Christmas Smiles

Jeff captured my joy when I picked the perfect gift (that I did not get to keep, btw).

I have a new camera, a Canon Rebel T1i. It is more complicated than the Kodak Easyshare I have used for all my photos until now. I have also decided to branch out and try taking people pictures and portraits. Friday night I practiced taking shots of people enjoying a Christmas Party at the our parent's church. I felt a little guilty trying to capture shots of people while they are having a good time and being relaxed. However, no one seemed to mind and the party went on. We enjoyed finger foods and the gift stealing game where you get to pick a gift from the pile or steal a gift from someone else. When the party was over and we were cleaning up, the preacher and I talked. He told me he was glad someone took pictures, because that would be a great gift for his wife. His wife has Lou Gehrig's Disease and could not attend the party --probably her first Christmas event to ever miss at this congregation. I immediately felt that I had done a good thing. Saturday I worked on editing the pictures and creating a PhotoStory of that night with his wife in mind. I wanted to help her be joyful in this Christmas season, but something unexpected happened to me... I saw all the smiles, all the happy faces, and all the joy. I watched the project over and over to get the transitions and music just right and so I watched the laughter and smiles over and over. It was ...... an emotional thing to be watching the evening unfold. I also remembered that these smiling friends stole my gift 3 times.

Collage fun

A mixture of photos, each having its own story. (done with Picasa)

Syrup Day

On the first Saturday after Thanksgiving every year there is a day dedicated to making syrup near Calcasieu, a small town in Louisiana. My parents invited us and we followed their lead to the farm where this celebration takes place. It seemed we kept going and turning and going down a long curvy road, until suddenly I saw the sign "Syrup Day". Throughout the entire day the air sounded with music and old time gospel singing. I quickly found the syrup vat and saw that it was boiling over a fire. The cook and owner of the property said that at 1:30 or there abouts, the syrup would be ready. In the meantime, we watched corn shucking, hay baling and corn being milled into corn meal. Turnip greens and pork cracklins were cooked over an open fire and other helpers were demonstrating how sugar cane is processed to make the syrup. There was a small cabin set up with a dog-run, old time kitchen, and the wash tub on the back porch. There were probably over 300 in attendance. We were all served a lunch of gumbo or taco soup, corn bread, dessert, and drink around noon. The demonstrations continued and I was able to get lots of pictures. The owners/organizers asked for only a monetary donation to help finance the following years Syrup Day. This is an annual event and a wonderful experience and education. We bought several jars of syrup to share and enjoyed watching all the demonstrations.

A Thanksgiving to Remember

This Thanksgiving has to be the topper, the one I can say is the most memorable, and the one that truly captured what Thanksgiving is all about. We gathered together (about 35 in all) some traveling from as far away as California, Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana. There were surprises, family photos, games, stories, singing, and of course food.... food that represents the abundance of blessings that we have had over the past year, the abundance of love that we all share, the abundance of faith and thankfulness in the power greater than all, friendship, and memories be what they may. It was especially nice for me because members of my side of the family were there enjoying the same camaraderie that I have been around for over 30 years. And my 2 sons and future daughter-in-law made it to this occasion making my family whole again if only for a couple of days. After eating until we were as full as a tick, we sang songs mostly from memory and definitely from the heart about our love and thankfulness to God. All 4 singing parts were represented plus some extra harmonizing. A few of us enjoyed a campfire with some abstract intellectual thinking and problem-solving conversation that many of the Smith clan seem to have. We shared stories and plans and heartaches. A family this large, this loving, this dedicated to God and to each other is probably a rare thing and something to be cherished and praised and says a lot about the matriarch and patriarch of the family (D&C). It was time to leave and go our separate ways all too soon.

A National Thanksgiving Day is established

Today will be an adventure and heartwarming time for our family. Today we celebrate Thanksgiving, a time we pause and do the things that George Washington and Congress established for Americans in 1789.

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness":Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, AD 1789" ---George Washington

copied from http://americanrevival.org/documents/other/thanksgiving.htm

Meeting Congressman Gohmert

Sometimes a topic is so dear to one's heart that you cannot put your thoughts on it to paper or even talk about it in such a way that does it justice. However, I will try. Representative Gohmert spoke Sunday evening November 22 at the Center Middle School auditorium in a special community church service. He had a message that I wish could be heard by students in our schools. I never heard the history and quotes that he shared from older history books concerning the heroes of our country's past. I left with the feeling that God definitely had a hand in our heritage and worked in the lives of our past soldiers, leaders, presidents, scholars, and universities, just as he worked through David, Moses, Paul, and other heroes of the Bible. Sure there were unchristian actions that are a part of our history, but we are human. Why does that negate the Christian heritage our country was founded on? Why does that mean leaving out the important facts that kept us on the right track so that my generation and future generations do not even know God's mighty hand continues in our governments today. It seems we have shut him out and chiseled even his reference out of our history. We will one day forget the sacrifices so many have made to make this country a good place to live. Goodness is being descriminated against and twisted in its meaning. The problem is bigger than me. I just pray about it regularly and use my votes which seem lost in a sea of political correctness and add-ons to bills.

Congressman Ghomert and others like him are special people remembering our heritage and passing it on. After the service, I introduced myself and shook Congressman Gohmert's hand and thanked him for his insight and tireless work for our country.

Enough Said, Snakes are Dead

I had so much fun watching the kids at West Sabine Independent School District participate in the Frogs and Snakes contest. The entire district and community were involved in this exciting event. Fifth graders (frogs) and Sixth graders (snakes) competed against each other in several events including sack races, tire pulling, egg carrying, and tug of war. The gym was full to capacity and the kids did their best running back and forth working as a team to win this year's trophy and claim to the winner of the Frogs & Snakes 2009 championship. High school kids cheered for their team which in some cases included their younger sibling. They remembered when they were part of the competition in the not so distant past. I did some video for the organizers to remember the day, but had to leave before the end. When I asked some of the kids "who won"? "Snakes, of course!" was their answer. Better luck next year, Frogs! This was an exciting day for everyone! Then, school was released for the Thanksgiving holidays!

Best in Show

These are the pictures I entered into the Sassafras Festival photo contest. Bench Kitty, my cat, won best in show. The Echinacea flower, growing wild in my yard, won 2nd in the flower division and the flag scene taken at Abilene Christian University, "Waving Proudly in the Snow", won 1st in the scenic division. The Amaryillis was given to me by a dear friend (SP) and has multiplied into 50 or more bulbs that I have given away over the years. It won Honorable Mention at the Fall Festival in Jasper a few weeks ago. I love to take pictures as many of you know. Entering the contest means I like sharing my work and winning means that I did a decent and appreciated job. I thank God for the confidence and talent he has given me to share this blog and all my pictures with you and I hope that I convey my excitement and the beauty of the world we live in.

I'm Country with Tracy and Earl

Tonight I feel filthy country after attending the Tracy Byrd concert at the Shelby County Rodeo Arena. You have to understand I am not strickly a country listener, so I haven't heard so much country, back to back, live music... well never. Local talent from Shelby County including Kelli Wilburn and Megan Welburn warmed our hearts and took up time waiting for "the big guys" as Mrs. Wilburn put it. Kelli had us sing along with "Help Me Make It Through the Night". Then Zona Jones from Beaumont, TX showed his talent and ease on stage gearing up the crowd for Tracy and Earl. Earl Thomas Conley is a legend with 18 No. 1 songs in a row on the charts. "What she sees is only what she wants to, What she has, she thinks is enough. What she does is just look at the good things. And what she is, is a woman in love." The band members for ETC entertained us on their own with their singing and playing. Their live music becomes a part of you. I will probably feel that drum and hear that strum for days. And Tracy has not even made it on stage yet!! Did I mention that it is freaking cold out here?

"Welcome" is all he said and got right down to "we're from the country and I like it that way", "lifestyles of the not so rich and famous", "Holden Heaven in my arms tonight". Some couples could not help but dance the two-step on the sidelines and lots of photographers and admirers, young and old, lined the stage. "If I met God tonight, I'd slap him a high five.... Who am I to say what's wrong and what's best."

Someone once jokingly made the comment that they tried listening to country music once and lost IQ points. I can see their point what with all the drinking and bar songs out there, but country music is an art not for people that are intelligent about science and math, but it is all about expressions from the heart and the heart is what makes beautiful heartwarming fun music. East Texas is country. Thank you Tracy Byrd for such a wonderful evening. Thank you Los Margaritas in Center, TX for having this concert. BTW, we figured out how to stay warm. Get up and move with the rest of 'em!

Sassafras Excitement

I have looked forward to this year's festival for some time now. The promise of over 100 vendors lining the square of San Augustine, Bonnie and Clyde reinactment, wheel chair races, live music, pet show, dunkin booth, ... I shared this day with many friends that I have met over the last year and I met more friends during my rounds through the excitement and goings on. I had the courage this year to enter several photographs in the photography contest and actually won "best in show" and 2 other ribbons for my work. Children were being pulled by wagon, dogs were accompanying many festival goers including a large Mastiff or gentle giant, jellies and canned goods and homemade goodies were for sale along with handmade walking sticks, purses, carvings, paintings, and so on. This was a day that reflected the full culture of San Augustine. Watch out Clyde! The sheriff is hot on your trail!

Horse Apples

When I asked if anyone knew what these were, their answer was that they had always called them "horse apples" or Bois D'Arc. They are actually the fruit of the Bois D'Arc or Osage-orange tree. They are not edible though sometimes squirrels will open them to eat the seeds inside. When I cut the bumpy fruit open,the milky sap stuck to my knife and it was solid and spongy all the way through. They are native to this area and when the wood is cut and dried it burns clean and long in a fireplace. The wood was used by the Osage Indians to make their bows and is good for tool handles and such. The sap can be used to deter spiders, fleas, and roaches which makes it an unusual, but good plant in my book.

Beginnings of Fall

Even though the first day of Autumn officially began on September 22 at 5:18 pm, I saw a sight last week that made it official for me. A storm was brewing from the west and the darkening sky was definitely headed our way. I was traveling between job sites and felt the temperature drop and then the most awesome sight one can encounter--- thousands of yellowish leaves falling from the trees dancing at a long sideways spiral to the ground. My car drove right through the middle of this display and I sighed for my favorite time of year.

Hanging Around

What hangs from two trees and is fun? My new hammock and good reading place. It is also an excellent place to watch rain droplets fall towards your face from the many leaves above, a little at a time that is. Maggie, my dog, enjoys laying with me, too - until I get some swinging action going. Now all I need is more sunshiny days. This must be the rainy season.

Stopping to Reflect

Tonight, I stood arms folded in a light rain looking up toward the sky seeing the underside of a huge oak tree's canopy. This tree is so large that I spread my arms around only half of it. It is healthy and good cover for the rain. Best of all, it is in my yard along with a few other old large trees that make this small hill we live on so intoxicating. San Augustine is full of history and memories. What scenes have unfolded at this site while these trees grew through the years? While clearing and trimming the bushes that will all too soon flower, I came across a handprint in the cement on the driveway, no doubt done by the owners when the driveway was poured. What a joyful day that probably was. I did not know the owners of this house, but have heard their names and know that descendents still live not far away and probably still grieve for the loss of their parents that built this home. The rain continues to fall, the tree continues to grow, and life goes on. Thank you God for memories, for family and friends, for life and breath... and hope.

Moonlight Madness

I had another bright adventurous idea (which I hope was not illegal). While walking at night in our neighborhood close to the lake, I was mesmerized by the full moon. The glitter of its light seemed to always be following me. Then I realized that the moon is shining everywhere and it is bright enough to canoe in. I talked Jeff into a moonlight ride. It is hard to describe how calming and beautiful the moonlight was on the ripples of the water. The lake is open and there was lots of area for its uninterrupted light. I thought about how wonderful it must be for the lakeside homeowners to have this view every time the sky is clear and there is a full moon. What is also so amazing is that I was not afraid of walking in our neighborhood late at night and I was not afraid to take the canoe out in the lake at night. This is a wonderful safe place to be a little adventurous. I was afraid of the legality of it because we did not have lights on the canoe. However, we did bring a flashlight. I tried to use it to attract fish. This night with Jeff was truly memorable.

Chasing the Ducks

Who me? We could not resist once we got started. While canoeing one day on City Lake the ducks happened to be in front of us. We turned our canoe and just observed them while we got closer and closer. Finally, they figured out how to go onshore to get away.

However, they also figured out that by going onshore near the geese, the geese would scare us away. They were right!

77 Pears

I would like to start off first by apologizing for not writing more often. Having a full time job sure takes a lot of time out of life. However, I still look for fun things here in San Augustine to share. Thus, “77 Pears”. Yum!

I did not know there were so many pear trees here until they started sagging from the weight of all that fruit. I picked a few at Jeff's job site that were hanging over the fence and I could reach easily, figuring since they were hanging over the fence they were fair game. A week later we picked a few more. Then they started dropping on the concrete and smelling fermented. So Jeff and I stood on back of his truck and picked as many as we possibly could…. 77 in all. They melt in your mouth and are sloppy and juicy. I have since peeled and froze them to make fruit shakes, dumplings, and cobblers. I have to tell you that the most fun from this experience was picking them, not peeling them.

I am looking forward to going to a friend’s orchard this week and picking more. He shared his pears with me today at work and gave me directions to his place and said to pick all I want. He will have ladders waiting, plus it is fun to stand on the bed of our truck.

According to http://health.learninginfo.org/pear.htm pears have been around since the beginning of time and are mostly grown in China, Italy, and the United States (including San Augustine). They are a good source of vitamin K, C, copper, and fiber. Fiber and copper help prevent colon cancer. Vitamin C helps stimulate white blood cells to fight infections including bacteria and viruses. Sounds very nutritious as I suspected. It is best to eat let them sit on the counter and soften a bit and eat them unpeeled because a majority of the nutrients is in the peeling.

Canoeing with Sis

Another canoe story, I know... However, this is really about spending time with family. A canoe outing and my wonderful cooking (not) is what I have to offer when you visit me. Oh, and coffee in a cool French press if you are one of 2 or 3 wanting coffee. My niece (15 months old) enjoyed "Finding Nemo". She did not even flinch when the big shark ate all the little ......... Anyway, she loved watching the ending several times. My nephew took the canoe out earlier in the day with my husband and they were excited about the huge carp breaking the water with their fins and the fact that they looked as long as 3 feet. My sister and I went out an hour before dark. My sister has a disability and was apprehensive about getting in and out of the canoe, but with just a little shoulder to lean on she enjoyed the freedom of doing something out of the ordinary, the calming sparkling water, sisterly conversation, and slowly darkening sky. In fact, we were interrupted by a cell phone call coaxing us back to reality and the nearest dock. What a wonderful day!

Sunrise, Sunset

San Augustine has a beautiful sunrise over City Lake. I have also enjoyed some gorgeous sunsets. One in particular, I saw in the Fall from a picnic area just west of 96 on Hwy 21 overlooking a rolling green pasture. Watching that sunset made me feel that San Augustine was a blessed place. It was tranquil with a burning orange ball and colors from orange to pink to purple. I did not have my camera at the time, so I cannot share it with you. Besides a picture does not do a real sunset any justice. I have seen similar sunsets looking North on 87 at Six Mile Bridge and from my in-laws home on Toledo Bend Lake.

I did take a sunset picture in Key Largo and this will be the last thing I will share with you about my vacation. Now it is time to get back to real life and the everyday adventures that make us who we are and carry us through.

In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

Hebrews 1:9

Homosassa Springs, Manatee, and Lou

I wanted to see a manatee while in the Keys. I was told they come up to the docks. Well, one did on a day that I was not there. So, after we left a friend told us about the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park near Clear Water Springs which is on our way home. They take in injured Manatees and had an education program you could listen to and watch. These mammals are endangered and their only natural predator is us with our boats and pollution. They are pregnant for 13 months and they cannot reproduce the first 5 to 7 years of their life. That doesn't help their numbers any. They are impressive to watch. They have lots of whiskers on the snout and eat grass from the bottom of the ocean and lakes. They also need fresh water to survive even though they swim in the ocean.

Also, the Wildlife Park promised that it would stick to animals that are native to the state. Lou is the only animal that can live here whose species is not native to Florida. Lou, a 49 year old 6,500 lb hippo, was in the park originally with lots of other exotic animals and the park was owned privately for profit. The owner gave the park to the State of Florida. The State said that all the exotic animals had to find other homes. However, Lou had a reputation of being stubborn and hard to handle. So after many requests for another home, no one else wanted him. He use to be in the movies (one with John Wayne), but as he got older he became harder to take care of. A special appeal was made to the governor to keep Lou. So the governor made Lou a citizen of Florida so he could live his life out in the Park. Lou loves cantaloupe and watermelon and does not like to share. He loves to float around his territory and open his mouth wide.

I saw many other animals native to Florida including river otters, pink flamingos, egrets, sheepshead fish, mullets, crocodiles, and alligators. However, I came to see the manatee and I am glad I did.

Florida - Mystery Solved

Remember the blue glowing lights I told you about. I figured out what it was! While shining a flashlight into the water at night near the dock, I was admiring a real live starfish. While examining the starfish, something started squiggling and glowing at the surface. It was tiny translucent fish circling around each other. It looked like they were feeding on something. I have seen these tiny fish in schools under the dock while snorkeling during the day. They are about as long as my fingernail and translucent unless the sunlight hits them, then they are blue, green, or yellow. They travel in schools of 100 or more, they are so abundant. They must have been feeding on something in the seaweed the night I first encountered them. After a little research I believe they are called "Lanternfish" and are an important part of the food chain for marine life.

Our Sail in Florida Bay

The day has arrived to put into practice our sailing skills learned over the last few days from our wonderful and patient teacher, Captain Diana. I will attempt to describe our trip in detail so that I can learn and remember these newly acquired skills and terms.

For those of you who want the shorter version:

We left, we had fun, it was beautiful, we made it back, and with no mishaps.

Now for the details:

We could not have asked for a more perfect day. We charted our course for Nest Key using our nautical chart taking care to look at water depths we would encounter. We left the dock of the Key Lime Sailing Club around 10:00 am with our supplies including life vests, drinks, lunch, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, towels, flashlight, and extra gas. In hind sight, we should have also brought a medical kit, toilet paper, and lawn chairs. The wind measured SE 5-10 mph and the day promised to be sunny, in fact there was not a cloud in the sky. We did a quick check of the boat to make sure no water was in the bilge, sheets (lines to the sails) were in good condition, we had plenty of gas, we knew the location of the anchor, and the motor and centerboard were operational. We left word with the managers of the club what our destination and planned arrival time would be.

I released the port and starboard dock lines, then Jeff idled the Cindy out of the dock and around the maze of moored boats. I used the jib halyard to raise the jib and only had a problem clipping the clew to the stay (how do you like the new terms I’ve learned). We raised the mainsail using the main halyard, careful to place the ties and cover below deck so that we could find them at the end of our journey. We decided that because the wind was coming from directly behind us, we would run wing-on-wing to power us directly toward Porjoe Key before changing our reach toward the beach of Nest Key to avoid a shallow area extending from the east side of Nest Key. To my delight, we only saw one boat that did not even come close enough to warrant a course adjustment. We both looked back toward the Key Lime Sailing Club dock on several occasions to identify landmarks to finding our way back such as a tall tower, the moored boats, and thatched cabanas.

Jeff and I found the beach area, and as we came into the shallow water, we readied the boat for dropping the anchor, just as we had previously practiced. To ready the boat, I needed to unclip and store the jib and not accidently step into the hatch or on the pointy steel anchor. I know there must have been an easier way, but we just took our time. Jeff idled the motor, and took down the mainsail. We slowly let down the anchor leaving seven times the depth in anchor line, as is the internationally understood length so that any boats navigating around our moored boat would not get caught in our anchor (which was not a real problem here because we were all by ourselves, but is a good habit to practice). After disembarking the boat, we decided instead to raise the centerboard and pull the sailboat onto the beach and tie the anchor to a tree. Jeff has a fear of anchor dragging and he didn’t want a stray boat and us stranded.

We explored the island finding hot mud beds which some people swear by the mud’s skin enhancing qualities. We decided it wasn’t for us today… the mud was burning hot and the biting flies and mosquitoes were too much. However, we enjoyed the pristine beach, turquoise water, and swimming. There was also an abundance of translucent colored ~12” needlefish along the shore. We ate cold pizza and drank our sodas before heading back.

After we got underway, we lowered the centerboard, which keeps the boat from heeling and makes the boat more responsive to the rudder. The centerboard started bumping the bottom. We raised it and thought perhaps we were going out at a different angle than we came in. However, we could not entirely lower the centerboard until we were in Buttonwood Sound (which is halfway back). The water was just too shallow. Thank goodness for an adjustable centerboard.

Another problem we encountered was the direction of the wind was now in front of us and we would be sailing upwind all the way back. We would need to tack our way back. Tacking involves heading to the right or left of your destination, then resetting the sails to the other side of the boat and heading to the left or right of your destination again, making a zig zag pattern across the water. This takes longer to get back and more muscle power. However, it was cooler and the boat was fast running in the water. I experimented with sitting in different areas of the boat enjoying the breeze and the shade from the sails. That is until Jeff needed me to help him tack. He would say “Ready about”. Then I would say “Ready!”, then he would say “Hard Alee!”. At that point I released the jib on one side and then pulled the jib to the other side with the jib sheet (or line). I had to pull the line tight wrapping it around the winch and sometimes using the winch handle to get it even tighter so we could point the boat more precisely into the wind. I think Jeff was adjusting the mainsail and rudder at that time. Anyway, after doing this several times on the trip back, my fingers were getting blistered. .. found a glove onboard later. Oh, well.

We navigated closer to the tower that was our landmark, but surprisingly still unable to immediately see the dock at Key Lime Sailing Club. Oh I see! Da! It was the dock with all the sailboats! We had to bring the Cindy in with sails down and engine on idle and do an about face to get the port side and bow pointing out. It was a piece of cake, I just lost my shoe… but it floated and was easily retrieved. We left the boat with everything we brought aboard, tied and covered the main sail, put the anchor in the bow, and generally made sure we left all in good order. Jeff realized while we were docking that the bow and stern lines, which I call mooring lines for holding the boat to the dock, were color coded red for port side, and green for starboard side.

We arrived back at approximately 5:00 pm. This sailing trip was definitely an adventure and a great learning experience. There was hardly any noise, just the two of us and the wind in our hair. I like the orderliness and consistency when dealing with the lines, using the wind for power, and keeping everyone safe. I realized that there is a time to work and a time to play and that sailing is both.

Florida - Key West Snorkeling and Iguanas

Today we experienced Key West (south about 2 hours from where we are staying in Key Largo). The atmosphere was similar to a cruise ship port with shore excursions. That is because it is a cruise ship port; we saw the Carnival’s massive ship Fascination depart the island while there. There was snorkeling, scuba diving, para-sailing, beaches, plenty of food and shopping. Employees seemed to love their job and made you feel welcome. The weather was sunny and hot, more importantly to me… the water was clear and blue-green. We decided on a snorkeling excursion on a large catamaran 45 minutes from shore. I was amazed at how many different species of fish and coral were within hands reach. However, the rules are do not touch anything, do not take anything, and do not leave anything behind. This reef is alive and they want to keep it that way. We accidently snorkeled into a bed of seaweed and it was getting tangled in my hair. I slapped it away and then lots of yellow-tailed snappers started swimming around me. They were eating something off the seaweed I had disturbed. We saw schools of purple fish, large tarpons, and barracuda. There were little canyons of coral that we followed within close proximity of the boat. There were sponges, fan coral, and other odd-shaped and colorful stuff. We followed a school of small purple fish that seemed to be oblivious to us as did all the other fish. After we were back on the catamaran, Jeff and I threw some bits of dog biscuit off the side and the yellow-tailed snappers came close to the surface of the water and ate it up. This is what I wanted to come to Florida for.

Jeff came for the sailing, which besides the lessons we have already done, we plan to take the Cindy out tomorrow weather permitting all by ourselves. I am grateful for the motor on the back. That is all I have to say about that for now.

Jeff loves that I am writing this blog and encouraged me to publish it. He also doesn’t mind me saying that because he a member of the itty bitty bladder brigade, we stopped on the south side of Niles Bridge and discovered the iguanas. I could not get any pictures because they are so fast. There were several in the grass near the road, but if you walk towards them, they scurry off on their hind legs and just disappear into the mangrove trees. That was the cutest sight.

Key West is the last key off the Florida coast and now we have seen every key. I observed that there seems to be more boats and variety of boats than cars around here.

Florida - Officially Sailing Certified

We had another day of sailing lessons taking the boat out a few miles. We practiced anchoring and took a swim. I also practiced the helm, but after heading toward an anchored boat and doing a tack I said enough is enough and I gladly gave the helm to someone else. I did everything I was told and it worked, but it was nerve racking. (Especially after running the little sunfish into the dock the day before.) This evening we received our sailing certificates from Captain Diana (center) and the Key Lime Sailing Club. We later ventured to a restaurant on the Islamorada Key where there is a tiny lagoon in the center where fish are free to come and go. Of course they like to come and get the scraps. We saw tarpons, zebra fish, nurse sharks, groupers, and other colorful fish just by looking down in the water. Besides the wonderful garlic fish and smoked fish dip, we did the traditional dessert for Key West, wonderful Homemade Key Lime Pie. We walked along the shore at Anne's Beach and took pictures by a huge Mangrove tree.

Now the sun has set and while enjoying a walk on the dock one more time before retiring, we saw a blue glow in the water. It looked like squiggles of blue glow and then it went away. Soon there were several patches of blue glow in the water. I took a net and scooped some up. It looked like sea weed with specks of blue glow. I googled it, but still do not have a name for it. A mystery!

BTW, I fell asleep in the hammock again last night. I hope to get one to use in San Augustine! ...along with these flaming tiki lights.

Hammock Sleeping

We enjoyed falling asleep in a double hammock under the cabana last night. We were sun wearied and finally in dry clothes and tummies full. We just layed there together and fell asleep watching the stars. No bugs and no noise except lapping water. Isn't that just perfect? I guess if we did that all the time, we would never get anything done. Thank goodness for vacations.

Florida Here We Are

Clear Water Beach is crowded on 4th July weekend, but still beautiful when you get further away from the parking area. So maybe it is one of the most beautiful beaches during the off season.

We are staying at the Key Lime Sailing Club in Key Largo for 5 nights in the Sailfish Cottage (for honeymooners). Jeff is in heaven with our sailing lessons and taking the O'day out later that evening. I snorkeled around the dock and saw a sting ray, jelly fish, sponges, and colorful fish. The water is clear but greenish blue, not as good as Roatan where we have snorkeled before, but a good substitute for now. I can post pictures later when I get my underwater camera developed. The water is emerald color mostly.

Today I took a sunfish out and freaked! I could not control it and ended up hitting the dock and shearing off the boom... The sensible person in me knew I wasn't ready, but I felt a little peer pressure to take a chance. My fears came true.. Oh well. I was adventurous. I think it is fairly adventurous just to snorkel around. WISH ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WERE HERE! Miss you!

Florida Here We Come

We decided about 2 weeks ago to take a well-deserved empty nester 10-day vacation. Jeff likes sailing, I like snorkeling and the sun. We both want to explore the Florida keys. So with some concern for leaving behind our grown son (who is working) and our pets, we broke away for a once in a lifetime trip.

I try to make my blogs positive and upbeat and so I will not mention the I10 traffic, except to say "we left on Thursday, it can't be just July 4th traffic!" I would also like to say it is a long drive and there is a time change where we lost an hour, but no big deal.

We had a wonderful and overdue visit to my sister-in-law's in Louisiana. They had recently celebrated "Christmas in July" with their young grown sons and their friends. They decorate the house and dress like it is Christmas. I wonder if they turn the AC down low. One year the boys and their friends made homemade gingerbread houses. I think this will catch on and be like Halloween for all the kids and maybe even become commercialized. I could tell we should stay more connected and hope to in the future. Jeff and I have wonderful families. She fed us farm fresh eggs, bacon, and coffee and we left her 2 bags of red ripe tomatoes from the garden.

The rest of the drive was uneventful. We stopped at the Florida Tourist Bureau for information. There were more brochures for Florida than I have ever seen in my life. Very busy place, too. A replica of an Air Force Blue Angel jet was supported in the air for all to see.

Now, we are in our swim suits and sunscreen and headed for what promises to be one of the top ten beaches in the world according to the residents of Ocala and the Discovery Channel. I'll let you know.

Blueberry Celebration

I mentioned in an earlier post that we picked blueberries at our home in Orange. You can also visit a nearby blueberry farm if you want to pick blueberries or you can attend the Annual Nacogdoches Blueberry Festival! This year visitors were able to buy 5 lbs. for $10. It is best to get an early start and get in line for the blueberry pancake breakfast. While we walked down the old-time bricked streets of downtown Nacogdoches enjoying the many booths of goods for sale we stopped and bought a refreshing glass of blueberry iced tea. We also enjoyed an antique car show, petting zoo, and guitar and fiddle player. We enjoyed free samples of food including blueberry popcorn and blueberry salsa for which I think I have the recipe memorized. One of the cutest sites was the pet parade. I turned around after talking to a blueberry farmer at his booth and someone walked by with a sign saying "pet parade" and behind her owners paraded their pets in shorts, shirts, bows, or signs. One sign said "please take me home". What a cute way to find a home for a pet. I also was amazed at the great big blue Great Dane. It belonged to the owner of a pet grooming and kennel place. We watched the kids enjoy the Blueberry Bouncing Park that had blowup slides of all sorts. Firefighters were raising money with a dunking booth which looked really refreshing. Jeff and Caleb enjoyed the beautiful cars at the antique car show. Nacogdoches is about 45 minutes from San Augustine up Hwy 21 and many residents including us go there to enjoy shopping and special events. The weather is getting warmer now that it is June and we departed to the air-conditioned space of Walmart and Bealls before going home.

Unfathomable Love

We still have a house to fix up and sell in Orange. Everytime I think about having to travel back to Orange to take care of business, I get an uneasy feeling. I wish that part of our lives was finished and we could just carry on ahead. Going back reminds me of what use to be and brings me just within reach of that time again... only it can never be the same. I contemplate whether to call or plan something with an old friend, maybe drive by my old job site, or work dispairingly on our house. The contractor should begin rebuilding our home this week which means maybe within 4-6 weeks we can put it up for sale. This weekend we planned to go to Orange, meet with a septic installer, make a garbage dump run, trim and landscape our yard, and pick blueberries from our bushes.

While trimming and cutting vines out of our azaelas and gardenias, I had plenty of time to think. I thought about where we were and how far we have come since Hurricane Ike and even back to Hurricane Rita. The support of our family, church family, friends (old and new), government assistance and public servants, and anonymous help was all a God thing as my Bible study group would say. God's hand was in it all and he never let us dispair. I thought of how so many lifted us up in little ways and big ways that helped us through. I continued thinking while trimming and remembered that Jesus said that he "came to give life and give it more abundantly". "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." I also thought about I Corinthians 13 where Paul said love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." and that "love never fails". I realized that through all God was having us experience his love, his blessings, his forgiveness, and his faith. I knew of all of this before, but now I have lived it and felt his overflowing, enduring and unfailing care .

I thought this trip to Orange was going to be sad and upsetting, but it was peaceful and bright. I remembered who I belong to..... I also was joyful about working at the house, eating the sweet blueberries, and reminiscing about good times that my family and I shared in this house and in the Orange area. I did spend time with old friends and it was glorious.

Enchanting Bugs

When I was little I remember being able to catch lightning bugs in a jar and watch them glow off and on for hours. For the last 10 years (living in Orangefield), I have not seen any and wondered where they had gone. For weeks now, when I come home here in San Augustine after dark I see the random twinkle of these little guys, also called fireflies. I did a little research if you care to know. The light is the result of a chemical reaction and 100% is light and no heat compared to a light bulb that only emits 10% light and 90% heat. Also, they give off the light in a pattern that attracts a mate, so right now there is a lot of uh um...excitement going on in our yards. Also, they can use their light to be somewhat cannibalistic with other species. All I really think about though is how enchanting their little twinkles are.

It's a Cat's Life

I have to tell you about this amazing cat I have. Her name is Heidi and she is half Persian. We adopted her after Hurricane Rita to replace our other kitty that disappeared. We like at least one cat to keep snakes and mice away, but also to entertain us. We do not really own Heidi, she lets us keep her if you know what I mean. We did not take Heidi with us when we evacuated for Hurricane Ike. I was worried about her because the area was covered in water and our home had almost 3 feet of it. When the water subsided, we returned and low and behold Heidi came out of the woods to greet us. We can only surmise she climbed a tree or got on the roof of the storage building to survive.

Heidi was the last thing I put in the truck when we left our home for good. She got car sick before we drove out of the subdivision and that was after I gave her a little herbal cocktail to calm her nerves. We kept her in our apartment for 2 weeks before she snuck out. She loved San Augustine as much as we did. She visited the Dodge dealership on occasion and taunted the many birds and squirrels in our yard. She has the run of our yard and house. We never know if she is in or out. She either sleeps at the foot of our bed, in a window seal, or on top of the window air condition unit outside. She lunges in play at Maggie or chases her around the yard or in circles in the house. When I am listening to music on the computer, she gets right in my face with her purring... I think she loves music. She wallows on the driveway when we come home and follows me around when I work in the yard. Heidi has brought plenty of joy to our lives.

Printer Mania

After 3 attempts and with 2 different ones still sitting completely apart.... maintenance kits for Laser Jet 6Ls.... don't do it!

School Fun Day

School was never so fun as it was today for the kids at West Sabine Elementary School. The kids are getting ready for their summer vacation and have lots of extra energy and excitement to contain. Well, today they could let that energy take over as they enjoyed a special field day. Blow up slides and jumping gyms were placed around the school in stations and all the classes took turns at each. They climbed to the top sometimes with a little help and enjoyed the sliding and the water as it trickled down and made their slide a little slicker. A few kids made it away from the line and found the resulting mud puddles and got a little carried away with mud sliding and mud ball fights (until they got caught). The kids were wearing their well deserved "Reading Counts!" t-shirts and you could smell the coconut sunscreen as they lined up outside to start their fun. The kids worked so hard this year and this celebration was a wonderful way to reward the kids and to show them that school and learning can be fun. For me, I enjoyed all the smiles and excitement. It is wonderful to hear someone laugh and see them smile, especially a child.

Rodeo Time

You have not lived until you have experienced the San Augustine County PRCA Rodeo! I was amazed at the skill, nonstop action, timing, music, and the animals. I watched the hand signals between the workers and was in awe of the rider and the horse that seemed to move as one. The horses and bulls would buck and ride close to the gate and you could see how beautiful, fast, and strong they were. It was a real Texas cowboy affair and a serious one, too. However, there were plenty of laughs, audience participation, and fun. We clapped to the beat of the music, cheered the riders as they come out of the gate, laughed at the professional rodeo clown, and watched the nonstop action. I especially enjoyed the opening ceremonies with flag carrying riders and tribute to the soldiers and America, and the prayer to God and singing the Star Spangled Banner.... an evening shared by the community with proceeds benefiting a cure for breast cancer and most everyone being "tough enough to wear pink". I could tell that a lot of work and preparation went into providing this rodeo by sponsoring businesses and volunteers of the community. They did it to preserve San Augustine's history and give back to the community and the youth through scholarships, donations and community projects.

I am now a rodeo fan! and especially a San Augustine rodeo fan!

Learning to Garden

I hate to see anything die, but I have become hard-hearted and figure that if a plant does not have any heartiness, I cannot help that. However, I do enjoy being successful at growing a beautiful hearty plant and enjoying the beauty and wonder of God's creation. Given the fact that I was unemployed and that Jeff's dad was too weak to do a vegetable garden this year, I volunteered my services. I thought I could do all the manual labor and he could tell me how to be a successful vegetable gardener. We would share the bounty. This is what I learned so far.

1. Jeff's dad had a bigger garden in mind than I did.


2. Always go by the Farmer's Almanac. It is always the best source for planting time.


3. When it rains too much your shoes will get stuck by the suction of the mud while planting "by the Farmer's Almanac". Put wooden planks between the rows to step on.


4. Use an old toothbrush to clean out from under your sculptured nails when you are done.


5. Working in the garden takes precedence over reading, paying bills, watching TV, going to the gym or hairdresser, sleep and even shopping!


6. Hoeing, building rows, planting, and weeding is hard and messy work, and makes you sore all over.


7. Each type of seed has a personality of its own and likes specific soil composition and coverage, it's own space, it's own timing, and it's own growth patterns.


8. It will take more than one garden for me to remember what to do, ..... and I'm not sure that is going to happen.


9. The immense knowledge, experience, and memories of a lifetime will fade away if we do not learn from our parents and elders and pass them on.

In all seriousness, I am enjoying learning to garden and spending time with Jeff's parents. I am looking forward to harvest time, canning, and eating fresh vegetables. I know they are tastier than store bought and are most excellent for your health.

El Camino Trade Days

Wouldn't it be a grand idea to have a city-wide garage sale all in one day? Just think of all the shopping fun, good deals, and stuff you could get rid of. It would also bring people from all over to shop and have a fun day with you. That is just what happened this weekend... a string of garage sales, flea markets, trading activities, and eats from Natchotiches to Nacogdoches on Hwy 21 also known as part of the El Camino Trail.

We started out in San Augustine and walked around the square. After buying a bite to eat and a few items, we walked to the old Nelson's Furniture Store. The owner was there and ended up showing us the old building and telling us of it's history. It is said that Sam Houston attended dances up above the store. There was an old telephone company and small hospital upstairs. Some wall paneling came from other buildings and preserved as part of the furniture store. Heavy metal thresholds were made into benches that still sit out in front of the buiding. There was history before the Nelson's bought it and they made history in it. Now it belongs to a lawyer, who will soon remodel a portion and make his history there. We daydreamed about turning some of the upstairs into a loft apartment overlooking the business district of San Augustine and being submersed in all that history with the heavy doors, thick walls, wooden floors, and smells of the past.

We stopped in Milam, where dozens of booths were set up selling everything from homemade items to food. We bought some delicious smoked ribs and a beautiful light-scribed scripture mounted on a pecan and birch frame by Mr. Nobles. We also watched a machine that makes ground corn, picking up the makings for blue cornbread. Also along the way we had stopped and bought canned jellies (sassafras, blackberry, and jalapeno). This was a wonderful outing for Jeff and I to share and I look forward to next year's El Camino Trade Days.

San Augustine Storms

I am use to storms and unexpected rain in Orange and along the Gulf Coast. You could see and hear lightening miles away and in a way it was refreshing. The roads would get cleansed and the azaelas seemed to perk up after a good storm. San Augustine has some rain that refreshes. However, storms here can be different. They can travel across the area unexpectedly in vertical bands. There are more tornado watches. This is the Piney Woods with lots of trees and they can fall across major roads and interrupt power regularly and can cause loss of life if you are in their path. Also, trees are like a magnet for lightening. Some residents have invested in built-in generators so that power continues when the city power is down. The wind can be almost hurricane force in some areas. The lightening can be deafening because it is so close.

We had such a storm this weekend. I woke up early and watched as the sun started lighting up the sky. An hour later, while making breakfast, I noticed that the sky was as black as night. I was very concerned and woke my husband up so we could make preparations for what might happen. The lights blinked, but thankfully stayed on. However, I heard later that some communities near Nacogdoches still did not have power by Monday and on my way to work down Hwy 96, there were several trees down. Many had been cleared out of the lanes for traffic. Large old trees were down in parks and in front of homes. In a way, San Augustine storms are an awesome experience, if you are inside and safe and dry.

DQ Impromptu

I was feeling empty and lonely. Sure I had plenty to do because we had just moved into our rent house. I was saved by the bell, or rather the voicemail from a good friend, Johnnie Dale. She said that she and 2 other couples were meeting at the San Augustine Dairy Queen and they wanted me to come too. She and Dennis were driving from Nacogdoches, Brad and Melanie were coming through Louisiana, and JW and Rachel were coming from Orange by way of Bronson where they were camping. We met and talked and ate for a good long time. We have known each other for 10 years and we all have gone separate ways recently due to family illness and Hurricane Ike. We miss each other and how things use to be, but for those couple of hours we shared old times, love, and care in my little town of San Augustine.

The Passage

Did I mention there is an old movie theater in San Augustine? It is not used as a theater except on special occasions. Right now it is used for court house business (since the court house is under renovation) and for church services on Sundays. Tonight was one of those special occasions. The Chamber of Commerce along with Colonial Pines Health Center and El Camino House/Twin Lakes sponsored a showing of "The Passage" as a fund raiser. The theater was packed with town folks, many of them we knew and we also introduced ourselves to others. There was lots of friendly conversation, handshaking and catching up. Before the movie started, the master of ceremonies thanked the sponsors and those who provided the refreshments and volunteered to work the sound. Then there was a heartfelt public prayer to the one and only God, complete with thees and thous and a resounding "Amen!" from everyone. The movie starred Brian Keith and had a wholesome family-oriented story line that kept you right in the middle of what was happening in their lives. The audience felt a special connection to this movie, because it was filmed at different places in San Augustine. This was an awesome community event for everyone, but especially for me because I enjoyed being a part of the unity, history and culture of this town on this night.

What's New?

Remember my post about the job search. Well, I finally obtained a job at a local school district as a computer technician. So far so good ... just some schedule adjustments since I have been off for about 4 months. Anyway, I started thinking about how techy a person I have become over the last 8 years. Some of you may not be interested in this adventure. It takes a special person -- a person that carries an iphone, has multiple computers, a digital camera, pin drives, a multi-card reader, awesome speaker system, 100 Gb external backup drive, .... someone that keeps network cables, USB cables, extra keyboards, mouses, hard drives, motherboards, and video cards in her closet. Someone that keeps her life organized by an Outlook calendar and uses Twitter and Facebook along with dozens of other online services....... I finally added to my techy frenzy by joining NETFLIX!

Trudi and A Voice in the Wind

This adventure began soon after I arrived in San Augustine and has continued until this week and maybe even longer. I've been reading! Books! Actually a series of books by Francine Rivers. They began with A Voice in the Wind and I was hooked the first page. It starts out with the destruction of Jerusalem and tells the story of a Jewish girl named Hadassah and how she survived to become a slave in a Roman household. It is rich in culture, history, faith, and hope. If I ever have a baby girl (which I sadly won't), I would want to name her Hadassah. The book reveals other valiant and faithful characters and ultimately the entire series makes Christ the center of everything. In comparing our culture today with that period in history.... well there is so much to consider and rethink about the way we live our lives today.

I have my friend Trudi to thank for creating this adventure for me. We first met while I was walking my dog in the neighborhood. After talking and sharing with her, she excitedly entrusted the books to me in a basket and told me to take as long as I needed to read them. I can understand why she felt a need to share them. They were wonderfully uplifting!

Auction at the Court House

Our court house is being rebuilt. I do not know all the particulars except that it needed it and that this is a wonderful thing for San Augustine that the community has been working towards. Today the Garden Club of San Augustine held an auction to raise money for this effort. Items being auctioned were taken from the court house and included old ballet boxes, railings, 2 x 4 studs, fluorescent lighting, shelving, desks, doors, miscellaneous electronics, windows and glass, water fountains, and old clay roofing material. This was my first auction to ever attend. I knew my husband wanted some of the fluorescent lighting for his brother's shop use. However, I was afraid of what we would walk away with. Everyone there cared about the court house and wanted a piece of its history and to support the rebuilding efforts. I dare to say that maybe the auction wasn't as successful as it was hoped to be, but I was glad to see the community support and to be a part of that support. We ended up with a plastic milk crate, 2 old ballet boxes, 150 2x4s, 12 fluorescent lights, a bookshelf and some auction bidding experience.

Deer Siting

We have heard that deer visit City Lake some nights. We see the food left for them by neighbors, but have not seen any deer until this week. As we were coming home, our headlights illuminated about 3 deer in our yard near the road. I slowed down and counted as the deer left our yard and slowly made their way across the road to the woods. There were 8 in all. A few nights later they visited our yard again. I am glad we do not have a garden. I'll go check and see if they are there now...

Lost in Arkansas

We visited Arkansas this weekend, mostly to see our son at college. However, the real adventure of the weekend happened at Petit Jean State Park. We decided that since we traveled all this way might as well take in some hiking and see the natural side of Arkansas. We planned a 2-mile hike down to Cedar Falls and back up to the Mather Lodge where we parked our truck. We figure that we had plenty of time to do this and eat before dusk. The trail was beautiful with smooth rocks, ledges, winding paths, and creek water flowing down the mountain. We walked along the creek until we reached the area of the falls. There was layered rock all around forming a canyon around the falls. Hikers were climbing behind the falling water and resting on huge boulders throughout the area and in the water.... very picturesque. We left and decided rather than doubling back we would take the trail that leads to Blue Hole. This is a long deep calm area of the creek. We crossed over it using stones arranged in the water for hikers. Once on the other side we followed the blue trail back to the lodge or so we thought. The map we were using was not really to scale if you know what I mean. Let's just say our 2-mile hike ended up being a 7-mile hike and we barely made it to a main road before sundown. We were actually lost for about an hour and our cell phones had no signal. I thought we might end up spending the night under some of those overshadowing ledges. Before we realized that we might be lost, we were having a wonderful time enjoying the scenery, listening to our iPhone music, enjoying the sunset and stealing a kiss near the Turtle Rocks. Another look at the map and we started double-time back tracking to a main road. Good thing we brought water and a light jacket. Once back to the main road, we contacted the lodge with our iPhone and they pointed us in the right direction which was another mile uphill in the dark. By midnight we were in Texarkana and enjoying a hot shower. I learned that... Arkansas has some beautiful and adventurous state parks.

Dinner Invitation

When I first came to San Augustine, I would walk up East Columbia towards the library and admire the beautiful old homes. They are all well landscaped with azaleas and mature trees. Most have large porches and rocking chairs. I was so thankful to experience a wonderful evening in one of these homes this week for a delicious meal with some of our new friends from church. I feel that when someone invites you to their home, they are opening up their lives to you and value your friendship. I observed the hostess finishing up the final preparations and having us serve our plates and set us at the large dining table. The table was decorated with Easter bunnies and chocolate. We all enjoyed each other's company conversing about family, concern for our country, San Augustine, schools in America, and so on. The hostess continued the evening conversing, listening, and serving coffee and dessert. What a wonderful act of hospitality and kindness! This was her act of love and a most memorable evening for me in San Augustine -- one that I wish to pay forward soon.

My Sunrise Service

Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping, going to sleep, and staying asleep. I have heard that happens sometimes as you get older. I was lucky and slept until 5:30 am this Sunday morning. I decided instead of laying there wishing I could sleep some more, I would make an early day of it. After baking a cake and reading a little Francine Rivers, I looked outside and noticed a little light was starting to show and got this bright idea to go to the boat launch and watch the sun rise over City Lake. I parked the truck and just sat near the water in silence breathing the fresh morning air. The fog was floating off the water and the only sounds were the occasional fish splashing and the birds chirping. It was chilly and I was thankful for my sweats and jean jacket. I felt completely safe and alone. While the sun was peaking over the far side of the lake, I listened for God and prayed. I prayed that I was doing the right things and for forgiveness. I also thanked him for this quiet time to be completely alone with Him.

Mexican Train

I am the Mexican Train champion! It was not just luck, we played 2 games and I won both. There were 6 of us playing against each other. The second game the others positioned me behind Jeff to see if he could throw some impossible moves my way. I think that I surprised them with my cunning and competitive nature despite my quiet reserved demeanor. :) It is wonderful to get together with friends and family and share some competition and laughs, along with a delicious meal of brisket and blackberry cobbler. We spent all day at Toledo Bend Lake with Jeff's parents, his brother and family, and some friends we have known since we were teenagers. We remembered old times and shared coming times. I enjoy seeing others laugh and smile, and I hope to create such heartwarming get togethers like this for others while here in San Augustine.

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3: 14-15

Adventures with my dog

Maggie is her name and she spent several hours in her cage after this incident. Maggie is a our 10-year old miniature Dachshund. She has always been unable to control her hunting instincts. She does not walk in a straight line, she sniffs to and fro until she is gone. She may return hours later knowing that she is in trouble. While I was working in the yard moving items from the house to a storage building, she followed me around and played with our cat and she always comes and checks in with me. This day I missed her after awhile and called her. I called her for over half an hour. I got in my truck and drove around the block and called her some more. The second time around the block I heard her barking under our neighbor's house. That neighbor was not home. I spent an hour trying to coax her out. I was comical trying to order her out, stomping on the porch, shaking her food box... When she finally came out she had several scratches on her face. She had cornered a cat. So I scolded her and we went back home. I put her leash on her and tied her to a tree and continued my tasks. After a while, I looked over and I saw her pink leash, but I did not see her. She had chewed the leash off and had gone straight under my neighbor's house again. After getting her out this time, I put her in her doggy cage. She did not even whimper until late evening. This week she has been especially out of control. Besides chasing a cat and chewing her leash in 2 pieces, she also got into my purse and pulled out a burrito that I was saving for Jeff. She is also demanding to be picked up, fed, and watered with her low growls. She has even growled for me to sit in the recliner, so she can sleep right beside me while I read. That is what she wanted. She rules the house, and she is my best bud.

The Adventure of the Job Search

Looking for a job can be an adventure... a continuous adventure. I have been looking since December 11th. After about 70 contacts, I am reflecting on this adventure. You become acquainted with how to get around and it is exciting to meet so many new people. In a town such as San Augustine, once you meet someone you are a friend. So I have made many new friends. You also get to know yourself better and what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to answer those hard interview questions. Your working career is reduced to a 2-page resume, which makes life seem simple. I am blessed in that having a job is not a necessity. My income would be a second income and living here makes that unnecessary for now. In a way, I believe the Lord is trying to tell me - you can rest from your last 10 years of stress and struggle. .......That's right, I have not been hired! I could ramble on and on about how qualified I am, my interviews, politics and cliques, commutes to larger cities to work, lack of being bi-lingual, self-doubt, etc. However, I will accept that I need to rest and continue looking at the brighter side of life and enjoy what San Augustine is giving me. I'll keep busy with my search, reading and study, walks, canoe trips, and friendships. Humbly, I truly thank you Lord!

Flooding again

We thought we had left flooding behind. We refuse to fret about damage from a hurricane again to our home, no more evacuating, no more deciding what is important enough to take with you...... Woke up to 1-2 " of water in 2/3 of our rental house. I would not call the landlord. I couldn't face him and tell him that his house was flooded. I tried to find the humor in it, of course. (I joked that I did not want to go anywhere today anyway.) I discovered quickly that I was the hand that started it. I started a load of clothes at 6:00 am and went back to bed. Which means that the water overflowed the washer for a good 3 hours. I wonder what our water bill will be? The 3 of us worked until 2:00 or 2:30 sucking up water and pulling our pad and carpet. I once told a friend that any day that makes me happy is an adventure. Did this day make me happy? Yes, tired and sore but happy. I found out what I was made of, no crying, no giving up, no concern for my things, and we shared some true grit times with our landlord and friend.

City Lake

The canoe trip was wonderful! My son and I paddled all over City Lake starting toward the dam and water treatment center back toward the quarry and Caney Creek. There we saw an eagle soar away from its huge nest atop a tall pine tree. We wished that we had binoculars and could see if perhaps her young were stirring way up there. The air was calm and the water serene. Cows were grazing on a nearby hill and catfish were gulping bits of something from the top of the water. We watched a duck dive under the water and come up further away from us. We paddled to the far side of the lake toward Carrizo Creek. We beached the canoe on a jutting peninsula and after looking around, we pulled the canoe over a low spot and ventured up the creek a little ways. At one point we had to lean back in the canoe and glide under a fallen tree. A little further and we beached the canoe once again. On foot we continued up Carrizo Creek to look for evidence of wild life. We were not disappointed. Beavers had dropped trees and built a dam. We took pictures of the gnaw marks on the trees and nubs. It is incredible that such a small animal could chew through those trees. We meandered with the stream and saw deer tracks, honeysuckle, blackberry vines, cane, wild flowers, and clear flowing water. At one point we came across another beaver dam, and on the other side a pair of mallard ducks. We both sat there listening to hear what we could hear, each not wanting to leave for fear of missing something. We knew we were not the only ones out there, but so it seemed. Impatience got the best of us and we hiked back to the canoe and worked our way back out onto the lake. By then the wind had picked up and our paddling back to the boat launch was labored. Some fishermen had been at the boat launch almost as long as we were out on the lake. They helped us load up the canoe and back home we went to finish our day.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31