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.....

WHAT GOES ON IN MY WORLD

My grandmother is 93, going on 94 in a few weeks (about 10, I think). Recently she was in the hospital, was released to rehab, and now has returned to her assisted living apartment. I visited her the other day and took this picture. She is the only remaining grandparent I have.... I want her to live to be 1000 (although I know that won't happen).

I started taking horseback riding lessons this week! My sister and I decided to do it together! We are both past 50 and thought this might be something fun. If nothing else, it might give people something to talk about at our funerals. I adore ranch and farm animals. However, horses in particular do not seem to like me! I've been on a horse perhaps 3 times in my entire life (maybe 4) and each time I've gotten hurt. I've had a horse step on my foot, been bucked, been thrown off, and was wounded and permanently scarred from an improperly adjusted stirrup. Each time I was plunked on a horse, handed the reins, and told, "OK, here ya go." I've never been *taught* how to ride. Yesterday was our first lesson and I actually feel we learned a thing or two. Can't wait to get to the next lesson!

Last night I attended a play in which Ross has a part. Moliere Impromptu is the name. Here is the "write up" from the kids' Facebook page:

"In 1665 Versailles, the members of Moliere's Illustre Theatre have gathered to rehearse a new play commissioned by the King for a performance this very night. Everything is fine, except that the script is in horrible shape, the straight man wants to leave the troupe, marital spats are ripping the company apart, the intern is lobbying for a bigger part, and Mademoiselle Du Croisy can never remember her lines. A wickedly funny look at the magic of theater, translated and adapted from three short plays by Moliere."

It was cute and indeed very "French". The students did a wonderful job and I respect the drama teachers greatly for being able to get the teens interested in these sorts of activities. Actually, I have respect for ANY teacher who can "click" well with teens making them want to learn.

This weekend I have planned a picture taking trek to the woods of East Texas. The dogwood are in bloom and I hope to capture them as I ride the historical steam engine operated by the Texas Historical Railroad. The weather forecast is favorable to the outing so I should have some springtime photos to share after the journey.

One of my cousins is fond of scuba diving. He shared a website featuring an underwater camera installed at a coral reef on the island of Bonaire. I've been watching that lately. It is fascinating and I could watch for hours. I am always tickled when I see divers waving to the webcam. Here is the link if anyone is interested: Bonaire Webcam. It is live and the refresh rate can be adjusted to one's preference. (During Daylight Saving Time they are one hour ahead of CDT)

No doubt there is more I am forgetting to tell. Yes, Cindy, I know I need to get a package into the mail to you. It is on the agenda.

Until I find more time....

COMING SOON....

Will have an update soon. Many things to share... both photos and news. Today I am working out in the yard doing a spring clean up.

Until I get a chance to sit still...

WEARIN' O' THE GREEN

Saturday was the annual St. Paddy's Day Parade in the area of town where the crowd will use any excuse to party or drink beer. It was rather odd to see persons of obvious non-Anglo descent wearing t-shirts proudly proclaiming their Irish Heritage and wrapped in enough green beads to make the most practiced Mardi Gras reveler envious!

I chose to celebrate the wearin’ o’ the green in a different manner. I explored Downtown Dallas with a distinct emphasis on the bursting green of spring worn by the trees. And by visiting places I’d never been, as though I was “green” to Dallas. You know, those places in your home town where all the tourists go…. the places you drive past hundreds of times a year and yet have never ventured inside or taken a second look.

We took the light rail system to our destination. At the station we disembarked we found this brass miniature of the downtown skyline. It too was wearing green, but from weathering the elements more than from a celebration.

This was a nice photo in my opinion. The building on the left is Union Station, where Amtrak stops, the center globe is Reunion Tower that now is home to a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and the glass building on the right is the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The ceiling of the chapel at Thanksgiving Square. It spirals upward but in two dimensions it appears as a nautilus shape. The skies were gloomy and overcast. I imagine when the sun is shining the colors inside the chapel are a sight to behold.

The old Dallas Courthouse, known as Old Red. It now houses a museum and tourist information centers. All of this is half a block from Dealey Plaza, The Grassy Knoll, and the Texas School book Depository were Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired deadly shots at President John F. Kennedy.

This is the old Dallas County Criminal Courts building. It is where Jack Ruby gunned down Lee Harvey Oswald. I had no idea it was right across the street from where Oswald shot the president.

Dallas has always been a city of corporations. Pegasus as this neon work is known once flew on top of the Mobil building in Dallas. There are many replicas and retired versions.

The Old Courthouse from a different angle. Closeup one can see gargoyles sitting atop each of 4 peaks. The building on the far left is now the federal courts building and the old building on the right is the records building, where one gets vital certificates and marriage licenses.

This cabin belonged to John Neely Bryan, reportedly the first citizen of Dallas.

This marker is about John Neely Bryan, but is in what is known as Pioneer Cemetery next to the convention center. A fascinating cemetery. Most of the headstones mention counties in which the decedent was born. Time after time it was Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Kentucky. And somewhere in one of those states a descendant is frantically searching for "what ever happened to" so-and-so that there is no record of their final resting place. Another interesting factor of the cemetery is that it is the final resting place to early mayors, county clerks, lawyers, families for whom our major freeways are named, etc. A veritable history of early Dallas can be found on the historical markers at many of the grave sites.

These life size longhorns being driven on the old Chisholm trail are made of brass and are at the edge of Pioneer Cemetery. Dallas is rich in western history, but the glass, cement, and mirrors often overshadow such humble beginnings.

Perhaps the trail boss watching the proceedings?

Another monument erected in the 1800s in honor of those who fought and died in the Confederate Army during the Conflict Between the States. The statues on the corners are to honor men such as Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson, historical participants in the Confederacy.

Hope you enjoyed. I only wish the sun had peeked through the clouds every now and then. Maybe next time.

Until then.......

A PHOTO

I uploaded a photo, but I put it on my quilting blog because I have made the rule that all things quilty belong over there. Click here to be taken to the site.

Until another post....

VEERING OFF COURSE FOR A BIT....

Although it is Saturday, there is no adventure to share. Originally that would not have been the case, but life has a peculiar way of rewriting itself and loudly letting us know our preferred plans are out the window!

I will not be going to the annual Irish Festival today. It is an event which lasts all day and into the latest hours of the night. My 18 year old son and his friends let it slip that while I was at the Irish Fest they would be having a party at my house. Whoa!!! Slam on the brakes! As the quasi-responsible parent to a hormonally driven teen I knew these dual plans (Irish Fest and party) were not compatible in the least. I opted to stay home to chaperon this "party" (who am I kidding... to make sure my house and belongings aren't compromised). My reasoning is two-fold. Ross just celebrated his birthday this week and I have no objection to having a celebration with his friends. Secondly, perhaps if they figure out the plan to have a party "while Mom is away" has been discovered they will opt out! (Is this reverse logic or just being a paranoid mom?)

Nonetheless, here I sit on a beautiful Saturday at home instead of taking photos.

I do, however, have several chores I am trying to complete. A few days ago I started "deep cleaning" my bedroom. I mean cleaning it from top to bottom, throwing out everything I don't need or use, getting rid of books I will never read a second time, etc. I have a mountain of items slated for Goodwill. The downside to all this productivity is that as I put things away I find even more things I need to get rid of.... I put some books on a shelf in another room and happened to notice objects in that room to add to the donation pile. So now I am "deep cleaning" two rooms instead of one.

I might even have a photo to share later in the day if I get back to work now. So.....

Until later....

A BIG DAY....

Before this day turns into Wednesday I want to wish Ross a VERY happy 18th birthday. I hope your life ahead is full of happiness, success, and good people.

Now I feel older than ever.....

Love Mom... aka Gena

COURTHOUSE ADVENTURES

We had an agenda - photograph downtown squares and courthouses. The destination was Sulphur Springs, Texas, county seat of Hopkins County. It was a cold, clear day. The blue sky and budding spring foliage belied the actual climatological environment of the day. The wind was gusting out of the north up to 40 miles per hour with a windchill of 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. We froze our tushes off!!! We were out in the wind trying to take photographs, but the wind was so strong the tears welled in our eyes, making us not quite sure what was being seen through the camera view finder. Oh well.... here are some pictures to share regardless.

This is Main Street in Sulphur Springs. It is modernized with a narrow pavestone street, natural rock fountains along the sidewalks, and pleasant music streaming from outdoor speakers.

The top of the courthouse. This was another by architect J. Reily Gordon who designed several other courthouses previously shared here.

A quaint outdoor garden at a bistro in Winnsboro, Texas. Perhaps in May the weather would have been more hospitable for such a stop.

More unique architecture in Winnsboro, Texas.

This is Pittsburg, Texas. In the downtown area there is a belltower with doors that are always unlocked. Inside is a small chapel of sorts with exquisite stained glass windows, scriptures, a couple pews for personal reflection. It would make a charming venue for a very small, private wedding. On one side of the tower there is a fountain and beautiful flowerbeds.

This is for those of you in the north and east who wonder if spring will ever arrive. Here is hope. The tulips and daffodils are blooming, as are the flowering bushes, hedges, and trees. As we drove along the country roads we can notice a light tinge of green in the once-dormant trees.

Also in Pittsburg, Texas was this bank logo. Yes, its the same Pilgrim of Pilgrim's Pride Chicken. I think Bo Pilgrim must own Pittsburg and the surrounding area. There were Pilgrim banks, Pilgrim Feeds, Pilgrim Processing plants, and more.

I don't know if you can see it well, but the facade of this building is quite amazing, dating back to 1900. The F.W. Fitzpatrick building. Don't know anything about a person named Fitzpatrick, as it is now the home of The Mission Church.

This is the south. Nearly every historical courthouse has a monument dedicated to those who fought in the Civil War, or The War Between the States as some choose to call it. Some of the historical markers enumerate the votes for and against secession. Most voted to secede (often by a 2:1 margin), although I do know of one community north and west of Dallas that proudly sided with the Union states. The gorgeous tree is a Bradford pear tree in full bloom beside the monument.

This Civil War marker proudly displays the Confederate flag and honors those from the area who lost their lives in that conflict.

THE COURTHOUSES - in order: Hopkins Co., Franklin Co., Titus Co., Hunt Co., and Rains Co. Some are definitely more impressive than others. Often times it has more to do with the size of the county. And almost as if it is a prerequisite, nearly all the counties with more modern facilities do so as a result of fires to the original buildings or extreme urban growth.

Until another adventure....