New Year

You may think I'm depressed or something since I haven't blogged.
Actually, I'm just savoring the new year God has blessed me with.
Traveling in the southwest, of course, is quite different from my usual NNY routine.
We've passed trucks carrying ONE blade of a wind mill, twenty-first century editon.
We've also seen several twentieth century windmills, standing alone on isolated ranches, still providing water for the cattle.
We've seen many cacti, in blossom at this time of year...and following the rain.
And, so many trains! Unfortunately, they have been erased from NNY landscapes, but they are still alive, well, and very noisy in the southwest.
And, of course, very useful for transporting so many items.
Guess this is all for today.
Happy Memorial Day weekend!

This Birthday

This was the first birthday of my whole life that I celebrated in the great state of Texas. After a day of solitude (my choice), I went with husband and friends to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I used my birthday coupon for potato skins appetizers, while the others enjoyed rattlesnake bites. Then the steak and potato and salad. And then the whole restaurant (it seemed) clapping and whistling as I rode the saddle, the honor reserved for the birthday person. Pictures were taken to record the event, and then we proceeded to a softball game. After that, we concluded our partying by going to Dairy Queen (the Texas stop-sign) for ice cream. I had my usual: a Snickers Blizzard. What a fun day!

Ethnic Groups

Today we went to the Institute of Texan Cultures museum and learned about the many different groups who came to Texas to make a life. We would guess the Spanish and the Mexicans, of course, but how about the Germans, the Dutch, the Swiss, the Polish...and many more. Each of the groups contributed their handiwork and attitudes to the whole that is Texas today. Even the place names reflect the diversity. I found this very enlightening.

"M" is for....

Well, of course, "Mother". There are stages of motherhood. There is the frantic 24/7 time of early motherhood...when there are never enough minutes in the day. And it IS made up of minutes, at that stage, not hours. Babies need so much care. And are so much sources of blessing and frustration and need.
After the little ones go off to public school, the minutes magically stretch into hours..."the kids will be home at...." Mom has a little more time to herself, but she uses most of it to prepare for the times when the family is together.
After the adolescents go off to college...or wherever they go off to...Mom's job is done. Right? Heavens, no! This is the time when hours stretch into days. "Haven't heard from him this week. Should we call?" "Do you suppose she needs more ___?" Of course, when they marry and start their own families....then Mother is put on the shelf with the family Bible and Spock's rules of childraising. Noooo....now it's..."Could you take the kids..." "Could I have your recipe for.....?" "The kids are selling......for......" Mother's Work (and Influence) is Never Done!

Names...

Well, that was actually "Wichita", not "Witchita". My bad.
So, now we're in "Wacko"....or is that "Waco"? Where DO they come up with these place names, anyway? Yeah, I'm sure I could research that. But I probably won't. When we were in Alabama, I was noticing all the names of churches. Suffice it to say, there were a lot more than "First" and "Second" ones. So, I guess place names can also reflect the thoughts and inspirations of their founders.

The Falls of the Witches....

Well, actually, we're in Witchita Falls, TX, for a break and to get email taken care of. Today is sunny...therefore, hot...but it's good to be on the move again. I had an online friend to used to speak of this place, but I'm sure it won't mean to me what it meant to him. Miss you, WEST.

Movie?

Hubby and young USAF friend have gone to the movies.
I opted out.
Do you think I would like "Wolverine"?
I have the feeling it is NOT a "chick flick".
I see enough action films on TV...I don't need to sit in a clammy, unsanitary theater and watch another one...while chawing mindlessly on over-buttered popcorn.
Quiet and peaceful, back home in the Bus!