New Years Eve ... all is "almost" well

Well it's time for the annual making of resolutions and I haven't a clue as to what to resolve.
Last Sunday morning Gerald & I watched one of our favorite morning shows ... CBS Sunday Morning. Charles Osgood is a wonderful host and always has such interesting stories. One such this past Sunday was OPINION: Nancy Giles on New Years Resolutions (Nancy Giles proposes a New Year’s Resolutions Revolution!) Now I didn't remember everything she said, but I did get the last 3 items and decided to take them to heart.

• Work like you don't need the money
• Love like you've never been hurt
• Dance like no one is watching

Now don't each of those revolutions sing to you? I'd say it's more like an epiphany than a resolution revolution.

If each of us worked like we don't need the money then I'd say we're working in order to gain fulfillment in our lives or perhaps to help others or because we love what we are doing or for a more intrinsic personal reason. Wouldn't any of those be a valid reason to "work like you don't need the money"?

If we love like we've never been hurt then surely we'll be happier and more fulfilled people. I dare say there is not a single adult or teen for that matter who has not been hurt in some fashion ... by either an outside love interest or by an event within the family. Gaining outside professional help, along with time for healing, disappointments in love can be overcome. Then just "gut up" and look for love again. It's a scary process, but if you are lucky like I there will be rewards at the end and you can "love like you've never been hurt".

If we take risks and don't worry about who is "watching" we'll be happier for it. That is a tall order, but with some amount of self assurance and a great deal of support from people around you, you can "dance like no one is watching".

Happy new year for 2009.

Overlooking the Sceine River - Paris, France

On a cold December day Gerald & I are in Paris (12/21/08). We have been on a zippy bus tour of the city, did a short visit to the Musee d'Orsay (about 3 hours), and went for a walk down the Champs Elysees to the Arc d'Triomph. The Parisians were out in masses this Sunday before Christmas. I can't tell that they are shopping as much as just enjoying their city. The sheer numbers of people on the streets is almost shocking. It's the same in New York City so why I am surprised at the masses is silly. In actuality it is wonderful to see so many people walking, talking, visiting museums, going shopping, stopping for coffee, and just looking about their city. Living in a small town I don't see this happening so much. Even when I lived in Austin there was more traveling from place to place by car rather than by foot or bus and there is no metro at home. There are still cars around Paris, but not many compared to the number of people who actually reside in this inner city area which is only about 6 miles across. Gerald & I covered at least 2 miles today on foot. Last evening we probably walked that far going up to and then back down from Montmartre.
I wish I could see this city on a sunny day. The entire trip from Arles to Paris has taken place under cloud cover with some rain on the second day. A clear crisp day with lots of sun would be beautiful and give this city great color either in spring or autumn. We picked a poor season to visit, but we enjoyed it without so many other tourists. We feel sure we are mostly seeing people who live here.
I doubt we shall ever make the trip again. It is just so hard to travel by air. The airplanes are so uncomfortable, the flights are long, and the jet lag is hard on the body. Then there is the language barrier for the two of us. Neither of us speak French and totally depend on the kindness of the French to help us. Saying "bon jour" before attempting to ask a question or order food is a real necessity not to mention it is just plainly good manners. At home don't we say "hello" before we ask for something? We greet our wait people in restaurants before diving into placing our order for dinner. It is just civil to do so. I think had we gone to Spain, Italy, or even Germany the language barrier would have been less difficult for me ... but it would not have been France!

The Demise of "Boston Legal"???

Tonight I watched the 2 hour season finale of Boston Legal. It is so outrageous, but I love watching it. Many times I have to tape it and watch it at a later date which is what happened with this. I was saddened to learn it is most likely the last episode of this great show. I love James Spader in this role. He epitomizes the good guy lawyer. He's a bit outrageous, but so what he's the good guy lawyer ... wanting to work for the under-dog, concerned about the little guy, and is full of moral decency. Great character!
Let's hope ABC reconsiders ending this show. It'll be tough on ABC if they cancel this as well as Dirty Sexy Money. What a contrast is character development to watch both shows. Let's keep both on the air!!!

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Well here we are... A beginning... However, Paris is at the end of our trip, but I shall begin with the Eiffel Tower. The photo is taken from atop Montmartre during our first few hours in Paris. The tower is in the distance and is lit with blue lights in which blue represents the European Union. The flag is a field of blue with 12 stars in the field. The 12 represents the original 12 countries, 12 months of the year, and any other significant 12 that one can think of. The number of stars will never change in the flag. A picture of the flag at the Arc d'Triumph will be published later; hopefully the stars will show.

Christmas Day at Our House

We are home from a 2 week trip to France! It is so good to be home! It's 7:30 AM and I am sitting at our breakfast table, enjoying our "christmas flowers" & Santa and waiting for Gerald to awaken. I know it will be quite a while before he rises. He loves to sleep in and after our 13 hour flight home he needs a little extra "shut eye". He didn't fare so well and came home with a cold.

Christmas Eve dinner at the Long's home was lovely. We had B J's traditional Mexican dinner complete with tamales. (I understand the Bush's are having tamales at their last Christmas gathering at Camp David. Yippee!) Well, I won't go into that...

Gerald and I had a good time on our trip, but have decided those long - long flights are absolutely no fun. It takes too much out of us. We're going to opt for driving trips within Texas and to Taos in the future. I have some good photos from our trip which I will upload soon on my website. I've got to get it all together. I have my own photo of the Eiffel Tower to upload!

Christmas Day we stayed home, rested, and had roast beef with the trimmings for our dinner. Not quite traditional, but was Gerald's request. "Santa" brought each of us goodies from the local chocolatier. We saw wonderful chocolates all over France, but vowed to wait until we returned home & buy locally. Our chocolatier is from Holland and does fabulous work! We have had lovely afternoon treats with his chocolates and holiday tea that he sells. All this in our lovely little town!

Today we made it to the gym for a workout. We need to get back into the swing of things. A cold front blew in around 1 PM so tonight we'll have some good homemade vegetable soup using some left-over roast for flavor. Simple, but good. Yummy!

Tomorrow We're Off to France!

In about 2 weeks I hope to have my own photos of the Eiffel Tower! Gerald & I will be in Paris on 12/20 (I think). Anyway, I hope the weather is relatively nice... it is winter I realize, but I'll finally visit Paris.

More later...

Dirty Sexy Money!!!

Today I was shocked to learn that ABC may be canceling the Wednesday night show that my husband & I love to watch. We are really going to be upset if this gets canceled.

So, if you are a fan of this outrageous show go online to ABC.com and make a statement in their comments section. Beg them to keep the show!!!

Where else can the average person see such outlandish opulence and get as connected to people in such a lifestyle as this. It is as much fun to watch as was Sex & the City on HBO. I was hoping for a long run of this program.

ABC, if you are listening, please keep DSM!!!

Dow Plunges 680 Points as Recession Is Declared

The stock markets took a fall on Monday, diving along with
investors' confidence. Confirmation that the nation is in a recession and reports of only a modest gain in holiday shopping sales have prompted many investors to resume selling after five days of higher closings.

Now just tell me... what makes today any worse than last week? We've known for a time that we are heading into/or are in a recession so why did the Dow drop 680 points today? I guess it is because Black Friday wasn't so black, could that be it? You couldn't tell it by looking at the stores around here. The Outlet Malls in San Marcos, TX have been brimming with customers for weeks. At midnight on Thanksgiving night the line of traffic on IH-35 was unbelievable! The lines waiting to turn off the interstate were miles long. Surely those people didn't suffer all that just for the fun of it. Surely they made purchases. And what about the rushes we saw on television where people pushed & shoved to get into the stores.

I stayed home. There is nothing out there that makes this 60-something woman want to brave those kind of crowds!

She'sssss baaaack!

She's back & it doesn't look like she's "gonna" go away anytime soon. Sarah Palin is in Georgia, USA promoting Saxby Chambliss for U. S. Senator. That girl can really draw a crowd! Too bad she doesn't have anything substantive to say.

Did you see the Thanksgiving interview of Gov. Palin in Alaska at a turkey farm? Gov. Palin was standing in front of the area where turkeys are beheaded! We were able to see the whole process (blood & all) on a 3+ minute interview. Blood, guts, feathers, & gore! Yuck! And she's such a happy girl! Give me a break!

It Could 'ave Been Me!!!

...and now 3 hours after I wrote the first part of this, I am thankful that I was standing at our kitchen sink preparing coffee for the morning when the water pipe burst under our sink!!! Oh, to think of the total flooded mess we would have had if I had not been there to turn off the valve!!!

Thanksgiving ... Giving thanks

What are the things for which I am thankful? Let me see...
First there is my wonderful husband who is so calm, thoughtful, and caring. He is the best thing in my life. Maybe it's the age we are, maybe it's the trials we've experienced, maybe it's being retired; whatever, life is just so good right now and we are able to enjoy each other's company.
Secondly, good health... Both my husband & I are in good health and we both are so very thankful for that. We sometimes look around and see what some of our friends are going through and we are so happy that we can experience life in good health at this point in time.
Third, friends & family... Some live very near to us and some farther away; some we see often while there are others who we see infrequently because of the distance they live from us.
Fourth, being retired... I'm loving not having to wake up to an alarm clock, get up before daybreak, and rush off to work with zillions of other people.
The thing I ask for is rain... we are in a drought and are in great need of a good rainfall; slow & steady for a few days.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

91 at 62!!!!

At age 62 (my birthday is today) I shot a 91 on the Pine Forest Golf Course!
Well, I just didn’t think it could get any better than yesterday, but today I played golf with “The Nooners” at Pine Forest Golf Course. I didn’t get to play with Gerald today because he was on another team, but I did play with two other gentlemen (Jay and Pat). The day was beautiful and sunny, but VERY windy. Jay can hit the ball a mile high & long and the wind really messed with a lot of his shots today. I struggled a lot in the beginning making a 7 on a Par 5 and an 8 on the second hole (Par 4). It was terrible! But I must have settled down somewhat because by the time we finished nine holes I had a 49. I played much better on the back and shot a 42 for a combined score of 91. That was 5 under my handicap! The upshot of it all was that we won! I managed to get a “greenie” on #12 (the money-hole), Pat got a “greenie” on #16, and we managed to come in with the lowest combined score. It was a GREAT GOLF day for me.
Happy birthday to me!

2008 Club Couples Champions

The 2008 Colovista Country Club Couples Championship was held November 22 and 23. The 2-day event brought in 18 couples to participate in the annual event. The Saturday event will be a 6-6-6 competition. Holes 1-6 will be “select drive/alternate shot”. Holes 7-12 will be “best ball” and holes 13-18 will be a “two-person scramble”. Handicaps will be used on the “best ball” holes and handicaps will be determined by adding together the 2 players handicaps, dividing by 2, and then 33% will be taken to determine Saturday’s score.
Sunday play will be “best ball” with each player hitting his/her ball into the hole and placing both player’s gross score on the scorecard. At the bottom of the scorecard place the best net score.
On Saturday Gerald & I shot a 76.2 and on Sunday we, as a team, we shot a net 59 for a two-day total of 135.2. Barbara and David Lewis were the runners-up. Thank you Colovista for the enjoyable day.
It is unbelievable that in just over 3 years I have learned to play golf well enough to be helpful when Gerald & I play as a team. Gerald’s gross/net scores for the event were 79/69 and Cheryl’s were 90/65. Gerald had 3 “natural birdies” and I had 2.
Before we went to bed Sunday night I asked Gerald if 3 years ago he would ever imagined we could win in the Couple’s Championship. Of course, he could do it, but he never would have dreamed I would improve enough for us to accomplish this. Monday is my 62nd birthday and this is a great birthday present for me!!!

Madam Secretary?

The New York Times is reporting that Senator Hillary Clinton has accepted the position of Secretary of State in the Obama administration. This could be a really good thing! However, the Obama camp is saying it will not make any announcement until after Thanksgiving. We wait...
On another note Timothy Geithner has been picked to be Treasury Secretary. Mr. Geithner is chief of the Federal Reserve Bank.

The Medical Miracle

Mother-of-two becomes first transplant patient to receive an organ grown to order in a laboratory.

"Now I feel great. I am honoured."

Claudia Castillo is a 30 year old Spanish woman living in Barcelona had such severe infection from tuberculous that the trachea and bronchus (windpipe) to her left lung collapsed. The options were to either remove the lung or give her a transplant. The transplant was decided upon.

A donor trachea was obtained and a research group from the University of Padua washed the organ (with an "enzymatic detergent") to remove all living cells. This left the trachea framework made of collagen.

Scientists at the University of Bristol customized the donor trachea using stem cells obtained from Ms. Castillo's bone marrow to create the cartilage, and from inside her nose to create the inner lining. A bioreactor was used to "seed" the trachea with the new cells. See the complete article at The Independent, it is truly amazing! Click on the link below: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/claudia-castillo-the-pioneers-story-1024577.html

After four days the trachea was transplanted and in ten days the patient went home having had no complications. Because the organ was customized using stem cells from the patient the use of immuno-suppressant drugs were need as is usually the case with organ replacements.

If it were not for the research being done with stem cells this would never have been possible.

The Big Day is Getting Near!!!

Very soon now (Nov 24th) I will celebrate my 62nd birthday. At this point in my life I've been married for three years to a wonderful man, retired for 1 1/2 years, learned a new sport (golf), and have applied to receive social security. Yes, I've put in a lot of working years and with the downturn of the economy decided to receive my social security benefits early rather than at 66. My retirement check is just about enough to get me through the month, but I was having to draw money from other sources to supplement. Well with the economy in a sinkhole I don't want to touch any invested money, so Social Security to the rescue!!!

The Dream is Now Reality

On November 8th (our 3rd anniversary) Gerald and I were walking around the downtown area of Bastrop enjoying a lovely fall day, watching the crowds, looking at antique cars, and observing Veterans' Day. As I was about to cross the street I noticed this man and his young son and asked if I could photograph them.

We discussed the recent election where Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th President of the United States. This man's t-shirt said it all, "We had a dream, now it's a reality!" It was especially sweet for him because November 4th was his birthday. He said he REALLY did party.

As far as I am concerned enough cannot be said about the significance of this election. The United States did not just elect a black man ... we elected a black man who is one of the most intelligent men and articulate speakers I have ever seen. I feel privileged to have been able to vote for him in this election.

Whoever is in this position of power needs to have the qualities that I believe Barack Obama possesses. Those qualities include, but are not limited to, intelligence, leadership ability, understanding, & willingness to listen. I think Obama has the potential to make a great president. The world is waiting.

Yes We Can

Thousands of hand-written messages to President-elect Barack Obama fill a 24-foot wide wall between the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. The tribute was erected by Avaaz.org., an environmental group.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

I would love to be in Washington, DC to see this wonderful wall with messages. What a terrific piece of graffiti! Pure love is showing through.

President-Elect Obama's First Press Conference

President-elect Barack Obama (C) answers a question during his first press conference following his election victory in Chicago, November 7, 2008.
REUTERS/Carlos Barria (UNITED STATES)

With his economic team, Vice-President elect Biden, and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel standing behind him Mr. Obama trys to settle the worries of a nation where the jobless rate has reached 6.50 %. The stock market fluctuated during his press conference and went down about 100 points but rallied after the conference closing up 250+ points.

In my estimation his words were measured, soothing, and showing a bipartisan attitude that is needed at this time. He reminded the public that he is not the president and that if the lame-duck administration cannot pass a stimulus package before he takes office in January it will be his first priority.

Nothing earth shattering in this speech, but reassuring in the fact that he is addressing the problem. He will announce his economic cabinet appointment when he has decided. He will be deliberate in his choice and it will be a choice not made in haste. He's already on the job and I am reassured by that.

It's Official ... Barack Obama Wins the United States Presidency!

"This Victory belongs to you."

Fabulous!!! Congratulations America!!!

Election Day!! Will tonight's celebration be even grander?

It’s 4 PM Central time on Election Day 2008. Three more hours until the polls close in Texas. I was at my polling place at 7 AM. By 9:30 AM 213 people had voted, but almost half of registered voters in my county voted early. All the Obama supporters are so absolutely excited and somewhat apprehensive about the outcome of today’s election. Hopefully tonight will end 8 years of Republican direction of the country and a new day will begin!!! All Obama supporters are eagerly awaiting the outcome of today’s elections. Will tonight's celebration be even more grand than that of the convention??

We wait...

Cheryl Visits Democratic Headquarters in Bryson City, NC

On a recent trip to North Carolina I stopped in the Democratic Party Headquarters for a little visit. It is sooo cute. They have decorated it using political signs from the various candidates. They had each candidate come in and decorate their own area some using handmade signs! In the front window there are rows of red shoes reminiscent of the ones Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz. The point of this is to send the republican senate candidate (Elizabeth Dole) back to her home state of Kansas.

Note the red shoes in the window...

“Click your heels together Libby and go back to Kansas!”













Cheryl at the Dem Party Headquarters, Bryson City

Why I am a Democrat

In most of Texas being a Democrat is a four-letter word. I feel like a minority although I don't feel discriminated against. As a matter of fact I feel elite. The purpose of this article, which I hope I can keep short, is to clarify why I have chosen to be affiliated with the Democratic party. (Democratic Party Icon from iStockphoto)

I grew up in a small town in Georgia in the 1950s and 60s. By the time I was 10 years old (1956) I had begun to realize the way people were treated. Being in a segregated society I realized that people of color received little respect. I was reprimanded by my mother for saying "yes, ma'am" to an elderly black woman. As a preteen I noticed a clean-cut young black man working the elevators in a department store and commented on how handsome he appeared and was reprimanded about that statement by my father. In the summer I could look out our kitchen door and seen black people loaded into the backs of pickup trucks and trailers being taken out to the fields to pick cotton. These people appeared to get no respect from white people.

As an eighth grader, I disagreed with the social studies teacher when she said that one always votes for the party. One does not pick and choose who to vote for based on the individual. Of course at that time the south was mostly Democratic so she was talking about never voting the Republican ticket. If she were still alive now I'm sure she would have changed her stance on which party to support. At that time I was learning to think for myself so I didn't think any choices should be dictated to me ... I still think that way.

Even though I still weigh the issues, I now realize that it is also the party platform that directs the person on the political ticket. I became a Democrat because of that very reason. The Democratic party is the party of the people ... all the people, not just the wealthy and socially elite, but the middle and lower income Americans as well.

I am concerned about the justices to be appointed to the Supreme Court, about education of all our children (No Child Left Behind has not worked), concerned about health care, Social Security benefits, the economy, global warming, oil dependency and the need for alternative sources of fuel, concerned that we keep Roe vs Wade as law, and concerned our standing and interaction with the rest of the world.

Regarding abortion, I don't know anyone who is FOR abortion, but we need to TEACH appropriate sex practices to our young people. Just saying "choose abstinence" is not enough for everyone. We need education as a viable alternative to abortion; but abortion CANNOT be banned because we have health issues of the mother, rape and incest that may constitute the need for an abortion. Being able to choose is still a necessity.

I believe the Democratic Party is concerned about us middle income citizens, but also is concerned about the fate of the disenfranchised. As a matter of fact, we should all be concerned about those who are not as well off or as educated as we. The fate of our nation depends on what we do to educate and bring those who are less advantaged into the general population. We need to prepare people to have a reason to live an upright life free of crime. The Democratic Party platform addresses the issues that most concern me; therefore I am a Democrat.

For all the reasons above and because I believe Barack Obama will be good for ALL the people in our country, I have chosen to support him for President. His energy, intelligence, and statesmanship is what is needed for American in this new century.

Republican Convention

I listened to the speakers from the Republican convention and was left with something wanting. John McCain's speech was the only one that even began to resemble someone I would want leading our country. In many instances I thought he was sincere. There is no doubt in my mind that he is devoted to our country, but I think he is pandering to the old line Republicans in order to elect him. He indicates he wants to bring change to our political system, but can he really do that? Will the Republicans allow the kind of change McCain wants to bring about?

The things against him in my view are age and judgment. I fear at 72 years of age he is too old for the position. If something happened to him we would have a radical right winger in Sarah Palin to lead our country. For a group of people who were shouting "inexperience" when it came to Barack Obama they are now supporting a very inexperienced woman to run as vice president. I realize the purpose was to draw female voters into the Republican fold since Hillary Clinton is not on the Democratic ticket, but Sarah Palin cannot fill the space just because she is a woman. Therefore, I think McCain lacked good judgment in his selection of an inexperienced woman for VP.

Barack Obama - Dynamic Speech

On Thursday night Barack Obama hit it out of the ball park! His speech was nothing less than dynamic. In my opinion he covered the points that needed attention in his 43 minute speech. He addressed the economy, the Iraq war, global warming, the ethical status of the U. S. in the world, and health care which I consider to be the most critical issues of our time.

We are responsible for ourselves and for our effect on the world at large. Presidential nominee Barack Obama illustrated to me that he is ready to be a leader. I did not feel his words were mere rhetoric as some may want us to believe, but rather gave an outline of what he stands for, what the Democratic party stands for, and what America should stand for.

What we are going to do to ensure that our economy regains it's stability, what we do about getting Iraq back on it's feet and allowing them to rule themselves, what we are going to do about the health care crisis in our country, and what we are going to do to help and preserve our environment? There is no quick fix to any of this and we need a thoughtful president who listens to a variety of advisers and has the intellect and courage to make the right decision. We need someone with sound judgment and the right temprament to act on that decision.

I will be listening to the Republican party this week (if they don't postpone their convention) or later if it is rescheduled. I want to know what Senator McCain's plan is for the future. I want to hear Governor Palin speech and see what substance she has. At this point I am disenchanted with what I have heard and read from McCain's point, but I want to at the very least be aware of his point of view. Time will tell whether I am swayed by his words and actions.

Democratic Convention

Each night last week I watched the Democratic Convention and each night there was at least one dynamic speaker. On Monday night the Democrats paid tribute to Teddy Kennedy with a video and then surprisingly Senator Kennedy appeared on stage and gave a rousing speech. Even though he is seriously ill with a brain tumor he promised to be in Washington in January to welcome, most hopefully, Barack Obama as the new President of the United States.

If hearing Senator Kennedy was not exciting enough, the next step was to see a video about the life of Michelle Obama and learn of her upbringing on the south side of Chicago. We learned the dreams her parents shared in giving their son and daughter a chance at the "American dream". I felt that Mrs. Obama was speaking from her heart and connecting with people all across this land. I knew she was bright, but she was even more articulate than I imagined. She will make an honorable first lady.

Tuesday night was Hillary Clinton's night to shine. She was very clear about wanting the 18 million people who voted for her in the primary to cast their votes for Barack Obama in the general election in November. She told of meeting a young Marine who had waited months for medical care, but wanted her to take care of his buddies who were still at war; a mother with two adopted autistic children who is ill with cancer and has no medical insurance; and a young boy who was worried because his mom's minimum wage work hours had been cut and he didn't know how they would make it. Possibly her finest statement was tied to those stories when she said to her supporters, "Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?

Then on Wednesday Hillary moved to suspend the roll call and unanimously elect Barack Obama as the Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. The convention did just that and elected Obama as the Party nominee.

Wednesday night we heard from President Bill Clinton in another rousing speech endorsing Obama and pledging to do everything in his power to help him succeed in becoming the next President.

Later Wednesday evening we saw a video on the life of Joe Biden and met him and his family. His son, Beau, introduced Senator Biden. We learned what a true family man he is. Even though he is a U. S. Senator he travels by train most nights to his home and family in Deleware. He has two sons, a daughter, and wife. His first wife and their daughter were killed in an automobile accident many years ago just after he had been elected to the senate. He was sworn into office at the bedside of his two sons who were hospitalized with injuries from the accident. Beau said that several years later his father, and my brother and I, married Jill Jacobs. Senator Biden's love of family and dedication to his country shows true patriotism. Biden accepted his nomination for the vice presidency and gave his acceptance speech.

Check back later for the stirring final night...

Bill Miller: Conversation with Dog

Bill Miller is an Episcopal priest at St. Michael and All the Angels in Kona, HI. For about 10 years he was my priest at St. James Episcopal Church in Austin, TX and was my next door neighbor. I always delight in seeing him and hearing him speak. He is a very charismatic speaker and he writes well. Bill is a well read, observant individual with a real zest for life which no doubt is the driving force in causing people to be drawn to him. He has a deep love of animals which lead to the writing of his lovely book, "The Gospel According to Sam". Sam Houston was is beloved Airedale terrier.

Last Sunday, August 10, 2008, my husband, Gerald, along with friends, Ora and Gina drove a couple of hours to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, TX to attend a sermon and lecture by the visiting priest, Bill Miller. The title of the lecture about faith, Sam, and the book mentioned above was "Conversation with Dog". Toward the end Bill read the postscript to the book about the death of Sam Houston just two weeks before his book went to print. It was a two-hankey read ... but then Sam was a good friend of mine too.

The following is a quote from the final chapter entitled, A Postscript on Love: "The week we were scheduled to go to print with this book, Sam developed serious breathing problems. Fearing some sort of tumor or scar tissue from the long ago fire or that he had developed adult-onset asthma like his dad, we immediately took him in for a check-up. Sam's wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Valerie McDaniel, seemed visibly sad as she showed me his x-ray. 'Here's the problem,' she said, as she pointed to his heart. 'Sam's heart is more than twice the size of a normal heart.' We had always suspected as much."

And that was Sam. A big lovely dog that had lived and loved his master and mistress and brought joy to all who knew him. The first chapter of the book really explains how deeply humans cared for this four legged animal. Sam was saved by neighbors from a house fire while we were all at church on Mother's Day in 1995. The week after Sam came home from the clinic there was a big celebration on Baylor Street with banners, balloons, and ice cream to welcome home our Sam. Funny how one critter can bring together an entire neighborhood.

Bill now has a dog that is part Airedale and part "other" or as Bill phrased it he's a poi dog, meaning mutt in Hawaiian. This fellow's name is Willie Nelson and I suspect he helps fill the void left by Sam.

Mamma Mia!

Mamma mia... what a day! Gayle, Priscilla, Nancy & I went to Austin to play golf, enjoy lunch, shop a bit, & see the new movie "Mamma Mia". We were celebrating Gayle's 65th birthday & we had a FABULOUS time! I haven't laughed so hard in a movie as I did yesterday. Imagine these 50- & 60-something characters dressed in '70's disco attire and singing and dancing to ABBA's "Dancing Queen", "Take a Chance on Me", and "Waterloo"! It really was one of the most FUN movies I've seen in a while. As much as I enjoyed "Sex and the City", "Mamma Mia" beat out those lovely NYC ladies and their beaus for pure fun!

Visiting San Antonio missions

The Convento at Mission San Jose

Garden at the Convento at Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Last Sunday, June 8th I was in San Antonio, TX and decided to take a drive on the historic Mission Trail. I thoroughly enjoyed driving through the southeastern part of the city. It was a very warm day with temperatures reaching 100 degrees, but the beauty of the city almost made me forget the heat. The plants are so tropical and even with the heat there was lots of color.

Each mission is about 3 miles from the one before. I did not visit the Alamo on this trip, but began my tour at Mission Concepcion. After visiting Mission Concepcion I drove to Mission San Jose which is the largest and most well known after The Alamo. 

Then I went farther south in the city to Mission Espada (San Francisco de la Espada or Saint Francis of the Sword). This was my favorite of the missions. It is smaller but well preserved.  The Convento is the priest's residence and church office. The gardens around the Convento are quite lovely. The chapel is lovely and was incense filled with music piped in. The last mission I visited was Mission San Juan. 

All these churches hold regular services.  When I arrived at Mission San Jose Sunday mass was in progress and there seemed to be quite a number of people in attendance because of the number of cars parked in the area reserved for church-goers.

Hillary Steps Up

Hillary stepped up today with a rousing speech which endorses Barak Obama and calls for Democratic unity. I was impressed and hope to become an ardent supporter of Obama. I admit I am still withholding judgment until he announces his running mate for the general election. I would rather see him make a selection sooner rather than later on the matter. Of course, I would like to see him ask Hillary to be the running mate. She might not accept and that would be okay, but I'd like to see him offer it to her. I'd also like to see her accept if he were to offer.

As much as I admire Caroline Kennedy I don't want to see her put into this situation. Caroline has even less experience than does Obama and I think it would be a SERIOUS mistake to invite her to run with him. Hillary would be a steadfast, knowledgeable asset to his campaign. Barak don't let us 60-something women down. Solidify our vote by asking Hillary to run as vice president.

Sex and the City

Finally it has arrived and tonight I went to see "Sex and the City". Truly it was fun! I asked a friend to go with me, but she said she & another girlfriend went for her birthday. I was disappointed to hear that they left midway the movie. She said it would be better watching in on TV when the DVD comes out! Let me tell you, I did not let that deter me ... and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie ... alone ... no girlfriends, no husband, nada, just me by myself. I laughed out loud and thankfully didn't have to worry about whether one single person liked the movie...I was just responsible for ME!
To tell the truth ... I've been in a situation before where a girlfriend went somewhere with me and midway the event decided she wasn't happy & wanted to leave. Well leave sister & leave me to enjoy the silliness, the loveliness, the tears & laughter by myself. Thus is the reason I do many things by myself ... don't have to worry about how someone else is faring ... I'm just groovin' on my own ... by my own self!

Visiting Ginny Blue

After playing golf at Shadow Glenn in Manor, TX Gerald & I drove out to Hornsby Bend and stopped at Tecolote Farms to see the horse that I used to have. Her name in Blue Guinevere aka Ginny Blue. Of course, I always called her Ginny. I got her when I was 40 years old and she was a 2 year old waiting to have a new home. Michael had done some legal work for a rancher & took equine payment. That was 21 years ago and Ginny is as beautiful as she ever was. She loves her new home with Katy, David & the kids. She has a beautiful gelding to hang out with all day and I can tell they are best friends.
Having Ginny was one of the best experiences I ever had and I loved/love her very much. Ginny had stayed at Tecolote Farms during the time I owned her so it was very easy for her to feel at home in this lovely place with her new owner. Thank you Katy.

Springtime

Happy Birthday Gerald

February is the month of celebrating Gerald’s birthday which falls on the 2nd day of the month. This year Gerald celebrated 70 great years. We decided to take a trip to west Texas to do some birding and hiking in the Fort Davis area. On the way we stayed at Tapatia Springs Golf Club in Boerne, TX for a couple of days to play golf & break up the 8 hour drive from Bastrop to Fort Davis.

The photo was taken on Feb. 2nd as we began a birding hike into the Davis Mountain State Park. We stayed at Indian Lodge, in the park, and took advantage of a birding tour led by a state park volunteer.

We hiked two and a half miles up and around the hills at Madera Canyon Preserve. It was a great hike and not too difficult for a couple of senior citizens!