Hi Everyone,
Have tried to post blogs for several months now and could not for whatever reason. Today is the last of 2011 and so another year is done. Hope this one posts.
My grandson, Christopher got MRSA in June of this year and did not get over it until October. He had to be operated on and get the infection out of his arm pit which was a bad place. I also had to drive all over Bell County with him to get his driver license requirements done. I have been on every Bell county road there is and most I had never been on. I really did not like the 10 hours driving at night requirement but it all got done and he got his driver license also in October 2011.
Bell County, Temple, and Belton are booming with new construction projects everywhere. Scott & White opened a Children's Hospital in October 2011. Temple built their 8th fire station just 3 miles from where I live. Housing construction is moving west towards Lake Belton where I live.
Former District Attorney Arthur "Cappy" Eads died Nov. 1st from lung cancer and his funeral was private only. This is because his son George Eads is an actor on CSI, Las Vegas. George grew up in Belton and Cappy lived in Salado when he died. Many friends and family will miss Cappy. Check out George on CSI,
he is the dark haired guy.
It was a busy holiday season as usual this year for me. We went to Oklahoma to my sister-in-laws house for Thanksgiving and I packed up a lot of food to take and fix. Saw my Mom Gene Frye while I was there in Healdton. Mom lives at Ada, Oklahoma where my youngest brother Dennis Frye sees to her needs. She lives a lone and still can get herself around the house. Took her Christmas and later ordered her See's Candies to be sent from California. She loves See's Chocolates and I think they are the best ever. So if you want a good candy gift, check them out online.
Came home and started getting ready for Christmas dinner at my house. Major cleaning done and getting rid of excess things. So we had Christmas at my house with my son, Sam, his girlfriend, my grandson and his mom, our new church song leader and his very pregnant wife who is due January 6th. We had a good meal and later presents. Everyone enjoyed a football game after dinner at 1:00 pm. We had our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve due to church on Christmas. After everyone left, we packed up a large Christmas dinner to take to a elderly church member who had given me the turkey. I smoked the turkey 2 weeks prior and put it in my freezer. Then on Sunday, came back home from church and had left overs which are always plenty.
Just before Christmas, my laptop computer went blank and said no operating system. Took it in Dec. 26th to Sage Computers and they said the motherboard was gone. They said it was not worth it to fix and I could get a new one as cheap as I could fix it. So Dec. 29th, went shopping and bought an Acer at Staples. Next week I will take it to Sage and they will transfer important files over to it. So all the Christmas money we received went on a new computer and was only out $120.00 out of pocket. Acer has a manufacturing plant here in Temple. So it all worked out about the computer. The nice thing about this Acer is other brands for same memory, ram, etc. was $699.99 and this one was $479.00. Even Sam's Club could not compare with it on price.
We have been getting some rain off and on but not enough. We will take whatever we can get. Both our lakes are at low levels. We have Lake Belton and Lake Stillhouse here in our area. Cold several days here in Central Texas, then heats up. Tonight will be down in the 30's.
My brother Jerry is doing fine and has not had any more medical problems since he had the kidney stone.
As I am writing this post, the fireworks are going off in our area. I will be in bed when the New Year comes . I have been cooking meal today for tomorrow because it is a holiday again. We are not having any
company. So we will have grilled filet of beef, scalloped potatoes, black eye peas, cornbread muffin and lemon pie. I got the filet of beef at Sam's Club. My son Sam went hunting on Dec. 28th and I guess he will be back tomorrow-Sunday. Sure hope he gets at least one deer so we can have deer meat all next year.
My neighbor across the street died, his name was Bobby Reese and he loved motorcyles. He died from Alzheimer's and was just in a nursing home for 1 month when he passed. He always had dogs named Harley. When one dog died, the new one was always Harley. His last dog died 3 months before he died.
At least his wife did not have to sign over her home to Medicaid for his care and that was a blessing for her.
The United States 2011 had the worst castrophes ever and I think God is trying to get our attention . Also poor Japan had that bad earthquake. If you read in the Old Testament, whenever Israel turned away from God, then terrible things happened till they turned back. I think that is what is happening to us.
A blessing is happening in our Independent Baptist ranks. A missionary to Panama has been asked by the government there to place Bible study books in the public schools. This missionary had previously been working with the police schools there with bible lessons on moral issues. This missionary is Robert Creech and his life would make a good movie. Back in the 60's, he and his wife were hippies. They went to live in Mexico because it was cheap. So they learned the language. They came back home, accepted Christ as Saviour, went to church faithfully many years and then surrendered to be missionaries to Panama. Not much language study for them because they already knew the language. I can see God's hand on this couple and how they are being used to further the gospel of Christ. Praise and thank God for faithful missionaries who sacrifice so that other people can know the gospel. So all of our churches are giving money have the books printed.
I finished my Bible read through for another year. As I read the New Testament, I am always struck by what a New Testament Church truly is and wonder why people who read their bibles but are in the wrong churches. The New Testament Church is pure, simple with no rituals or traditions of men. We have 2 churches in the world where an angel appeared to each man. Paul says if we or an angel preach any other gospel than what I , Paul preached or the apostles preached, do not believe it. These two are Muslims and Mormons. The Bible says that Satan can appear as an angel of light and deceive many. I am always leary of people who die, then return, talk about seeing angels of light. Most of these accounts never line up with what the Bible teaches.
I have read a very good book that teaches what a New Testament church and the Christian life is all about, it is, "The Unshakable Truth-How You Can Experience the 12 Essentials Of A Relevant Faith", by Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell. Josh McDowell is a solid truthful Christian writer. Josh says this book needs to be given to every graduating senior to help them truly know about salvation and I agree with his statement.
Lifeway has the book as well as Amazon.
Well, it is getting late and I will try to post this.
I wish everyone who reads a great New Year with many blessings.
In Christian Love & Concern,
Marie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Texas Wildfires & News 9-10-11
Hello Everyone,
Hope and pray this blog finds everyone doing well with no problems.
In Texas, we certainly have had many wildfires since June to now. In Bastrop County 1700 homes destroyed and 45 square miles burned. I feel so sorry for the people who are losing their homes and all their possessions. We have had many fires burning around us in Bell County. Ft. Hood had a large fire at Jack Mountain and there was a major fire at Mother Neff State Park. Mother Neff is the smallest state park and is approximately 12 miles to the west of Moffat. Now at Lake Whitney another fire is burning and every day we hear of many more. I said I guess all of Texas was going to burn up. We are so dry and no rain in sight. Tropical Storm Lee gave us terrible winds which fueled the blazes. So far no fire here at Lake Belton or Lake Stillhouse. I am so thankful people where I live are being careful. We have lots of cedar and could easily become a tinder box . A large DC-10 plane had to be ordered from California for the Bastrop fire and it is still only 30% contained. The plane will drop fire retardant on the fires. Texas has been in drought conditions since 2009 and this year is the worst year. This drought is worst than 1950's drought which I understand was pretty bad. We have 53 counties declared disasters. No body here thought we would have so terrible a drought. Days are starting to cool. On 9-5-11, it was like a switch was thrown, hot weather gone and cooler days. Lately 90's day and 50's night time. However next week we are back to 100 degree heat. We have really enjoyed this week of cooler temps. We always say in Texas if we can get through August, there will be cooler weather.
We have more disasters this year in the USA than ever can be remembered.
I said I think God is trying to get our attention . The sad part is God gets our attention for a short period and then we backslide to our old ways.
I am reading my Bible through as I do each year with Radio Bible Class Daily Bread. Now reading through Proverbs, a very wise insightful book and II Corinthians. I purchased a King James 1411 edition at Walmart and reading it with my Bible readings. It is true and faithful to my Bible. The Bible says God's Word is settled forever in the heavens. People may change but not God.
Got my new Selah cd after pre-order and have really been enjoying it. They have a new song on it called, "When Love Was Slain", so good and true in my life. You can listen to it on You Tube under either New Nation Music or Selah. New Nation has a good video of the song so go there and listen to it, I promise you will enjoy it.
Also do not forget http://www.texascountryreporter.com/ for their videos about Texas. This morning they had a story on Hank The Cowdog and the writers story. Also Earl's Chicken. They do have the chicken video but so far not the Cowdog one. Maybe they will post it soon or maybe it is on You Tube. Earl's Chicken opens one day a week on Tuesday only and sells fried chicken from 11-7. The rest of the week, the owner runs a lawnmover repair shop.
I have been driving with my 16 year old Grandson Christopher who has to drive 20 hours with a licensed driver in all conditions to get his driver license. Texas is tough on these kids now. They have to take driver's school as well as this extra driving. His Mom could not do it. He originally did the drving with his 24 year old half sister but the DPS said he could not drive with a sibling. So supposedly I am the only only who has the time.
The worst thing on it is he has to back up for 1 hour experience. That means go forward, back up until we get an hour logged. Not looking forward to that situation. So far his driving has been good. He is very busy with football and boxing so it is hard to carve out an hour each day to drive.
My brother Jerry's kidney stone surgery was moved to 9-13-11. We both were unhappy about the change but that is the VA for you. He has to go to Dallas this week for his annual spinal cord check up. He has a major spinal cord problem from MRSA and is partially paralyzed from the waist down. So treat all cuts, openings you get or you may get MRSA.
Finished 2 good books from Discovery House publishers. These are the ones I got on sale several months ago. One book is, When God Says Go", by Lorry Lutz. A missionary book about a woman who went to Liberia when many boards said she was not eligible. It is the amazing story of a slave's daughter. On her 100th birthday, hundreds of Liberians paraded through the streets with banners that read, Mother Eliza George, great daughter of America, great descendant of Africa, great saint and missionary mother---her life was the best commentary of the Bible we have ever read. What a tribute to this dear missionary and servant of God. She died in Texas on March 8, 1979.
The other book is ,"A Better Country-Preparing For Heaven", by Dan Schaeffer. We all need to prepare for heaven. You will never get there by good works, or good intentions only by the blood of Jesus Christ and belief that he died for your sins and you have to ask Him for this salvation. Most people want to go there but many never prepare their souls for heaven, so sad. Read the New Testament, salvation in Christ is plain, simple and He will never turn anyone away who is sincere. Like the saying goes, everyone talking about heaven is not going there. You have to do more than just talk. The Discovery address is http://www.dhp.org/ if anyone is interested in their books.
Well, I guess I had better close and get this blog posted. If you have any questions on anything I have written I will try to answer as best as I can.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Hope and pray this blog finds everyone doing well with no problems.
In Texas, we certainly have had many wildfires since June to now. In Bastrop County 1700 homes destroyed and 45 square miles burned. I feel so sorry for the people who are losing their homes and all their possessions. We have had many fires burning around us in Bell County. Ft. Hood had a large fire at Jack Mountain and there was a major fire at Mother Neff State Park. Mother Neff is the smallest state park and is approximately 12 miles to the west of Moffat. Now at Lake Whitney another fire is burning and every day we hear of many more. I said I guess all of Texas was going to burn up. We are so dry and no rain in sight. Tropical Storm Lee gave us terrible winds which fueled the blazes. So far no fire here at Lake Belton or Lake Stillhouse. I am so thankful people where I live are being careful. We have lots of cedar and could easily become a tinder box . A large DC-10 plane had to be ordered from California for the Bastrop fire and it is still only 30% contained. The plane will drop fire retardant on the fires. Texas has been in drought conditions since 2009 and this year is the worst year. This drought is worst than 1950's drought which I understand was pretty bad. We have 53 counties declared disasters. No body here thought we would have so terrible a drought. Days are starting to cool. On 9-5-11, it was like a switch was thrown, hot weather gone and cooler days. Lately 90's day and 50's night time. However next week we are back to 100 degree heat. We have really enjoyed this week of cooler temps. We always say in Texas if we can get through August, there will be cooler weather.
We have more disasters this year in the USA than ever can be remembered.
I said I think God is trying to get our attention . The sad part is God gets our attention for a short period and then we backslide to our old ways.
I am reading my Bible through as I do each year with Radio Bible Class Daily Bread. Now reading through Proverbs, a very wise insightful book and II Corinthians. I purchased a King James 1411 edition at Walmart and reading it with my Bible readings. It is true and faithful to my Bible. The Bible says God's Word is settled forever in the heavens. People may change but not God.
Got my new Selah cd after pre-order and have really been enjoying it. They have a new song on it called, "When Love Was Slain", so good and true in my life. You can listen to it on You Tube under either New Nation Music or Selah. New Nation has a good video of the song so go there and listen to it, I promise you will enjoy it.
Also do not forget http://www.texascountryreporter.com/ for their videos about Texas. This morning they had a story on Hank The Cowdog and the writers story. Also Earl's Chicken. They do have the chicken video but so far not the Cowdog one. Maybe they will post it soon or maybe it is on You Tube. Earl's Chicken opens one day a week on Tuesday only and sells fried chicken from 11-7. The rest of the week, the owner runs a lawnmover repair shop.
I have been driving with my 16 year old Grandson Christopher who has to drive 20 hours with a licensed driver in all conditions to get his driver license. Texas is tough on these kids now. They have to take driver's school as well as this extra driving. His Mom could not do it. He originally did the drving with his 24 year old half sister but the DPS said he could not drive with a sibling. So supposedly I am the only only who has the time.
The worst thing on it is he has to back up for 1 hour experience. That means go forward, back up until we get an hour logged. Not looking forward to that situation. So far his driving has been good. He is very busy with football and boxing so it is hard to carve out an hour each day to drive.
My brother Jerry's kidney stone surgery was moved to 9-13-11. We both were unhappy about the change but that is the VA for you. He has to go to Dallas this week for his annual spinal cord check up. He has a major spinal cord problem from MRSA and is partially paralyzed from the waist down. So treat all cuts, openings you get or you may get MRSA.
Finished 2 good books from Discovery House publishers. These are the ones I got on sale several months ago. One book is, When God Says Go", by Lorry Lutz. A missionary book about a woman who went to Liberia when many boards said she was not eligible. It is the amazing story of a slave's daughter. On her 100th birthday, hundreds of Liberians paraded through the streets with banners that read, Mother Eliza George, great daughter of America, great descendant of Africa, great saint and missionary mother---her life was the best commentary of the Bible we have ever read. What a tribute to this dear missionary and servant of God. She died in Texas on March 8, 1979.
The other book is ,"A Better Country-Preparing For Heaven", by Dan Schaeffer. We all need to prepare for heaven. You will never get there by good works, or good intentions only by the blood of Jesus Christ and belief that he died for your sins and you have to ask Him for this salvation. Most people want to go there but many never prepare their souls for heaven, so sad. Read the New Testament, salvation in Christ is plain, simple and He will never turn anyone away who is sincere. Like the saying goes, everyone talking about heaven is not going there. You have to do more than just talk. The Discovery address is http://www.dhp.org/ if anyone is interested in their books.
Well, I guess I had better close and get this blog posted. If you have any questions on anything I have written I will try to answer as best as I can.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Day Tripper Correction
Hi Everyone,
I will try and get this address right, found out when I tried to go to it, I had given wrong address. Correct one is---------www.thedaytripper.com. Hope you all can assess it now, has many good shows on Texas.
Love,
Marie
I will try and get this address right, found out when I tried to go to it, I had given wrong address. Correct one is---------www.thedaytripper.com. Hope you all can assess it now, has many good shows on Texas.
Love,
Marie
Day Tripper Address
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick note to let you know the Day Tripper address and you can view show there. It is http://www.daytripper.com/
I will even have to go there to view shows I missed. So if you want to know more about Texas, go there and check it out. It is a good show and I think you will enjoy it. They are on Facebook.
In Christ's Love,
Marie
Just a quick note to let you know the Day Tripper address and you can view show there. It is http://www.daytripper.com/
I will even have to go there to view shows I missed. So if you want to know more about Texas, go there and check it out. It is a good show and I think you will enjoy it. They are on Facebook.
In Christ's Love,
Marie
Friday, August 19, 2011
August News 2011
Hellp Everyone,
Hope everyone is having a great summer. Here in Texas we are having a terrible summer with record heat and drought. We have had no rain, not even from the last hurricane from Gulf. We still have land masses catching on fire and burning up. Last week 100 acres burned near Rogers, Texas. This is our 2nd drought year and now it is predicted we will have 3 years with 2012 being in drought conditions. They say this is the most severe drought since 1950 and the 2nd worst drought in Texas behind the 1950's. The ranchers and farmers are really suffering and have had to sell off a large portion of their animals because of the water situation and no food for them to eat. Also the wild life is really suffering now. We now have cougars coming into Temple, Tx city limits to eat dogs-cats and to find water. Where I live out at Lake Belton, no longer see many deer. A record 248 counties of Texas 254 are under burn bans. Our Thursday Temple Telegram paper says losses are now $5.2 billion. Our lakes are slowing going down and now debris is appearing on dry lake shorelines and they clean up the trash. Most of August has been 105-108 with no let up. August is always the hottest month here. At least the days are getting shorter now.
School starts next week here and I will be glad as the traffic in town will get some lighter and no more screaming kids during day in grocery stores. Always amazes me how parents just let their kids run wild now with not much restraint. This weekend is tax free for clothes and some school supplies. This is August 20, 2011.
We went to Port Aransas area last week for 4 days to enjoy Texas Gulf Coast. Went on a sunset cruise out of Port Aransas to see the bay dolphins and the Lydia Ann lighthouse. Information on lighthouse can be assessed @ http://www.lighthousefriends.com/. Very interesting information on site. We really had a nice 1 1/2 hour trip and came back in the dark. It was nice out on the bay water.
We stayed in a room at Motel 6-Accor Extended stay hotel at Ingleside, Texas which was reasonable and a full size kitchen with pots, pans, and dishes. This hotel and others at Ingleside was built to accomodate rig workers when they have to come in for a week from their rigs. Room was large and had a separate bathroom with tub-shower. Next time we will try to stay closer to Port Aransas as it was 10 miles from Ingleside to the Port Aransas ferry boat run by Texas Department of Public Safety. The ferry boat is free and takes you from Aransas Pass to Port Aransas. You would not believe what they put on those ferry boats. They can even put a 18 wheeler. Our beach of choice was Mustang Island State Park beach which was very pristine and clean. You can also go to Padre Island National Park here just out of Corpus Christi, Texas. However, we had no time to go to it. It is a long barrier island and you can get off by yourself. Every time we have been to Padre Island, it also has been clean with no problems. Saw Galeveston Island beach this week on Day Tripper program and surprise it was clean. I guess they had cleaned up the sea weed which is a problem there. Day Tripper program is a program about day trips to take in Texas and shows you the attractions as well as good places to eat. We went out on the jetty at Port Aransas and watched the sea turtles there as well as people fishing on jetty. I hate to say seafood was higher on Gulf coast this time with plates being $15.00 a person. We ate out 2 days and went to one favorite place under the South Padre Island roadway. This is Snoopy's and their seafood is good. There is a high bridge here and Snoopy's is under it at one of the inlet bays. We can get good seafood here in Temple for about $10.00 a plate. Louisianna Seafood here is one of our favorites off of Loop 363.
Then on Thursday last week, we took a 12 hour fishing trip out into the Gulf. Went out 45 miles and then stopped to fish at an old sunken oil platform. The last hour we were there the dolphins came around our boat to fish. Someone said, well we know there are fish here because the dolphins have come to feed. I caught my limit of 2 King Fish on regular reels at back of boat. My husband got sea sick 1 hour out of port and so did not fish. Second fishing trip this has happened. I told him no sense in taking you fishing anymore. He even took Dramamine which did not work. The boat let me catch his 2 King. Then I caught 12 Red Fish which we are having some for supper today. To get out to the fishing area it was a straight 3 hour boat ride. I enjoyed the trip, just would have liked the fish my husband would catch. I did not like the pole set-up on this boat because they had put motors on the rods. You really could not tell when you had a fish on the line because of the weight and set-up. Next time will look for a boat with regular rods. At least I hope they are not all like this. I caught one red fish about 2 foot long and I did feel it on the line. Was hoping to catch a tuna but no luck. No one on this boat caught their limit of Red fish. They all did catch the limit of 2 King Fish.
My brother Jerry has been in VA Hospital here in Temple for over 3 weeks and he came back to his Texas State Veteran's home last Thursday while we were gone. Had to go this week on Thursday for pre-op tests to have laser surgery on kidney stone in his bladder. This will be next Tuesday and I will be glad when it is all over.
I had told him I would stay last week but he said no, please go on your trip so we did. But I did worry about him and we talked every day by my cell phone. Then September 6th, he has to go to Dallas VA for annual spinal check-up. He has a major spinal injury and Dallas is in charge of his care for it. They will send wheelchair transport for him early that day and we will not get back until 6:00 pm or so. A full day with a lot of road travel on IH-35. So life goes on here. I need to write some inspirational stuff in a future blog.
Take care everyone and stay cool. Remember read your Bible each day, you will be better for it.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Hope everyone is having a great summer. Here in Texas we are having a terrible summer with record heat and drought. We have had no rain, not even from the last hurricane from Gulf. We still have land masses catching on fire and burning up. Last week 100 acres burned near Rogers, Texas. This is our 2nd drought year and now it is predicted we will have 3 years with 2012 being in drought conditions. They say this is the most severe drought since 1950 and the 2nd worst drought in Texas behind the 1950's. The ranchers and farmers are really suffering and have had to sell off a large portion of their animals because of the water situation and no food for them to eat. Also the wild life is really suffering now. We now have cougars coming into Temple, Tx city limits to eat dogs-cats and to find water. Where I live out at Lake Belton, no longer see many deer. A record 248 counties of Texas 254 are under burn bans. Our Thursday Temple Telegram paper says losses are now $5.2 billion. Our lakes are slowing going down and now debris is appearing on dry lake shorelines and they clean up the trash. Most of August has been 105-108 with no let up. August is always the hottest month here. At least the days are getting shorter now.
School starts next week here and I will be glad as the traffic in town will get some lighter and no more screaming kids during day in grocery stores. Always amazes me how parents just let their kids run wild now with not much restraint. This weekend is tax free for clothes and some school supplies. This is August 20, 2011.
We went to Port Aransas area last week for 4 days to enjoy Texas Gulf Coast. Went on a sunset cruise out of Port Aransas to see the bay dolphins and the Lydia Ann lighthouse. Information on lighthouse can be assessed @ http://www.lighthousefriends.com/. Very interesting information on site. We really had a nice 1 1/2 hour trip and came back in the dark. It was nice out on the bay water.
We stayed in a room at Motel 6-Accor Extended stay hotel at Ingleside, Texas which was reasonable and a full size kitchen with pots, pans, and dishes. This hotel and others at Ingleside was built to accomodate rig workers when they have to come in for a week from their rigs. Room was large and had a separate bathroom with tub-shower. Next time we will try to stay closer to Port Aransas as it was 10 miles from Ingleside to the Port Aransas ferry boat run by Texas Department of Public Safety. The ferry boat is free and takes you from Aransas Pass to Port Aransas. You would not believe what they put on those ferry boats. They can even put a 18 wheeler. Our beach of choice was Mustang Island State Park beach which was very pristine and clean. You can also go to Padre Island National Park here just out of Corpus Christi, Texas. However, we had no time to go to it. It is a long barrier island and you can get off by yourself. Every time we have been to Padre Island, it also has been clean with no problems. Saw Galeveston Island beach this week on Day Tripper program and surprise it was clean. I guess they had cleaned up the sea weed which is a problem there. Day Tripper program is a program about day trips to take in Texas and shows you the attractions as well as good places to eat. We went out on the jetty at Port Aransas and watched the sea turtles there as well as people fishing on jetty. I hate to say seafood was higher on Gulf coast this time with plates being $15.00 a person. We ate out 2 days and went to one favorite place under the South Padre Island roadway. This is Snoopy's and their seafood is good. There is a high bridge here and Snoopy's is under it at one of the inlet bays. We can get good seafood here in Temple for about $10.00 a plate. Louisianna Seafood here is one of our favorites off of Loop 363.
Then on Thursday last week, we took a 12 hour fishing trip out into the Gulf. Went out 45 miles and then stopped to fish at an old sunken oil platform. The last hour we were there the dolphins came around our boat to fish. Someone said, well we know there are fish here because the dolphins have come to feed. I caught my limit of 2 King Fish on regular reels at back of boat. My husband got sea sick 1 hour out of port and so did not fish. Second fishing trip this has happened. I told him no sense in taking you fishing anymore. He even took Dramamine which did not work. The boat let me catch his 2 King. Then I caught 12 Red Fish which we are having some for supper today. To get out to the fishing area it was a straight 3 hour boat ride. I enjoyed the trip, just would have liked the fish my husband would catch. I did not like the pole set-up on this boat because they had put motors on the rods. You really could not tell when you had a fish on the line because of the weight and set-up. Next time will look for a boat with regular rods. At least I hope they are not all like this. I caught one red fish about 2 foot long and I did feel it on the line. Was hoping to catch a tuna but no luck. No one on this boat caught their limit of Red fish. They all did catch the limit of 2 King Fish.
My brother Jerry has been in VA Hospital here in Temple for over 3 weeks and he came back to his Texas State Veteran's home last Thursday while we were gone. Had to go this week on Thursday for pre-op tests to have laser surgery on kidney stone in his bladder. This will be next Tuesday and I will be glad when it is all over.
I had told him I would stay last week but he said no, please go on your trip so we did. But I did worry about him and we talked every day by my cell phone. Then September 6th, he has to go to Dallas VA for annual spinal check-up. He has a major spinal injury and Dallas is in charge of his care for it. They will send wheelchair transport for him early that day and we will not get back until 6:00 pm or so. A full day with a lot of road travel on IH-35. So life goes on here. I need to write some inspirational stuff in a future blog.
Take care everyone and stay cool. Remember read your Bible each day, you will be better for it.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 2011
Hi Everyone,
Well so far July 2011 has been miserably hot here in Central Texas. No rain in sight and probably not until September.
Went to the July 4th PCRA rodeo in Belton, Texas on 7-1-11, it was Military appreciation night and the Expo stadium was filled with soldiers and their family. We took a new younger couple from our church who had just moved to Temple, the rodeo was very good and everyone had a good time. Then on July 4th, went to the Belton, Texas parade which is usually pretty good but this year was not so good. We had not been to it in about 10 years so we were disappointed. The parade was 1 1/2 hours but not many people decorated their floats and there was the horse calvary from Ft. Hood as well as many soldiers. in parade Ft. Hood and Waco had the only fireworks in our area so we just watched fireworks on TV and stayed cool, ha, ha.
The south of the United States is very hot this year and breaking many previous heat records from the 1900's.
I have been putting squash up in my freezer for squash dressing and also for battered up for fried. The deer are starving in our area and they ate up my okra so none of that this year. I have been buying some from the farmer's market in Temple and putting up in the freezer. We are having chicken fried deer steak today. I am posting the flour recipe for it as well as the cornmeal batter recipe for fried veggies, fish or shrimp. Thought the cooks would like the recipes. If we have hunters in Texas we like the venison as it is very lean and better for you than beef. Usually we get 2 deer each year from hunting season.
Well so far July 2011 has been miserably hot here in Central Texas. No rain in sight and probably not until September.
Went to the July 4th PCRA rodeo in Belton, Texas on 7-1-11, it was Military appreciation night and the Expo stadium was filled with soldiers and their family. We took a new younger couple from our church who had just moved to Temple, the rodeo was very good and everyone had a good time. Then on July 4th, went to the Belton, Texas parade which is usually pretty good but this year was not so good. We had not been to it in about 10 years so we were disappointed. The parade was 1 1/2 hours but not many people decorated their floats and there was the horse calvary from Ft. Hood as well as many soldiers. in parade Ft. Hood and Waco had the only fireworks in our area so we just watched fireworks on TV and stayed cool, ha, ha.
The south of the United States is very hot this year and breaking many previous heat records from the 1900's.
I have been putting squash up in my freezer for squash dressing and also for battered up for fried. The deer are starving in our area and they ate up my okra so none of that this year. I have been buying some from the farmer's market in Temple and putting up in the freezer. We are having chicken fried deer steak today. I am posting the flour recipe for it as well as the cornmeal batter recipe for fried veggies, fish or shrimp. Thought the cooks would like the recipes. If we have hunters in Texas we like the venison as it is very lean and better for you than beef. Usually we get 2 deer each year from hunting season.
Marie's Flour Seasoning For Chicken Fried Steak
3 cups all purpose flour-unbleached
5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Mix all well. For liquid mix, use 1 egg beaten with 1 1/4 cups milk. Place some of the flour recipe into a separate bowl. Dip prepared steaks either beef or venison that has been tenderized into flour first, then dip into egg mix and then back into flour. Shake off excess and fry steaks in medium hot shortening. I use Olive oil for frying on veggies and meat as I consider it more healthy.
I also use this flour to make the cream gravy but I use vegetable oil for gravy.
Marie's Veggie Batter Mix
1 cup cornmeal flour
1/2 cup of the above flour mixture
Mix well. To use as a fish, shrimp or veggie mix. Mix 1 egg beaten with 1 1/4 cup milk in a bowl. In a separate bowl, place some of the veggie dry batter mix.
Take washed cut veggies such as okra or squash and dip into veggie dry batter mix. Then dip the pieces into the egg mixture and then back into the veggie dry batter mix. Shake off excess flour and fry in medium hot vegetable oil or olive oil. If using fish or butterflied devined shrimp, use same procedure as with the veggies.
The only thing I ask on these recipes that I do get credit as they are my recipes after many years of trial and error trying to figure them out. The cornmeal flour is sold either at a health food store or a grocery store. Here in my area my local grocery store carrys the cornmeal flour by Red Mill. Our local health food store used to sell it but then they stopped. Was glad our local grocery store started carrying it.
If any questions on recipes please let me know.
I use the batter mix same way for frozen veggies, just place the veggies after I batter them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and place in top of my freezer until frozen. Then take out and place into plastic bags with air removed and label. My butterflied shrimp I half cook, then freeze. Someone when I told them about doing veggies this way thought they needed to be boiled but you do not have to do that as long as you use up within 1 year. So far I have never had any problems and have been using these recipes a long time. The mix is a lot cheaper than buying prepared mix in the grocery store.
Well, hope everyone is well with no problems in their lives. Already looking forward to school starting back up in August as I am tired of all the traffic tie ups. Walmart already stocked for school buying. Also looking forward to this summer being over and cooler weather but here it will not be until October.
In Christ Love,
Marie
In Christ Love,
Marie
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011 Post
Hi Everyone,
Hope all you Father's had a great Father's Day. My husband, I, and my son, Sam had lunch at the William R. Courtney State Veteran's home on Father's Day. Had a great meal with my brother, Jerry who always enjoys company. His daughter called him which made his day . My brother so appreciates whatever is done for him.
Want to tell everyone that there will be a July 4th parade in Belton, Texas. This is the small town next to Temple, TX and they have the best parade in the whole state because we have Ft. Hood calvary and other army who will be in parade. For information go to http://www.rodeobelton.com/. Parade is on 7-4-11 @10:00 a.m. There is also a PCRA rodeo going on and a celebration at Yettie Polk park with food booths and craft booths. Live music also at Yettie Polk park. So if you are in the area, come to Belton, Texas and have a great 4th of July celebration.
Temple, TX fireworks at Miller Park is still up in air as our county, Bell has a ban on fireworks as of today's date and they still do not know if we will have fireworks, Ft. Hood will have fireworks as they are Federal. All of the fire work business owners are upset because Gov. Perry placed a ban on fire works in Central Texas as we are critically dry. Now East Texas is going up in flames with 20,000 acres burned. They say the trees in the forest are bursting into flames from heat from sun. We have had 102-105 degree temperature in our area. Fires are still burning in west Texas. East Texas has heavy forests and that is where most of our logging is done.
My poor tomatoes are not growing no matter how much we water. This happened last year due to the heat. Last year my tomatoes did not grow until September and I had loads of tomatoes by November 2010. I guess the same will happen this year. Have been getting loads of squash and have started putting up in the freezer. Okra growing well because of heat.
Next Tuesday I go for my gel knee injection at Scott & White clinic which I dread as it does hurt even though the area is deadened. But the process works for six months and my knee gives no problems. I hate needles and they use a long one with a large tip. I was amazed at how well this procedure has worked. Also I think my exercise of 4-5 days a week in water aerobics has attributed. Scott & White, Temple, Tx is one of top 100 hospitals in U.S.
We were talking at exercise class about Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo, TX. They have a great stage play of the musical, "Texas" acting out the story of Texas in the canyon. This plays through June 14-August 20, 2011. Web information is http://www.texas-show.com/ and phone number is 806-655-2181. Play is at 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Sunday. Other information can be found at http://www.palodurocanyon.com/. The weird thing about this canyon is all the land going to it is so flat until you come to the canyon and then you have the canyon in the ground which is a surprise when you see it.
We will be taking a Texas vacation this year to save costs as I have been saving to pay off my husband's Chevrolet pick-up. After I pay it off, then save again to buy a handicapped van for my brother, Jerry as he is limited when it comes down to transportation. He has to be transported in a wheelchair
Well, that is all the new things I can think of. Hope this information helps some people.
Remember read your Bible daily, put Christ into your life and go to a church that truly teaches the Bible with truth.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Hope all you Father's had a great Father's Day. My husband, I, and my son, Sam had lunch at the William R. Courtney State Veteran's home on Father's Day. Had a great meal with my brother, Jerry who always enjoys company. His daughter called him which made his day . My brother so appreciates whatever is done for him.
Want to tell everyone that there will be a July 4th parade in Belton, Texas. This is the small town next to Temple, TX and they have the best parade in the whole state because we have Ft. Hood calvary and other army who will be in parade. For information go to http://www.rodeobelton.com/. Parade is on 7-4-11 @10:00 a.m. There is also a PCRA rodeo going on and a celebration at Yettie Polk park with food booths and craft booths. Live music also at Yettie Polk park. So if you are in the area, come to Belton, Texas and have a great 4th of July celebration.
Temple, TX fireworks at Miller Park is still up in air as our county, Bell has a ban on fireworks as of today's date and they still do not know if we will have fireworks, Ft. Hood will have fireworks as they are Federal. All of the fire work business owners are upset because Gov. Perry placed a ban on fire works in Central Texas as we are critically dry. Now East Texas is going up in flames with 20,000 acres burned. They say the trees in the forest are bursting into flames from heat from sun. We have had 102-105 degree temperature in our area. Fires are still burning in west Texas. East Texas has heavy forests and that is where most of our logging is done.
My poor tomatoes are not growing no matter how much we water. This happened last year due to the heat. Last year my tomatoes did not grow until September and I had loads of tomatoes by November 2010. I guess the same will happen this year. Have been getting loads of squash and have started putting up in the freezer. Okra growing well because of heat.
Next Tuesday I go for my gel knee injection at Scott & White clinic which I dread as it does hurt even though the area is deadened. But the process works for six months and my knee gives no problems. I hate needles and they use a long one with a large tip. I was amazed at how well this procedure has worked. Also I think my exercise of 4-5 days a week in water aerobics has attributed. Scott & White, Temple, Tx is one of top 100 hospitals in U.S.
We were talking at exercise class about Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo, TX. They have a great stage play of the musical, "Texas" acting out the story of Texas in the canyon. This plays through June 14-August 20, 2011. Web information is http://www.texas-show.com/ and phone number is 806-655-2181. Play is at 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Sunday. Other information can be found at http://www.palodurocanyon.com/. The weird thing about this canyon is all the land going to it is so flat until you come to the canyon and then you have the canyon in the ground which is a surprise when you see it.
We will be taking a Texas vacation this year to save costs as I have been saving to pay off my husband's Chevrolet pick-up. After I pay it off, then save again to buy a handicapped van for my brother, Jerry as he is limited when it comes down to transportation. He has to be transported in a wheelchair
Well, that is all the new things I can think of. Hope this information helps some people.
Remember read your Bible daily, put Christ into your life and go to a church that truly teaches the Bible with truth.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Starting June 2011
Hi Everyone,
This is the second time today I have tried this blog. Blogspot had major problems today. Hope this one posts ok.
Hope this blog finds everyone who reads well with no problems. I truly wish the best for all of you.
Went to the VA lab today 6-7-11 with Jerry and it was in a different place. Found out the Temple VA had supposedly upgraded services, they combined 4 departments into one area and made a mess. Of course the lab was part of this upgrade. Well, they made a mess of it as government always does when they improve. The lab process used to take only 30 minutes, today it was 2 hr.15 minutes. Needless to say Jerry was not a happy camper, lol. Tomorrow Jerry will see his main doctor for a three month check up. He loves his new wheelchair and is used to it by now. So far I cannot get the Picassa appl to work to give you a picture.
Maybe next time.
Our Texas fires are still burning but are being contained by local fire fighters. The Federal people and other fire fighters have now left. So now only local fire departments fighting fires. Wichita Falls, Texas had two large fires a week ago, one on each side of town that burned a lot . We have been battling fires now for 6 months with 2.8 million acres burned which is hard to imagine. These are the worst fires in 21 years. Now poor Arizona is battling major fires. It is so dry and no rain in sight. We are really praying for rain here in Texas.
A e-mail was sent to me with a song and I am posting the song for you today. It is posted on You Tube for those who would like to hear it. Just put the name of the song into search and you will find lots on it. I like Lynda Randle/Hoover 4000 who is a excellant singer with the Gaithers. Also like the McKamey's/C.J. Shetley Music. I especially like the older woman on the McKamey's. She may offend some but I feel she is real and have always liked her. I have seen the McKamey's here in Temple. They come once yearly. I am sure this song will bless each heart. This song is so true.
This is the second time today I have tried this blog. Blogspot had major problems today. Hope this one posts ok.
Hope this blog finds everyone who reads well with no problems. I truly wish the best for all of you.
Went to the VA lab today 6-7-11 with Jerry and it was in a different place. Found out the Temple VA had supposedly upgraded services, they combined 4 departments into one area and made a mess. Of course the lab was part of this upgrade. Well, they made a mess of it as government always does when they improve. The lab process used to take only 30 minutes, today it was 2 hr.15 minutes. Needless to say Jerry was not a happy camper, lol. Tomorrow Jerry will see his main doctor for a three month check up. He loves his new wheelchair and is used to it by now. So far I cannot get the Picassa appl to work to give you a picture.
Maybe next time.
Our Texas fires are still burning but are being contained by local fire fighters. The Federal people and other fire fighters have now left. So now only local fire departments fighting fires. Wichita Falls, Texas had two large fires a week ago, one on each side of town that burned a lot . We have been battling fires now for 6 months with 2.8 million acres burned which is hard to imagine. These are the worst fires in 21 years. Now poor Arizona is battling major fires. It is so dry and no rain in sight. We are really praying for rain here in Texas.
A e-mail was sent to me with a song and I am posting the song for you today. It is posted on You Tube for those who would like to hear it. Just put the name of the song into search and you will find lots on it. I like Lynda Randle/Hoover 4000 who is a excellant singer with the Gaithers. Also like the McKamey's/C.J. Shetley Music. I especially like the older woman on the McKamey's. She may offend some but I feel she is real and have always liked her. I have seen the McKamey's here in Temple. They come once yearly. I am sure this song will bless each heart. This song is so true.
"God On The Mountain"
By Tracy Dartt
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain,
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But then things change and you're down in the valley,
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.
For God on the mountain is still God in the valley,
When things go wrong, He'll make it right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain,
Oh, but the talk comes so easy when life's at its best.
But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation,
That's when faith is really put to the test.
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make it right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
The friend who sent this had just lost one of their family. I know exactly how they feel. I always look forward to news from my e-mails received and how everyone is doing in their lives.
Hope and pray everyone has a good week. Hope everyone who reads puts God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit into their lives. You will be blessed!!!!! Have been reading my KJV Bible along with an original 1611 verson which is interesting. Where there should be a S in a word, there is a F.
My poor little garden is not doing well, too hot already. Have had fresh squash and onions so far.
Finished up a series of movies-three discs from Netflix on the Holocust. Movie was very good with actors and news clips from time period. Last weekend, got the last Narnia movie, ""Voyage of the Dawn Treader".
Saw it with my brother for his movie time for the week and then again at home before I mailed it back. I really do like the Narnia movies made from C.S.Lewis books. They are Christian allegories. They always make me cry.
We have really enjoyed Netflix. We get one movie weekly by mail and then downstream as many movies as we have time to see by computer into our Wii console, then into the TV. You can use any gaming system or a router with the computer. It is nice to use when the TV is running reruns.
Well, I see I have written too much again. Hope and pray everyone has a good month. Really have to get busy and start planning a vacation soon.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 5/30/11
Hi everyone,
Got back from Ada, Oklahoma late Friday evening from my Mom's. Had a good trip with no car problems.
Gas prices here in Central Texas are $3.63 gal. Oklahoma about the same prices. Too hot here already and starting to break records. Thank God for air conditioning. Here in Texas it is used a lot as I am sure in most southern states.
Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day with no problems. I can remember when we had the draft which everyone dreaded. My husband was exempt because of being in Bible college. This was in the 1960's when the Vietnam war was being fought. I was always sad for all the servicemen lost in Vietnam. I never agreed with that war. Many guys at that time ran away to Canada to avoid the draft. My brother Jerry served one year in Vietnam. Most of the men in my family served in the Air Force. As far as I know, we did not lose any in the wars fought. I have a nephew who is serving in the Army at this time and is stationed in Belgium.
During this Memorial Day, hope everyone stops to remember all the soldiers who lost their lives in all the wars we have fought. They certainly deserve to be remembered for their service to our country. I found this Memorial Day poem on the Internet and post it here in memory of those who died in service to our country.
As I have heard it said many times, freedom is never free and we must fight to stay free.
Poem By - Mrs. Lyman Hancock
Got back from Ada, Oklahoma late Friday evening from my Mom's. Had a good trip with no car problems.
Gas prices here in Central Texas are $3.63 gal. Oklahoma about the same prices. Too hot here already and starting to break records. Thank God for air conditioning. Here in Texas it is used a lot as I am sure in most southern states.
Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day with no problems. I can remember when we had the draft which everyone dreaded. My husband was exempt because of being in Bible college. This was in the 1960's when the Vietnam war was being fought. I was always sad for all the servicemen lost in Vietnam. I never agreed with that war. Many guys at that time ran away to Canada to avoid the draft. My brother Jerry served one year in Vietnam. Most of the men in my family served in the Air Force. As far as I know, we did not lose any in the wars fought. I have a nephew who is serving in the Army at this time and is stationed in Belgium.
During this Memorial Day, hope everyone stops to remember all the soldiers who lost their lives in all the wars we have fought. They certainly deserve to be remembered for their service to our country. I found this Memorial Day poem on the Internet and post it here in memory of those who died in service to our country.
As I have heard it said many times, freedom is never free and we must fight to stay free.
When I Am Gone
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
Poem By - Mrs. Lyman Hancock
Still learning this program, however, tried to center poem but could not. This was a cut and paste item.
Well, that is all my thoughts for today. Went out to Moffat cemetery today to place a concrete bench on my son, Hugh Gregg's grave. Now I can go out there to sit by his grave which I have longed so to do.
Take care everyone.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Oklahoma Trip
Hi everyone,
Going to Ada, Oklahoma on 5-25-11 to see my Mom who has started to have some health issues. Long trip and I will not be back until 5-27-11 late in the evening. Will have to extra watchful on that killer highway, IH-35. Just hope they are not doing too much roadwork. I will be going alone because my Aunt Lois from Ft. Worth could not go as planned. I have made many trips up there alone so it is ok. My brother Jerry wants me to go by the old cemetery in Ethel, Texas where most of my Mom's family is buried and take pictures of their headstones as he is so handicapped and will never get to go again. I really need to get all of the graves posted on Find A Grave.com so maybe I can take my computer and show him the sites on it. Some graves are already posted but most are not.
Taking my Mom her favorite cookie which she always requests. It is a good cookie and so I am posting the recipe for you today. Took Jerry a bag today and he was very happy.
Going to Ada, Oklahoma on 5-25-11 to see my Mom who has started to have some health issues. Long trip and I will not be back until 5-27-11 late in the evening. Will have to extra watchful on that killer highway, IH-35. Just hope they are not doing too much roadwork. I will be going alone because my Aunt Lois from Ft. Worth could not go as planned. I have made many trips up there alone so it is ok. My brother Jerry wants me to go by the old cemetery in Ethel, Texas where most of my Mom's family is buried and take pictures of their headstones as he is so handicapped and will never get to go again. I really need to get all of the graves posted on Find A Grave.com so maybe I can take my computer and show him the sites on it. Some graves are already posted but most are not.
Taking my Mom her favorite cookie which she always requests. It is a good cookie and so I am posting the recipe for you today. Took Jerry a bag today and he was very happy.
Texas Ranger Cookies
Note-This is a commercial recipe and you need to halve all ingredients. Even halved still makes a large
amount so be warned. Will need a very large mixing bowl, I have a Kitchen aide. Then you need a 5-6 quart large bowl to finish mixing. What I do is to mix the creamed ingredients in the electric mixer, pour that into the large bowl and finish up with rest of ingredients. These cookies are sold as fund raisers and at restaurants here in Texas. Always popular. This is a refrigerator cookie and I place it in freezer in waxed paper to firm up.
4 Sticks Butter or Margarine
2 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
10 eggs
4 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 2/3 cup brown sugar-packed
8 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon Baking soda
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 lb. shredded coconut
3 cups quick cooking oats
11 cups cornflakes
2 cup finely chopped Pecans
Remember you halve the above amounts.
1. Place butter or margarine and shortening into mixing bowl, cream until well blended, add 1 tablespoon vanilla, both sugars, cream until blended. Add eggs several at a time, mix well after each addition until all eggs are blended into sugars/shortening. At this point I do add baking soda, baking powder and salt, mix well. Now pour this mixture into a very large bowl. I use a 6 quart bowl.
2. To the creamed mixture add coconut, mix well. Add chopped pecans, mix. Then add oats, mix again. And lastly slowly mix in cornflakes several cups at a time. Toward end, mixture will be hard to mix but keep mixing and you will get it done.
3. Take a length of waxed paper, put cookie mixture down paper in a log shape. Use paper to shape and roll into a log, fold waxed paper around and seal. You will have 3 large logs. Place logs of cookies into either a freezer or a refrigerator. I find out that freezer is better, let sit over-night.
4. Now to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take a cookie sheet and place parchment paper cut to sheet size. If you do not use parchment paper, leave cookie sheet un-greased. Take log of cookie dough, slice with a serrated knife about 1/2" thick. Edges may be crumby, if this happens, press crumbly flakes back into cookie. Place cookies on cookie sheet 2 inches apart, these will spread out. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove with spatula and place on cooling racks to finish. When cool, place into an air tight container or plastic bag.
Note: I have used smaller recipes of this cookie from the Internet but they have never been as good as this recipe. Hope everyone who trys cookie recipe enjoys .
Sometimes I have several with a glass of milk for breakfast.
So sad for all the people in Joplin, Missouri which had a terrible tornado this week. So many lives lost and terrible loss of property. We in USA this year have been having some terrible weather with much destruction. I would rather lose property than someone I love though. Property can be replaced but not a loved one. We need much prayers here in US. Today 5-24-11 , there is more bad weather happening even as I write this blog.
Well, must get off and try to get some sleep.
Take care everyone .
In Christian Love,
Marie
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Busy Week
Hi everyone,
Had a busy, busy week. Next week will be busy as I am going to make a trip to Ada, Oklahoma to see my mother who is not doing well. It takes 5 hours driving from where I live to her house with one stop. Usually very tired when I get there and when I get back. My youngest brother Dennis takes care of her needs and she still lives by herself. My brother had to get a housekeeper to clean and do some cooking as she is not able to do much anymore.
Started off Monday 5-16-11 with my brother Jerry's dental appointment. I have to help him get from his wheel chair into the dentist's chair by way of a sliding board. I have problems getting his power wheelchair from the room and then back. Dr. Tullis helped me with the chair this time which was much appreciated.
Then Friday 5-20-11, went to Dallas VA to pick up his new power chair which was made to fit his body and leg-foot requirements. It is much better than the one we originally could afford to get him. This chair is a Pride Mobility Quantrum Edge and is made in the United States. The chair elevates feet up and back to position needed with reclining features in the back which can relieve his backside so he does not have to sit long in one position. The foot rest was made to accommodate his feet which stick out at an angle. I finally got up the nerve to ask the cost of the chair, it was $12,000 and the VA contracts get 40% off of original cost. I would have had to take out a loan to buy a chair of this magnitude. So far the VA system has been very good to take care of my brother who is 100% disabled. VA Dallas sent wheelchair transport to pick him up at 6:30 a.m. and we were back in Temple by 2:00 p.m. Now I have to sell his other power chair which I am sure will not be a problem. The chair I had bought for him was a Jazzy and I had it out fitted with leg braces that took care of his feet-legs but the feet always half way hung over foot rest. He could not sit long in this chair and usually had to get out of it after 6 hours. The new one is better and I am glad they issued him this chair. A lot of people say the VA does not take care of veterans but so far they have really done a good job of taking care of my brother. I know the original hospital bill had to be in the millions as he was 2 full months in ICU, 1 month hospital, and 3 months rehab. Rehab could not do much for him but at least they tried. Dallas VA saved his life and they are a first class facility. He is under the Spinal Cord clinic there due to the spinal injury sustained from a MRSA and is partially paralyzed from the waist down. He gets most of his medical care at Temple VA clinic. So please everyone clean up your scratches, wounds or this type of thing could happen to you. Will publish a picture later of Jerry's new chair.
Going today to the Sportsman's Club Dinner at Lake Belton. The men of the club are frying up the fish they catch so we will have a variety. Women have to bring fixings to round out meal. I am taking a Banana Pudding Supreme and probably a vegetable. So I am posting this recipe for the cooks who read my blog. This pudding is very good and is served here in restaurants.
Had a busy, busy week. Next week will be busy as I am going to make a trip to Ada, Oklahoma to see my mother who is not doing well. It takes 5 hours driving from where I live to her house with one stop. Usually very tired when I get there and when I get back. My youngest brother Dennis takes care of her needs and she still lives by herself. My brother had to get a housekeeper to clean and do some cooking as she is not able to do much anymore.
Started off Monday 5-16-11 with my brother Jerry's dental appointment. I have to help him get from his wheel chair into the dentist's chair by way of a sliding board. I have problems getting his power wheelchair from the room and then back. Dr. Tullis helped me with the chair this time which was much appreciated.
Then Friday 5-20-11, went to Dallas VA to pick up his new power chair which was made to fit his body and leg-foot requirements. It is much better than the one we originally could afford to get him. This chair is a Pride Mobility Quantrum Edge and is made in the United States. The chair elevates feet up and back to position needed with reclining features in the back which can relieve his backside so he does not have to sit long in one position. The foot rest was made to accommodate his feet which stick out at an angle. I finally got up the nerve to ask the cost of the chair, it was $12,000 and the VA contracts get 40% off of original cost. I would have had to take out a loan to buy a chair of this magnitude. So far the VA system has been very good to take care of my brother who is 100% disabled. VA Dallas sent wheelchair transport to pick him up at 6:30 a.m. and we were back in Temple by 2:00 p.m. Now I have to sell his other power chair which I am sure will not be a problem. The chair I had bought for him was a Jazzy and I had it out fitted with leg braces that took care of his feet-legs but the feet always half way hung over foot rest. He could not sit long in this chair and usually had to get out of it after 6 hours. The new one is better and I am glad they issued him this chair. A lot of people say the VA does not take care of veterans but so far they have really done a good job of taking care of my brother. I know the original hospital bill had to be in the millions as he was 2 full months in ICU, 1 month hospital, and 3 months rehab. Rehab could not do much for him but at least they tried. Dallas VA saved his life and they are a first class facility. He is under the Spinal Cord clinic there due to the spinal injury sustained from a MRSA and is partially paralyzed from the waist down. He gets most of his medical care at Temple VA clinic. So please everyone clean up your scratches, wounds or this type of thing could happen to you. Will publish a picture later of Jerry's new chair.
Going today to the Sportsman's Club Dinner at Lake Belton. The men of the club are frying up the fish they catch so we will have a variety. Women have to bring fixings to round out meal. I am taking a Banana Pudding Supreme and probably a vegetable. So I am posting this recipe for the cooks who read my blog. This pudding is very good and is served here in restaurants.
Banana Pudding Supreme
1 package cream cheese-8 oz (any variety) softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk-14 oz
2 cups milk
1 package Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix- 6 oz
1 carton non-dairy whipped topping- 8 oz
5 bananas, sliced and tossed with lemon juice sprinkled over
1 box vanilla wafers- 12 oz
1. In a large mixer, cream softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk, milk, and instant pudding mix. Whip on medium until well blended scraping down sides of bowl. Fold in 1/2 of whipped topping with a spoon.
2. You will need a large bowl to layer the wafers, bananas, and pudding mixture. Layer the cookies, bananas, and pudding mix in a large bowl of at least 2 quarts. Make 3 layers of the cookies, bananas, and pudding mix. Top last layer with remaining topping.
Chill well and serve cold.
So enjoy everyone, I think you'all will like it.
Received in the mail yesterday a DVD I had purchased from Scripture Truth Book Company. It is about the most famous Baptist minister who pastored in England. It is called, C.H. Spurgeon, The People's Preacher, one of history's greatest preachers and his abiding influence. Most ministers who are worth anything love this man who published many books on understanding the Bible. We have most of his books in our personal Christian library. We show DVD's in our Sunday evening training class at church and I know this will be a blessing.
We recently concluded the series, "The Indestructible Book", a history on the Bible, how we got it, the much persecution over printing the Bible and how the Bible came to America. This can be purchased from Bridgestone Multimedia group which sells many Christian DVD's for all ages. Bridgestone online address is - www.gobmg.com.
Scripture Truth Book Company on line site is- www.scripturetruth.com. They have a sale once monthly with very good buys.
Well, I guess that is all my news for this week. It rained 2/10's of an inch yesterday and possible rain again today but we are way behind normal levels for this time of year. Do not think we will catch up this year. Our Texas farmers are in desperate straits over the current drought we are having as well as fire destruction. It seems we are having a bad year in the U.S.A. , what with the fires, tornadoes, drought and now floods. Already Temple is rationing water because our lake water has to be conserved as so many people depend on it. It serves not only all of Bell county but many small communities-cities downstream.
Oh, I forgot, it is predicted today is the end of the world and Christ will rapture His people out of this wicked world. I for one would be glad if this happened as I am ready to go. I hope everyone who reads is ready to go . Confess Jesus with your mouth, ask Him to save you from your sins, believe that He took your sins on His body when He died on the cross, believe he was raised from the dead, believe that He is in Heaven today at the right hand of God the Father and thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9-11.
You have to be sincere in all of this, though. This has been predicted by Harold Camping, a Christian broadcaster from California. The Bible says no man knows the day or hour of the Rapture, only God the Father knows the day or hour. This is in Matt.24:3-44. The Bible says we are to be ready to go and watchful for our Lord's returning.
Well, this is long and I hope everyone who reads gets a blessing.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Heavens Opened
Hi Everyone,
Hope everyone is having a great day. It is beautiful here this date 5-13-11 in Central Texas. Cool day in the 70's and full sunshine.
We had rain, buckets of it on 5-11-11 Wednesday around 6:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning. Bad thing we had winds blowing 65 mph and I thought my metal roof was going to come loose but it is ok with no problems. We got 4.7 inches and the ground is still soaked. A school in Belton, Tx and in Moody, Tx had a roof collapse to so much rain . The headline in the Temple Daily Telegram on 5-12-11, The Heavens Open; Rain Falls!!!!!!!! So thankful as we were so dry and worried about fire danger.
The wildfires in Texas now have burned a record 2.4 million acres. We had a 400 acre fire Monday 5-9-11 in Milam county. The Texas forest service reports we are still in red flag conditions mainly across West Texas. The forest service is currently working 10 large fires that span 599,405 acres. Hard to believe they are still working wildfires.
My brother Jerry and myself went to the Central Texas airshow on 5-7-11, Saturday, spent 5 hours there. Very hot miserable day and a terrible wind blowing dirt all over us. Both of us had to wash up all the dirt when we got to our homes. His VA home was there and we sat with them. They were allowed to bring in ice, food, and drinks which was nice. I had Jerry transported in the Temple HOP handicapped bus because the VA home needed the wheelchair space on their bus which can only transport 2 wheelchairs. Late in the air show, pyrotechnics stimulated a bombing run and set the air field grass on fire, burned 12 acres. We could not believe it, but Jerry enjoyed all the fire trucks that were summoned to put it out. Even where I live, Moffat area sent several fire trucks. Moffat is a volunteer department. No more air show after the fire started. However, we had to wait for his ride to pick us back up because you have to schedule a return. So we waited at the entrance gate in the shade for about 1 hour. Jerry was very tired after all the excitement. He really enjoyed the day out. When he got back to the VA home, I helped him wash up and he could not believe how much dirt was in his hair, face, and arms.
Jerry was very happy he got to see a Stealth bomber fly in from Dyess Air Force base. The bomber made about 4 passes around the airport before heading back to base. This was the highlight of the show. My camera batteries ran down just before it got to Temple and so I did not get a picture of it, maybe next year.
My back up batteries were new and no good. First time I had new batteries that were bad.
Jerry Frye @ Central Texas airshow, Temple,Tx 5-7-11
Hope everyone is having a great day. It is beautiful here this date 5-13-11 in Central Texas. Cool day in the 70's and full sunshine.
We had rain, buckets of it on 5-11-11 Wednesday around 6:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning. Bad thing we had winds blowing 65 mph and I thought my metal roof was going to come loose but it is ok with no problems. We got 4.7 inches and the ground is still soaked. A school in Belton, Tx and in Moody, Tx had a roof collapse to so much rain . The headline in the Temple Daily Telegram on 5-12-11, The Heavens Open; Rain Falls!!!!!!!! So thankful as we were so dry and worried about fire danger.
The wildfires in Texas now have burned a record 2.4 million acres. We had a 400 acre fire Monday 5-9-11 in Milam county. The Texas forest service reports we are still in red flag conditions mainly across West Texas. The forest service is currently working 10 large fires that span 599,405 acres. Hard to believe they are still working wildfires.
Jerry was very happy he got to see a Stealth bomber fly in from Dyess Air Force base. The bomber made about 4 passes around the airport before heading back to base. This was the highlight of the show. My camera batteries ran down just before it got to Temple and so I did not get a picture of it, maybe next year.
My back up batteries were new and no good. First time I had new batteries that were bad.
Jerry Frye @ Central Texas airshow, Temple,Tx 5-7-11
Old car @ airshow, Temple, Texas
Then on Wednesday 5-11-11, I was at the HEB grocery store around noon when we heard 2 large planes flying low over the store, sounded like they were going to crash. Everyone was ducking and trying to get more in the store middle. The planes made two passes over the store. Later we found out on the news that the planes were 2 fighter jets that had been at the Temple, Texas airshow and they were going back to their bases. The reason why they were flying low was to gain attitude which is hard to believe. Sure scared a lot of people in Temple, Texas though. People were running, ducking and trying to find a safe place.
Well, that all my news for now.
Hope, pray everyone is safe and has a great weekend.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
My Greatest Sorrow
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday 5-10-09, my dearest youngest son Hugh Leon Gregg died on Mother's Day just about 1:00 a.m.
of alcohol intoxication.
He was at some friend's house when they noticed him about 1:00 a.m., thought he had passed out drunk but when they checked, he was blue in the face. Called paramedics but too late. A police investigation had to be done as well as an autopsy in Dallas. The worst thing was the autopsy because I know what they do. I begged the Judge not to do it but he said he had to know the cause of death. Hugh has been gone 2 years now and I sorrow every day. He is buried in Moffat, Texas cemetary which is approximately 3 miles from my house. I had talked to him about 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. He told me he loved me and was sorry for his life. He was upset because he had no money for anything on Mother's Day and he knew his brother would get me something. I told him I did not care about any gifts, just wanted him to be well. I told him I would love him no matter what happened in his life. Just wish he could have gotten free of the addiction. Anytime there was a major holiday, Hugh would drink himself senseless because he would be depressed over the holiday. I always dreaded the holidays because I knew what would happen and I could not make him stop. His son's mother and him had a major argument earlier in the week becasue he was not supplying her with any money for the boy.
His father and I had tried many times to get him help but it never worked out. He was many times into Scott & White hospital detox program but the most they ever would keep him was 2 weeks and then it all would start over again. One time he was in a Waco, Texas program but they let him go after a week because they could not regulate his high blood pressure.
His father wrote the following poem to put on his funeral paper:
Sleep On Now
You were such a troubled soul,
With your life so out of control.
Though I failed you, I tried my best,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
Sometimes you could be such a pain,
I wish you were still here to be again,
Life without you will never be the same,
But sleep on now and take your rest.
I would trade places with you ,
If only I could,
But that would do you no good,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
Even though I loved you so,
I didn't take time to let you know,
But your mother did it best,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
In memory of Huey, Albert S. Gregg
I will write another time about Hugh.
Rest in peace in heaven my beloved son. I will always love you and look forward to seeing you again someday when God calls my name.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Yesterday 5-10-09, my dearest youngest son Hugh Leon Gregg died on Mother's Day just about 1:00 a.m.
of alcohol intoxication.
He was at some friend's house when they noticed him about 1:00 a.m., thought he had passed out drunk but when they checked, he was blue in the face. Called paramedics but too late. A police investigation had to be done as well as an autopsy in Dallas. The worst thing was the autopsy because I know what they do. I begged the Judge not to do it but he said he had to know the cause of death. Hugh has been gone 2 years now and I sorrow every day. He is buried in Moffat, Texas cemetary which is approximately 3 miles from my house. I had talked to him about 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. He told me he loved me and was sorry for his life. He was upset because he had no money for anything on Mother's Day and he knew his brother would get me something. I told him I did not care about any gifts, just wanted him to be well. I told him I would love him no matter what happened in his life. Just wish he could have gotten free of the addiction. Anytime there was a major holiday, Hugh would drink himself senseless because he would be depressed over the holiday. I always dreaded the holidays because I knew what would happen and I could not make him stop. His son's mother and him had a major argument earlier in the week becasue he was not supplying her with any money for the boy.
His father and I had tried many times to get him help but it never worked out. He was many times into Scott & White hospital detox program but the most they ever would keep him was 2 weeks and then it all would start over again. One time he was in a Waco, Texas program but they let him go after a week because they could not regulate his high blood pressure.
His father wrote the following poem to put on his funeral paper:
Sleep On Now
You were such a troubled soul,
With your life so out of control.
Though I failed you, I tried my best,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
Sometimes you could be such a pain,
I wish you were still here to be again,
Life without you will never be the same,
But sleep on now and take your rest.
I would trade places with you ,
If only I could,
But that would do you no good,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
Even though I loved you so,
I didn't take time to let you know,
But your mother did it best,
So sleep on now and take your rest.
In memory of Huey, Albert S. Gregg
I will write another time about Hugh.
Rest in peace in heaven my beloved son. I will always love you and look forward to seeing you again someday when God calls my name.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tarrant Lake, VA Property 5-6-11
Hi Everyone,
Posting some pictures of my brother Jerry and his last day out at Tarrant Lake, VA property. He cannot go down to this little lake unless I am with him because there is a train track at entrance to park and his wheelchair could get stuck on it which would be terrible as there are a lot of trains that come through. There is a picture of the Amtrak trainthat comes through each day @11:15 a.m.
Sammons Park Indoor Pool where I exercise,
also has a small lake with golf course.
Well, that's all for today. Will post some pictures later on Central Texas Airshow from Saturday. Jerry & I went to the airshow and had a good time.
Take care,
In Christian Love,
Marie
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Texas News, Personal Happenings, Tornados 5-1-11
Hi Everyone,
Hope everyone is well and having a good day. We certainly have been having some terrible things to happen in the United States last month. Hope this month is better than last month.
I will start off with the Japan earthquake which was a 9.0 disaster and occurred on 3-11-11. We have an aquifer here in Texas known as the Edwards Aquifer. When the earthquake happened in Japan, just 15 minutes after the quake in Japan, the water sloshed here in Texas in the aquifer. The aquifer is monitored in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas and has monitoring devices. I thought that was amazing. One woman whose property sits above the aquifer said she was looking out of her kitchen window when the water started to rise several feet in her stock tank. Later she found out it was due to the Edwards aquifer moving.
The Edwards Aquifer serves 2 million water users in Texas. Not the first time it happened, also Chile 8.8 and Haiti 7.0 quakes did the same thing.
Last Wednesday 4-27-11, a powerful storm system came up from the Gulf waters across Central Texas and started moving north east . We had a small tornado touch down at Groesbeck, Texas.
Groesbeck is 40 miles north east of Temple. Groesbeck is home to Old Ft. Parker. It was established by the Parker family when they came to settle in Texas. A daughter, Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped during a Comanche Indian raid and grew up among the Indians. Her son was the famous Quanah Parker, last Comanche Chief. She was recaptured and brought back to live with her family but she never accepted that life. She died 2 years after this event, a very sad story. Ft. Parker is a place to ponder the event and walk among the graves of the slain from the indian massacre.
The system then moved towards Ben Wheeler, Texas and another tornado touched down with winds in excess of 90-100 mph. Ben Wheeler is 75 miles east of Dallas. We did not get a drop of rain from this sytem but Dallas did get rain. Only 3 structures lost and no one seriously hurt. This same storm system
then moved through seven southern states and produced the worst tornados the U.S. has known in 30 years or so. Alabama was hardest hit by a very large tornado. I really feel for all the people affected by this storm, so far 327 lives lost and still 400 people missing. The system was produced when the warm air from the gulf met the colder air from the north. The destruction is massive and uncomprehendable. The cleanup will be a massive event and probably will take several years. Bodies have to be placed in refrigerated trucks until they can be buried. So, so sad for all the loss of property and life.
We in Texas are in the midst of the worst drought. Several years ago, we had a drought but nothing like what we have at this point in time. This time the drought encompasses all of Texas and we are desparate for rain. The wildfires are still burning in north west Texas and they have them contained down to 300,000 acres. But if we get no rain, we will have more fires as the vegetation is so dry.
Went with my brother Jerry on a restaurant outing on 4-28-11 to the little spot in the road called Ratibor, Texas. The home he lives in does 1 restaurant day each week and he goes about each 2 months or so.
The only thing at Ratibor is an old gin, a new gin, the restaurant and about 4 houses. This all sits in the middle of corn fields about 8 miles east of Temple. Jerry could not believe his eyes, a restaurant in the middle of nothing but country and it was busy. The restaurant is known for its good cooking and its jalapeno chips. These are jalapenos sliced thin diagonally, battered and fried. Served with ranch dressing, lip smacking good. He had an old fashioned burger and I had the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with jalapeno chips. After this they took us on a bus ride through out the country side, Jerry really enjoyed all of this trip. Got to see lots of farm land, animals, and farms. The recreation aide from the home told me she was glad I could go with them as it is someone different to have around. I do help them with various things when I go so I guess you could say I am a volunteer aide when I go with them.
On Saturday I went out to his VA home and we had a movie date. I had just got him a DVD player and we tried it out. Saw the movie, "Night Crossing" by Disney films. A true story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families daring escape from East Germany into West. They made and stitched a hot air balloon in one of their houses in 1979. A very good, suspenseful film. Amazing what a thirst for freedom they had and were willing to risk their lives to be free.
Got up early enough Saturday to watch Texas Country Reporter which is stories all about Texas and especially the small places. You can watch some of their clips on You Tube. Address is youtube.com/texas countryreporter. Check out the Blind quilter clip, so good and hard to believe that someone can be blind and still quilt.
Then we had several terrible things happen. Remember I told you Milam county was having a crime wave. Well, a really bad thing happened last week, 2 guys 18 yrs. old decided to rob a house in the country side. Only the woman was home, when the door bell rang, she opened the door without looking. They shot her, killed her and then took her new car which they had seen in Rockdale, Texas. Caught several hours later with car, how dumb and now they face capital murder with possible lethal injection. What a thing to lose your life over and how stupid. So ladies if you are home alone, do not open your door without seeing who is at the door. The lady did not know either one. Then a 37 year old man in Killeen, Tx shot his 5 year old daughter, then killed himself. How tragic, how sad for their family. Bell County where I live has the highest rate of child abuse in all of Texas because of the military. We do not like these facts.
Thanks to all of you who are reading my blog.
It is a cool 70 degrees today with winds of 20mph. Rain in forecast but none as of 4:00 p.m..
Well, that is all from my current perspective. Hope everyone has a safe week. Remember to put Christ in your life, you will never be sorry if you do. Maybe the recent disasters will bring people back to their knees and what is important in life.
In Christian Love and compassion,
Marie
Hope everyone is well and having a good day. We certainly have been having some terrible things to happen in the United States last month. Hope this month is better than last month.
I will start off with the Japan earthquake which was a 9.0 disaster and occurred on 3-11-11. We have an aquifer here in Texas known as the Edwards Aquifer. When the earthquake happened in Japan, just 15 minutes after the quake in Japan, the water sloshed here in Texas in the aquifer. The aquifer is monitored in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas and has monitoring devices. I thought that was amazing. One woman whose property sits above the aquifer said she was looking out of her kitchen window when the water started to rise several feet in her stock tank. Later she found out it was due to the Edwards aquifer moving.
The Edwards Aquifer serves 2 million water users in Texas. Not the first time it happened, also Chile 8.8 and Haiti 7.0 quakes did the same thing.
Last Wednesday 4-27-11, a powerful storm system came up from the Gulf waters across Central Texas and started moving north east . We had a small tornado touch down at Groesbeck, Texas.
Groesbeck is 40 miles north east of Temple. Groesbeck is home to Old Ft. Parker. It was established by the Parker family when they came to settle in Texas. A daughter, Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped during a Comanche Indian raid and grew up among the Indians. Her son was the famous Quanah Parker, last Comanche Chief. She was recaptured and brought back to live with her family but she never accepted that life. She died 2 years after this event, a very sad story. Ft. Parker is a place to ponder the event and walk among the graves of the slain from the indian massacre.
The system then moved towards Ben Wheeler, Texas and another tornado touched down with winds in excess of 90-100 mph. Ben Wheeler is 75 miles east of Dallas. We did not get a drop of rain from this sytem but Dallas did get rain. Only 3 structures lost and no one seriously hurt. This same storm system
then moved through seven southern states and produced the worst tornados the U.S. has known in 30 years or so. Alabama was hardest hit by a very large tornado. I really feel for all the people affected by this storm, so far 327 lives lost and still 400 people missing. The system was produced when the warm air from the gulf met the colder air from the north. The destruction is massive and uncomprehendable. The cleanup will be a massive event and probably will take several years. Bodies have to be placed in refrigerated trucks until they can be buried. So, so sad for all the loss of property and life.
We in Texas are in the midst of the worst drought. Several years ago, we had a drought but nothing like what we have at this point in time. This time the drought encompasses all of Texas and we are desparate for rain. The wildfires are still burning in north west Texas and they have them contained down to 300,000 acres. But if we get no rain, we will have more fires as the vegetation is so dry.
Went with my brother Jerry on a restaurant outing on 4-28-11 to the little spot in the road called Ratibor, Texas. The home he lives in does 1 restaurant day each week and he goes about each 2 months or so.
The only thing at Ratibor is an old gin, a new gin, the restaurant and about 4 houses. This all sits in the middle of corn fields about 8 miles east of Temple. Jerry could not believe his eyes, a restaurant in the middle of nothing but country and it was busy. The restaurant is known for its good cooking and its jalapeno chips. These are jalapenos sliced thin diagonally, battered and fried. Served with ranch dressing, lip smacking good. He had an old fashioned burger and I had the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with jalapeno chips. After this they took us on a bus ride through out the country side, Jerry really enjoyed all of this trip. Got to see lots of farm land, animals, and farms. The recreation aide from the home told me she was glad I could go with them as it is someone different to have around. I do help them with various things when I go so I guess you could say I am a volunteer aide when I go with them.
On Saturday I went out to his VA home and we had a movie date. I had just got him a DVD player and we tried it out. Saw the movie, "Night Crossing" by Disney films. A true story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families daring escape from East Germany into West. They made and stitched a hot air balloon in one of their houses in 1979. A very good, suspenseful film. Amazing what a thirst for freedom they had and were willing to risk their lives to be free.
Got up early enough Saturday to watch Texas Country Reporter which is stories all about Texas and especially the small places. You can watch some of their clips on You Tube. Address is youtube.com/texas countryreporter. Check out the Blind quilter clip, so good and hard to believe that someone can be blind and still quilt.
Then we had several terrible things happen. Remember I told you Milam county was having a crime wave. Well, a really bad thing happened last week, 2 guys 18 yrs. old decided to rob a house in the country side. Only the woman was home, when the door bell rang, she opened the door without looking. They shot her, killed her and then took her new car which they had seen in Rockdale, Texas. Caught several hours later with car, how dumb and now they face capital murder with possible lethal injection. What a thing to lose your life over and how stupid. So ladies if you are home alone, do not open your door without seeing who is at the door. The lady did not know either one. Then a 37 year old man in Killeen, Tx shot his 5 year old daughter, then killed himself. How tragic, how sad for their family. Bell County where I live has the highest rate of child abuse in all of Texas because of the military. We do not like these facts.
Thanks to all of you who are reading my blog.
It is a cool 70 degrees today with winds of 20mph. Rain in forecast but none as of 4:00 p.m..
Well, that is all from my current perspective. Hope everyone has a safe week. Remember to put Christ in your life, you will never be sorry if you do. Maybe the recent disasters will bring people back to their knees and what is important in life.
In Christian Love and compassion,
Marie
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wildflower Pictures 4-25-2011
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| Jerry Frye with son, Alexander Frye @ Texas State Veteran's home, Temple, Tx Picture taken 3-10 when Alexander was home on leave from Afghanistan. He next posted to Belguim. Jerry is Marie's brother. |
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| Prairie grass blowing in wind 4-11 |
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| BlueBonnets 4-11 Picture taken on Marie's property @ Lake Belton, Tx-Moffat |
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| Indian Paintbrush 4-11 Picture taken @Lake Belton,Tx on Marie's property at Moffat, Tx |
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| Indian Blanket or Fire Wheel 4-25-11 Pic taken on Marie's property @ Lake Belton area Tried to figure out how to rotate but could not do it. |
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| Prairie Grass blowing in wind with bluebonnets in background, cedars on Marie's property at Lake Belton,Moffat area Texas |
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| Snow Day 2-4-11 Picture taken of VA grounds from WR Courtney Texas State Veteran's Home, Temple,Tx |
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| Jerry Frye- Snow day 2-4-11 Marie's Brother @Texas State Veteran's home. He is severely handicapped & cannot bring legs to a sitting position. I had promised some wildflower pictures , took me a while to figure out how to do this as I am not used to posting yet. Posted pictures of my brother for some personal friends. He was paralyzed from the waist down due to a major staf infection he contracted in late 2008 and almost died when it was discovered 3-09 by the Dallas VA hospital. He had a scratch that he received working at Kroger grocery store, Ft. Worth, Tx and did not take care of it. It was in the middle of his lower back and thought it would be ok. Just goes to show you really need to clean up any scratches or something like this could happen. Dallas VA gets nothing but praise from me over this situation. Two Harris Methodist hospitals supposedly did not find the MRSA infection which is still hard for me to believe. He was very depressed the first 6 months but then learned to accept the situation even though it was hard. His VA home says he is a social butterfly, ha, ha and I am thankful for the way he has adjusted and accepted his life as it is now. He will never walk again. He served 1 year in Vietnam and rest of Air Force time, state-side. He says he is thankful I can help care for him and see to any needs he has, either medical or personal. He was divorced 2 years prior to this situation and has a 21 year old daughter at Bedford, Tx and a son, 23 years old who is in the Army . They both see him when they can. Here is some websites to look at on wildflowers: texaswildflowerpictures.com lone-star.net/wildflowers aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed wildseed farms.com---they sell wildflower seed Hope everyone enoys the pictures and has a great day today. Also want to welcome Charlotte as a follower to my blog, glad to have you on board . Charlotte, I have been working on a quilt for over a year now and almost have it cut out, then I can start sewing. It is one of those patch quilts that you stitch all layers in rows with batting in between and then it is done. The seams are stitched facing up. Forgot to mention, the bluebonnets are all gone due to too much heat. We are now consistently having 90 degree plus and no rain in sight. So dry now it is scaring everyone here due to fire danger. Wildfires still burning in NW Texas. I guess it will end up burning 2 million acres or so. |
Have a safe day everyone. Our Easter day was good but exhausting.
Love In Christ,
Marie
Friday, April 22, 2011
Texas News
Hello everyone and a Happy, Blessed Easter to all.
Wildfires now have been consuming the land in Texas the last 3 weeks and still are going. They have consumed 1 million acres, 150 homes, and 3 churches. So sad for the people who lost their homes, just hope they all had fire insurance. So far in our area which is Bell County, have not had any fires on land. We had 2 major businesses go up in ashes, one in Temple, and one in Belton. The one in Belton was off Interstate IH-35 highway yesterday and the Interstate had to be shut down for 2 hours due to the smoke being so thick. All but 2 of Texas counties have wildfires and they say they are the worse in 50 years. Texas has 254 counties and I live in one of the largest. Ft. Hood stopped shelling due to the fire danger so it has been quiet lately with no booming. Both business fires are currently under investigation and the one in Temple had to burn it self out due to the laminate that was stored in the building. We have Wilson Art Headquarters here in Temple, a major laminate manufacturer.
Hope everyone has a nice Easter. I will have dinner at my house for family and friends.
I will do most of the cooking on Saturday so when I get home from Church, will just have to heat and serve.
My Aunt Lois came this Wednesday from Ft. Worth to see my brother Jerry at the VA home here in Temple. Had a busy day and she brought small gifts for all of his aides and nurses. One of his nurses had come to me last week wanting to know about some hand lotion I had given her at Christmas in a small pot. I told her, I make it up from a recipe given to me by a friend. I gave her the recipe and so I post it here for you who read this blog also. Makes a nice, reasonable gift for occasions. I get small jars from Dollar Tree, Dollar store or Walmart. Place the lotion in the jar and tie a decorative ribbon with label onto the jar. If you can get the baby lotion in scents, would be nice, but so far here in my area they do not sell scented baby lotion just the regular and I buy the most reasonable brand. Hope you all enjoy it, most people love it.
Hand/Body Lotion Recipe
8 oz Vitamin E Cream
8 oz Baby Lotion
4 1/2 oz Vaseline
Mix all above in a large mixing bowl and package in decorative jars with label.
We still have not had any rain and it is really getting dry now. I want to post some wildflower pictures maybe next week.
Finally received my books I had ordered from Discovery House Publishers-RBC Ministries yesterday. Had ordered them 3-29-11. I called them last week and they said they were swamped with orders because the books were $1.00-$2.00 and were behind on shipping due to the volume. Very happy with what I ordered and have already read half through one book, "Teach Us To Number Our Days," by David Roper. He is a very good author of christian books
Well I must get off and get busy. Have a blessed and safe Easter. Thank God our Saviour died for lost mankind, rose again and is seated at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. It is only right we honer Jesus at this time of year and not an Easter bunny. Just wish more people would realize who He is and accept Him as their Saviour.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Wildfires now have been consuming the land in Texas the last 3 weeks and still are going. They have consumed 1 million acres, 150 homes, and 3 churches. So sad for the people who lost their homes, just hope they all had fire insurance. So far in our area which is Bell County, have not had any fires on land. We had 2 major businesses go up in ashes, one in Temple, and one in Belton. The one in Belton was off Interstate IH-35 highway yesterday and the Interstate had to be shut down for 2 hours due to the smoke being so thick. All but 2 of Texas counties have wildfires and they say they are the worse in 50 years. Texas has 254 counties and I live in one of the largest. Ft. Hood stopped shelling due to the fire danger so it has been quiet lately with no booming. Both business fires are currently under investigation and the one in Temple had to burn it self out due to the laminate that was stored in the building. We have Wilson Art Headquarters here in Temple, a major laminate manufacturer.
Hope everyone has a nice Easter. I will have dinner at my house for family and friends.
I will do most of the cooking on Saturday so when I get home from Church, will just have to heat and serve.
My Aunt Lois came this Wednesday from Ft. Worth to see my brother Jerry at the VA home here in Temple. Had a busy day and she brought small gifts for all of his aides and nurses. One of his nurses had come to me last week wanting to know about some hand lotion I had given her at Christmas in a small pot. I told her, I make it up from a recipe given to me by a friend. I gave her the recipe and so I post it here for you who read this blog also. Makes a nice, reasonable gift for occasions. I get small jars from Dollar Tree, Dollar store or Walmart. Place the lotion in the jar and tie a decorative ribbon with label onto the jar. If you can get the baby lotion in scents, would be nice, but so far here in my area they do not sell scented baby lotion just the regular and I buy the most reasonable brand. Hope you all enjoy it, most people love it.
Hand/Body Lotion Recipe
8 oz Vitamin E Cream
8 oz Baby Lotion
4 1/2 oz Vaseline
Mix all above in a large mixing bowl and package in decorative jars with label.
We still have not had any rain and it is really getting dry now. I want to post some wildflower pictures maybe next week.
Finally received my books I had ordered from Discovery House Publishers-RBC Ministries yesterday. Had ordered them 3-29-11. I called them last week and they said they were swamped with orders because the books were $1.00-$2.00 and were behind on shipping due to the volume. Very happy with what I ordered and have already read half through one book, "Teach Us To Number Our Days," by David Roper. He is a very good author of christian books
Well I must get off and get busy. Have a blessed and safe Easter. Thank God our Saviour died for lost mankind, rose again and is seated at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. It is only right we honer Jesus at this time of year and not an Easter bunny. Just wish more people would realize who He is and accept Him as their Saviour.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Monday, April 18, 2011
An Interesting Story & News
Hi everyone,
Told you in an earlier blog about Dora Henderson who died. I have something interesting to tell you about her life. She was married 2 times and her first husband was Charles Bartlett. His father's name was E.M. Bartlett who wrote the song, "Victory In Jesus," in 1939. He received $5.00 for it from Stamps Baxter Music Co. and they still own the song. Charles received royalties from the song after his father died. Then after Charles died, Dora received royalties even after marriage to Rev. Henderson. This song is always requested for songbooks.
The wildfires have continued in Texas with 252 counties having them. Down by Austin, a homeless man started a campfire which burned down 60 homes. We had about 100 homes burned so far and no rain in sight. So sad for people to lose their homes. One man on a ranch below Possum Kingdom lake lost his ranch house and he had just finished redoing the house. Oklahoma also had many wildfires. I went to the Sportman's dinner on Saturday and we were talking that we hope no one starts any fires here around Lake Belton as we have lots of cedar and it would go up fast. We had a burn ban for the last 3 months.
I have started reading the Martyrs Mirror book and am just on the introduction to the book which explains church history. I think I will be a year reading this book as it is so large.
Lots of people out Sunday taking pictures in bluebonnet fields. They will not be around much longer.
It will be in the 90's today in Central Texas.
We had Bruce Martin, missionary to Honduras and Mexico in our church services at A.M. services. For the next 5 months, he will be involved with translating the Bible into Saltow Indian language along with some help from Wyclief Bible translators and their software. The Indian pastors will be helping with guidance from Bruce. These people have their own dialect with no Bible in their language. Bruce grew up on the Mexico mission field when his parents were missionaries there. They are Milton and Frances Martin. Bruce and his wife will be living in the Chiapas region. we all pray they will be safe. His father when he was a missionary there was attacked many times , but the Lord kept him safe. Bruce flys airplanes as did his father. The Lord has used him in a mighty work on the mission field. Praise God for all His blessings in lives that are used to help other people.
Well, I will get off. Just wanted to share that story about Dora as I think it is so interesting. My favorite hymn writer is Fanny Crosby who wrote about 8000 gospel hymns. I often think it would be something to see them all but would require a lot of reading like the book I am reading. I do not think a gospel hymn writer has written as many as Miss Fanny. At least I have never heard of anyone who wrote more.
Have a good day and be safe. Keep Christ in your life and you will have a wonderful life.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Told you in an earlier blog about Dora Henderson who died. I have something interesting to tell you about her life. She was married 2 times and her first husband was Charles Bartlett. His father's name was E.M. Bartlett who wrote the song, "Victory In Jesus," in 1939. He received $5.00 for it from Stamps Baxter Music Co. and they still own the song. Charles received royalties from the song after his father died. Then after Charles died, Dora received royalties even after marriage to Rev. Henderson. This song is always requested for songbooks.
The wildfires have continued in Texas with 252 counties having them. Down by Austin, a homeless man started a campfire which burned down 60 homes. We had about 100 homes burned so far and no rain in sight. So sad for people to lose their homes. One man on a ranch below Possum Kingdom lake lost his ranch house and he had just finished redoing the house. Oklahoma also had many wildfires. I went to the Sportman's dinner on Saturday and we were talking that we hope no one starts any fires here around Lake Belton as we have lots of cedar and it would go up fast. We had a burn ban for the last 3 months.
I have started reading the Martyrs Mirror book and am just on the introduction to the book which explains church history. I think I will be a year reading this book as it is so large.
Lots of people out Sunday taking pictures in bluebonnet fields. They will not be around much longer.
It will be in the 90's today in Central Texas.
We had Bruce Martin, missionary to Honduras and Mexico in our church services at A.M. services. For the next 5 months, he will be involved with translating the Bible into Saltow Indian language along with some help from Wyclief Bible translators and their software. The Indian pastors will be helping with guidance from Bruce. These people have their own dialect with no Bible in their language. Bruce grew up on the Mexico mission field when his parents were missionaries there. They are Milton and Frances Martin. Bruce and his wife will be living in the Chiapas region. we all pray they will be safe. His father when he was a missionary there was attacked many times , but the Lord kept him safe. Bruce flys airplanes as did his father. The Lord has used him in a mighty work on the mission field. Praise God for all His blessings in lives that are used to help other people.
Well, I will get off. Just wanted to share that story about Dora as I think it is so interesting. My favorite hymn writer is Fanny Crosby who wrote about 8000 gospel hymns. I often think it would be something to see them all but would require a lot of reading like the book I am reading. I do not think a gospel hymn writer has written as many as Miss Fanny. At least I have never heard of anyone who wrote more.
Have a good day and be safe. Keep Christ in your life and you will have a wonderful life.
In Christian Love,
Marie
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Texas Happenings 4-16-11
Hi Everyone,
We had a Texas cool front blow in Friday with some rain so yesterday only in the 70's which was nice. Temple,Tx is having a Blooming Temple Festival this weekend to celebrate the return of the wildflowers. Temple is the Wildflower Capital of Texas. Saw Indian Paintbrush on my property for the 1st time yesterday. Charlie Daniels is having a concert tonight for the festival.
We are in a high fire alert situation in Texas. A 2500 acre fire is currently burning SW of Ft. Worth at Possum Kingdon Lake with homes burned. That smoke blew in Friday to our area due to 40-50 mph winds blowing south. You could breathe the smoke and our blue skies turned smoky light gray. And then we had a major fire in Temple at a recycling center which they will just have to let it burn it self out.
Next month Temple will have a air show, May 6th-8th at our local small airport. It is usually a good show.
Check on it at centraltexasairshow.com if anyone is in the area.
I am one of 3 cooks cooking for our monthly Sportsman Club meeting tonight. We fix the main menu item, Chicken Spaghetti and the rest of club members bring salad,veggies,bread, and dessert. Good potluck.
My husband went today to the funeral of the woman I told you about in an earlier blog that she was going to die on Monday. Her name is Dora Henderson . So he is in Wichita Falls,Tx today. I did not know the lady and I had to cook for tonight. Our club has a inside/outside fishing dock on Lake Belton.
Finished a book about Andrea Yates who drowned all her 5 children in a bath tub in Houston, best one I have read on her crime. It is "Are You There Alone-The Unspeakable Crime of Andrea Yates" by Suzanne O'Malley.
Been listening to Selah-Press On CD-a lot of good songs. This group grew up in Africa because their parents were missionaries there. I especially like the songs they sing in African language. Like one song best one called, "In My Life/If We Never Meet Again", think of my son who died when I play it. I thought you would enjoy the lyrics by John Lennon, Paul Mccartney:
There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever and not for better
Some are gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With people and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
But in my life, I loved them all
But of all these friends and loved ones
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and friends that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
But in my life I loved you more.
Then Albert Brumley's song-"If We Never Meet Again"
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore.
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the beautiful river of life.
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
There are many people I will never see again in this life and that always makes me very sad, especially my dear son.
Hope everyone who reads has a good safe weekend. God be with you till we meet again.
Marie
We had a Texas cool front blow in Friday with some rain so yesterday only in the 70's which was nice. Temple,Tx is having a Blooming Temple Festival this weekend to celebrate the return of the wildflowers. Temple is the Wildflower Capital of Texas. Saw Indian Paintbrush on my property for the 1st time yesterday. Charlie Daniels is having a concert tonight for the festival.
We are in a high fire alert situation in Texas. A 2500 acre fire is currently burning SW of Ft. Worth at Possum Kingdon Lake with homes burned. That smoke blew in Friday to our area due to 40-50 mph winds blowing south. You could breathe the smoke and our blue skies turned smoky light gray. And then we had a major fire in Temple at a recycling center which they will just have to let it burn it self out.
Next month Temple will have a air show, May 6th-8th at our local small airport. It is usually a good show.
Check on it at centraltexasairshow.com if anyone is in the area.
I am one of 3 cooks cooking for our monthly Sportsman Club meeting tonight. We fix the main menu item, Chicken Spaghetti and the rest of club members bring salad,veggies,bread, and dessert. Good potluck.
My husband went today to the funeral of the woman I told you about in an earlier blog that she was going to die on Monday. Her name is Dora Henderson . So he is in Wichita Falls,Tx today. I did not know the lady and I had to cook for tonight. Our club has a inside/outside fishing dock on Lake Belton.
Finished a book about Andrea Yates who drowned all her 5 children in a bath tub in Houston, best one I have read on her crime. It is "Are You There Alone-The Unspeakable Crime of Andrea Yates" by Suzanne O'Malley.
Been listening to Selah-Press On CD-a lot of good songs. This group grew up in Africa because their parents were missionaries there. I especially like the songs they sing in African language. Like one song best one called, "In My Life/If We Never Meet Again", think of my son who died when I play it. I thought you would enjoy the lyrics by John Lennon, Paul Mccartney:
There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever and not for better
Some are gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With people and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
But in my life, I loved them all
But of all these friends and loved ones
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and friends that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
But in my life I loved you more.
Then Albert Brumley's song-"If We Never Meet Again"
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore.
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the beautiful river of life.
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
There are many people I will never see again in this life and that always makes me very sad, especially my dear son.
Hope everyone who reads has a good safe weekend. God be with you till we meet again.
Marie
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