claim great knowledge other than which fish is prettier than the next, but the fascination and feeling of calm that overcomes my senses when I watch the underwater activity is better than any repertoire of anti-anxiety drugs in existence.

And I finally got to go on a photo adventure! Knowing me ...err... I mean understanding me the way he does, H picked up on my agitation this past week and literally ordered me to come up with an out of town adventure so I could relax and quit being "such a grumpy old b!tch" (his words; not mine). With much hemming and hawwing I obliged him and at his suggestion we hit the road at 7:00 a.m. today. This alone was an indication of how desperate H was to have me in a better mood. If I'd suggested this early hour he would have had a fit and convinced me to make it 8:30 a.m. or later. So we drove west.

After many months of no courthouse shots, we unexpectedly found ourselves in Montague, Texas seat of Montague County. Winter is my preferred time to take photos of courthouses because the bare trees allow the capture of the entire building. The building in the background is the old jail.

Heading further to the west and then south, we found Amon G. Carter Lake. Those with knowledge of Fort Worth know that Amon Carter is a familiar name in the area, being the namesake of the coliseum where the stock show and rodeo is held each year (which is coincidentally running as I type this). I thought the brushy grasses at water's edge were wonderful.

A bright spot.... these flowers are called Paperwhites and I see why. They are very delicate and translucent. The bulb was a Christmas gift from my friend Anne. It is truly lovely.

Other things are good as well. I found a book I wanted to read offered on amazon.com for one penny. I am currently reading an excellent historical novel about Cleopatra. I am working feverishly on an applique quilt which was begun 5 years ago... and I'm thoroughly enjoying the tedium of the multitudinous pieces! The coming days are looking less grim.

Good-bye January and hurry up February!!! Surely you won't be as dismal.

Until the next opportunity...