Strange Things

First, since it is getting warm and then getting cold the plants don't know exactly what to do. I've got one azalea trying to bloom. Also, my stupid lime tree, which has never bloomed, is trying to bloom or do something. I need an opinion, dig it up or give it another chance?

Second, last week end, after getting off of work, we discovered that our water was cut off. Naturally, the city offices were closed and couldn't be reached. So, we went all week end without water. Mad, angry, you bet. But I had my ammo, a canceled check showing that my bill has paid. We figured out what happened, the house next to us is vacant. They had turned off the wrong meter. Anyway, Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. Becky and I were there. They informed me that my water was not off and that I owed them no money. Becky was so mad she was shaking. Me, I had the evil eye thing going, and told them that city lock was on my meter, and that they had 5 minutes to get off or my bolt cutters were coming out, and don't even think about trying to fine me. The back peddling began when the city manager was brought in and I physically showed them the lock. Needless to say, they apolozied, and I got at least 3 phone calls from city council members saying they were sorry.
None of them will be getting my vote, next time around.
It just proves my point that anytime the government is involved things are sure to get screwed up.

Hard Times and Random Stuff

Ok, since the last time I wrote, a have been involved in several different kinds of things.

The Hard Times- It is always hard when you lose someone who is young. The young man who played drums in our praise team was involved in a hit and run accident and died last Saturday morning. (still no word on who did it) I was very close to him and his parents. It was bad enough it being a close friend, but it got harder when his parents asked me to have myself, and the praise team to sing at their sons funeral. They wanted not just a funeral, but a full blown worship service. Dave, the father of the young man who died, joined us on stage to play drums in his son's honor. It was very moving and very touching service. If someone was there who did not know about God, they did by the time they left. Needless to say, it took a lot out of me, but it really put life in the proper perspective. It's not about things, but about God and family, and time spent in the woods enjoying what He created for us. It sure isn't about things and stuff.

Random Stuff- I sang with the Singing of South Texas in San Marcos Thursday. FBC San Marcos has moved out on I35 and sold their old church in old downtown. The new owners have turned the old church into a coffee shop and apartments called the "The Sanctuary" go figure.

Here in Port Lavaca one of our Baptist churches just sold their church to a funeral home, because they are relocating in a year from now. So here is the picture, you got a funeral home sign hung underneath the church sign, a hearse parked in the church parking lot, and a sign that says visitation room where it used to say fellowship hall. Now that's what I call a full service church, you can marry'em and bury'em all in the same place.

More random- our church is having a chili cook off in a couple of weeks. I am looking for a good chili recipe. Ideally, I would like to make jack rabbit chili, but we have no jack rabbits around here. So any suggestions?

Even more- the picture at the top shows moss or some green fungus stuff growing on the top side of a big old oak branch. Here is my question, I thought moss and stuff grew on the north side of a tree? Not that I give any credence to such things, but food for thought.

In the woods in Goliad

I took a little time to get away Thursday and spent about half a day in the woods. I took a sack lunch, my camera, and my trusty .22 pistol in case I came across a squirrel. I was really just exploring more than hunting. I have a friend who owns this place down by Goliad. It's pretty close to the old Spanish mission where the Goliad massacre took place, so there is lot of history in the area. The picture on the left shows a winding road through the woods. I didn't go the down it all the way, but I walked it for about two miles, all the time under the trees.

Because all of us are so busy in today's world it is hard to get away, much less by ourselves. Once I was in the woods, and didn't see soul. It was so nice just walk at a leisurely pace, stop take picture or two, and not really worry or think about anything. I saw 3 does, and did shoot two squirrels. Shooting the squirrels for stew was a bonus. By the time the day was over I was tired. I had walked I figure about 3 miles up and down several trails and down a one track road. But it was a good tired.
Speaking of trees, I came across the oaks that were at least 40 feet tall. Man, they were pretty.
Naturally it could only happen in Texas. A pretty blue sky behind the state flag.

Winter on the Coast

It's 2008 and we finally have a little cool weather. It got down to 40 degrees here last night. For some of you I know that is nothing, but it sure feels good to me. My wife even out an extra blanket on the bed last night. And for the first time this year, I got my coat out and wore it today.

Before I forget, I shot a small deer last Friday, just a little four point, but I needed some meat for the freezer. I could have shot a couple of others that were bigger, (a 8 point or 10 point) but this one was limping and wouldn't make it through the winter. I was meat hunting and not trophy hunting anyway. I'll get another chance at a bigger one this week end.


Just like everyone else in America, I need to lose some weight, so I started my workout routine again and started watching what I eat. I rode my bicycle 5 miles today in the cold north wind. It was not fun, but I know it is something I need to do.

Well, I will post some pictures this weekend, hopefully of a nice 8 or 10 buck. Se Ya!

Christmas Holiday Update

Well, after travel to Oklahoma, Cameron Tx, back here and then to La Porte to see mom and dad I now have a chance to do whatever. Naturally, I am trying to get a nasty head cold. It was good to see everyone at my parents. My brother, all his kids, and my sisters with all their kids were there. My mom and dad had a house full. We had plenty of food, and of course we fought over my mom's coconut pie, and chocolate pie.

On the downside, my parents are starting to look frail. I spoke with my parents about making sure their will was in order, and that we knew what their wishes were if something were to happen. I told my sisters and brother I would get with them in them in the future to put some sort of plan together. My mom and dad have over 23 grandkids, plus several great grand kid.

As far as the rest of my holidays, and I am just going to play it by hear. I know I must do a little shopping.( I really don't want to go near a store) I've am thinking about getting some hunting in, an if the wind lays, I am going to try to fish some. Of course I am going to get out and take few pictures.

Oh yeah, my dad has bought his first computer. My nephew is teaching him how to use it. My dad is learning to type, and practices a little everyday. I've got his email, and now will try to email him to try help him along, and communicate with him what is happening with us on a regular basis. I admire him for trying to learn some new things.

Hey, you haven't seen pictures of my boys in a while here ya go. Josh is on the left, Zach is on the right.

Christmas- Tragedy and Joy

After the last few days of travel and emotion, I have a different perspective about this Christmas.
It all started when I got a phone call last Wednesday informing me a very good friend from Hollis, had passed away suddenly. For what ever reason, it really hit me hard. Then later on that same day, that same family from Oklahoma called me and asked me if I could come and sing at funeral. My heart broke for this family. Here it is Christmas time, and a wonderful husband, father, and a leader in the Baptist church, and a very popular school teacher, is to be buried.

Honestly, it was one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time. My former church was really hurting over this this. The pastor, who is a good friend of mine, struggled in doing this
funeral also. Through lots of tears, and lots of kleenex, I made it through it. I know it was only because of God's grace and strength I could even maek it through the songs. During the long drive going and coming( 9 hours each way) I thought alot about my family, the many friends I am blessed with, and what really is important in life. It is not presents, of gifts, but my family, my friends, my relationship with God.

May each of you be blessed this Christmas season, not with many gifts, but with time to spend with those that are most important to you. Take the time this Christmas season to tell your loved ones that you love them, and give your friends a hug a thank them for all the things they have done for you this past year.

It's Christmas Time

Christmas Time?
How do I know? Well, being on the coast:
1. I don't have to mow grass but once a month instead of twice a week.

2. I am finally wearing a long sleeve shirt every now and then.

3. I did turn the heater on briefly.

4. The bugs are all almost gone, especially the mosquitoes.

5. Wally World tried checking my bag again. (without success I might add, I would not cooperate)

6. Sonic is trying to sell a pumpkin shake for the holidays. Talk about nasty, yuk!

7. Because of peer pressure from my other neighbors I put my nativity scene out. Naturally everyone has lights, but I've got the only homemade nativity scene in town. No plastic for me.

8. I know it is Christmas because I got my first batch of holiday tamales. Boy are they good.

9. I am making up a batch of biscuits to accompany my jar of Johnny Fair syrup I got as a gift.

10. Because I am finally getting to go squirrel hunting so I can have some squirrel dumplings.