GRADUATION 2009

The past couple of weeks have been busy at our house! The pictures below will let you know why. My second son, Ross, graduated high school as of last night. He has made me proud beyond my wildest hopes (up to this point) and I am sure he is destined to continue this same path of achievement as he enters college and his adulthood.

Ross is a participant. If there is an organization or project that needs a "body", he doesn't hesitate to sign up and often rallies additional "bodies" from amongst his peers. (Unless its the project of cleaning his room or helping mom do something at the house!!!) As a result of "being into everything", he was awarded the prestigious honor of 2009 Longhorn of the Year for his class. Only one person gets selected from the entire graduating class and is a time-honored tradition since the days when I was a student and graduate of this same high school. I was pleasantly surprised... but then again I should have figured that as many times as he went to some activity before the sun rose and then stayed at school long after the sun set he was the only logical choice!!

Here Ross is singing with the Varsity Choir at the end of the graduation ceremony. A shot from the jumbo-tron was the best I could achieve. He is going to Austin (the state Capitol) today to compete in the UIL State Singing Competiton for Soloists and Ensembles. He won the right to be at state in both of these catagories.

Here is "Mr. W. T. White" with his grandparents after the commencement. (I call him this because once Ross and I went to a store where one of his classmates was working. As Ross walked in she said, "Well if it isn't Mr. W T White". I asked her what she meant and she said it was because "he is in everything". That should have been a clue to me about the rest of his accomplishments and the many recognitions. I always figured all this activity was his way of "playing through school" rather than devoting full attention to grades and studying).

Ross and one of his favorite teachers for the past 4 years. "Pop" (as he is called) is the Theater and Drama teacher. He is one of those teachers who gets teens to reach for their potential... and when they think they've stretched to reach as high as possible he expects even more from them. He is an example of what every teacher should be.

And so I am now the proud Mama of yet another high school graduate. In honor of Ross and his many achievements, here is a list of the accomplishments I can remember:

Varsity Cheerleader (2 years; Outstanding Junior Cheerleader in 2008)

Swimteam 3.5 years (many place medals, awards, and a district championship)

Letter jacket

National Thespian Award (only 5th or 6th one to a student in school history)

Best Actor - Drama Dept.

Texas Scholar

Best Male Varsity Choir Member

Best Theater Techie (Lighting and Sound)

Major role in 2009 annual musical production

Major role in UIL One-Act Play competition

State Ensemble Choir competition (They left this morning for Austin)

State Solo singing competition

Cum Laude Graduate

W. T. White 2009 Longhorn of the Year (the 38th to be named)

...... and even more I'm sure I am forgetting.

Ross, if you are reading this.... there is no one in the world more proud of you than your mom. Keep up this tradition you've started for yourself of working hard to excel and you will go very far in life. I wish you all the success and happiness in the world as you begin this new chapter. I love you more than I can express in words and am your #1 Fan!!!

Oh... coming in June.... be watching for a post about how AWESOME my oldest son, Wes, has been since the day he was born!

Until another day.....

PICTURE TIME!!!

I haven't added pictures in quite awhile so this post is varied and covers a lot of topics. First of all, here is a picture of Ross and his girlfriend before their Senior Prom. I've been playing with the Photoshop software and am quite pleased that I've actually learned (i.e. memorized) how to add vignette to a portrait. I am still experimenting to find the optimum settings, but for now I am content with the results.

My almost-94 year old grandmother was again in the hospital. On the morning of Mother's Day Ross and I went to visit her. My uncle was also there (Grandma is his Mom) so I took a photo of Ross with his great uncle. We had a wonderful visit. I took pictures of Ross and Grandma too, but I don't think Grandma would be too happy if she knew I was sharing photos of her in such a vulnerable state.

We drove to Galveston to pick up Janelle's belongings (again!) and this was the sunset over the Houston skyline when we were headed back north to Dallas. This was on the south side of Houston on northbound Interstate 45.

The waves were HUGE in Galveston. It was very windy and the beaches were a mess; jellyfish, trash, birds, etc. But it was glorious all the same. I was hoping to see turtles heading to the beach to lay eggs, but alas we didn't see any. Darn!!

Wes came to visit yesterday. Again I was playing with the camera and the Photoshop editor. Wes was thrilled with this picture. I was able to remove "pimples" from the photo and he was happily uploading his portraits to his myspace page last I knew. We spent some wonderful time together.

Last year I shared photos of my vegetable garden as it grew and never once remembered to share photos of "the finished product". This year I am sharing the ripened photos and hopefully some photos after the harvested goodies are prepared into dishes. Here is ONE lonely strawberry from my ONE lonely little strawberry plant.

Inside looked just as good as the outside. We ate it.

I dug up loads of onions today. I planted both red and white onions in February. Here are some of the resultant onions. They are drying in the garage for a couple days to get a "skin" on them.

And that catches everyone up on the activities around here.

Until the next time.......

WHAT DOES A MOTHER DO ....

..... when she is "thrown over" for the current woman in the life of a son?

I'll tell you what she does......

She registers for a photography class at the local community college... and then she simultaneously checks into classes she can take after its completion.

She resumes her gourmet cooking ventures just so she can say "I've tried making that".

She plans a major purging of the remnants of the boys' belongings in their former rooms.

She decides to repaint every room in the house in colors SHE wants to experience.

She "goes green" by planting a small garden of heirloom tomatoes, tasty peppers, and cooking herbs outside her kitchen door.

She plots ways to get rid of the boys' long-forgotten pets so the house is pet-free.

She considers weekend destinations and jaunts that might require an overnight stay.

She starts to question where and how she wants to be living 5, 10, 15 years down the road.

But most of all, she makes it a point to stay busy in an effort to keep her mind off how badly it hurts to no longer be needed, to no longer be the important person in the life of her child, and she tries like hell to keep from crying.

AN UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE

Saturday was gloomy, humid, warm, and promised impending rain. We had one purpose for the day which was to get to the Gun Show at the Will Rogers Complex in Fort Worth. (That is the grounds where the annual Fat Stock Show and Rodeo is held each January). H needed to get something and I figured I might find a new cellphone case while I was looking at all the vendor stalls. (The one I was using was severely broken and unable to be salvaged). We started by eating breakfast at Subway after having seen the ads for their new breakfast offerings. Save your money. It was cheap, but the quality and taste was lacking.

We got to Fort Worth and discovered that parking was a problem. Many cars, many pickups, and even more horse trailers vied for available space. Obviously something else was taking place at the venue in addition to the Gun Show. Within minutes we spied a sign pointing to a Flea Market. There was one reason. We parked and walked the blocks to the building. We found what we needed and then tried to find a shortcut back to the truck.

Then it happened. I smelled horses. Then I heard them. (There is very little more pleasing to my ears than the clip-clop of horses hooves on cement in a stable or barn). We came around the corner to find a horse show in progress. It was a show of exquisite Arabian horses with elegant riders showing the horses English style. Naturally my camera was in the truck.

We eventually got back to the truck and decided to visit the Stockyards. We parked at Billy Bob's Texas and walked the several block area. This picture below is a view of the pens from a catwalk traversing the historic feedlot.

This old red building is the Armour Swift Packing House from long ago.

Notice the corral with longhorns. Twice a day there is a re-enactment of a cattle drive through the brick-paved streets of the stockyards.

These critters are all obviously steers rather than bulls. They were too complacent. Indeed they even came to the fence to get some human TLC.

It is a good idea to be ever-mindful of the horns... they can poke them through the fence with no problem just by shaking their heads.

A glance up the busy street. The area is a major tourist attraction and, despite the rain that was falling, there were still tour buses full of people arriving and departing. Funny thing... I used to live in Fort Worth the entire 80s decade and never once "did the tourist thing" in the Stockyards district.

Not only had I never played tourist in the Stockyards, I'd also never set foot inside Billy Bob's until this past Saturday. It was huge and I can imagine it being very loud and crowded during an evening of music. While there a major storm struck so we were forced to sit inside Billy Bob's listening to and watching the band of Rodney Atkins do sound checks and stage set-up for the show he was doing later Saturday night.


So what started out as a day with only one errand on the agenda turned into an adventure filled day. That made me happy!!

Until I post again....

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.....