Open spaces

As I was down Hwy 86 from Tulia to Childress this morning, it occurred to me that people who live in large cities really miss out. The wide open spaces of West Texas are beautiful. I had skipped breakfast, so as I was driving through Silverton, I decided to stop at Allsups. I didn't see anything that I wanted to eat, but I did get a Diet Dr. Pepper. Turning left onto the highway, I found it interesting that there wasn't a single car driving down the road. Silverton seems to be a quiet, little town, even though it is the county seat. The courthouse is right on the highway and it looked deserted. As I drove through Quitaque, I had to slow down for traffic (if three vehicles constitute traffic.) You know it is small town West Texas when the posted speed limit is 30, but all cars are topping out at 25. I haven't driven this highway before, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that halfway between Quitaque and Turkey there is a drive-in theater named, appropriately enough, Midway. It was almost 11:00 as I approached Turkey, so I thought I might find a Sonic or something along that order and get a snack. Well, imagine my surprise when all I find is an Allsups. I didn't think there would be anything in Allsups that I would want since I didn't see anything in the Allsups in Silverton that I wanted. I had no idea that the population of Turkey is less than 500. This is Bob Wills town after all. Where do all the tourists eat? I knew the next town on the map wouldn't have a fast food joint. Estelline has less than 200 people, so I resolved to have lunch in Childress. I'm not even close to the point of starvation, right? I really do enjoy driving the back roads. Small towns have character. I am not as fond of the drive at night, as I don't like to play chicken with the deer. One close encounter with a deer on the highway is one close encounter too many.

Forums

I wish I understood why some people feel that it is ok to post unfounded accusations about others on forums. I have recently been alerted to the fact that a poster on a forum that I don't go to and don't plan to go to because of personal reasons brought me up in a thread that had nothing to do with me. This poster, as a very good friend warned me, is nothing but a troll trying to cause trouble. He can leave me out of his trouble making ideas. On another forum that I am a regular poster, a poster that has been pretty much lambasted by many of the regulars has accused me of registering another ID and concocting an email about her. I don't know this woman, other than what I have read of her posts and her website, and I have no desire to get to know her. I don't have the time or the desire to waste my time making up anything about her. I have made some very good friends on the forums. I value these friendships. I have a demanding job that sometimes turns into long hours. Reading forums, posting and chatting with my friends is a way for me to relax after long days. For the trolls and crazy people that for some reason can't leave me out of their rantings...please get a life!

Life

Sorry I've neglected this blog lately. Life has gotten in the way. My aunt passed away unexpectedly, so that has really impacted my last week. Family has begun to arrive and that's kept me very busy. In addition, I've been busy with work, although I am taking some time off. I'll be slammed I sure after Christmas, trying to get everything done that has to be done this month. There have been some good things happen, also. With everything else going on, I am going to have seven kids adopted this month. Two have already been adopted. Two more will be on the 23rd. What a Christmas present. And three will be adopted on the 31st. In this aspect, December has certainly been a good month.

Too busy

A friend of mine succumbed to cancer. I haven't seen her in a month or so. I knew she was sick, but I just didn't seem to have time to call or visit and see how she was doing. There's always something going on. Now, I am feeling bad because she deserved more. I could have easily called her just to say Hi. I went to her viewing tonight and her husband, son and daughter in law all hugged me and seemed very happy to see me. I, of course, gave the usual platitudes of, "If you need anything at all..." But did I really mean it? I do mean it, but what happens next week when they don't call? I go on with my life. I think we all do this. We mean well. At least I do. But life intervenes. And that is sad. Linda, I miss you. I know you are in a better place. Your faith inspires me and I'm sorry that I wasn't there at the lowest points of your life. Thank you for being my friend.

Work out

I worked out today for the first time in a month. And, I am really feeling it. I know I need to go more often, but man, I'm beat. I'm hoping things slow down some at work, which will give me some time to go work out. Here's hoping.

Adoption

There is nothing that compares to an adoption. I got to participate in another one yesterday. We give the kids a bear to adopt when they are adopted. I asked the 4 year old girl what size she wanted and she said a medium pink bear. I brought three bears to court so she could choose just the right one. She picked her bear without hesitation. The attorney brought her a pink puppy. The little girl was so happy. I don't know how many times she hugged everyone. She told me her new name several times also. A co-worker went to the adoption with me. He told me that I have the fun job. He's right.