Come, ye thankful people, come....

Here it is, just a couple of days before Thanksgiving, and the holidays are upon us! Last year at this time I was figuring out how to work at my job, shop and have my menu set for what to put together for dinner. I was thinking then, "Well, by this time next year I'll be more organized and it will be easier putting Thanksgiving on the table..." Little did I know that we'd move across town and we'd still be unpacking, that rather than a turkey thawing in the kitchen there'd be a couple of wild Havanese things bouncing around and wreaking puppy havoc, lol...And those are just a couple of the changes we've experienced since Thanksgiving 2008.

But it's that way for so many people, I think. I'm hearing and reading a lot about how America is going through big changes. Some are good, some are bad. Maybe in spite of it all, or maybe because of it all, we can be grateful and enjoy our time together, because who knows what the tomorrows may bring....

Shawn
****

Don't nod and dream....

"Stay awake, don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the sky
Stay awake, don't close your eyes

Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow's soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Stay awake, don't nod and dream"

The other day SGTex and I were discussing naps. For several reasons, I've developed the habit of not taking a nap if I can possibly avoid it. I've been told that as a small child I was known to stay awake as long as possible, as I was afraid I might miss something...Cousin C might remember how we used to take summertime naps upstairs in Grandma Mac's feather bed out at Aunt L and Uncle R's ranch. I could only take that so long, as it was warm and bright in that room, and feather beds can be pretty overwhelming, lol. I'd try the best that I could to relax and enjoy the experience, but before long I'd had all I could take, run down the stairs looking to be entertained by the elders. Funny thing, they were expecting me and always had something interesting and educational to do. I loved those times.

But that was a lifetime ago. Times have changed, and here I am thinking about how nice it is to go to sleep at night in peace. We can do that these days, because of those who were willing to sacrifice their security in order to preserve ours...Thanks to those who have made that possible.

Well, I'd better go hush the puppies. SGTex just laid down for a 20-minute nap...

Shawn
****

photo of sweet kitty courtesy of wings

Autumn mornings....

No, I don't particularly like spiders--well, except for this particular garden variety. I remember these pretty webs all heavy with dew, glistening in the mornings at this time of year up in the PNW. For some reason this kind of spider seemed friendly and not very menacing...

So, what's going on around here? Working as usual, if not more than usual...and lots of pecan harvesting. We're very lucky to have such a bumper crop--sacks full of nuts sitting in the corner, and pralines have been the topic of conversation...Oh, my.

Shawn
****

BOO !!!....

All right, lightening up, now.......(Shhhh. We've got candy here, but how come the porch light's out and nobody'll answer the door? LOL)

Shawn
****

Everybody else have a great Hallowe'en....

A friend shared this link about the church in Arizona with the so-called haunted house, called "Final Destination." in the news at: http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Parents-outraged-at-churchs-haunted-house-67796337.html

Well, I had this to say about that on a message board:

"That's certainly disturbing---and worthy of picketers, IMO.

I have issues with the concept of that sort of thing, along with Superbowl Sunday at church, etc...and I really don't see the need for "haunted houses" at churches to begin with.

Basically, I'm not a fan of the ghosty-goblin-ghouly ***!!BOO!!*** stuff and have made a concerted effort to avoid watching it on TV, like the "Rosanne" Hallowe'en episodes, lol. Just too grizzly for me.

OTOH, SGTex and I spent awhile driving around town the other evening attempting to locate a residence that was featured in the local newspaper, the article written by a friend of SGTex. "Annie" is a presence who has made herself known over time, and there are some really interesting stories passed down over the years. I found it particularly interesting, as the incidences were very similar to experiences I'd heard about and witnessed in Astoria. I have a certain amount of respect for the Real Thing, you see ;+).

Anyway, this church has absolutely no business doing what they're doing. They're totally off base, committing acts of fundamentalist terrorism on the community and then excusing themselves, playing the "you know what you're getting into" card. I find that revolting, and if it weren't so utterly lame and trite, I might whip out the old "WWJD" myself. Rather than stoop to that, let me just say that I think THIS just might be the final nail in that coffin-- these ignoramuses (ignoramii?) have finally managed to polish off the last crumbs of respect I had for those who dare to call themselves Xians....

Hello God,

Save me from such morons."

Shawn
****

photo: Austin bats

Hail, Bo!!! (insert whistle) The First Pooch....

Did you read or hear all the chatter about the First Family official portrait? I read nice comments, bored comments, approving and disapproving comments...I was sitting here thinking, "What a lovely family, aren't they pretty!" But something was missing. Bo!! So I mentioned that on a message board and someone came along (Thanks, G) and posted a link to this picture. Well, he's just about the cutest dog going in DC (ours being the 2 cutest in this Texas town). Absolutely a classy dog, definitely owns his piece of the green, lol.

Just hadta put it here. Stop by often for a smile...

Shawn
****
photo borrowed from backseatcuddler.com

Spirit-lifting, lighthearted and downright bubbly...strawberries optional....

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells."
John Keats

Well, it's been a less-than-festive mood around here today, what with the pouring rain and gray, gloomy clouds. I never expected to be so affected by weather, but since I've come to Texas from the Pacific Northwest, I've become rather spoiled by abundant sunshine and blue skies. Not to say I didn't appreciate the cloudless days up there in my old corner of the country, because I did. Bright sunshine-filled days are just something to which I've become accustomed. You know, I've developed that expectant attitude tinged with a sense of entitlement. More often than not, I actually do rise and shine thinking "Texas owes me a nice day, dammit--I came all this way, now let's have it!"

All right. So, I'm in a funky, weird mood, and I'm wishing for something spirit-lifting, lighthearted and downright bubbly.... thus the picture I've borrowed from the Armagan Champagne people. Alas, but there's not a drop of alcohol in the house, nor a strawberry to be found. SGTex did mention that we really should be having red wine with the (fabulous) steak, mushroom and pepper dinner he whipped up (Thank you, Dearling). OTOH, we've got sweet blackberries in the frig, movie popcorn in the cupboard and newly-harvested gorgeous pecans from our very own trees. Besides that, I've spied a dark chocolate something-or-other-type of candy bar on the breakfront in the kitchen.... and coffee we've got. Champagne will be great later on down the way, come wedding time.

I wonder what a girl hasta do around here to convince her man it's the perfect night for a cozy, romantic bedtime picnic?

Hmmm...Give me a minute. I'll think of something.........;+)

Shawn
****
photo: armagan-champagne.com, armagan champagne cellars, Healdsburg,CA

"...and the desert shall rejoice...."

Another article from the desk of SGTex:

I considered it unfortunate enough that government and the people have been unable to arrive at a reasonable solution with regard to that cross on public land in the Mojave desert, and that meanwhile we have this butt-ugly plywood box up there, conveying equal disrespect to all creeds as well as the wildlife.

Then, looking into the matter via Internet, I discovered an intriguing angle on the story that CNN did not mention. In 1999, the National Park Service was approached about erecting a Buddhist shrine in the vicinity, and it was the Park Service’s refusal to permit this that actually precipitated the current round of litigation. Plaintiff Frank Buono, a Catholic who used to be an assistant superintendent at the preserve, personally had no problem with a cross being on government property --- but did object to its being there while symbols of other religions are not allowed.

Take note, please, everybody. This set of plain facts should clear up some several misconceptions. For one thing, y’all conservative Christians can give up blaming the Atheists for everything --- they are not involved in this one. And behold, a case in which the ACLU is on the Christian side (for yes, a Catholic is a Christian), and it’s hardly the first time.

To top it off, the plaintiff is not guilty of wanting anything taken away --- on the contrary, he just wanted to see religious liberty lifted up and enlarged! Get that bit straight, then, before taking sides against Mr. Buono or making him the subject of your fretful little prayer cells.

Once and for all, consider this: The issue is not that somebody was “offended” at
this cross out in the middle of Nowhere, California. To make it look like a given lawsuit is unreasonable, church ladies in your e-mail will complain that all the fuss is over some silly extremist who was “offended” at the mere sight of a cross, the Ten Commandments or Baby Jesus. They hope to dismiss religious equal protection issues as so much zany “political correctness.” They might still be able to reassure each other with that story, but an evolution of justice is leaving them behind.

As a non-Christian, I don’t need the government to protect me against hurt feelings or irritation --- goodness knows that could keep the National Guard busy --- but I will insist that it keep its foundational promise not to let the majority religion commandeer resources and venues for which we all pay taxes.

If the expression “separation of church and state” isn’t in the constitution, the words “no…establishment” certainly are. It is wrong and illegal to have a Christian-only National Day of Prayer on the steps of City Hall, and there is a problem with having a cross and only a cross displayed on government land. The cheap/easy answer would be to remove the thing, but there is another way, disappointing to no one who loves freedom.

If Solomon the Wise and Thomas Jefferson were here today, I know they would recommend we uncover and repaint that cross --- and then promptly enjoin the National Park Service to welcome and encourage the erection of other symbols of faith and philosophy, several and various. They ought to be 5 to 8 feet tall --- the Buddhist Lotus or Dharma Wheel; the venerable Star of David; the Star and Crescent, one supposes, representing Islam; a nice pentagram from the Wiccans, and hey perhaps the American Atheist Atom, out of respect for the belief that religions are all myth and fancy.

I cannot imagine that the war dead would object, nor the long-nosed leopard lizard.

****
SGTex

Let's give it some Morning Glory....

It's a quiet Sunday/almost Monday night. SGTex made a late run to HEB for milk (he's doing homemade biscuits) and I'm sitting here doing this. We were out and about today and passed through the tiny nearby village on our way out to see the cotton fields, and discovered a fence covered with these Heavenly Blue morning glories...which prompted SGTex to tell me a very interesting story about his A&M days as an Aggie...(but I digress). I love his reminiscences....Anyway, the flowers were so stunning and gorgeous I decided we must plant a million of them right away, even if we have to wait until next year to enjoy the blooms.

Actually, we're enjoying our days off. Last night was terrific-- Austin City Limits with the Dave Matthews Band, another very interesting "what's in the frig" bed picnic and the rain on the roof. Anybody else love it when the A/C goes down and the windows come up? We sure do. And it was a full moon above it all, which is good.

And it was absolutely SUPER getting in touch with my long-but-not-lost cousin Cheryl! Just as much fun and sweet as ever! Let's do that more often!

Here's hoping everyone has a great week doing what you all do.

Shawn
*****
Photo by bratsmom via Photobucket--Heavenly Blue

"The calla lilies are in bloom again... (sigh)..." Who was it that said that?

It was a black and white movie from long ago, and that was said by some sultry actress as she drooped across the room...I can barely remember.

Calla lilies...I love them, always have. These are the last of the florals to be ordered for our upcoming wedding celebration, and I've been waiting for them to "come in" so they could be crossed off that list. There are so many things to do, so many loose ends to pull together. On Monday we're going to meet the person we hope to preside over the ceremony (thanks for the recommendation, Brian), so we're really excited about that.

Anyway, that all being said, what's really important is putting the work into ourselves. Gathering the loose ends, weaving together what constitutes real happiness, ya know what I mean? That's what really matters. I'm going to be working on that....

PS. SGTex says that's from "Stage Door," and it was Kate Hepburn, of course... ;+)

Shawn (test driving her new PC- thanks, Honey)
****

A Texas Sunday evening....

It's been good to be home. We had a wonderful vacation and actually drove past this Texas Grill sign on our way to the first B&B where we were staying. That was an absolutely wonderful time, by the way!! (Thanks, D&D, for being splendid hosts and for everything you did for us! We have plans on returning next year...) We had a great time out in the countryside for a bit, then went to another B&B, totally different- in town, artsy/crafty hippie funk. That was fun, too.

SGTex is out back fixing up our wonderful, sagging old fence, and the sky is turning golden pink colors- a combo sunset/threatening thunderstorm...We were thinking we might head out in a bit for the drive-in movie. Hmmm. Wonder if we'll be watching Julie & Julia through the windshield wipers, lol?! Hopefully not.

The puppies are totally intrigued- watching "Daddy" intently through the kitchen screen door and then having a total meltdown when he all-of-a-sudden appears at the front door! It's pretty hysterical, how they go from wagging tails to bared teeth and growls, until they realize who it is and then they're all embarrassed, haha!! That's only happened about 3 times in the last hour or so- you'd think they'd get over it ;+).

This morning the back yard was filled with bird song. I think we have a pair of mockingbirds who are back from vacation, too. It was quiet out there for a few weeks and this morning it sounded so nice. I spotted a big, brownish-colored squirrel in the pecan trees, too. He/she wasn't the usual grey variety, so that's kinda different.

Well, here he is. I'm going to go tell him what a great job he did, no doubt extending the life of that tired old fence. We'll be grateful for his carpentry skills when the roses and trumpet vines are all in bloom, come springtime. Thanks, Darling Man!

Shawn
****

Déjà Vu....

We were sitting here talking a little bit ago and I experienced one of those moments like, woah...I remember this. It was a weird feeling, kinda spooky. SGTex would tell you I have those more than the average person, but every time it happens I'm surprised. And then I get to thinking...

Well, we're in the last days of summer. I've been enjoying blue skies and warm temps. Not too many complaints from this Pacific Northwesterner, really. Of course, I keep the A/C going all the time....last evening he turned it down and put on his shirt, saying it was "cold." I'm like, "it's 99 degrees outside and you're cold?" Well, okay...acclimatization is a work in progress, evidently. Maybe I'll get totally used to the heat at about the same time I get so I can drive across town without getting lost, haha. If we had a nickel for every time I've asked, "Where are we now?" ;+)

The other day I looked up at the horizon and we were in a particular spot where it seemed that Mt. Rainier should be sitting right over there on the skyline. And then I remembered that I'd had the same experience in Astoria, OR, getting out of the car and looking over at the hills and wondering what happened to the mountain?!! I've done the same thing with the Columbia River, though. I guess it'll always be like that for me. It's nice to keep those scenes tucked away in your heart- you can whip them out whenever you like. Right now I'm anticipating seeing the cotton fields in bloom. We've been out to check on them a couple of times when they were flowering. It probably won't be long now.

Our days are filled with the usual desk work, unpacking and arranging (speaking of a work in progress), attempting civilization of the savages/puppies (speaking of another work in progress) and getting ourselves ready for another road trip. We're loving our little house and big yard (tomatoes and peppers coming on, better late than never!), and we've actually found a gent to do our lawns and keep the yard in shape! (Thanks, T!!)

Summer has been very good to us...

Shawn
****

"If I had ever been here before I would pro'bly know just what to do
Hey, don't you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel I would pro'bly know just how to deal
With all of you

And I feel like I've been here before
Feel like I've been here before
And you know it does make me wonder
What's going on under the ground

Do you know?
Don't you wonder?
What's going on
Down under you

Na, na, na...


We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before"

David Crosby

A president who understands constitutional religious liberty....

"Given the increasing diversity of America's population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian Nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers." --President Obama

Nicest thing any president has said since Jefferson.

Indeed, this Chief Executive expounds the true patriotism, rises up charged with its mystic fire just like the founders, a statesman. The Obama thing enables, empowers us to believe in America again. When this guy practices his right to deliver some free speech, it sounds like something set down on parchment with a pen calligraphic.

But freedom isn't always pretty. Forgive me if I smile, oh ye wildly indignant who try to shout down the new town meeting. Go ahead and have a big hissy fit, oh ye goaded and orchestrated via Internet or evening radio. Your primal scream therapy ought to be protected speech, helps persuade folks over to the liberal side, and entertains in any case.

Shawn and I have been talking about how a free society tends to get raucous, like the British House of Commons. She authorizes me to quote another eloquent American:

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
And the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.

--Bob Dylan

SGTex
****

Someplace just outside of town....

Today we were sitting here in the office talking and SGTex said something about going "someplace just outside of town." Which got me to day-dreaming, which led me to thinking....

Someday, if we ever *do* get the Chance and the Time and the Money to actually *do* what we're probably *meant* to do (the B&B/Guesthouse bit), we should call it, "Someplace Just Outside Of Town." Granted, it might actually be located right smackdab in the heart of town, but I kinda doubt that.

See, he's this great writer and needs the time to finish his writing projects and be published. And I have this yen for getting to know people from all sorts of places and learning about them and their kids and their pets and their neighbors. We're both kinda artsy-crafty and have a knack for decorating, and we like everything from Victoriana to American Funk. Not to mention the fact that he makes a killer cup of coffee and bakes monkey bread, and one of my most fav things is to set a pretty table with all sorts of delicious things to eat and let company just have at it!

Really, we should see what we must do to make it all happen...

But meanwhile, we're settling into this cute little bungalow, which actually turned out to be a composite of my two most favorite houses in the Pacific Northwest. How it came to be in Texas, (well heavens, how did *I* turn up in Texas?!) I'll never know, but I can tell you, I'm delighted and will be forever grateful.

Meanwhile, until this particular dream comes true, we'll just take the easy route and make like guests in such fine establishments. And we're going to do just that, come September!

Shawn
****

The Epitomy of Femininity...(IMO)

I like this picture of Marilyn, so here it is. I'm not sure where I'm going with this post...but it's something about womanliness and femininity and oh yes, deliciousness. If I weren't a bit shy, I'd confess it's something to which I aspire.

I always liked her and admired her, even when I was little and didn't think much past "I wish my hair would do that." Later on, I was more like "Wouldn't it be something to have that kind of _____...."

Well, she sure had it, and she knew how to use it. Uh,huh. There was that wow, the special something that gave her an edge, lifted her more than a little bit above the rest of women and made so many love (and envy) her. I'd like to have tapped into that supply of whatever *it* was-- the secret ingredient in the potion that made her oh, so Marilyn, but gosh, she took the recipe with her, didn't she?!

If I'd had some, I'd have mixed some more and bottled it for sale, and I'd definitely have called it Mystique.

Shawn
****
(note: I told SGTex I forgot to sign my post and would have to come back and do it later. He said, "Oh, now they're going to think that *I* wrote that!" LOL. Oh yeah, and when he looked at this post and saw the picture of Marilyn, he said, "WOW!" See what I mean? ;+)

Lucky for me, I was born in the US of A....

It's been quite a week here in America, what with the passing of MJ and FF, all the discussion and controversy, the speculation and the digging up of past issues, etc... I, for one, can't believe how utterly hateful people can be and the things they say (anonymously, of course) on chat boards about someone who isn't alive to defend himself. How unfortunate.

Rather than dwell on that, it's more pleasant to focus on the puppies, all snuggled together in their "bus" (crate) after their morning mayhem, lol. It's been full-on *bark* this holiday for Sebastian the Vocal. He's finally settled down next to Seamus the Deceptively Calm, collapsed in a heap. Each seem momentarily bored, their chin resting on their favorite toys, a sheep and a buffalo purchased for them at the Cracker Barrel gift shop.

We're further along with our moving project. Everything that was There is Here. Or so I've been told...

It's the Fourth of July!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday. After SGTex finishes his work for the day we'll take in the local firework display, have a car picnic and come home for popcorn and the Boston Pops.

(LOL- I just sighed and said, "I hope I spelled everything right." SGTex looks over his shoulder and says, "that's e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g." Hmm, now why didn't I see that one coming?)

It's a very pretty day here in America. Enjoy!!!

Shawn
****

It's been awhile....

Just dropping by on a warm Texas night to catch up. A lot has happened since the last entry....

On the home front, we've found a lovely older house here in town that has been restored and are getting situated, one box at a time, lol. It's shaded by pecan trees with a big back yard with plenty of room for gardening, and we're looking forward to putting that into shape. The puppies seem very pleased in their new surroundings and have been very well-behaved, in spite of the daily morning and evening neighborhood Barkfest!! I think everyone in our part of town just throws up their hands and turns their dogs outside, LOL!! It'd be quite comical if we were a just a little better rested, I suppose....Anyway, it's a very nice place to call home.

I suppose I can't neglect to mention yesterday's sad news about Farrah and Michael. Someone mentioned that the one surprising death overshadowed the other. I don't know what to think about all that's been said, it's just sad all around. I feel that they both handled the difficulties of their lives with courage. It can't have been easy to be them on their less than good days. They will be sorely missed, and may their journey onward be one of joy and peace.

Well, it's time to call it a day....

G'nite.

Shawn
****

photo courtesy of mountain meadow seeds "moonflower"

In case you don't get the Sunday paper....

Here's what SGTex, guest columnist has to say:

"Thank goodness the ACLU of Texas is conducting a legal investigation of school districts that have been accommodating Gideon Bible distribution on campus. I wrote a letter to the editor on May 19 voicing approval of the AISD policy restricting the Gideon organization from doing that, and questioning the way schools in nearby towns have been flagrant in permitting it.

In my letter, I mentioned concern about other things conservative Christians seem to think they should be allowed to do, in condescending disregard for their neighbors who happen to believe differently---such as conducting sectarian prayer at a graduation ceremony, teaching creationism in defiance of the findings of science, and insisting on reference to God in the socially compulsory Pledge of Allegiance. Oh, and then there is our school district’s habit of providing churches with a list of the addresses of very young students for use in mailing out Vacation Bible School invitations, for Pete’s sake.

As has often been the case, there followed multiple letters of rebuttal from God-fearing Bible believers, understandably incensed that someone should speak against all this righteous Constitution-stomping. That is a reaction I have always found gratifying, as it shows that I am a writer after all, with an audience.

Since moving from San Angelo to Abilene in 1986, I must have written more than a hundred letters to the editor, always about this sort of thing---though the frequency of my commentary did fall off with the advent of Internet discussion forums. In 1997, I wrote the one of which I’m proudest, disagreeing with Billy Graham about reincarnation, which arguably led to my being harassed and persecuted right out of a career by my employer of 11 years, a Baptist hospital best not named here.

But, hey. Many hours of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, quite a few blessed occasions of dialogue and learning with the Abilene Interfaith Council, considerable tequila and, now, the love of a lovely Pagan Methodist…these happy factors have healed my bitterness and dissolved my grudge, leaving the grizzled hippie heathen you see before you today. Quiet, perhaps, but not silent, and hoping the Abilene Reporter-News prints his occasional column with a minimum of editing.

Whatever they may say about you, Abilene, you have come a good long way and are getting better every day. Did y’all notice how the National Day of Prayer went this year? We Buddhists and Jews and Catholics and Muslims had our interfaith ceremony at the little park downtown once again, our fourth such open and progressive event…

Whereas, I hear, the conservative or fundamentalist congregations had their usual type of observance, imbued with frenetic passion for tearing down the barriers Satan and the First Amendment have placed against making theirs the national religion. For them, it was the same down-home exclusivisitic National Day of Prayer as always, but---by heaven!---they did not have it on the steps of City Hall."

SGTex
****

image borrowed from sfusualsuspects.com

Letter to the Editor....

....about Gideon Bible distribution in public schools:

I wish to commend the AISD for their enlightened policy prohibiting Gideon Bible distribution on the campuses of (our city's) public schools. It is unfortunate (and decidedly unlawful) that the presumptuous practice continues in (local small towns).The constitutional guarantee regarding "no establishment of religion" should extend to all communities where the U.S. flag is flown, without exceptions made just because a town is little. It would not hurt for public school students (and faculty/administration) in those places to learn that tax-supported institutions are supposed to be neutral in the matter of faith options. Unless they welcome the literature of Buddhists, Pagans, etc., just as affirmatively as they do Gideon Bibles, they are in egregious violation of the letter and spirit of constitutional religious liberty.
In the same sense, it violates the rights of many citizens to have prayers "in Jesus' name" at graduation ceremonies; to present the creationist or intelligent design "theory" alongside or instead of valid science; to use elementary school rosters for Vacation Bible School mailings---and indeed, to have inserted the expression "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance at public school functions all these years.
There has been progress, but surely a ways to go yet toward the ideal of justice for all Americans regardless of faith status. Freedom is dubious that hasn't proper equality to it.

SGTex
****

photo borrowed from pyrophile.livejournal.com

Spring is on the move, and so are the rattlesnakes, it seems....

I love this picture of the bird's nest. Spring is well underway around here. Some would say it'll be summer before you know it, and others say that it's already here! Whichever it is out there, it's been the usual busy schedule for us, mostly work and a little R&R time on the weekend. We did go out to do some more treasure-hunting out at the old fort site where we were before. We had a car picnic and the caretaker came by to chat. "Are you guys going to get out and walk around?" "Yeah, we are." "Well, watch out for rattlesnakes!" "Oh yeah? Okay." "Yeah, someone saw one yesterday out by the surgeon's quarters." So, DH tells him about the one I'd encountered last time, and the caretaker's eyes get all big. Then he proceeds to tell us, rather matter-of-factly and by the way, about the one he shot the day before that he and his puppy encountered...finishing his story up with a wave of the hand and a "Be careful, they're on the move!" Needless to say, I didn't get out and walk around after all. SGTex did, and since I was wearing sandals--the same ones I had on last time I was there. I know...what was I thinking? LOL

Oh, yeah, and then there's the sign we see at a local vet's office about "It's time to get your dog immunized for rattlesnake bite." I'm like, "Whaaat?"

Anyway, here's hoping you are having a wonderful spring!

Shawn
****
Picture courtesy of our friend T in TN, a Chipping Sparrows nest. Thank you, T!

I don't know what to put here....How about "All's well that ends well," or something like that?

Isn't that a gorgeous flower? Blue Spider Gerbera. I'd love to have some of those growing in a pot on the verandah. I've discovered that it might be best to avoid starting things by seed, as the Finch Family from next door (Fred and Ethel) makes short work of anything we're trying to grow that way. It seems it's their policy to clean out the flower pot and then swing on the hanging baskets and burst into song...Singing for their supper, I guess ;^).

It's been one of those exhausting weeks, for various reasons. And we're already ready for next weekend to roll around, so have been making tentative plans--hah. Hopefully, the work week will go smoothly and quickly so we can get back to that R&R thing we pretty much missed out on this time, whew.

The big deal this week was finally deciding on red velvet wedding cake-- (What, we didn't *have* to buy a whole cake for taste-testing?) Hmmmm....Okay. Next time I'll forego the Mexican Mudslide and have it with black coffee, though. That was just way too good for my own good, IYKWIM.

Speaking of coffee, it's kahvi aika.

TTYL!

Shawn
****

A Texas-Styled Easter....

Happy Easter!

It's a fine, breezy holiday here in Texas, after a rainy night with some pretty exciting thunder and lightning. We'd gone out treasure-hunting yesterday and I confess I kept one eye on the sky when it was getting dark and threatening with the wind blowing pretty hard. SGTex was off in the distance with metal-detector and shovel seeing what could be found. The location is an old fort, pretty impressive, actually. I do think we'll be going back earlier in the day when the weather is calmer. About the only thing I discovered was what it sounds like when a rattlesnake feels cranky about the weather, hiding out under a not-nearly-distant-enough-for-me rock tucked next to a yucca!! I froze, made a slow, 360-degree turn and then backed politely away, LOL. The find of the day was a toy Easter egg, evidently lost at an earlier egg hunt that day, so it's something to add to our collection of found memorabilia. Next time it'll be a gold coin.... ;+) What else was impressive was the beautiful pastureland of the ranches and bluebonnets carpeting the roadside. It's really wonderful getting to live here in Texas.

Last weekend we went to see "Clue," and really enjoyed A's performance. After that we hit the road and headed out to meet J & I at an old ghost town. They met us there and we came home with Seamus (who gets carsick, btw, lol). He is a darling, and is getting along well with his big brother Sebastian and big sister Sasha. We're having fun and are completely enamored of these two special puppies.

This morning we discovered a pair of doves working on a nest just across the way, right out in the open atop one of the lights on the building next door. Talk about a bird's eye view, lol.

Have a wonderful holiday and a prosperous week!

Shawn & SGTex
****

Bluebonnets and a blessing....

St. Theresa's Prayer:

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Our friend Jan sent the above prayer to us today, and I thought it was definitely worth sharing. Thanks, Jan!

And it's bluebonnet time in our part of Texas, at last! We went hunting them on the weekend (Yes, D reminded us that you have to sneak up on 'em, and C gave us a "don't shoot toward the road" tip, LOL!!) They are lovely, and I'm so excited to see them emerge. Bluebonnets are our wedding flower, so that makes them extra special. We'll be on the road this weekend to go pick up Seamus, and part of the fun of that trip is going to be seeing more bluebonnets, as well as getting a glimpse of a Texas ghost town. That's my idea of a great way to spend a Saturday late afternoon. Earlier in the day we'll get to see A, son of SGTex, perform in his college play.

Meanwhile, it's one more day of work here in the office and then a busy Friday getting ready for the arrival of Hav-II. Stay tuned for how that all turns out. I'm pretty sure there will be something to tell, when it's all said and done....

Shawn
****

Did you ever...

...have a really, really weird dream? I mean, totally out of character for you and something so realistic and strange that it left you shocked and bothered for most of the following day? Well, sure you have. I did in the early hours the other morning, and I'm still shaking my head and wondering wheretheheck did that come from? How can one's mind go so far astray in the night? Bewildering to me, and I did an entire college semester independent study on dreams, rather than have to get up early during the winter and make it to class (awake) at 8 a.m. It was fascinating and very educational, I did well, but I can't recall anything from that study that could explain this. Then again, I seem to have other things going on regarding the subject of so-called dreams, soooo...Oh, but that's another blog entirely!!

We did something fun this weekend. In spite of being somewhat ill with URIs, we pulled ourselves together and went out to a nearby small town big deal flea market. I had a ball! Came back with some wonderful bird feeders (china cup/plate and cut glass) to use in the plants on our verandah. SGTex just put some grape nuts out there to coax the neighbor finches over. We also picked up some movies and watched one last night for "date night." I'm wondering, though...why do they call them "flea" markets? It's held every month in an old oak grove, so it was nice and mostly shady, filled with interesting sights and pleasant people willing to chat. I loved it!

And yes. There is a new Havanese puppy on the way. We're not quite sure how that happened. I guess the Cute Factor got the best of us. No, we're not rich, just totally mad for our little guy and can only imagine how 2 is going to be double-good-fun!

Until next time,

Shawn
****
photo courtesy of stamptabulous

Can't stop staring at our wedding rings....

Well, our rings came back today from Dallas and SGTex went out in the rain (!) to pick them up. They are *drop-dead-gorgeous* and we're very happy with them... A very nice way to brighten up the day!

I had an amazing, Texas-style birthday weekend. Roses, chocolate cake w/choco-covered-strawberries (that were massive!) and gifts. We shopped 'til we dropped, ate out, listened to live music at the coffee house (a song-writer of some fame was performing), and just had a great 3 days together. SGTex took the day off from work to help me celebrate (Thank you, Sir), and that means a lot.

There's catfish for supper tonight, so I'd better go see about that...

Shawn
****

photo courtesy of tacomacc.edu (amish double wedding rings quilt)

Texas Independence Day.....

Today is Texas Independence Day, the celebration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. That's the Lone Star above, something you see a lot of around these parts. Two things I've noticed about Texas folks: They show a lot of friendliness, and they show a lot of pride.

We just acquired something I'm getting ready to hang, maybe in the kitchen. It's a cute wooden box advertising "Made In Texas," and it says this: "You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you're in Texas." We found that in an antique store in a nearby town, and what it says really applies to my personal situation!

We're keeping busy as usual with work and play, training the puppy (when he's not training us!), planning the future and just all-around enjoying signs of spring.

Shawn
****
image courtesy of downtownaustin.com

Hearts and Flowers....

Valentine's Day started early for us! There's a HUGE bouquet of gorgeous red roses on the dining room table, a gift from SGTex. (Thanks again, Darling Man) We've found and purchased our rings, at long last. The mansion is reserved for the day of our wedding, the perfect place to celebrate and have our sunset reception. All in all, it has been great!

Hope your Valentine's Day is special for you and yours...

Shawn&SGTex
****

A Texas Valentine....

I'm finding it hard to believe that it's February already! We just got back from another trip to PetSmart and as we were checking out the sunset sky was so gorgeous, amazing to look one direction and see the beautiful moon, turn and look off to the west and see what was left of the sunset. Forgive me, but it's still incredible to me to be able to look out and see so much sky, unlike Washington, where there was so much in the way, lol!! Beautiful, but still, this is really nice! I s'pose I'll always be like that.

Anyway, just dropping by to say Happy Valentine's Day coming up real soon, and that we hope yours is as nice as can be.

Shawn & SGTex
****

What a wonderful morning....

So, how was your Saturday morning? Ours was terrific. It was cold this morning (for Texas), so SGTex went gathering kindling and made a fire in the fireplace. We sat and talked, drank coffee (with brandy), and he read from The World Tribune. You know, it was really, really nice after the week we had. Yesterday was our day off too, but that was pretty busy.

The best day of the week was Inauguration Day (wasn't that great?!), made unforgettable by the arrival of My Ring (WoW!!!). Thank you, Dear Man. And the other great thing is that the new job is going well. It's so nice to be working with super people while I'm learning some new stuff, re-learning some old and forgotten stuff, which makes it all go down that much easier.

The puppy is doing great! He seems to feel that we're here to entertain him. (He's teaching us to fetch, lol). I've been wondering if he actually thinks his name really is "NoSebastian!!" Probably not... ;+)

Well, time to find my shoes and head out for PeopleStupid. I mean PetSmart.

Life is good...

Shawn
****

So we were in line at Starbucks yesterday....

...actually, one of two lines coming from two directions, and SGTex lets this lady pull in front of us. It was after 3:00 in the afternoon, and we hadn't had any coffee yet at all, so it was pretty nice of him to let her go ahead of us. To our surprise, when we pulled up to pay for our two white chocolate mocha grandes, the guy says, "Your coffee is paid for! The lady in front of you took care of your bill!" How nice was that?!! It tastes even better when it's free, and I have a feeling her coffee tasted pretty good to her, too!

Well, I just haveta report we had a fantastic New Year's holiday in Dallas. The King Tut exhibit is absolutely awesome. The city is beautiful, and the B&B is the nicest yet! We had a wonderful SGI Buddhist meeting in Ft. Worth (I met a lot of really nice people who made me feel very welcome), and we're hoping to do it all over again next New Year's! We actually made it out of town without any delay, in spite of the Cottonbowl traffic (wow), and all in all, it was a wonderful trip. That night sky with the buildings lit up for the holidays was amazing, and we had a 'to die for' view from the balcony off our room. The Texas hospitality of Peter and Dan made our stay very memorable.

And now we're back, and 2009 is in full swing. Tomorrow I start my new account (about which I'm kinda chicken....), but everything is pretty much under control. Well, the new puppy has us pretty much under his control, LOL! He's made himself right at home.

That's about it for now, so have a great week!

Shawn
***

picture borrowed from Pegasus News, Blackland Coffee Royce City

Happy New Year....

I've been wanting to use this picture of a Texas dandelion for some time, and it looks like fireworks to me, so here it is! Beautiful! I hope you like it.
Did everybody have a nice Xmas? We have, and will enjoy the holiday spirit well into 2009. We're looking forward to going to the King Tut exhibit in Dallas and will stay in a posh B&B. There will be New Year's gongyo and possibly another museum visit, too. Then on the way back home we'll pick up Sebastian.

I'm going to be starting out on a new account in January, too. New puppy and new job, all at the same time? What was I thinking?? LOL!! Life around here is about to change....

I've been thinking a lot about friends and family up in Washington, where it's been more like Alaska than the normally mild climate of Puget Sound. I'm sure it's pretty, but a little of that goes a long way, and I'm sure everyone would like the weather to simmer down. We were so blessed to be able to run around barefoot with windows and patio doors open on Christmas here, although I am looking forward to seeing a little bit of that Texas snow...(I said a *little* bit, mindya!!)


Well, SGTex has the bacon and pancakes going, so it's time to sign off and check on the coffee.

We'll be back soon with a puppy update and our upcoming trip news, but meanwhile, we're sincerely wishing you all a most blessed 2009!

Cheers!!

Shawn & SGTex
****

Christmas Cookie Rules....

1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.

2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.

3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calorie free (see rule #1), yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone.

4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.

5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.

6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie four each letter. Make more red ones!

7. Cookies eaten while watching any classic Christmas shows on TV have no calories because they are part of the traditional entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. We all know how calories like to cling!

10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!

Merry Christmas! Enjoy your cookies!
Shawn
****

photo courtesy of www.karenschronicle.com (Betty Crocker is a slacker)

"There is an awesome truth..."

I can’t let on to be very well-read, but one time during a period of underemployment I was at the public library and got hold of Paul Davies’ *The 5th Miracle* and something or other by Stuart Kauffman, and I would cite these 2 fellows and urge those concerned about the true story of the origin of life to join me in checking out the ol’ Wikipedia on the very very valid things these men of science hold up to the light. If they must, creationists can find M. Behe’s review of the aforementioned Davies book.

Oh, and see *Black Holes and Baby Universes* or *A Brief History of Time* by Stephen Hawking, of course.

But anyway, greetings CARM evolutionists and creationists, old friends and new who think it matters a lot where we came from, and what really happened long ago to give rise to us.

I confess a zeal for this; why, since I was 9 years old and younger, I have been on the side of reason and reality. I have been a science believer all my life. Unashamed am I that this is a type of faith; hey, it’s robust faith indeed that bases on what *can* be known and is known, ‘stead of unseen and perhaps unlikely things we are expected to believe without a whiff of evidence.

An important thrust of religious evolutionism is that our physical existence is fabulously wondrous and meaningful, not *merely* a product of, but one with the sovereign absolute.

I don’t see why the word of science should be thought hostile to religious faith or even theism, but it is even more simpatico with Buddhism. I get all filled with the spirit and excited when I consider the corroboration and proof there is to be had between Buddhism and the honest philosophy of science.

One is changed, lifted up by the news: There is an awesome truth about the expansive beginning of all things, that so-called Big Bang, and there is the elegant, wondrous truth about the physics and chemistry of the emergence of life out of the properties and programming of the material universe.

It’s a strong humanistic message, and runs joyously contrary to the negatives of hard fundamentalist religion, you know, that we are worth nothing innately and can only go wrong on our own. Science, like the merciful Buddha, holds up hope and courage for us, and some wholesome confidence in ourselves. Like a parent who says “You can do it!”

Of all faith traditions, Buddhism invests least in the supernatural and evolved (if you will) a fastidious rationalism in the millennium through China toward Japan. My master, Nichiren, stood up and introduced the Mandala very much as theoretical physicists reveal equations on a chalkboard.

Now science such as the physics of Hawking and peers gestures to an ultimate profound primary principle, a formula for the universe. In the Buddhism of the Lotus Sutra, this is called Wonderful or Myoho.

Anyway, now I’ve rattled on. Creationists, do you reckon I have bought into old Satan's lie, and all that?

SGTex
****

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

It is starting to take on a look of good cheer and glad tidings around here. The other evening we were on our way somewhere and saw a big star-like ornament shining across the way, and it was so pretty. Now there are lights going up and lawn displays and everyone is starting to decorate. We did a wonderful display outside our front door, including the best wreath ever! The tree has gone up and the lights are so pretty. SGTex is going to add more colored lights, so I can't wait to see that. There's a pretty snowflake on top and the mantel is decorated with antique cherubs, cones and pine boughs. We had company over yesterday for a little party, which was a great way to start the season. We've added a wonderful Happy Holidays playlist on imeem, which is growing.
All in all, it's been a terrific December so far! There's more to come, and we'll try to get back and update during the holidays, but right now there's some cookie dough waiting, so...
Oh~ The best part was the warm eggnog laced with cinnamon, nutmeg and rum last night (in bed!!!)
Now I call that a fine way to celebrate...

Cheers!!!

Shawn & SGTex
****

How was your Thanksgiving?

Hoping your holiday was great!
We've been kinda stretching ours out a bit. After both of us had made several trips to the grocery store for all the extra stuff I seem to think I must have on hand for the holiday (like why are there 3 cans of water chestnuts?), we finished up our work week on Wednesday, really quite late. We'd decided to take M and A to the Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving breakfast, which turned out to be more like lunch, as we were slow getting on the road. It was wonderful, naturally. I'm hoping their pumpkin strudel pie is available the next time we're there- it looked beautiful! We didn't have any, but imagine it's as scrumptious as it looks. That's such a cute place to eat (and shop). Anyway, we never did make it back home in time to get everything done for dinner, so just made the dressing and stuffed the bird, got a few things ready and called it a day. We'd gotten new furniture delivered and SGTex spent some time getting that taken care of.

So, today was more suited to making it more like Thanksgiving, and we did have a lovely dinner after a short Black Friday shopping spree, which included a new set of pots and pans and a new microwave, plus some gift items.

All in all, it's been the best Thanksgiving ever. The turkey was perfect, everything came out even. We used the best dishes, a gift from a beloved uncle. The wine and conversation was so nice, and I am deeply grateful.

Cheers!
Shawn & SGTex

Surely you've seen the 'Recipe for the Perfect Turkey'....

1 - 15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good.)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacher's low fat)
Salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn.
Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the
back of the oven.

Listen for the popping sounds.
When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done.

Gobble, gobble...
Shawn & SGTex
****

Serendipitous Sundae...I mean Saturday....

Serendipity. That thing that happens when you're searching for one thing and get surprised by finding something else. It's usually a good thing.

I'm not sure why it came to mind, but I've always liked that word. As SGTex was heading out the door to run a couple of errands (a couple of hours ago, now...just where the heck did he get too!? But I digress), he mentioned that we should really find a name for the car, so I've been thinking about words and stuff. (Oh, here he is now...and he got DONUTS!!! All's forgiven, LOL xoxoxoxo)

Anyway, where was I? Oh, it seems that I had some time on my hands and started thinking about stuff- which is almost *never* a good thing. So, I googled "serendipity" and here I am. Images brought up this cool picture, Lordsaveme, of a serendiptous sundae. Forgive me, but I'm not even going to try and find out how they came up with it. Must just leave well enough alone.

So, where I'm kinda going with this is, on another board a bunch of us were talking about politics and had a healthy debate going. I posted something and kinda got off the track, mentioning what I considered to be a blessing (finding my wedding veil that's more what we wanted but cost even less, that sorta thing).

*Which caused someone else to ask about our plans, and I answered in some detail. *Which caused someone else to come along and, by asking a question, attempted to put me down.
*Which caused several someone elses to come along and, in defense of my Man and I, show kindness and friendship to us in a Big Way.
*Which caused us to be even more blessed, and we are so grateful.

In other words, sometimes I set about looking for one thing and end up finding something else altogether. Even better.

I like that. Very much.

Shawn
****

photo borrowed from reneeashleybaker@wordpress.com, Reuters

Where there's room in the heart, there's room in the home....

That's what my Grandma Mac used to say. I've seen that (or a version of it)done up in tea towels and embroidered on pillows, so I doubt that sentiment originated with her, but it applies. Or it should.

I don't know what actually got me thinking about it. Maybe it's pre-election jitters causing me to think about the security of hearth and home. Could be it was a phone conversation with Carol, looking forward to her upcoming visit to Texas. Or maybe it's about wedding planning. Or SGTex building shelves and organizing the storage room and me washing the good china to stow safely away until we order the china cupboard for the dining room (that comes after the wall is painted and a couple more bills get paid). I guess it could be any of those, or a little bit of all of them.

Anyway, the important thing is that our hearts are in the right place, attempting to keep our home free of all those stresses and worries that seem to come knockin' at the door these days. That's easier said than done, but we're managing, I think. We're both having some job stress (his is good stress, mine is wacky stress, lol). Days are filled with the usual stuff of working long hours, trying to keep ahead of the bills, the cat fed (she's turned into a little con artist and has figured out how to get 2 breakfasts in the morning....), the fruit bowl filled, and the garbage emptied, gas in the car (under 2 bucks/gal,now). Seems pretty normal to me.

Life is good.

Shawn
****

A Big Happy Birthday To SGTex!!!!

Sasha was the first to give birthday greetings this morning....before daylight, lol. Actually, she (the Persian Pussycat) positions herself right between the bedroom and the kitchen. She can pretty well count on getting fed. I confess that I had to giggle (while feigning sleep!) this morning. She gave a pretty good performance and was breakfasting nicely, before SGTex had even made it back to bed! Work it, Sasha!!!

Anyway, there's a big chocolate cake waiting in the kitchen, minus two bare spots where we took finger frosting samples. It's almost too pretty to cut, but we'll probably manage to take a couple of slices to bed with us....

Wish I'd thought to get ice cream....

Shawn
****

Samhain Shona Duit.....

We're coming up on All Souls' Eve, a time to fondly remember and reconnect with our beloved ancestors who have gone before us. It's also nearly time for the Celtic New Year, filled with hope for what's new and good. I think this can be a season of looking back and appreciating the past, while at the same time anticipating the future and all it holds.

Whether you celebrate a traditional, American-style Hallowe'en, or give a nod to the old ways, with doors and windows open to spirited ancestors and warm brambrack on the table, may the days ahead be filled with the blessing of renewal.

Shawn
****

To the moon....

TO THE MOON
Art thou pale for weariness
Of climbing heaven and gazing on the earth,
Wandering companionless
Among the stars that have a different birth,
And ever changing, like a Joyless eye
That finds no object worth its constancy?

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

Just stopping by on the eve of another full moon. Our sky here is heavy with clouds, but it's nice to know that above all that is the beautiful moon, so I imagine I can still feel the effect. (Blame it on the moon, lol!)

Life has been filled with busy work days, not much spare time. Lucky for us we went down to Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg and had a wonderful time. So many fun things to see and do, but mostly we just enjoyed being together. There was the cute German music, the eating and drinking, the drinking and eating, the sunshine and general ambience of not only the festival, but the town. A perfect, happy combination of Texas & Germany, all in one spot. Looking forward to next year, when we hope to do it again! It was a wonderful trip. One cute thing was that on the morning we left the motel, there seemed to be a cricket in the dresser. I thought it was charming, not being from cricket country, lol.

And yes, we just got back from the Big Road Trip (and I'm still talking about it), but still felt like it was a good thing to get away and find out what it's like to travel with an empty back seat and less than a half-ton of luggage and stuff to drag from the car to the room and back again, lol ;+). Yes, it is more fun to travel light. That's going to be our policy from now on...

So, Happy Full Moon to you all. Hoping your week is going well, and that good things are coming your way.

Shawn
****

The urge to merge....

For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks. Watch for these consolidations in 2008:

1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.

2.) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.

3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.

4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.

5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.

6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.

7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants.

8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!

And finally....

9. Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will merge under the new name: TittyTittyBangBang

Shawn
****

Meán Fómhair!!

This is the time when day equals night. Mabon is also called Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, also known as Thanksgiving. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it's the Autumnal Equinox.

A balanced ritual of thanksgiving, we're grateful for the fruits of the earth, while at the same time recognizing the need to share with others, in order to secure blessings during the coming winter.

May you enjoy your Autumn, finding that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive...

Shawn
****

photo borrowed from parralore.com

It's Monday, and we're still glad to be home....

Still not a lot to say, but SGTex showed me this cute "Peanut Buddha" and I had to have it for the blog!
We're getting into the day-to-day routine back here at home, both working pretty much full time right now, so that's good. The office is shaping up, slowly but surely. Some corner shelves and the 3-in-1 have yet to come. That will be helpful as we organize. Speaking of shelves,I really suspect I'm shelf wacky. I see a closet or a cupboard or some out-of-the-way spot and I think, "We must have shelves there." SGTex has already started installation, and we're due for a trip to Lowe's before too long.

Like I said, the trip was wonderful. We saw such incredible scenery. It was amazing, really. There was especially one spot in either Utah or Arizona that was so completely desolate, yet beautiful, it overwhelmed me. We covered over 2000 miles, and when I think that was just a few states (we were in WA, OR, ID, UT, AZ, NM and TX), and there is so much more to see. I guess we'll have to start sticking $$ in a cookie jar for gas for future travels. Hopefully the prices will start to go down, rather than up.

We highly recommend the Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi, Utah. That was really impressive! Oh, and NM corn, lol. We stopped for gas and got some fresh "roastin' ears" from a farmer, so we're working through those. Window Rock, AZ is incredibly beautiful. Astoria, OR is as charming as ever, and we really appreciated the hospitality of Mickey and Blossom at the Astoria Inn. The river-side restaurant Baked Alaska has some killer salmon with black rice!

We're back to work for now, though. In a couple of weeks we'll be heading to Fredericksburg, TX for the Oktoberfest, so will report some news about that.

Shawn & SGTex
****
(comic courtesy of the Seattle PI Bizarro 09-09-08)

We're back....

....and it's great. SGTex is presently unloading the car, at least to the degree that there will be a spot to stick the groceries that are needed, bless his heart. I keep telling him to sit down, he's making me tired, lol. A patient man he is!!!
After getting back in the middle of the night, I don't feel like I have the presence of mind to post anything interesting or profound. More later about our trip, but for right now, we're glad to say we had a wonderful time. The car ran perfectly. The weather was perfect. The getaway time was very much needed, and we're grateful.

Shawn
****

See you in September....

Just stopping by one more time before we take off for awhile. We're long overdue for some major R&R over Labor Day weekend, then will take our time on the Big Road Trip back home!

In the meantime, here's hoping you all have a wonderful end of summer and enjoy your holiday.

Best regards!

Shawn&SGTex
****

These are Astral Weeks....

"If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dream
Where mobius steel rims crack
And the ditch and the backroad stop---

Could you find me
Would you kiss my eyes
And lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again, to be born again?

From the fire side of the ocean
If I put the wheels in motion
And I stand with my arms behind me
And I push another door

Could you find me, etc.

There you go, there you go...

And here am I standing in your outside rest
Trying to do my very best
Looking straight at you
Coming through, darlin...

And if I ventured in the slipstream, etc.

...to be born again...
...in another world darlin

I've got a home on high
I ain't nothin but a stranger in this world
I've got a home on high, so far away..."

Van Morrison

(My inspiration during the weeks ahead. Will be back soon)

Shawn
****
photo: Astral Dream, beaconforlife.blogs.com

Summertime in Washington....

Just had a wonderful talk with my brother in North Carolina, and we started talking about Washington. Decided to pull out one of my many Mt. Rainier pictures and put it here. Maybe he'll stop by and see it and think about summer days of long ago.

I love you, Greg!

Enjoy!

Shawn
****

Saturday night...

...and all is well. Hope it is in your part of the world.

Shawn
***

About those who declared their independence, so we could have ours...

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;

another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

(Thanks to Elsie for sharing this with us)

Shawn & SGTex
****