Numbers have phrases connected to them; many have more than one. Add some in the comment section and I will revised and extend this bluggy.
===============================================================
We are #1
1 - is the loneliest (thanks Ida)
#1 - every high school and college team in the USA before the season
#1 - my nickname for daughter Christine (first child)
Tea for 2
2 cents worth (thanks Ida)
#2 - my nickname for daughter Laura (2nd child)
#2 - rental car adv. We try harder.....
3s a crowd // Three coins in a fountain
#3 - my nickname for son Roger (3rd child)
4 - my birthdate // 4 eyes //
5 - wedding date
6 - why did 6 run away from the haunted house? cause 7 - 8 - 9 (thanks Ida)
Lucky 7
8s enough
9 - German word //
10 - Movie by same name
(7 come) 11
Ocean's 11 (see 12 & 13)
12 Cheaper by the dozen
Unlucky 13
14
15 - wife's birthdate
16
17
18
19
20
.
.
33 1/3 rpm records. (shows my age)
.
40 - 1940 birth year for wife and me
.
Colt 45 - 45 rpm records
.
50 - our anniversary last year
51 - our anniversary this past August
58 - graduated from high school
59 - Brenda graduated from high school
62 - year we were married
(Jan.) 63 - received Masters from Tech
64 - Christine born
67 - Laura born
7/7/70 - Roger born
.
73 - age I turn this year (wife hit 73 in September)
.
76 - Trombones
78 - rpm records
.
and a 101 cornets played the Air
1492 - Columbus sailed the ocean blue
1776 - a great year for patriots
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday quickie
couple of things unless I start to ramble.
Wed.
rain started before dawn with thunder - it is past 11 and we have broken the 2 inch mark. They say it will continue all day. My backyard is a swamp. The dogs have to be kicked out the door. And, still it comes.
.
my little white Ford Explorer is in the shop. I've talked previously about my car repair guy. Cheap is the word. He quit his former company and opened his own shop in the former Lincoln/Mercury house. At this moment he is working alone hoping his former helpers will want to move in with him. Consequently, he works alone. Lots of folks like him. He has too much business for one guy.
.
The Ford went into the shop last Thursday - front end problems. Hopefully it will be rescued today.
And with that I close - told ya it was a quickie - gonna go look for my spandex swimming trunks so I can go out into the back yard. My neighbors ain't here - may just go skinny dipping with my dogs (if I can get them off the back porch - notice tie-in to blog name).
.
Did I mention that I watched most of the old M A S H movie last night on TV? The movie guys really are a lot more cruel than than the TV show guys. With that, I close.
m
I'll do a P.S. My brother's wife went to the doctor yesterday for a checkup. They put her in the hospital and are going to do some things today. I don't understand it all for sure. Blood going through heart is down to 20%. They think one of her stents isn't working right. She is a candidate for a heart transplant, but has yet to pull the trigger to go. Her older brother had a heart transplant years ago and did not survive. Yes, I know, they have made great strides in heart transplants over the past 20 years. I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do to ease her pain and solve this problem.
.
It just dawned on me that she may read this sometime. If so, I apologize in advance for putting her blues on the international stage.
m
Wed.
rain started before dawn with thunder - it is past 11 and we have broken the 2 inch mark. They say it will continue all day. My backyard is a swamp. The dogs have to be kicked out the door. And, still it comes.
.
my little white Ford Explorer is in the shop. I've talked previously about my car repair guy. Cheap is the word. He quit his former company and opened his own shop in the former Lincoln/Mercury house. At this moment he is working alone hoping his former helpers will want to move in with him. Consequently, he works alone. Lots of folks like him. He has too much business for one guy.
.
The Ford went into the shop last Thursday - front end problems. Hopefully it will be rescued today.
And with that I close - told ya it was a quickie - gonna go look for my spandex swimming trunks so I can go out into the back yard. My neighbors ain't here - may just go skinny dipping with my dogs (if I can get them off the back porch - notice tie-in to blog name).
.
Did I mention that I watched most of the old M A S H movie last night on TV? The movie guys really are a lot more cruel than than the TV show guys. With that, I close.
m
I'll do a P.S. My brother's wife went to the doctor yesterday for a checkup. They put her in the hospital and are going to do some things today. I don't understand it all for sure. Blood going through heart is down to 20%. They think one of her stents isn't working right. She is a candidate for a heart transplant, but has yet to pull the trigger to go. Her older brother had a heart transplant years ago and did not survive. Yes, I know, they have made great strides in heart transplants over the past 20 years. I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do to ease her pain and solve this problem.
.
It just dawned on me that she may read this sometime. If so, I apologize in advance for putting her blues on the international stage.
m
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The week that was
Years past - as many years seem to have gone - there was a TV news show with a name LIKE: "That was the week that was." Or something like that. They reviewed the happenings of the past week. I do suppose I watched that show since back then we only had 3 channels and with a really good antenna one might pick up the educational channel from Tech. That is: we had channels 5 (PBS), 11 (NBC), 13 (CBS), and ABC eventually - like on channel 27 or something.
.
We were living either in Levelland or Sudan at the time and had to use antennas since cable didn't happen for us. All stations were in Lubbock on the south part of town - except the PBS on the Tech campus. I cannot remember watching PBS at all. This conversation could take the route of talking about old TV stations, but we shall save that for another day. My point is "the week that was." It has been one of those weeks.
.
If you read the previous babble blug, you read of the air conditioner mower dying. It died. Naturally, feel sorry for me, our motor is a variable motor in two parts. The back half has all sorts of controlling things and it died. The man put our new one in on Tuesday - $672.25 counting parts and labor. At these rates, this gentleman should never go hungry. Good ole boy. He was a good ole boy who apologized for the cost. Big deal - give me a discount.
.
Over the weekend, make that last Friday, we loaded up the motorhome and drove to Grapevine. Didja know they have wineries in Grapevine? That's not the reason we went. There is a great campground there, inexpensive with lake water and other activities. Friday afternoon sported free massages from 4 till 6. Missed that...because we were not there for the campground.
.
My wife has several cousins. Once a year they gather in a fancy hotel and gab about the past, future, and present. She has a good time with her cousins. A Cousins Reunion, so to speak. They stay in the Southlake Hilton; we stay in the RV park. I think we win on that one. They pay $174 a night; we pay about $32. They get a free buffet breakfast each morning; we eat our cereal and snack off their buffet for free. All in all, I think we win. Lunch and Dinner are in the area restaurants - these are restaurants, not a cafe in the bunch.
.
Again, we are not there to eat or sleep ( or shop ), we are there to see the cousins. On Saturday afternoon, the guys gather in the meeting room -they have a fancy name for it- and watch FOOTBALL!!!! while the ladies tour the local shops depleting bank balances. My wife, not a shopper or spender, dutifully makes the shopping rounds with the girls. All in all it t'was a nice weekend and get together. We kissed and hugged Sat. night and returned to the RV.
.
Sunday morning, up late - did I mention that we put the dogs in a rest home for the weekend? Fritz was not there to wake us at 3:30 or 4:00 for his morning constitutional. It was nice not having to handle the dogs. I'm sure they would have loved to go traveling. But, for once, they stayed at the Vet. $8 a night he charges per dog. I think that is a true bargain.
.
We picked them up at 9 on Monday. I really get lonely for my dogs, even though at this very moment they are all outside barking at the guys who are mowing the neighbor's yard. Dumb mutts. The dogs had had a bath and smelled of soap. Poor little Bruno (he is the biggest dog but the most helpless in the fear world). As the guy carried him out, Bruno was so nervous he had a bowel movement all the length of the hallway and out to the car, depositing his last present on the back seat of the Marauder. He was so happy to get home - had a runaway on the back porch - back and forth and back and forth. So happy.
.
Mowed the yard Wednesday - saw my ankle doctor this morning - improving but not cured - The foot doc hiked his left pants leg for me - yes, he was having the same problem that I face - and he was wearing his ankle brace with a smile. The master shower started backing up again - went to home depot and bought a drain auger. Used it this afternoon. Cost $40. Calling a plumber to do the same $ ????. My last plumber told me to go buy one.
.
Tuesday night I traveled to Mexia and rehearsed with their community band. They have a short concert on Saturday. I plan to play. Probably will never go back for another rehearsal. I would describe the tuba player, but, in theory, he could read this someday. Nuff to say - made me really nervous and agitated. Volunteers should never be made nervous and agitated. I could write a page on this opportunity; won't.
So that was the week that was. Little white car in shop. RV was in shop on Tuesday. Had a guy come by today to discuss moving dirt out of the lake to my property. Busy, not really. But we have to sit and wait to get anything done. Right now, I am ending this in order to go yell at my stupid dogs who are still barking. Think of them as a drum section turned loose in a glass factory.
luv ya all fer sure.
mtz
.
We were living either in Levelland or Sudan at the time and had to use antennas since cable didn't happen for us. All stations were in Lubbock on the south part of town - except the PBS on the Tech campus. I cannot remember watching PBS at all. This conversation could take the route of talking about old TV stations, but we shall save that for another day. My point is "the week that was." It has been one of those weeks.
.
If you read the previous babble blug, you read of the air conditioner mower dying. It died. Naturally, feel sorry for me, our motor is a variable motor in two parts. The back half has all sorts of controlling things and it died. The man put our new one in on Tuesday - $672.25 counting parts and labor. At these rates, this gentleman should never go hungry. Good ole boy. He was a good ole boy who apologized for the cost. Big deal - give me a discount.
.
Over the weekend, make that last Friday, we loaded up the motorhome and drove to Grapevine. Didja know they have wineries in Grapevine? That's not the reason we went. There is a great campground there, inexpensive with lake water and other activities. Friday afternoon sported free massages from 4 till 6. Missed that...because we were not there for the campground.
.
My wife has several cousins. Once a year they gather in a fancy hotel and gab about the past, future, and present. She has a good time with her cousins. A Cousins Reunion, so to speak. They stay in the Southlake Hilton; we stay in the RV park. I think we win on that one. They pay $174 a night; we pay about $32. They get a free buffet breakfast each morning; we eat our cereal and snack off their buffet for free. All in all, I think we win. Lunch and Dinner are in the area restaurants - these are restaurants, not a cafe in the bunch.
.
Again, we are not there to eat or sleep ( or shop ), we are there to see the cousins. On Saturday afternoon, the guys gather in the meeting room -they have a fancy name for it- and watch FOOTBALL!!!! while the ladies tour the local shops depleting bank balances. My wife, not a shopper or spender, dutifully makes the shopping rounds with the girls. All in all it t'was a nice weekend and get together. We kissed and hugged Sat. night and returned to the RV.
.
Sunday morning, up late - did I mention that we put the dogs in a rest home for the weekend? Fritz was not there to wake us at 3:30 or 4:00 for his morning constitutional. It was nice not having to handle the dogs. I'm sure they would have loved to go traveling. But, for once, they stayed at the Vet. $8 a night he charges per dog. I think that is a true bargain.
.
We picked them up at 9 on Monday. I really get lonely for my dogs, even though at this very moment they are all outside barking at the guys who are mowing the neighbor's yard. Dumb mutts. The dogs had had a bath and smelled of soap. Poor little Bruno (he is the biggest dog but the most helpless in the fear world). As the guy carried him out, Bruno was so nervous he had a bowel movement all the length of the hallway and out to the car, depositing his last present on the back seat of the Marauder. He was so happy to get home - had a runaway on the back porch - back and forth and back and forth. So happy.
.
Mowed the yard Wednesday - saw my ankle doctor this morning - improving but not cured - The foot doc hiked his left pants leg for me - yes, he was having the same problem that I face - and he was wearing his ankle brace with a smile. The master shower started backing up again - went to home depot and bought a drain auger. Used it this afternoon. Cost $40. Calling a plumber to do the same $ ????. My last plumber told me to go buy one.
.
Tuesday night I traveled to Mexia and rehearsed with their community band. They have a short concert on Saturday. I plan to play. Probably will never go back for another rehearsal. I would describe the tuba player, but, in theory, he could read this someday. Nuff to say - made me really nervous and agitated. Volunteers should never be made nervous and agitated. I could write a page on this opportunity; won't.
So that was the week that was. Little white car in shop. RV was in shop on Tuesday. Had a guy come by today to discuss moving dirt out of the lake to my property. Busy, not really. But we have to sit and wait to get anything done. Right now, I am ending this in order to go yell at my stupid dogs who are still barking. Think of them as a drum section turned loose in a glass factory.
luv ya all fer sure.
mtz
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Heat Pump Bluz
This will be a "whine."
Going for the "feel sorry for me" syndrome.
.
Yesterday afternoon, the spouse was cleaning a bathroom as bathrooms are want to be cleaned, when she noticed sweat on her brow. The water closet was too hot. Want to guess the problem?
She could hear the heat pump running outside but no cool air was coming from the ducts. That should be close to enough hints.
.
Our air conditioner/furnace is down, broken, kaput, fizzzzzzz.
.
It is a Trane, new in 2008 when the house was built. A heat pump at that. When we built the pad, I told them I wanted a regular air conditioner and a gas furnace. They said sure, no problem. When I look at one air cond or another, unless it says "heat pump" in bold print, I would never know. About a year or more after we moved in, the machine had a problem - under warranty. The guy came out and told me it was a heat pump. Sigh. WhatRyaGonnaDo?
.
For those who don't know, a heat pump will heat the air or cool the air. It will cool or heat about 20 to 30 degrees above or below the outside temperature. So if it is 100 degrees outside, I can cool down into the 70s or so. You get the idea. But, I have a gas furnace which will heat the house to 100 or more if I ask - they call this supplemental heat.
.
Our problem is the electric blower in the attic that moves the cool or heated air through the ducts. Since ours is broken, no air moves. We called a company in town, Watkins Electric, who has the word TRANE on their store and truck and yellow pages adv. The service guy called TRANE main office and talked to a technician who reacquainted him with our model and the process for checking. Terry came out and ran the tests on the motor - shot, not working, fizzle-lee-doo. We now have a new motor on order. It should be here no later than Monday and installed thereafter.
.
Lucky? Yes, we are. It could be 100 degrees outside. It could be 30 degrees outside. Instead, we had a cold front and are experiencing 60 to 70 degree weather. Lucky? Yes, we are.
Unlucky? Yes, we are. The mere fact it died 5 months after the warranty ends, BAD. But there is more. They put a variable motor on our unit. This means it changes speeds as programmed. Of course a new blower motor should cost $100 to $150. A variable motor - because it has computer stuff on it - estimate between $400 and $600 - or so.
.
Whine.
Whine.
At least the service guy is a nice guy. He petted our dogs and told me he has foxes living in the creek behind his house inside Corsicana. Foxes. Who'd a thunk?
That's it. I'll try to think of something else to complain about tomorrow. We did get almost 3 inches of rain. That is good.
nighty night.
m
Going for the "feel sorry for me" syndrome.
.
Yesterday afternoon, the spouse was cleaning a bathroom as bathrooms are want to be cleaned, when she noticed sweat on her brow. The water closet was too hot. Want to guess the problem?
She could hear the heat pump running outside but no cool air was coming from the ducts. That should be close to enough hints.
.
Our air conditioner/furnace is down, broken, kaput, fizzzzzzz.
.
It is a Trane, new in 2008 when the house was built. A heat pump at that. When we built the pad, I told them I wanted a regular air conditioner and a gas furnace. They said sure, no problem. When I look at one air cond or another, unless it says "heat pump" in bold print, I would never know. About a year or more after we moved in, the machine had a problem - under warranty. The guy came out and told me it was a heat pump. Sigh. WhatRyaGonnaDo?
.
For those who don't know, a heat pump will heat the air or cool the air. It will cool or heat about 20 to 30 degrees above or below the outside temperature. So if it is 100 degrees outside, I can cool down into the 70s or so. You get the idea. But, I have a gas furnace which will heat the house to 100 or more if I ask - they call this supplemental heat.
.
Our problem is the electric blower in the attic that moves the cool or heated air through the ducts. Since ours is broken, no air moves. We called a company in town, Watkins Electric, who has the word TRANE on their store and truck and yellow pages adv. The service guy called TRANE main office and talked to a technician who reacquainted him with our model and the process for checking. Terry came out and ran the tests on the motor - shot, not working, fizzle-lee-doo. We now have a new motor on order. It should be here no later than Monday and installed thereafter.
.
Lucky? Yes, we are. It could be 100 degrees outside. It could be 30 degrees outside. Instead, we had a cold front and are experiencing 60 to 70 degree weather. Lucky? Yes, we are.
Unlucky? Yes, we are. The mere fact it died 5 months after the warranty ends, BAD. But there is more. They put a variable motor on our unit. This means it changes speeds as programmed. Of course a new blower motor should cost $100 to $150. A variable motor - because it has computer stuff on it - estimate between $400 and $600 - or so.
.
Whine.
Whine.
At least the service guy is a nice guy. He petted our dogs and told me he has foxes living in the creek behind his house inside Corsicana. Foxes. Who'd a thunk?
That's it. I'll try to think of something else to complain about tomorrow. We did get almost 3 inches of rain. That is good.
nighty night.
m
Sunday, October 13, 2013
State Fair of Texas and...
October 13th, 2013. Friday the 13th comes on Sunday this month. I'm sure all are enjoying its charms. For me, a lazy afternoon after a busy week or so. Since my last bluggy of a while back in which I rambled regarding our recent RV trip to La Grange and Huntsville, nothing has happened which can be described as earth shattering. I haven't trapped a fleeting terrorist, dated a Kardashian, flown to the moon on gossamer wings, on won a bingo. So bear with me here. Gonna change font colors; that should be exciting.
.
There we go.
.
We have had one heck of a time with our schedule. Those unretired don't know how busy a calendar can become. The Texas State Fair is this month, and I like to go. It is FREE on Thursdays for old folks. On Wednesdays, for three cans of food, the admission is $3. These are number not to be sneezed at. Parking runs $15. You gotta really want to park to pay $15. Some of the locals allow you to park in their yard for $5 or $10. I do not feel comfy doing that. We pay the $15 thinking that we are doing a service for the community.
.
All - make that Every - Wed. and Thurs were full this month with some happening. We picked a Monday, the Monday following going to Canton's First Monday Trade Days, an enormous flea market. Let me stall here for a moment and say that Canton was just like all Cantons. We saw new little puppies, ate at the Chinese buffet, browsed booths of bartered belongings, turned our noses up at brand new products and spent maybe $10 on stuff. We are not big payers, just big shoppers.
.
The State Fair of Texas was just like all State Fairs. They have the rides - we never walk through that area of clamor. They have the guys and gals bartering the games - games which are winnable to the few. There are people selling carrot cutters, jalapeno hackers, mops that mop all types of surfaces - booth after booth of mattresses - player pianos, scarfs - mile after mile of colorful scars, jewelry; I think we walked through 4 enormous bldgs of products to buy...bought none. In the morning a lady bought a mop - she carried that mop around for the rest of the day. Why?
.
A question: kids were everywhere. It was a Monday. They can't be all home schooled. How do parents get off taking their kids out of school to ride rides and get underfoot?\
.
Of course we did the obligatory trip by the new Big Tex for the photographs. He was just fine. I understand that some have complained because his skin is painted too dark. Nothing pleases some folks.
.
We spent an hour plus walking through the automobile display. I would like to find the money to buy a new car. My Marauder is now 10 years old with over 150K miles. I do not want it to fall apart. A classic should be treated better. My wife wants a car which will hold all 3 grandgirls, and they are grand - which can be pulled behind the motorhome. Thus we can make a trip and take the girls along. Good Plan.
.
The motorhome has a limit of 5,000 lbs to be pulled. You go looking for a car that weighs less than 5K and has extra seats. Few and far between. So we walked through the display checking the weights and appearances of so many buggies. We found a few, nothing that I crave and can afford right now. Here is where the kids got to me. They were everywhere. 10 year olds runnnnnnning around from car to car - sitting behind the driver's wheel. With an adult standing waiting these kids play with the radio of the car. Where are the parents? There was a cute VW convertible bug. Every child had to sit behind the wheel of that VW and have their photo taken by laughing parents. Gads.
.
All in all it was a good car visit other than the loud noises and kids. Next year will be better cause I plan to take super glue and squirt it on the feet of all the little kids. If you are stuck tot he floor you cannot run,
.
Last night the Corsicana Swing Orchestra played for the Hanger Dance - a dance held in the Hanger at the local airport. This is a fund raiser for the hopefully soon coming airport museum. I enjoy playing with this band - good people. Maybe I will write more on that in a bit - it is 5 o'clock now and Fritz needs supper. Stay tuned for more.
m
.
There we go.
.
We have had one heck of a time with our schedule. Those unretired don't know how busy a calendar can become. The Texas State Fair is this month, and I like to go. It is FREE on Thursdays for old folks. On Wednesdays, for three cans of food, the admission is $3. These are number not to be sneezed at. Parking runs $15. You gotta really want to park to pay $15. Some of the locals allow you to park in their yard for $5 or $10. I do not feel comfy doing that. We pay the $15 thinking that we are doing a service for the community.
.
All - make that Every - Wed. and Thurs were full this month with some happening. We picked a Monday, the Monday following going to Canton's First Monday Trade Days, an enormous flea market. Let me stall here for a moment and say that Canton was just like all Cantons. We saw new little puppies, ate at the Chinese buffet, browsed booths of bartered belongings, turned our noses up at brand new products and spent maybe $10 on stuff. We are not big payers, just big shoppers.
.
The State Fair of Texas was just like all State Fairs. They have the rides - we never walk through that area of clamor. They have the guys and gals bartering the games - games which are winnable to the few. There are people selling carrot cutters, jalapeno hackers, mops that mop all types of surfaces - booth after booth of mattresses - player pianos, scarfs - mile after mile of colorful scars, jewelry; I think we walked through 4 enormous bldgs of products to buy...bought none. In the morning a lady bought a mop - she carried that mop around for the rest of the day. Why?
.
A question: kids were everywhere. It was a Monday. They can't be all home schooled. How do parents get off taking their kids out of school to ride rides and get underfoot?\
.
Of course we did the obligatory trip by the new Big Tex for the photographs. He was just fine. I understand that some have complained because his skin is painted too dark. Nothing pleases some folks.
.
We spent an hour plus walking through the automobile display. I would like to find the money to buy a new car. My Marauder is now 10 years old with over 150K miles. I do not want it to fall apart. A classic should be treated better. My wife wants a car which will hold all 3 grandgirls, and they are grand - which can be pulled behind the motorhome. Thus we can make a trip and take the girls along. Good Plan.
.
The motorhome has a limit of 5,000 lbs to be pulled. You go looking for a car that weighs less than 5K and has extra seats. Few and far between. So we walked through the display checking the weights and appearances of so many buggies. We found a few, nothing that I crave and can afford right now. Here is where the kids got to me. They were everywhere. 10 year olds runnnnnnning around from car to car - sitting behind the driver's wheel. With an adult standing waiting these kids play with the radio of the car. Where are the parents? There was a cute VW convertible bug. Every child had to sit behind the wheel of that VW and have their photo taken by laughing parents. Gads.
.
All in all it was a good car visit other than the loud noises and kids. Next year will be better cause I plan to take super glue and squirt it on the feet of all the little kids. If you are stuck tot he floor you cannot run,
.
Last night the Corsicana Swing Orchestra played for the Hanger Dance - a dance held in the Hanger at the local airport. This is a fund raiser for the hopefully soon coming airport museum. I enjoy playing with this band - good people. Maybe I will write more on that in a bit - it is 5 o'clock now and Fritz needs supper. Stay tuned for more.
m
Friday, October 4, 2013
La Grange - Quilts - Huntsville
Here it is the first of October - ghost and goblins lurking in the shadows. As they might say in Alcoholics Anon ( I can't spell anonymous with confidance or is it confidence? ) as they say: it has been 3 weeks since I last entered a comment on this page. Does this mean I am not addicted?
.
Certain family members told me to write a blog - instead of sending them email stones. I bit and began. Now they don't read the blog either. Tho ( sic: so ) I will continue wallowing in my self, alone pity. Can anyone hear me out there?
.
anyway, nuff of that stuff
.
We made a motorhome trip about a week ago to La Grange, TX. They have = what is billed as = the Texas State Quilt Museum. Our daughter Christine drove down from Round Rock - great name for a town - and stayed in the M.H. with us for a couple of nights. If you have not been through La Grange, and stopped, you should. It seems to be a very nice little town with things to do and see.
.
1st: the quilt museum has its limits. It is housed in two downtown bldgs which have been redone quite well. The quilts are pretty and the folks are friendly. Every 3 months they change their display of featured quilts. Oct. 1st will be the new display; I guess I should say that Oct. 1st was their new display. The Sept. one was a display of art type quilts. Scenes made from cloth and swirly things made from cloth.
.
My family is into traditional quilts, so this was not the best thing. Yes they were pretty; but, they were not traditional quilts. We enjoyed the viewing however. As it turns out, while we were in La Grange it was festival day. Every small town has at least one day of festivities. This was their county's 175th birthday. That's a long time in Texas. They fired a cannon off on the hill top, they did this, they did that. At 4 on the courthouse square the party began. Politicians recited at 4 as well as local well-respected folks who probably have been politicians.
.
A crowd gathered beneath the courthouse balcony and listened to - at least - 45 minutes of speeches about the wonderful day. Yes, it was a Wonder, Full of speeches and the crowd stayed. They had an oldie car display, little ole ladies sitting and quilting in costume, a guy making cornmeal with the help of eager children and and and..
.
but my favorite was the Round Top Brass Band which struck up after the speeches. I don't know who they were . . . . a bunch of old guys and gals in black pants, white shirts, and cute, little, period-black box hats - reminding me of olden days fireman hats when they weren't working. Some were terrific players; others could have done with another rehearsal or two. While they were a brass band, two clarinets sat in and warbled beautifully.
.
What I noticed is: the band played a song. Then, the band sat around a talked for a while; then the band played a tune. Then, the band sat around a talked for a while; then the band played a tune. sat around a talked for a while; played a tune. My guess is, they only knew about 6 or 7 songs. The drummer on a trap set started each tune with a woodblock knock knock. All in all, it was a fun group, and I would be please to play with them if asked.
.
Our motorhome park was right on the Colorado river. It had rained the day before - as we drove that way, all day, rained, drove, more rain - I had not experienced this much driving fun since we drove through Pennsylvania one year as part of a hurricane blew through. Rain rain rained. Back to the river: it was flowing with all sorts of tree litter flowing as well. We walked along the shore with the 5 dogs and looked for squirrels and other deeply hidden critters. I can say, that I believe La Grange would be an excellent place to retire if you are tired of the big city.
.
One last thing - my wife really enjoyed the streets. It seemed that all over town, they built streets that left giant trees standing in the middle. The street would just go around both sides of the tree - put up a warning marker - travel on. I suppose that was nice. It might be a hindrance to a certid dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd ncvvvcvv
let's stop here for an explanation. I was typing along. I wanted to type "certified." The "F" was stuck in the down position. How's that happen? Must I quit eating and drinking while I type? I just went in between the keys with my handy dandy pocket knife and removed cracker crumbs, cheese, hair, garbage, and elephant dung. Maybe I should take the back off the keyboard and blow the thingy out. Or maybe I shouldn't. Let's leave air compressors to the professionals.
back to original paragraph. trees in road. It might be a hindrance to a certified drunk. And I would think in a Czech/German community - there might be a few.
.
move on
.
We decided to take two days to get home. Our next stop was in Huntsville on I-45. They have the Huntsville State Park. Now this is a nice State Park. You should go see. Trees and Water. Lovely picnic area. Really nice. Next morning, we took our time and loaded up. Walked the dogs 4 different times to empty certain body parts, and took off for town. Finding a place to park the motorhome, pulling a car, at an eating place was hard. Eventually we squeezed into an area behind the Golden Corral of Huntsville.
.
I have been in thousands, if not millions, of Golden Corrals. I believe this one is in dire need of refurbishing. I thought it was a tad scuzzy. The food was the same. I know, some of you think the food is scuzzy at all G. C. or buffets, in general. it was okay. We sat in a secluded area beside a group of 6 adults. Next to them was an elderly Spanish man and his wife, who had their laptop opened on the table. The screen showed their playlist and the music was being played through those little tiny speakers. Yes, this couple had brought their own elevator music to enjoy as they feasted at Golden Corral.
.
Wanna guess what kind of music? Go ahead.
You're wrong.
It was music from the 40s and 50s. All of the stuff I truly enjoy. Good big band sounds, old songs and dances - all pop. It was a pleasure having this gentleman sitting near with his playlist emitting the golden sounds of a golden era. Is this a trend for the future? Little kids bringing in laptops to play Barney music while they eat? Some acid punk rock dude playing his trash for the world to hear? Think about it for a moment. Why not? They left, leaving us alone in the area with the 6 adults.
.
A phone rang; the lady picked it up and started having a conversation. She was not obnoxious or anything...very pleasant. She passed the phone around the table. Finally it reached this one low-middle age guy who talked briefly. Then he said: "Yes, I just got out." He described who was there: his mom, his brothers, and so forth.
.
I'll cut to the chase. "I just got out." Huntsville. Gray uniformed individuals picking up several containers of food to go. Where are we? Huntsville. Home of the State Prison - one of them. Yes, this guy behind us with all his family had just been released from prison. And, where did he choose to go eat lunch with his favorite people? You got it. Golden Corral. If you had been in jail for any period of time, you would choose Golden Corral too, I imagine. None of that fancy Mexican or Italian food for you. Go to the trough.
so with that I close. It was nice to get home. It was nice to leave home. Soon we will travel again. Y'all take care now.
m
.
Certain family members told me to write a blog - instead of sending them email stones. I bit and began. Now they don't read the blog either. Tho ( sic: so ) I will continue wallowing in my self, alone pity. Can anyone hear me out there?
.
anyway, nuff of that stuff
.
We made a motorhome trip about a week ago to La Grange, TX. They have = what is billed as = the Texas State Quilt Museum. Our daughter Christine drove down from Round Rock - great name for a town - and stayed in the M.H. with us for a couple of nights. If you have not been through La Grange, and stopped, you should. It seems to be a very nice little town with things to do and see.
.
1st: the quilt museum has its limits. It is housed in two downtown bldgs which have been redone quite well. The quilts are pretty and the folks are friendly. Every 3 months they change their display of featured quilts. Oct. 1st will be the new display; I guess I should say that Oct. 1st was their new display. The Sept. one was a display of art type quilts. Scenes made from cloth and swirly things made from cloth.
.
My family is into traditional quilts, so this was not the best thing. Yes they were pretty; but, they were not traditional quilts. We enjoyed the viewing however. As it turns out, while we were in La Grange it was festival day. Every small town has at least one day of festivities. This was their county's 175th birthday. That's a long time in Texas. They fired a cannon off on the hill top, they did this, they did that. At 4 on the courthouse square the party began. Politicians recited at 4 as well as local well-respected folks who probably have been politicians.
.
A crowd gathered beneath the courthouse balcony and listened to - at least - 45 minutes of speeches about the wonderful day. Yes, it was a Wonder, Full of speeches and the crowd stayed. They had an oldie car display, little ole ladies sitting and quilting in costume, a guy making cornmeal with the help of eager children and and and..
.
but my favorite was the Round Top Brass Band which struck up after the speeches. I don't know who they were . . . . a bunch of old guys and gals in black pants, white shirts, and cute, little, period-black box hats - reminding me of olden days fireman hats when they weren't working. Some were terrific players; others could have done with another rehearsal or two. While they were a brass band, two clarinets sat in and warbled beautifully.
.
What I noticed is: the band played a song. Then, the band sat around a talked for a while; then the band played a tune. Then, the band sat around a talked for a while; then the band played a tune. sat around a talked for a while; played a tune. My guess is, they only knew about 6 or 7 songs. The drummer on a trap set started each tune with a woodblock knock knock. All in all, it was a fun group, and I would be please to play with them if asked.
.
Our motorhome park was right on the Colorado river. It had rained the day before - as we drove that way, all day, rained, drove, more rain - I had not experienced this much driving fun since we drove through Pennsylvania one year as part of a hurricane blew through. Rain rain rained. Back to the river: it was flowing with all sorts of tree litter flowing as well. We walked along the shore with the 5 dogs and looked for squirrels and other deeply hidden critters. I can say, that I believe La Grange would be an excellent place to retire if you are tired of the big city.
.
One last thing - my wife really enjoyed the streets. It seemed that all over town, they built streets that left giant trees standing in the middle. The street would just go around both sides of the tree - put up a warning marker - travel on. I suppose that was nice. It might be a hindrance to a certid dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd ncvvvcvv
let's stop here for an explanation. I was typing along. I wanted to type "certified." The "F" was stuck in the down position. How's that happen? Must I quit eating and drinking while I type? I just went in between the keys with my handy dandy pocket knife and removed cracker crumbs, cheese, hair, garbage, and elephant dung. Maybe I should take the back off the keyboard and blow the thingy out. Or maybe I shouldn't. Let's leave air compressors to the professionals.
back to original paragraph. trees in road. It might be a hindrance to a certified drunk. And I would think in a Czech/German community - there might be a few.
.
move on
.
We decided to take two days to get home. Our next stop was in Huntsville on I-45. They have the Huntsville State Park. Now this is a nice State Park. You should go see. Trees and Water. Lovely picnic area. Really nice. Next morning, we took our time and loaded up. Walked the dogs 4 different times to empty certain body parts, and took off for town. Finding a place to park the motorhome, pulling a car, at an eating place was hard. Eventually we squeezed into an area behind the Golden Corral of Huntsville.
.
I have been in thousands, if not millions, of Golden Corrals. I believe this one is in dire need of refurbishing. I thought it was a tad scuzzy. The food was the same. I know, some of you think the food is scuzzy at all G. C. or buffets, in general. it was okay. We sat in a secluded area beside a group of 6 adults. Next to them was an elderly Spanish man and his wife, who had their laptop opened on the table. The screen showed their playlist and the music was being played through those little tiny speakers. Yes, this couple had brought their own elevator music to enjoy as they feasted at Golden Corral.
.
Wanna guess what kind of music? Go ahead.
You're wrong.
It was music from the 40s and 50s. All of the stuff I truly enjoy. Good big band sounds, old songs and dances - all pop. It was a pleasure having this gentleman sitting near with his playlist emitting the golden sounds of a golden era. Is this a trend for the future? Little kids bringing in laptops to play Barney music while they eat? Some acid punk rock dude playing his trash for the world to hear? Think about it for a moment. Why not? They left, leaving us alone in the area with the 6 adults.
.
A phone rang; the lady picked it up and started having a conversation. She was not obnoxious or anything...very pleasant. She passed the phone around the table. Finally it reached this one low-middle age guy who talked briefly. Then he said: "Yes, I just got out." He described who was there: his mom, his brothers, and so forth.
.
I'll cut to the chase. "I just got out." Huntsville. Gray uniformed individuals picking up several containers of food to go. Where are we? Huntsville. Home of the State Prison - one of them. Yes, this guy behind us with all his family had just been released from prison. And, where did he choose to go eat lunch with his favorite people? You got it. Golden Corral. If you had been in jail for any period of time, you would choose Golden Corral too, I imagine. None of that fancy Mexican or Italian food for you. Go to the trough.
so with that I close. It was nice to get home. It was nice to leave home. Soon we will travel again. Y'all take care now.
m
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