tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64398035441428530072024-03-18T13:41:45.917-05:00Durango TexasThe Daily Travails of a Good Ol' Washington Boy Who has been Exiled in the Lone Star State since 1999. I am not a Cowboy or a Cowboy Fan.Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.comBlogger9487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-31706837914688121262024-03-18T13:41:00.000-05:002024-03-18T13:41:09.699-05:00Last Week Of Winter Wichita Bluff Nature Area Nature Communing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOUli5SOuwOh-8pp4oYhwF-HSGX4brOLMRLC34PRm6SWKL2cOyyMOMrsU-SauzSwIqk7kbnHeDVfChrY2v-d8oB6GCnfubiLqk-PBaD_yMqA-vzYLBb-I3k3B3TNm03d98pkKE_J7vbi-gBvksi3fkIS-whvdSNso6l971xLppU3v4QliAvrFrY5_aLPy/s700/Bluffs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOUli5SOuwOh-8pp4oYhwF-HSGX4brOLMRLC34PRm6SWKL2cOyyMOMrsU-SauzSwIqk7kbnHeDVfChrY2v-d8oB6GCnfubiLqk-PBaD_yMqA-vzYLBb-I3k3B3TNm03d98pkKE_J7vbi-gBvksi3fkIS-whvdSNso6l971xLppU3v4QliAvrFrY5_aLPy/w400-h300/Bluffs.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />On this third Monday of the 2024 version of March, it was back to the Wichita Bluff Nature Area I ventured today, for some hilly nature communing.<br /><br />As you can see the sky is a bright clear blue, except some white exhaust spewed from a Sheppard Air Force Base jet.<br /><br />The temperature was in the mid 50s zone, not quite back to chilly winter-like, but nowhere near being in the HOT summer-like zone of the past couple weeks.<br /><br />Spring is scheduled to arrive later this week.<br /><p></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0FuuvKB5ybBcOKdOpk934-yCDOw-0wbAuLhdJGEzb7f2STt0Y8bTYVl5D6ay-Uxz8PnyeatvDotHibVK9vDI7leJsSHtJzMg6mc7VkicJTo-c28OZliR7hxbHGsCmVc_LWAe6I2Jx4H3Sw0N8GoylFLuv5wmv_giTkKcmDaDM0-Glf50mXr-Ro3R9PlS/s700/Blluffs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0FuuvKB5ybBcOKdOpk934-yCDOw-0wbAuLhdJGEzb7f2STt0Y8bTYVl5D6ay-Uxz8PnyeatvDotHibVK9vDI7leJsSHtJzMg6mc7VkicJTo-c28OZliR7hxbHGsCmVc_LWAe6I2Jx4H3Sw0N8GoylFLuv5wmv_giTkKcmDaDM0-Glf50mXr-Ro3R9PlS/w400-h300/Blluffs2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I hiked to the highest point on the bluffs, looking east at the stunning skyline of beautiful downtown Wichita Falls on the horizon.<br /><br />It has been several months since I went hiking the bluffs. It was quite invigorating. The distance to the Wichita Bluff Nature Area, from my abode, is the furthest distance of any of my local hiking destinations.<br /><br />Tomorrow, weather permitting, methinks I shall be back at Sikes Lake. I was there yesterday. Several goose spooking coyotes have been installed around the lake...Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-51556763952667383002024-03-17T10:00:00.001-05:002024-03-17T10:00:30.699-05:00Microsoft OneDrive Memory Remembering Biking Lover's Leap In Waco<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojz_2yyouvJOfNodlDRckTv8XLfbxZvqd_5eLRCRUD8rT6WFmDQcd4Tv-0XJSg8hPo-HZeLRkOgyR4l1JwFESGRi34Mr5r69lHOXj0smFndOVX9iAo2rsnLyxFxHPwlmKPg1DSiaVuSKWf56W4807I_8NGEo_kikLL3zpldCaReVIWdSN-p80KoHhFIJv/s640/Memoy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojz_2yyouvJOfNodlDRckTv8XLfbxZvqd_5eLRCRUD8rT6WFmDQcd4Tv-0XJSg8hPo-HZeLRkOgyR4l1JwFESGRi34Mr5r69lHOXj0smFndOVX9iAo2rsnLyxFxHPwlmKPg1DSiaVuSKWf56W4807I_8NGEo_kikLL3zpldCaReVIWdSN-p80KoHhFIJv/w480-h640/Memoy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Another Microsoft OneDrive Memory from this Day that I remember, sort of. <br /><br />I know that is me looking at the lens of my antique, long gone, Casio digital camera, with its taking a selfie feature, well before such became a common thing.<br /><br />And that is my long gone Schwinn Moab mountain bike behind me. That bike died five bikes ago, with the aluminum frame braking whilst I was having a fine time on the Horseshoe Trail in Grapevine.<br /><br />I am fairly certain, in this photo, my bike and I are in Cameron Park in Waco. That park has some of the best mountain trails I have pedaled on. The trails have names and markers indicating their difficulty level. If I remember correctly, and sometimes I do, one diamond meant easy trail, two diamonds meant less easy, on up to five diamonds, which indicated difficult, for expert riders only.<br /><br />I remember finding the one and two diamond trails treacherous enough for me. I did not attempt any of the three, four or five diamond trails.<br /><br />There is a cliff in Cameron Park, called Lover's Leap. The leap is into the Brazos River, far below. If I remember correctly one of the five diamond trails took off from Lover's Leap...<br /><br /><br />Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-83975312487875443602024-03-16T07:49:00.000-05:002024-03-16T07:49:16.779-05:00Lovely Linda Lou Takes Us To Daffodils & Mount Rainier<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDqK_6NbFiRV4ai2TR8tuhwuoUq6XIvdYBun4dYmNpf3ViYNz0ba2l2DbW9KDOguHduEy22uE4aJWZiO1WQs_09UVOKBr2jPi6EdjS8PpsMbXjTenSNHAkYIQp-eQWD_H8YwTuW7uKRRb_t1T6b6p_wXSWCKh07yA9BJriUyxI5uPsnDPQm7ULXcWjLBu/s988/Rainier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="720" height="686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDqK_6NbFiRV4ai2TR8tuhwuoUq6XIvdYBun4dYmNpf3ViYNz0ba2l2DbW9KDOguHduEy22uE4aJWZiO1WQs_09UVOKBr2jPi6EdjS8PpsMbXjTenSNHAkYIQp-eQWD_H8YwTuW7uKRRb_t1T6b6p_wXSWCKh07yA9BJriUyxI5uPsnDPQm7ULXcWjLBu/w466-h640/Rainier.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /> A couple days ago I posted a blog post titled <b><a href="https://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2024/03/seeing-real-islands-from-summit-of.html" target="_blank">Seeing Real Islands From Summit Of Washington's Mount Erie</a></b> in which I made mention of the fact that a time or two I had been surprised to see Mount Rainier, to the south, from the Skagit Flats.<br /><br />And then yesterday, the Skagit Valley's lovely Linda Lou, text messaged me the photo you see above.<br /><br />The Skagit Flats ablaze with the yellow of thousands of daffodils, with the Mount Rainier volcano hovering in the distance.<br /><br />I surely do miss living in a zone of multiple scenic wonders...Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-37730373300031929992024-03-15T10:18:00.001-05:002024-03-15T10:18:21.979-05:00Seeing Mount Baker Takes Me To Fir Island & Fort Worth's Imaginary Panther Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV14X95XNPidsg8HP1yRs7Wg5P-XaxpVQu4l__9gf_pGQXQz3eR1zi-JdpGDBWoD9e_0Ddj6UcaP_lMPo6ZAKARS2-U3qBtpB4bUQRUHkbkdgYkJ0GC4vPF7zKutYh1luTCLwigdptljaNn1cPAtEnAoiPIe3mD9prtnPOLuq7h-vODxfNEDsOZxY8Lq6/s900/Baker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV14X95XNPidsg8HP1yRs7Wg5P-XaxpVQu4l__9gf_pGQXQz3eR1zi-JdpGDBWoD9e_0Ddj6UcaP_lMPo6ZAKARS2-U3qBtpB4bUQRUHkbkdgYkJ0GC4vPF7zKutYh1luTCLwigdptljaNn1cPAtEnAoiPIe3mD9prtnPOLuq7h-vODxfNEDsOZxY8Lq6/w400-h225/Baker.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I never tire of seeing photos from my old home zone, especially photos of Mount Baker, a volcano I used to be able to see from my living room windows in Mount Vernon.<br /><br />I saw the instance you see here, this morning, on Facebook. The view is either from some location on the Skagit Flats, or from Fir Island.<br /><br />Fir Island is a real island, not an imaginary island, such as one day the town of Fort Worth, Texas hopes to see.<br /><br />Fort Worth's imaginary island will be claiming to be such after a cement lined ditch is dug, with Trinity River water diverted into that ditch.<br /><br />Ironically, Fir Island also is created by being surrounded by river water. At Fir Island the Skagit River splits into two forks, the North and South Forks of the Skagit River.<br /><br />Wikipedia has an article about <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fir_Island" target="_blank">Fir Island</a></b>. The article makes mention of the worst natural disaster I have witnessed up close. In the early 1990s a Pineapple Express brought extreme flooding to Western Washington.<br /><br />The flooding was so extreme that the flood level was predicted to inundate downtown Mount Vernon. So, hundreds of people helped build a sandbag wall to try and hold back the flood. I was watching the 11 o'clock news when it went live to Mount Vernon, showing the feverish activity, filling sandbags, including sailors from the Navy base on Whidbey Island.<br /><br />By midnight I was in downtown Mount Vernon, helping to build the sandbag wall. The wall was complete around 3 in the morning.<br /><br />The flood crest was expected to hit Mount Vernon around 11 in the morning. At that point of time I joined the huge crowd, waiting on high ground for the crest to happen. You could see the river was about to go over the sandbag wall, when, suddenly, the river level dropped a couple feet.<br /><br />No one knew what had happened. Soon, there were sirens blaring. At one point I remember seeing a helicopter with a cow strapped in below it. I do not remember how long it was til we learned the dike at Fir Island had failed, flooding the island.<br /><br />There is currently no Wikipedia about Fort Worth's imaginary Panther Island. I doubt there ever will be...<br /><br /><br /><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-67900026141427920602024-03-14T13:46:00.002-05:002024-03-14T13:46:52.389-05:00Hiking The Lucy Park Jungle With Nephew Jason In Hawaii<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRnhPsSDnybfoidPDuMGRsJBUxnLTPFWISy9RVyQX6BM2Mm1ssvUpD5aNoZFjvCdmxdmj1m0XD2VTDu4nNSQqERG_s0uC71EicojG6BLwohPX4hw2cZs4jqL4r2G5psV2v62mivZhzDKcoVMQdGQ9sjq2qVz567f5Nb8vSPAOqalaoJipGitCef5ZevxP/s700/Lucy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRnhPsSDnybfoidPDuMGRsJBUxnLTPFWISy9RVyQX6BM2Mm1ssvUpD5aNoZFjvCdmxdmj1m0XD2VTDu4nNSQqERG_s0uC71EicojG6BLwohPX4hw2cZs4jqL4r2G5psV2v62mivZhzDKcoVMQdGQ9sjq2qVz567f5Nb8vSPAOqalaoJipGitCef5ZevxP/w400-h300/Lucy.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />With the National Weather Service issuing a dire warning about possible extreme downpours, flash flooding, strong wind, hail, thunderstorms and possible tornadoes it was to Lucy Park I ventured today, under a semi-cloudy sky, for some high-speed endorphin acquisition, hiking the Lucy Park backwoods jungle.<br /><br />You can see via the photo documentation that the Lucy Park backwoods jungle is in jungle restoration mode, with the ground solidly green, and with leaves slowly returning to the trees.<br /><br />Hot today, in the 80s, but saw no slithering reptiles. Not even a lizard.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in tropical Hawaii.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54vX3SFGH0d0bcGaKZ4OMrys7HVlg_LkWBQG87GSzBMHOV5JGCZuV1MZPMXu55UvLSp18oDXc-d272c9Lmr28erTn268kTNWPjqCbmH-IJaBytTA57LiEID34gBssaD3VBVDYeDCXZcWsHmCzcPayTd_sudRFoCwBPVYTte9biyzDqId2BkfhKpJK_A_N/s700/Jason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54vX3SFGH0d0bcGaKZ4OMrys7HVlg_LkWBQG87GSzBMHOV5JGCZuV1MZPMXu55UvLSp18oDXc-d272c9Lmr28erTn268kTNWPjqCbmH-IJaBytTA57LiEID34gBssaD3VBVDYeDCXZcWsHmCzcPayTd_sudRFoCwBPVYTte9biyzDqId2BkfhKpJK_A_N/w480-h640/Jason.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Email from my Favorite Nephew Jason, this morning, currently way closer to the equator than his regular location in Washington<br /><br />I do not believe Spencer Jack is with his dad, this time, in Honolulu. Spencer Jack's dad confirmed what Spencer Jack's grandma told me a couple days ago, that being that Spencer Jack turned 17 about a week ago.<br /><br />Seems like only yesterday I met Spencer Jack for the first time. In August of 2008, at Bay View State Park, in Skagit County, in Washington. Spencer was around two years old at that point in time. <br /><br />I next saw Spencer Jack in March of 2012, in Arizona. Spencer was around six years old at that point in time. <br /><br />My most recent Spencer Jack sighting was in August of 2017, at Birch Bay, slightly south of the border with Canada. Spencer was around 12 at that point in time.<br /><br />The older I get the faster times seems to fly by. I do not like it, not at all...<br />Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-19191926722617914062024-03-13T12:16:00.000-05:002024-03-13T12:16:11.036-05:00Lake Wichita Park's Mount Wichita New Parking Lot Finally Open For Business<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HFvN4c4MuM5hi0I6oJG_ndl0ricn3G2r4U13GoHeVYrfCbl-nje-nNvDT1fCNySN4AglTpmyTLk-uQJv5oxy2KKqR70AL-hY7eeNz0J3sYnkjM1mVdsION75OCYA-G8pDm7lDbr91xQSOT1DpyCbU9v1tmX_WDu_AE-CmwK_CT00v8YYASRtpqNsm87K/s700/Parking%20Lot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HFvN4c4MuM5hi0I6oJG_ndl0ricn3G2r4U13GoHeVYrfCbl-nje-nNvDT1fCNySN4AglTpmyTLk-uQJv5oxy2KKqR70AL-hY7eeNz0J3sYnkjM1mVdsION75OCYA-G8pDm7lDbr91xQSOT1DpyCbU9v1tmX_WDu_AE-CmwK_CT00v8YYASRtpqNsm87K/w400-h300/Parking%20Lot.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />At my old age it does not take much to please me. Way back before Thanksgiving of 2023 a paving project began in Lake Wichita Park, installing a new entry road and parking lot.<br /><br />The project was estimated to take around five weeks to complete.<br /><br />And now, several months later than five weeks, the project is complete, and the new parking lot is open, giving close access to the towering monolith known as Mount Wichita.<br /><br />I was at this location just two days ago, and found the entry still blocked, so, it was pleasing to return today to find the parking lot open, with a lot of others also enjoying finding the parking lot open.<br /><br />I know a new parking lot seems like no big deal. But, this location has been annoying since I first discovered it soon upon moving to Wichita Falls. Prior to its current brand new condition, the road and parking lot was a pothole infested, dirty, dusty, rocky mess, requiring going real slow and carefully navigating around the worst of the potholes.<br /><br />Extremely windy today, with the temperature in the 80s. I had a mighty fine long walk, acquiring oodles of endorphins via the aerobic stimulation...<br /><br /><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-13022411458323241102024-03-13T10:01:00.000-05:002024-03-13T10:01:03.364-05:00Seeing Real Islands From Summit Of Washington's Mount Erie<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfRdhyGiAm2a8qPAr1iI93756J15ex7tat5hco8xWzH8GFzxkvd_OO227JcyDOFJYJ4eq08QFBgBOBKEnuaWl5z9svIGVqlWjOawuRzZz5X79-e8UxQza_LTqkG-_pZEQZruKDm952Mku4ikcVIXRN6YsQY_ibQ-1hyphenhyphen0hAyiN2vyLV0NtQNk1EGlZHns/s700/eerie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="700" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfRdhyGiAm2a8qPAr1iI93756J15ex7tat5hco8xWzH8GFzxkvd_OO227JcyDOFJYJ4eq08QFBgBOBKEnuaWl5z9svIGVqlWjOawuRzZz5X79-e8UxQza_LTqkG-_pZEQZruKDm952Mku4ikcVIXRN6YsQY_ibQ-1hyphenhyphen0hAyiN2vyLV0NtQNk1EGlZHns/w400-h369/eerie.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Saw that which you see here, yesterday, on Facebook. The view from the summit of Mount Erie, looking south. Mount Erie is public park land owned and managed by the city of Anacortes.<br /><br />Mount Erie is on an island. Fidalgo Island to be precise. <br /><br />Seeing this photo put me in mind of a town in Texas called Fort Worth. Fort Worth has been trying real hard to have itself an island, where no body of island-providing water exists.<br /><br />This attempt to make Fort Worth, what would amount to being an imaginary island, has been going on for over two decades.<br /><br />During those over two decades the main progress towards having that imaginary island has been the building of three simple little freeway overpass type bridges, built over an astonishing seven-year time span, over dry land, intending, eventually, hopefully, to connect Fort Worth's mainland to that imaginary island.<br /><br />I have long opined that apparently most people in Fort Worth have zero clue as to what an island is. Yes, it is a chunk of land, surrounded by water, but an island is not a chunk of land, rendered to be an island, due to digging a cement-lined ditch and diverting river water into that ditch.<br /><br />In the above photo you see several real islands, in addition to the one the people in the photo are standing on. They are looking down on Lake Campbell, with that lake having an actual island at its center.<br /><br />That island on Lake Campbell is an island on an island. <br /><br />Looking south from the top of Mount Erie ones sees several other islands. Those islands are in Puget Sound, located to the east of Deception Pass. Deception Pass is to the right of the photo, with that big chunk of land towards the upper right being Whidbey Island. That being another actual real island. A really big actual real island.<br /><br />Wikipedia has an article about <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Erie_(Washington)" target="_blank">Mount Erie</a></b>, which I found interesting. A blurb from that article...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">On a clear day, Mount Baker, about 43 miles (69 km) to the northeast, and Mount Rainier, about 117 miles (188 km) to the southeast, can be seen from the summit.</span><br /><br />I have been at the summit of Mount Erie countless times. I do not recollect seeing Mount Rainier and Mount Baker from the summit. I likely do no recollect seeing those two volcanoes, from that vantage point, because it was not unusual to see those two volcanoes from various Washington vantage points.<br /><br />The one sighting of Mount Rainier that I do remember as unusual was seeing that volcano whilst on the Skagit Flats, with the mountain being a distant white pimple on the horizon.<br /><br />If you ever get to travel to Washington, and to Fidalgo Island, you'll want to visit Anacortes and the famous Fidalgo Drive-In, operated by my nephew Jason and his first born, Spencer Jack. After having a cheeseburger and blackberry milkshake, make your way to Mount Erie. It is a fun twist and turning drive to the summit, where you'll find a maze of trails and bridges across chasms. <br /><br />Mount Erie was one of my favorite go to places when I lived in the neighborhood...</div><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-6065426220484111152024-03-12T13:28:00.002-05:002024-03-12T13:28:42.254-05:00Microsoft OneDrive Remembers Lake Powell Houseboating<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GHo-b4GZ1RzKtCNd_tFzw1aJxf5Kcgz3WZOvQHadDfDY-LoijUsUWPSYEQ7CUlP1FG1NDguzj5dRXjKMwNZY2fB5S2XaarbZzuMZg8gYqkvuJoMrdJDjNu_dBCp9dTsObPJ_3PV98xaX67LePb5oacY56WpZQJT1Ej4Hh_vxb6cLujuG3ADKkum6144H/s640/Powell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GHo-b4GZ1RzKtCNd_tFzw1aJxf5Kcgz3WZOvQHadDfDY-LoijUsUWPSYEQ7CUlP1FG1NDguzj5dRXjKMwNZY2fB5S2XaarbZzuMZg8gYqkvuJoMrdJDjNu_dBCp9dTsObPJ_3PV98xaX67LePb5oacY56WpZQJT1Ej4Hh_vxb6cLujuG3ADKkum6144H/w400-h300/Powell.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Today's email from Microsoft's OneDrive had another Memory from this Day that I actually remember. <br /><br />Well, more precisely, I remember what I am seeing in this photo, but it definitely was not a memory from this day in March.<br /><br />Back in the 1990s I <b><a href="http://www.durangotexas.com/archives/lakepowellhouseboat/lakepowellhouseboat.htm" target="_blank">houseboated twice on Lake Powell</a></b>, in Utah. Both times the houseboating took place in October, not March. The clickable link goes to multiple webpages from the first time I houseboated on Lake Powell.<br /><br />Since I houseboated on Lake Powell the houseboats have been upgraded to include satellite TV, and, I think, microwaves. The peace and quiet on Lake Powell is so pleasant it seems criminal to add the noise of TVs.<br /><br />The clearest night sky I have ever been under was the first Lake Powell float. The second October float was under clouds. And rain. Which was somewhat fun, what with it making for a wild ride hitting waves generated by the wind. And waterfalls falling down the cliffs.<br /><br />Last I heard the water level had fallen so much that boats are not on the lake. <p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-16460212857705406852024-03-11T12:15:00.004-05:002024-03-11T12:15:44.233-05:00Pleased To Use Caution Today At Mount Wichita<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FIW8TXW9qeGoaz0D2piJI2AyajcvCjnFToDzc57zGnu6X5aJyQLwlaGb_f58dQXdw1Tjv7K4bt3a8Dztw4GrdhdXRTtaMISgdi8GX6jXtiRrSPO6cgwd4v1J6eTAHg_c8qa84zfTM_9g9Sgx3W5AebjAZpf0zBCBv0UDXzUMFJASgM8nfo9dsJC8Xyaw/s700/Mount%20W2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FIW8TXW9qeGoaz0D2piJI2AyajcvCjnFToDzc57zGnu6X5aJyQLwlaGb_f58dQXdw1Tjv7K4bt3a8Dztw4GrdhdXRTtaMISgdi8GX6jXtiRrSPO6cgwd4v1J6eTAHg_c8qa84zfTM_9g9Sgx3W5AebjAZpf0zBCBv0UDXzUMFJASgM8nfo9dsJC8Xyaw/w400-h300/Mount%20W2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />It has been a few days since I acquired myself some endorphins via outdoor aerobic activity, due to the return of semi-winter-like weather. Chilly, windy, overcast, with some drippage and thunderstorming.<br /><br />But, today, on this second Monday of the third month of 2024, with ten days til the arrival of Spring, it was back to Lake Wichita Park I ventured, for a long walk around Mount Wichita.<br /><br />I was not the only one out having themselves a mighty fine time today under the clear blue sky.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbyx1-8wneqvmz6YwecAdiFR6SMzKJ7YOAvKCwxtJ0xjf032dQOxkZtsm2Ey2103JiUTnw2aDRxJkuYR5LPegoYdOAtGlR2mUZmTvFWQAEs2jpZ4BEB_YA8AvD-QroMC472HZTG85awTrK4tT5_-RH7pAdZnY8K8Y3RbLsusnx67tCXmhuYPaNy0vY4v0/s700/Mount%20W.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbyx1-8wneqvmz6YwecAdiFR6SMzKJ7YOAvKCwxtJ0xjf032dQOxkZtsm2Ey2103JiUTnw2aDRxJkuYR5LPegoYdOAtGlR2mUZmTvFWQAEs2jpZ4BEB_YA8AvD-QroMC472HZTG85awTrK4tT5_-RH7pAdZnY8K8Y3RbLsusnx67tCXmhuYPaNy0vY4v0/w400-h300/Mount%20W.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I saw a kid and his dog make their way to the summit of Mount Wichita. The kid's mom made it about halfway before giving up.<br /><br />Hiking to the summit of Mount Wichita looks like it should be easy. <br /><br />It is not easy. <br /><br />Ascending gets the heart beating fast, descending is treacherous, way too easy to twist an ankle or take a tumble.<br /><br />Hence the multiple signs advising to PLEASE USE CAUSTION WHEN CLIMBING HILL.<br /><br />I do not know why the only thing slightly resembling a mountain, for miles in any direction, is referred to as a HILL. <p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-20065452889727817442024-03-10T14:06:00.000-05:002024-03-10T14:06:08.747-05:00Microsoft Remembers Ruby Leading Grandma Miss Daisy Down An Arizona Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Ra50_Ju-ybNzi6T5P-xLD1gERW170E9GMPdKsV6TqqjKn9C93HFRQbyhroFScVgBjUs0rQjzfe8SSQPNFuDLta-l54U2Cm9zZQnDafHzSBaVn6GXimSzD4a4M81yomzZ4cFZN8RIhN99pkf9N89Es1Y0DQu_aptl-bbMpqCYcatY1F1NqmKYqzY47jc/s700/AZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Ra50_Ju-ybNzi6T5P-xLD1gERW170E9GMPdKsV6TqqjKn9C93HFRQbyhroFScVgBjUs0rQjzfe8SSQPNFuDLta-l54U2Cm9zZQnDafHzSBaVn6GXimSzD4a4M81yomzZ4cFZN8RIhN99pkf9N89Es1Y0DQu_aptl-bbMpqCYcatY1F1NqmKYqzY47jc/w400-h300/AZ.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Another day where I remember some of the Microsoft OneDrive Memories from this Day. <br /><br />What you see here happened in March of 2019. I do not remember exactly what day in March.<br /><br />Just realized, I likely blogged about this day. Just a sec, I shall see if that is the case.<br /><br />Yes, on Monday, March 11, 2019 I posted a blog post about that which you see here, with the actual day this happened being two days prior, on Saturday, March 9, 2019<br /><br />The blog post title was <b><a href="https://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2019/03/cool-arizona-pool-with-theo-driving.html" target="_blank">Cool Arizona Pool With Theo Driving Ruby On Handlebars</a></b>.<br /><br />My sister, Jackie was a bit surprised when suddenly all the kids, and me, got in her pool. Jackie thought it too cool to pool. I was used to getting in a cool pool in Texas. <br /><br />The photo above happened after having fun in the cool pool. Ruby led the way to a nearby park, with me wheeling Ruby's grandma, also known as Miss Daisy. This day was the last time my mom had all her kids, but the one none of us get along with, at the same place at the same time.<br /><br />This was a fun day.<div><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6VYcAMGb1AR-Wdd9iA9H7Naim9kqITbwSFSQscOC3GZjCVXiZX2sVvT3UgIIs9XniQIefb3qcS7KvTv8d14zGZpTAO1tsrnnUC8wn2qemgg5V7BMXjTg0wXG5XAM5u6F1mq_V-OuZbOvYhbnSy9vTCftrrwSzrEgQzMdE49oJjeusY3drCEAwjuFMALJ/s733/AZ2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6VYcAMGb1AR-Wdd9iA9H7Naim9kqITbwSFSQscOC3GZjCVXiZX2sVvT3UgIIs9XniQIefb3qcS7KvTv8d14zGZpTAO1tsrnnUC8wn2qemgg5V7BMXjTg0wXG5XAM5u6F1mq_V-OuZbOvYhbnSy9vTCftrrwSzrEgQzMdE49oJjeusY3drCEAwjuFMALJ/w480-h640/AZ2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />That would be me lifting nephew David out of the pool. This was five years ago. I do not think I could manage to lift the current version of David.<br /><br />I also probably could not lift the current version of David's little brother and sister, Theo and David. The kids have grown a lot since I last saw them, five years ago.<br /><br />I probably could lift the newest members of the Slotemaker Jones family, Hank Frank and Cade...<br /><br /><br /></div>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-48310572678762096932024-03-09T14:51:00.001-06:002024-03-09T14:51:54.427-06:00Microsoft's OneDrive Remembers Me Holding Newborn Spencer Jack In Texas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8olETTsrwwfrnTJe-t29Y-VyRO22PCftpazWbb6ZWIOTl5hnQXPlQELfzncRKu_TdRGK83sjSvxP8wahKOMrBjpSN1PkwDPGaog4hFu_LR_xi7RCPFP2J90mhhNGbir5hK_9HbUpl9EppGvwZKWFQ45XhtZPt3OanjatK6-Gy0CtFEmnwx11v2SV-nMc/s534/Baby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8olETTsrwwfrnTJe-t29Y-VyRO22PCftpazWbb6ZWIOTl5hnQXPlQELfzncRKu_TdRGK83sjSvxP8wahKOMrBjpSN1PkwDPGaog4hFu_LR_xi7RCPFP2J90mhhNGbir5hK_9HbUpl9EppGvwZKWFQ45XhtZPt3OanjatK6-Gy0CtFEmnwx11v2SV-nMc/w375-h400/Baby.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />One of today's Microsoft OneDrive Memories from this Day totally perplexed me. A photo of me holding a baby. <br /><br />I can tell this was taken in Texas, at my location in Fort Worth, due to the wall behind me and the fact that a cowboy hat sits on my head.<br /><br />I have never had a cowboy hat on my head outside of Texas.<br /><br />And I have never held a baby in Texas.<br /><br />I clicked on the OneDrive Memories link to see all the memories from this day and soon figured out who the baby is which I am holding.<br /><br />Spencer Jack.<br /><br />There were multiple photos of multiple people holding the baby I was holding. When I saw the baby being held by Spencer Jack's mom, Jenny, I knew who the baby was that I was holding.<br /><br />So, how did newborn baby Spencer Jack, in Washington, get held by me in Washington? The next photo answers that troubling question. Well, sort of answers it.<br /><p></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbREfifikyxgO30G4RwRUIU0muCbhot0yiXpmdamuYK3HS1SyE1vdn3CM3eZiAGKLXhOnMJ6sp1PmjD6OHcxOlMb0wAYeZSxjCleIpTP-HZpDqaekq26HNc3khwcTYVph_v5HUewAgJecOf7_Rj1vPIzhFY0SmD0HhhpSds6ZbyMm4eEG2NT91KL_AQ66/s516/Baby2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbREfifikyxgO30G4RwRUIU0muCbhot0yiXpmdamuYK3HS1SyE1vdn3CM3eZiAGKLXhOnMJ6sp1PmjD6OHcxOlMb0wAYeZSxjCleIpTP-HZpDqaekq26HNc3khwcTYVph_v5HUewAgJecOf7_Rj1vPIzhFY0SmD0HhhpSds6ZbyMm4eEG2NT91KL_AQ66/w388-h400/Baby2.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />That would be my Favorite Nephew Joey, holding his Favorite Nephew Spencer Jack, in what looks to be the exact same way I was holding Spencer Jack.<br /><br />Apparently, I did some photo altering, so as to make myself one of those taking a turn holding Spencer Jack. I suspect I must have blogged about my newest relative and included multiple photos of multiple people in Washington holding Spencer Jack, along with the faked photo of me holding Spencer Jack. <br /><br />I would go find that long ago blog post, but that would seem to likely be way too time consuming.<br /><br />Just looked anyway, and it was not too time consuming to figure out the birth of Spencer Jack predates, by about a year, the birth of this blog...Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-67653649856417038682024-03-08T09:55:00.002-06:002024-03-08T09:55:59.314-06:00Forters Living In The Unexpected City With The Imaginary Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcVeuXUeFbhCXObXOoTqZ_gNYcxJDjF5RKU-9WFiaMEw10z_Sq4AmJA2YjMl2lmJSKDCJwEdkjU5foDeK-a6dKZc6Uo8Zca3vUb7zhIdCFTT9toQ7ZFBhpAdL1cT-6K709nEouBjFnEbigxPVALLKYiELxyAhQuo9WIL4yfmju1fBMgduwVDVd-x0EwNf/s551/Waterfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="551" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcVeuXUeFbhCXObXOoTqZ_gNYcxJDjF5RKU-9WFiaMEw10z_Sq4AmJA2YjMl2lmJSKDCJwEdkjU5foDeK-a6dKZc6Uo8Zca3vUb7zhIdCFTT9toQ7ZFBhpAdL1cT-6K709nEouBjFnEbigxPVALLKYiELxyAhQuo9WIL4yfmju1fBMgduwVDVd-x0EwNf/w400-h285/Waterfront.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />An amusing comment today, from someone named Anonymous, about a blog post yesterday about Fort Worth's imaginary island and the latest vision of the imaginary island, which is remarkably close to the original vision which was first seen over two decades ago.<br /><br />The new vision sees a one-of-a-kind waterfront. Which, one must assume, means it will not be a waterfront of the sort which has piers jutting out into the water, with big boats, like cruise ships and ferry boats, docking at the piers.<br /><br />Here is the comment from Anonymous....<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Anonymous has left a new comment on your post </span>"<b><a href="https://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2024/03/fort-worths-one-of-kind-waterfront-on.html" target="_blank">Fort Worth's One Of A Kind Waterfront On An Imaginary Island</a></b>":</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Muckrack.com ranks the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's circulation as the 26th biggest in the state of Texas. The 13th biggest city(Fort Worth) in the US has only the 26th biggest newspaper in Texas. The unexpected city! C'mon, Forters, you can do better. Let's get that collective effervescence going! Let's go, go, go. LFG!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Muckrack, by the way, is trusted by companies like Google, NPR, The New York Times, VISA, FedEx and many other top flight organizations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Forters, by the way, is the latest and greatest demonym for people living in Fort Worth the unexpected city.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">______________________</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have zero clue as to why Fort Worth is the unexpected city. But, I have heard that said previously, more than once...</div></div></div><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-865958522343775202024-03-07T10:04:00.000-06:002024-03-07T10:04:43.174-06:00Fort Worth's One Of A Kind Waterfront On An Imaginary Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM2Q6wWMmBGkJs0V26Gxxa3mktrTfEwUNNNMnOPSxwZ22U2KUHf2_1msCJ5epYRyp0RE6PX-7D6WoksK6GQ7GqQ6R_QQgkJqLa7LGDf_ZGoIoBoh4Ha4tRmKwMxkbrcxSVVJ9GWwJnC43jZ2rCI16RJnTLIs5raAjTm6Vhrz9C1lfrmTffT7UTdzq-eyQ/s332/TRV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="332" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM2Q6wWMmBGkJs0V26Gxxa3mktrTfEwUNNNMnOPSxwZ22U2KUHf2_1msCJ5epYRyp0RE6PX-7D6WoksK6GQ7GqQ6R_QQgkJqLa7LGDf_ZGoIoBoh4Ha4tRmKwMxkbrcxSVVJ9GWwJnC43jZ2rCI16RJnTLIs5raAjTm6Vhrz9C1lfrmTffT7UTdzq-eyQ/s320/TRV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />That which you see here is a screencap from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Thursday March 7, 2024 online edition.<br /><br />I was unable to read the Star-Telegram's article about this supposed new vision of the Trinity River Vision.<br /><br />But I was able to read all about the new vision in the Fort Worth Report, it being a more journalistically elevated local news source than the Star-Telegram.<br /><br />The Fort Worth Report article is titled <b><a href="https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/05/fort-worth-leaders-reveal-new-roadmap-for-developing-panther-island-where-does-it-lead/" target="_blank">Fort Worth leaders reveal new roadmap for developing Panther Island. Where does it lead?</a></b><br /><br />Reading the article, I was not really able to glean where this new roadmap is leading. <br /><br />This supposed new vision seems to be pretty much like the previous vision. An imaginary island, with multiple parks, residential developments, commercial development, hoping to entice a corporation to move its corporate headquarters to the imaginary island.<br /><br />This new vision reads as a bit hyperbolic, just like the old vision did, with its quarterly propaganda mailings touting the slow progress and the wonders to come with the slow-moving Boondoggle.<br /><br />"<i>One of a kind waterfront</i>' is an example of the new vision's hyperbolic propaganda.<br /><br />Waterfront? Have these people not been to a town with an actual waterfront, you know, of the sort where ferry boats and cruise ships and other boats arrive and depart.<br /><br />Towns like Galveston, Corpus Christi, to name a couple Texas examples.<br /><br />I do not think San Antonio ever describes its iconic Riverwalk as a waterfront.<br /><br />See that little bridge in the screencap from the Star-Telegram. That is one of three little bridges which took an astonishing seven years to build. Over dry land. Awaiting a cement-lined ditch to be dug under the bridges, with Trinity River water diverted into the ditch, creating the imaginary island, with the three bridges connecting the Fort Worth mainland to the imaginary island.<br /><br />It is hard to believe this nonsense has been going on now for well over two decades, with no end in sight...<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-75917661726520539482024-03-05T12:16:00.000-06:002024-03-05T12:16:09.728-06:00Taking My Facebook Aggravation To Windy Lake Wichita Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk4GPFlwetdzEDV0Ssjqn7Ip64hW6S7UudbU7adliOBJYmpEIfwqTafFlhe1NCRcqM6X8e_DH7M1aRgsKPBLQ3bErjSiMouOxJrF-2L88QjHx7ZAKkXElvibR7rgjm3BGu_-VV9N616czadsHz0E0_p81Fgq_DfnvbA4dKHa2i_vcV1o1KaSr3PJzLHUv/s700/Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk4GPFlwetdzEDV0Ssjqn7Ip64hW6S7UudbU7adliOBJYmpEIfwqTafFlhe1NCRcqM6X8e_DH7M1aRgsKPBLQ3bErjSiMouOxJrF-2L88QjHx7ZAKkXElvibR7rgjm3BGu_-VV9N616czadsHz0E0_p81Fgq_DfnvbA4dKHa2i_vcV1o1KaSr3PJzLHUv/w400-h300/Lake.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />The view you see here is looking southeast at a backwoods vantage point in Lake Wichita Park. My destination this morning, after spending a few minutes being aggravated by Facebook malfunctioning.<br /><br />That water you see is not Lake Wichita. It is a large pond which currently is mostly dried up.<br /><br />The temperature has cooled from yesterday's balmy 80s. <br /><br />In the 60s today with a strong wind blowing.<br /><br />Fast walking got me sufficient endorphins to end the bad mood Facebook had put me in. <br /><br />And now Facebook is back behaving properly...<br /><br /><br /><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-2261414092851912642024-03-04T07:46:00.001-06:002024-03-04T07:46:16.778-06:00New Improved Vision Of Fort Worth's Imaginary Island Boondoggle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlhiXQod5PKSwH8d4eGaWIOG_zdqoHDvFO4OQfKTmIajK9wGbO8RQZIHZ_AMZmawrvC74XUahRnYett9r0dA8lh4JmWXGI9YFadroO9BkJW0PtZdMrtc4x-FJzrS0iVeP-eSXBwsUUeWdg2K5j-aOC26wjuA4wOlCqJ_RATg2Gtz1vYnkPUHNjTmTwC3V/s741/Island.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="741" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlhiXQod5PKSwH8d4eGaWIOG_zdqoHDvFO4OQfKTmIajK9wGbO8RQZIHZ_AMZmawrvC74XUahRnYett9r0dA8lh4JmWXGI9YFadroO9BkJW0PtZdMrtc4x-FJzrS0iVeP-eSXBwsUUeWdg2K5j-aOC26wjuA4wOlCqJ_RATg2Gtz1vYnkPUHNjTmTwC3V/w400-h349/Island.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I saw that which you see here in the Saturday edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. <br /><br />Just the headline got my head shaking and eyes rolling.<br /><br />Over two decades ago a big headline on the front page of the print version of the Star-Telegram screamed "<i>Trinity Uptown to Turn Fort Worth into Vancouver of the South</i>".<br /><br />I remember seeing that and wondering what fresh absurd ridiculousness is this? Who could have guessed the absurdity would get so ridiculous, and last so long.<br /><br />Soon the name morphed into the Trinity River Vision.<br /><br />Because Fort Worth does not operate like a big city wearing its big boy pants, the public was not asked to approve this project and fund it.<br /><br />The project was touted as a vitally needed flood control and economic development scheme. So vitally needed nothing much has come of the scheme, despite millions of dollars spent over the past couple decades.<br /><br />Oh, there are the three freeway overpass type bridges, built over dry land, to connect the Fort Worth mainland to an imaginary island, awaiting a cement lined ditch to be dug under the bridges and filled with diverted Trinity River water.<br /><br />Those three simple little bridges took an astonishing seven years to build.<br /><br />And, almost forgot to mention, this vitally needed flood control project is in an area which has not flooded for well over half a century, due to levees installed way back in the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers.<br /><br />Due to the fact that the citizens of Fort Worth were not asked to approve of this project via a bond issue it was determined that federal funds might be acquired. To that end, J.D. Granger was hired to be the director of this public works project, a job for which he had zero credentials or experience, a fact which soon became evident as various malapropisms and public embarrassments ensued.<br /><br />Why hire J.D. Granger? <br /><br />Well, his mother, Kay Granger, was the congresswoman representing the district of what became known as the Trinity River Central City Uptown Panther Island District Vision. It was thought giving her son a high paying job directing the Trinity River Vision would motivate his mother to secure federal funds.<br /><br />When Trump came along Kay tried and failed to secure federal funds. And then gerrymandering moved Kay's district out of the Trinity River Vision zone, causing J.D. to lose his cushy job. <br /><br />But not before hiring him, after firing him, for six months at $12,000 a month, allegedly so J.D. could share his vast knowledge of the stumbling project with the new people directing it.<br /><br />And then Biden's Infrastructure bill passed. And suddenly there were federal funds available for Fort Worth's ridiculous Boondoggle, to the tune of around a half billion bucks.<br /><br />And now we have this latest <b><a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article286140661.html" target="_blank">The new and improved vision for Fort Worth’s Panther Island is about to be unveiled</a></b> article in the Star-Telegram.<br /><br />The article contains several Star-Telegram doozies.<br /><br />Such as...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">The presentation comes more than two decades after the first strategic plans for the island were developed and eight years after the last update to Fort Worth’s Panther Island zoning codes. </span><br /><br />More than two decades after the first strategic plans for the island were developed. Uh, the imaginary island did not become part of the nonsense til several years into the Boondoggle.<br /><br />And then this...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">The island is a byproduct of the 1.5-mile channel being built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The channel will connect two sections of the Trinity River north of downtown as a way to improve the city’s flood protection. </span></div></div><div><br />Does no one in Fort Worth know what an island actually is? The channel will connect two sections of the river as a way to improve the city's flood protection? Like we already said, there has been no flood in that area since levees were installed to prevent such. <br /><br />Meanwhile, there are other areas of Fort Worth and Tarrant County in dire need of flood mitigation. Such as the Trinity River in East Fort Worth, which floods anytime the river runs high. Or deadly creeks which go into flash flood mode due to poorly planned development.<br /><br />And this paragraph mentioning Kay's attempt at getting funding, without mentioning Kay...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Congress approved $526 million in 2016, but disagreements with the Trump administration over the project’s feasibility held up funding until the November 2021 passage of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enabled the Army Corps to allocate $403 million toward the project in January 2022. </span></div></div><div><br />And then there is this...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">The initial plans for the island’s development focused on dense residential buildings with some commercial spaces. However, a preliminary report from HR&A in August 2023 called for the district to be a mix of residential, entertainment and recreation with the potential to attract companies and talent to the city. </span><br /><br />Was this not what the supposed vision was always seeing, from the start? A mix of residential, entertainment and recreation. But, claiming this might have potential to attract companies and talent to Fort Worth? Well, the town does not have much luck with either, and I doubt the imaginary island will change that.<br /><br />And, finally, this...<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: courier;">It’s expected to address potential impacts to nearby neighborhoods like the north side where residents have expressed concerns about the island’s impact on the area’s unique culture. HR&A’s August 2023 report said the island should have a distinct culture while at the same time complementing and connecting its surrounding neighborhoods.</span></div></div></div><div><br />Yes, that is totally believable. Residents expressing concern over the imaginary island's impact on the area's unique culture? What culture are we talking about here? The <b><a href="https://www.durangotexas.com/eyesontexas/fortworth/stockyards.htm" target="_blank">Fort Worth Stockyards</a></b>? How could the imaginary island impact Fort Worth's one and only legit tourist attraction?<br /><br />Aren't the people of Fort Worth tired of this Boondoggle? Driving over those three bridges over nothing. Seeing that absurd roundabout with the million-dollar piece of supposed sculptural art which J.D. Granger somehow foisted on the Boondoggle.<br /><br />Does that massive installation of Trinity River Vision propaganda billboards still exist at Gateway Park, by the Fort Woof Dog Park? Touting all the wonders to come from the Trinity River Vision.<br /><br />The Boondoggle continues to be so perplexing. Over two decades of being perplexing...</div>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-84543249602775203582024-03-03T07:40:00.001-06:002024-03-03T07:40:26.849-06:00Long Ago Microsoft OneDrive Memory Of Me & My Siblings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT33ebCMu2Yy6FLzI_guMTm68IHONWx1XMOcItT8fSXgm8uBcEWg8Ehg2X1jw0RQ-Y0JT1o5XtoKo0BickE3MpZngrPyIoJf-aZzig0y_dGTFESD3k4V9WurVTRQqks_3LNAtHGIXeyhViyHEBgHoKX7Akrn4LjTk9KEh0Tp3Dry315urSvtwxU3Sglni/s500/Sibs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="500" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT33ebCMu2Yy6FLzI_guMTm68IHONWx1XMOcItT8fSXgm8uBcEWg8Ehg2X1jw0RQ-Y0JT1o5XtoKo0BickE3MpZngrPyIoJf-aZzig0y_dGTFESD3k4V9WurVTRQqks_3LNAtHGIXeyhViyHEBgHoKX7Akrn4LjTk9KEh0Tp3Dry315urSvtwxU3Sglni/w400-h394/Sibs.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />The photo you see here showed up this Sunday morning in my email, in the daily Microsoft OneDrive Memories from this Day.<br /><br />I do not actually remember this memory. As in why the photo was taken. But, I do remember where the photo was taken. And who is in the photo.<br /><br />From the left, that is Genora Olson, then my eldest sister, Nancy, then my little brother, Jake, then my little sister, Jackie, then me, being bigger than all of them at that point in time. <br /><br />Which is no longer the case.<br /><br />The photo was taken in our front yard, in Burlington, Washington. Our house was at the north side of Burlington's Maiben Park. The Olson's house was at the south side of the park.<br /><br />I think the last time I saw Genora Olson was way back in the 1990s. In the Mount Vernon Post Office. I remember that incident of seeing Genora because she made some remark about how broad my shoulders are. <br /><br />A remark I thought a tad odd, as I did not think of myself as having broad shoulders. I'm not actually sure I know what is meant by 'broad shoulders'...<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-11148841091862628862024-03-02T13:55:00.001-06:002024-03-02T13:55:15.783-06:00Spring-Like Saturday In Lucy Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFxFOgKV_TA2Vk1HYYUXmt7iWjqlygRuqtrUtCuc5b43OmNoaWD2Zs5sblQ0abtfWmbbPdFI9yEUEyPwl-IznVBMGBzhiOY4N0L_D8dfoN3ol4FInFD6swDQl12HMmMurdct45pRuGBPFfa0DjQitiJiibR2mKNRb-lAHwOOPULlvEzV_8LuJZMDsR3C/s700/Lucy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFxFOgKV_TA2Vk1HYYUXmt7iWjqlygRuqtrUtCuc5b43OmNoaWD2Zs5sblQ0abtfWmbbPdFI9yEUEyPwl-IznVBMGBzhiOY4N0L_D8dfoN3ol4FInFD6swDQl12HMmMurdct45pRuGBPFfa0DjQitiJiibR2mKNRb-lAHwOOPULlvEzV_8LuJZMDsR3C/w400-h300/Lucy.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Yesterday, the first day of the third month of 2024, Summer-like weather returned, heating the outer world into the high70s. <br /><br />Getting heated that HOT felt real good after the multi-day return to frigid Winter-like weather had North Texas freezing when you take the wind chill factor into account.<br /><br />And now, on this second day, and first Saturday of the third month of 2024, the temperature is soaring into the 80s. This made for a mighty fine return to Lucy Park, for some nature communing and fast-paced walking.<br /><br />There were a lot of fellow sun worshipers out and about at Lucy Park today. Most people, and dogs, I have seen in quite some time.<br /><br />The sky is bright blue, no smoky haze, no smoky smell. The wind switched directions, currently blowing north, instead of south, which brought hazy smoke to town.<br /><br />I suspect Winter weather is gone for now, not to return til next Winter<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-74567085875820669392024-02-29T12:16:00.000-06:002024-02-29T12:16:05.057-06:00Final February Rainy Day Walmart Walk With Alligator Nuggets<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX0byijsu-05UO985oYJxwAfKz8NRTE3D_DiamuDAaLdn1vauoZzAn-xAqQqmrEnNPyITVRtgxtWeEU3WwoO61Zf8RLqVrFiXe83NO-t9_0_9yRyJEuWnuD7f3nZNsiJ5f6mGsK7F3ov368HEU4ui5Punyg89M80VpOyWuCM-dLQUpg5vLdtOTLeIzPBM/s700/Gator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX0byijsu-05UO985oYJxwAfKz8NRTE3D_DiamuDAaLdn1vauoZzAn-xAqQqmrEnNPyITVRtgxtWeEU3WwoO61Zf8RLqVrFiXe83NO-t9_0_9yRyJEuWnuD7f3nZNsiJ5f6mGsK7F3ov368HEU4ui5Punyg89M80VpOyWuCM-dLQUpg5vLdtOTLeIzPBM/w400-h300/Gator.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I have not ventured into the outer world for walking purposes the past couple days due to cold temperatures and strong winds rendering doing such to be unpleasant.<br /><br />Today, on the last day of the second month of 2024, we are still cold, not so windy, but rain has been added to the weather mix.<br /><br />The rain seems to have dampened down the smoke blowing in from the Texas Panhandle wildfires.<br /><br />So, today, what with beginning to feel the effects of wanton slothfulness, I made my way to my nearest Walmart, for a cart pushing walk with the Walmart throngs.<br /><br />I walked 44 move minutes, according to my phone's Google Fit app.<br /><br />During the course of those 44 Walmart Google move minutes I walked by the seafood display. <br /><br />Are Gator Nuggets and Filet of Alligator sold in Walmart's outside of the South? That is what you see photo documented above.<br /><br />I have not had myself any Gator Nuggets or Filet of Alligator, and have zero intention of ever doing so. <br /><br />I don't even like catfish, which is a sad seafood staple here in the South...<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-18303635768980338112024-02-28T07:30:00.001-06:002024-02-28T07:30:14.696-06:00Welcome To Texas Where It Is Often Too Hot To Drive Friendly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu12X16vk411S8JfwL0j9OYJ-IG6EMK83c1AD0WW__m5WxPHpTUXhbGtLgQaOZjTMW7RLOTfiCnLk0RABsLxO5X3q85Kr37vYQX7NKTOBsFrI7gpUo8yOibmcT1MrOKa8a6C_2UmBiyE6WsuiMFWOw4R14wd5II_xlPBrWFleFRKm7Auzc434oBNpDOOjr/s843/90.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu12X16vk411S8JfwL0j9OYJ-IG6EMK83c1AD0WW__m5WxPHpTUXhbGtLgQaOZjTMW7RLOTfiCnLk0RABsLxO5X3q85Kr37vYQX7NKTOBsFrI7gpUo8yOibmcT1MrOKa8a6C_2UmBiyE6WsuiMFWOw4R14wd5II_xlPBrWFleFRKm7Auzc434oBNpDOOjr/w400-h400/90.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Well, the early return to Summer ended overnight, with a fresh blast of cold air blowing in from the North.<br /><br />Two degrees above freezing when I woke up my computer this morning, a few minutes before the sun arrived to illuminate the day.<br /><br />And, that cold air blowing in from the north seems to have blown in smoke from the wildfires burning out of control in the Texas Panhandle. <br /><br />I am assuming the smoke I am smelling is from the wildfires, but have read no confirmation of such.<br /><br />The return to semi-Winter-like temperatures is not scheduled to last too long. Just a couple days, and then we are back in the 70s and 80s and maybe 90s.<br /><br />Methinks these balmy days of Winter are a dire indicator that we are heading into a Super Hot Summer...<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-47489110746049034452024-02-26T09:19:00.003-06:002024-02-26T09:19:52.056-06:00Wichita Falls 91 Degree High Today<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUiA7lcFI0Z74fvzDFa5dXEL6aSTE3kRTYGS0XFvLy0OfVfpnfuoTD72fgQnKhg-8jk_7MdGk03O9KsLtexce5o5hmxs6UTGUq464QvCu0gy69e1lz1u0g51YdwMIjYqaP0qYNaoyREBF5-ASvCWVJuihdWFAsfwVOUrDDF1eY5lnE3plVTaRpR49H80Q/s630/91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="630" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUiA7lcFI0Z74fvzDFa5dXEL6aSTE3kRTYGS0XFvLy0OfVfpnfuoTD72fgQnKhg-8jk_7MdGk03O9KsLtexce5o5hmxs6UTGUq464QvCu0gy69e1lz1u0g51YdwMIjYqaP0qYNaoyREBF5-ASvCWVJuihdWFAsfwVOUrDDF1eY5lnE3plVTaRpR49H80Q/w400-h220/91.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Three days left in the second month of 2024, with North Texas continuing to bake in a Summer-like heat wave.<br /><br />I'd go swimming today, if my pool was not drained.<br /><br />I could go swimming in one of the nearby lakes, if I had not determined to never do so again after being chased by a mad turtle in Lake Grapevine, along with seeing a garfish, and water moccasins. <br /><br />The nearby lakes are all murky, so you can not see what lurks beneath the surface.<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-71466835330406429092024-02-26T08:34:00.000-06:002024-02-26T08:34:04.155-06:00Getting Detained In Canada With David, Theo & Ruby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09QqJMnGkn_G07XLn80sgUnWZCjijpG0Fi5AgUFfsCiweHCFT3S7xnonFu_arWMsXiyfdCI7ZTkcxSa1XzuY-wZTfA6lbXtk6HCxf_3TaaznBnkG-GMfkKXe41XHw595jZtJ1thwyF7WvhxvV7UEyuigjm_C-zuvyqc9teq3jphCX0mz-C8j9x7wT8yiR/s700/Lynden.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09QqJMnGkn_G07XLn80sgUnWZCjijpG0Fi5AgUFfsCiweHCFT3S7xnonFu_arWMsXiyfdCI7ZTkcxSa1XzuY-wZTfA6lbXtk6HCxf_3TaaznBnkG-GMfkKXe41XHw595jZtJ1thwyF7WvhxvV7UEyuigjm_C-zuvyqc9teq3jphCX0mz-C8j9x7wT8yiR/w480-h640/Lynden.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span _msthash="18223" _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="891887152"><span _istranslated="1" _msthash="1640" _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="193917386">Incoming "<i _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1">Where in the PNW (Pacific Northwest) are David, Ruby?</i>" email showed up this morning when I woke up my computer. <br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><span _istranslated="1" _msthash="8188" _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="27409369">Text in the email indicated this one is too easy to guess where the Tacoma Trio are. Which it clearly is, what with the Slotemaker Road sign indicating the Tacoma Trio were in the Lynden zone, a short distance from the border with Canada.</span><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" />The rest of the text in the email, that accompanied four instances of photo documentation, was a chilling tale of what it is like these days at the border, a border which used to be super simple to cross, both going to Canada, and coming back to the U.S.<br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" />The email text telling the chilling tale is below the next photo.</span><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /> <br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /> <br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><span _istranslated="1" _msthash="1643" _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="860264925">There seem to be some details missing in this cross border detention tale. They must have somehow accidentally driven across the border. I don't quite know how one might accidentally do that. At the Lynden crossing you clearly know you are at the border, you pass through a checkpoint to enter, something you don't accidentally do.<br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" /><br _istranslated="1" _mstmutation="1" />I am thinking crossing the border has drastically changed since I last did so. Back then you did not even have to show an I.D., let alone a passport. The Canadian border guy would just ask where you're going and if you are all American citizens. Then on the return the American border guy would ask a question or two, like do you have anything to declare that you purchased. <br _istranslated="1" /></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o-1eJqdcJVz6qEfUBumhJOkke2ZUgd_AC0lLKcNJRIBRDuwt5L8MSnSRwoz4WZphP8THZa4WWjXmR2lAdk3gWtCUo-nfRfoJQIF_IVA13YSavQDErGzJLf9Y0BZwEW9lKTstkBEvoMVFe5KetQuX5XlwXoZTPVVgzZ__xCehXQGQRnK8H0poNkNHEpbF/s700/Lynden2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o-1eJqdcJVz6qEfUBumhJOkke2ZUgd_AC0lLKcNJRIBRDuwt5L8MSnSRwoz4WZphP8THZa4WWjXmR2lAdk3gWtCUo-nfRfoJQIF_IVA13YSavQDErGzJLf9Y0BZwEW9lKTstkBEvoMVFe5KetQuX5XlwXoZTPVVgzZ__xCehXQGQRnK8H0poNkNHEpbF/w400-h300/Lynden2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><span _msthash="1641" _msttexthash="275271490" style="font-family: courier;"><br />Ok, this one is too easy. But a funny story. Went to Bellingham for a soccer game. Jake and Joe and Monique and Henry came to the game. Henry is a hoot! And Ruby’s team won 1-0, so now they need to come to all the games. After, we hit up Slotemaker road again, had a lovely lunch with Judy and the Whatcom County cousins, visited mom and dad then got ice cream cones at Edeleen. Since we were so close to the border, we drove to show the kids. But we went too far, had to enter Canada, didn’t have ID for the kids and we got detained! I had pics of their passports on my phone and that worked and they gave us paperwork to get back into the US. It was a bit of an ordeal. They even searched our car. So weird!</span></div><div><br /><span _msthash="1642" _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="8330361">I am assuming Edeleens is a dairy store selling ice cream that has arrived in Lynden since I was last there, back in August of 2017.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwW03RPcH_8GlPQ63-C2OZfu06slto1C2Ux225zgajyX-gVTwSPmGa4SvIsBFL0qMJrvJAVDu9pcJ-pzKK9xfdZCOPk8n7yLG68L_viXfhMH8g4vrrkQeSSpZ_sAOlihbTKv2OmohuVmxU1KmwPmjmB_4YMWq_vgsjxhE9BW3FR-d4_eQ_56iA_BYitZm/s700/Lynden3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwW03RPcH_8GlPQ63-C2OZfu06slto1C2Ux225zgajyX-gVTwSPmGa4SvIsBFL0qMJrvJAVDu9pcJ-pzKK9xfdZCOPk8n7yLG68L_viXfhMH8g4vrrkQeSSpZ_sAOlihbTKv2OmohuVmxU1KmwPmjmB_4YMWq_vgsjxhE9BW3FR-d4_eQ_56iA_BYitZm/w300-h400/Lynden3.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><div _msthash="31143" _msttexthash="76388" style="text-align: left;">I assume the above is a border marker at the Lynden border location. I do not recollect ever having seen this myself. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRGfXP378a9oE1plfxv8jbF2h4YHrs5p8hDgR8E0izE-JhZ4lxWA3cP6poHHI3PF2GqGudqgI7UuwUunYDQ0eBD9ynAPBRqO8eY88u9_f-5gVSpoRcLbf4RXDX4B6Alds6J7NoQKiUXHdmY_gux2BoMBB7OpFwauTV8LGyCAzNqB_nB_UTKOgUU0XizSM/s700/Lynden4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRGfXP378a9oE1plfxv8jbF2h4YHrs5p8hDgR8E0izE-JhZ4lxWA3cP6poHHI3PF2GqGudqgI7UuwUunYDQ0eBD9ynAPBRqO8eY88u9_f-5gVSpoRcLbf4RXDX4B6Alds6J7NoQKiUXHdmY_gux2BoMBB7OpFwauTV8LGyCAzNqB_nB_UTKOgUU0XizSM/w480-h640/Lynden4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div _msthash="21090" _msttexthash="8856536">I am assuming the above photo shows Theo, David and Ruby in the detention area, awaiting being cleared for passage back to America.</div><div><br /></div><div _msthash="21089" _msttexthash="58501378">When my siblings and I were kids we were often taken to Canada by our parental units. Usually entering via the crossing at Blaine, which is the location of the iconic Peace Arch Park. When we were kids we thought it great fun to jump back and forth across the border, thinking it clever to later say we went to Canada 50 times today, or some such number.</div><div><br /></div><div _msthash="21088" _msttexthash="15441426">I do not recollect ever going to Blaine's Peace Arch Park with David, Theo & Ruby's Mama Michele. Michele is the youngest of my siblings, younger than me by almost two decades...</div>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-58488815477207746972024-02-25T13:46:00.004-06:002024-02-25T13:46:53.288-06:00OneDrive Memory Of Enchanted Rock & Ralph The Swimming Pig<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs0aE0xoPtWzXIW640KVeDFArbRzREAD9mi3ip-VuFOuqUhZxszD__kcuEZnGFERRtpSYkj_A1OXXCQm4nwZ75Ge6tJYOKsdcQ7Ly6jXFzHShv_DK6jbcKhdq0hFIUZ19zMBM79rYAn0i0EGKXniI-gMo9DATXNIIScrtiLJiA0T_ic_ehyphenhyphenE7VMEFPru8/s640/Enchanted.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs0aE0xoPtWzXIW640KVeDFArbRzREAD9mi3ip-VuFOuqUhZxszD__kcuEZnGFERRtpSYkj_A1OXXCQm4nwZ75Ge6tJYOKsdcQ7Ly6jXFzHShv_DK6jbcKhdq0hFIUZ19zMBM79rYAn0i0EGKXniI-gMo9DATXNIIScrtiLJiA0T_ic_ehyphenhyphenE7VMEFPru8/w300-h400/Enchanted.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Another Microsoft OneDrive Memory from this Day, which I actually remember, something which does not happen too often with these alleged photo memories.<br /><br />It was a Winter day, easily could have been in February, during a time when I took myself on a solo roadtrip. <br /><br />First night I stayed in Waco, and mountain biked the trails in Waco's Cameron Park.<br /><br />Second night I stayed in San Marcos, and had fun exploring <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meadows_Center_for_Water_and_the_Environment" target="_blank">Aquarena Springs</a></b>, site of the clearest water I have ever seen, and an abandoned amusement park that one could walk through.<br /><br />Back during its heyday a pig named Ralph, known as The Swimming Pig, put on a show in Spring Lake. One could watch the show from above the lake, or venture into a submarine viewing venue. <br /><br />When I visited one could still climb down into the submarine viewing venue to look deep into the crystal clear water.<br /><br />Leaving San Marcos I found myself in what is known in Texas as Hill Country. This is where one finds Luckenbach, and many other sites of interest. Eventually I found myself at <b><a href="https://www.durangotexas.com/eyesontexas/hillcountry/enchantedrockstatepark.htm" target="_blank">Enchanted Rock State Park</a></b>, which is where the above photo was taken, at the top of the rock, using my long-gone Casio digital camera, which had a feature now known as taking a selfie.<br /><br />Leaving Enchanted Rock I headed south, eventually spending the night in San Antonio, and seeing the Alamo for the first time. That and San Antonio's Riverwalk.<br /><br />The next morning I got a phone call which caused me to hurry back to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex as quick as possible.<br /><br />Remembering that phone call, and all the other phone calls that day, is a memory I would have preferred not to have been reminded of today...<br /><p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-30736655392478068522024-02-24T13:36:00.003-06:002024-02-24T21:48:40.038-06:00Hot Hiking Wichita River Waterfall With No Rattlesnakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf6KFehFXiHT1Wzf5yRIWyp4RtHKleJnmjpO-TjRVq45hUTynsDbd4bm671uADtdZ5T84a-2EDJT9pnKBKaI9pOysZUBEvwEvHCeZGPSZaO15UbmHkN4hdsVIKsPoPq4otzwD1DwXddag7mGpjLCk8as2rim66YufxPGGa7xCCUam3JAYAl4vVUvMHvJ8/s700/Bluff2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf6KFehFXiHT1Wzf5yRIWyp4RtHKleJnmjpO-TjRVq45hUTynsDbd4bm671uADtdZ5T84a-2EDJT9pnKBKaI9pOysZUBEvwEvHCeZGPSZaO15UbmHkN4hdsVIKsPoPq4otzwD1DwXddag7mGpjLCk8as2rim66YufxPGGa7xCCUam3JAYAl4vVUvMHvJ8/w400-h300/Bluff2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Day five of the early return of Summer, during the final weeks of the Winter of 2024, had me overheating on the final Saturday of February fast hiking the Circle Trail as it meanders east of the Wichita Bluff Nature Area.<br /><br />Walking this section of the Circle Trail I do not recollect previously making note of the Wichita River waterfall you see below. This is almost as wild a waterfall as that which remains of the original Wichita Falls, located a few miles further downstream.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqlGc8StkQ55ZXyEUHVs2XIT9f7H8x-fkEkMXZv49nxXD3bTI5W4y5ttFo-Wiag3pMqvzva4VctS7QNFK5uBemGcVjS7GuIHQVYjcLz9KayKGugaf3Em-M8AClWrG2-v1-3yDrdrTVnSQayFBn_TAg_Z8PdAM5mL6aLqjsk_znySxhHeRpElP6OAqs1Z5/s700/Bluff3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqlGc8StkQ55ZXyEUHVs2XIT9f7H8x-fkEkMXZv49nxXD3bTI5W4y5ttFo-Wiag3pMqvzva4VctS7QNFK5uBemGcVjS7GuIHQVYjcLz9KayKGugaf3Em-M8AClWrG2-v1-3yDrdrTVnSQayFBn_TAg_Z8PdAM5mL6aLqjsk_znySxhHeRpElP6OAqs1Z5/w400-h300/Bluff3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I have yet to see any reptiles slithering during this current unnatural heat wave. It would seem snakes would slither out of wherever it is they spend the cold time of the year.<br /><br />Speaking of snakes. The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup happens in March. I experienced this disturbing event once, earlier in the current century. I made a <b><a href="https://www.durangotexas.com/eyesontexas/festivals/rattlesnake/rattlesnake.htm" target="_blank">Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup webpage</a></b>, which included the first video I made with my long-gone Canon camcorder.<br /><br /><div>Years ago, that Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup webpage came up #1 when Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup was searched for on Google. I don't know if it shows up at all, anymore. During the time it Googled high that webpage generated a lot of email feedback. Some of which were of the sort that arrived in my email yesterday...</div><div><br /><div><b>Rattlesnake Roundup</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Howdy there.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">It's that time of the year again when we're coming back for the killers to them a damn good exposé. The merchants of death will be dragged through the dirt like they'll always be until such time as the killing ends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Henry sends his regards by the way.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Robert Piller.</b></div><div><b>Campaign Against the Trade in Endangered Species...</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________</div></div></div><div><br />Are rattlesnakes an endangered species? There seem to be plenty of them slithering about. I've happened upon several out in the wild whilst I have been in Texas.<br /><br />I have zero clue as to who this Henry is who is sending his regards my way...<br /><br />I opted to take advantage of today's blazing hot sun to get an early start on getting suntanned, preparing to get tropical.</div>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKBHL3BDYukJ-wuCDK-kKfPZnRjW2KXoAw4Apju9fqHQXvTnsrmTV6QeOHkHov7oLfS8SR502izT_trEc9lOBnPV4kwItaOe5x7pnhGg_3R6O7Ij29A1z7arYfym4Mg0aZCtYxha0iCpGzhVW69R7YY5OfkBnvi6Ki8l0EaKv4GeumqaACjcVsSTrJ8a5/s640/Bluff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKBHL3BDYukJ-wuCDK-kKfPZnRjW2KXoAw4Apju9fqHQXvTnsrmTV6QeOHkHov7oLfS8SR502izT_trEc9lOBnPV4kwItaOe5x7pnhGg_3R6O7Ij29A1z7arYfym4Mg0aZCtYxha0iCpGzhVW69R7YY5OfkBnvi6Ki8l0EaKv4GeumqaACjcVsSTrJ8a5/w480-h640/Bluff.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I appear to be a tad sunburned. Methinks such is an optical illusion. That swamp grass on the banks of the Wichita River probably should have had me vigilantly looking out for any snakes in the grass...<br /><br />Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-46182824044282991182024-02-23T13:24:00.002-06:002024-02-23T13:24:42.619-06:00Sticks Season At Lucy Park On Last Friday Of February With No Alligators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMELn5Bv-7t6z8Y2r47eaeUTCz0BoMzYIE9nPw88P6Phq6s67dVL1JnOuJQbrdEa45krSTtT0B9nRxU8s1DP6fhGzl2lu-9rlfqaWEoGzUKjuaezigW0i9fwBpBd03wE9G8D-FNrnsceGO5Le0EdC6gGMrgbrQHws7dxascR6loKepM5vr_RW_q7UnPxAU/s700/Lucy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMELn5Bv-7t6z8Y2r47eaeUTCz0BoMzYIE9nPw88P6Phq6s67dVL1JnOuJQbrdEa45krSTtT0B9nRxU8s1DP6fhGzl2lu-9rlfqaWEoGzUKjuaezigW0i9fwBpBd03wE9G8D-FNrnsceGO5Le0EdC6gGMrgbrQHws7dxascR6loKepM5vr_RW_q7UnPxAU/w400-h300/Lucy.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />On yet one more day of <b><a href="https://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2024/02/texas-closed-due-to-enjoying-summer-in.html" target="_blank">North Texas seeming like Summer</a></b>, instead of Winter, it was to Lucy Park I ventured on this final Friday of the second month of 2024.<br /><br />As you can clearly see, there was no <b><a href="https://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2024/02/big-alligator-closes-parks-suspension.html" target="_blank">big alligator closing the Lucy Park suspension bridge</a></b> today.<br /><p></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ8YYvJH9c3HzkPdEg4lb2qPxoLhTvV9CzUJMmDP2HeiFntlktcsv95pq08Oqp_XQ8_8hPrGEEj0HZNmD5JM3pa4FUm2frUzAHaRdA_Skfh1MnGvpe5v-GjSedLyEaHydr4XhYOxbYHIRSbJtCtn384o-cIMYc6Roq4RO8G2Dih0zOrvpWLfE5J5eBKXt/s700/Lucy2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ8YYvJH9c3HzkPdEg4lb2qPxoLhTvV9CzUJMmDP2HeiFntlktcsv95pq08Oqp_XQ8_8hPrGEEj0HZNmD5JM3pa4FUm2frUzAHaRdA_Skfh1MnGvpe5v-GjSedLyEaHydr4XhYOxbYHIRSbJtCtn384o-cIMYc6Roq4RO8G2Dih0zOrvpWLfE5J5eBKXt/w400-h300/Lucy2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I learned yesterday what "Sticks Season" means. <br /><br />That is the title of a catchy tune I heard for the first time a few days ago. <br /><br />Apparently in some areas of New England, such as New Hampshire and Vermont, during that period of time between when the deciduous trees lose their leaves, and snow arrives, it is known as Stick Season, due, I am guessing, the fact that the trees look like sticks without their leaves.<br /><br />That is how I saw the Lucy Park backwoods today. A field of sticks sticking up above the once again green ground cover.<br /><br />You can listen to Sticks Season below...<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oeZTcfciFwo?si=5y-ebcaLpECgKRAP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6439803544142853007.post-55987710855556996462024-02-22T10:03:00.001-06:002024-02-22T10:03:08.179-06:00Texas Closed Due To Enjoying Summer In The Middle Of Winter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1aULgDdQStnzMReL0JAP7fQvGr7VA6bfOs8iaP1yKeWJXDHEd821Nut36Uvo6bwd3O75A6hb9LCyIs1JA77hpesXyYv17QytqU9uMGK-92dl_NBwrUFDz1zHHdyn5FbuFkOzVj82iybNujmoynEyuz59C6fAo8fWzxFCMPPPDyKT3MTWdXvvZ70UkIfc/s500/Texas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1aULgDdQStnzMReL0JAP7fQvGr7VA6bfOs8iaP1yKeWJXDHEd821Nut36Uvo6bwd3O75A6hb9LCyIs1JA77hpesXyYv17QytqU9uMGK-92dl_NBwrUFDz1zHHdyn5FbuFkOzVj82iybNujmoynEyuz59C6fAo8fWzxFCMPPPDyKT3MTWdXvvZ70UkIfc/w400-h400/Texas.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I saw that which you see here, on Facebook, this morning.<br /><br />Actually, today is the third day of Summer we are enjoying in the middle of Winter, in Texas. <br /><br />Yesterday got to nearly 90 degrees, the day before that got into the 80s. <br /><br />Today is scheduled to be slightly cooler, in the 70s, but still, Summer-like.<br /><br />I have windows open, with a pleasant breeze wafting in. <br /><br />Am heading to Lake Wichita Park in an hour for some salubrious endorphin acquisition via aerobic stimulation...<p></p>Durangohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231271044296466883noreply@blogger.com0