The Second Day Of April Expecting Wind, Rain, Hail & Thunder Booming

The weather predictors predicted that a Big Storm would roll into my current location sometime after midnight, last night.

No Big Storm rolled into my current location sometime after midnight, last night.

The weather predictors are now predicting that at some point in time, on this second day of April, there will be some storm action moving across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in the form of wind, rain, hail and lightning.

So far, this morning, there has been some slight drippage, no hail, no wind and no thunder booming.

When I went swimming this morning the outer world was heated well into the 60s. As the morning has progressed that outer world has chilled, currently no longer in the 60s at 59 degrees.

As you can see, via the photo taken a couple minutes ago, of the view from my patio viewing platform, of the pool and the sky above, it does appear that a storm is busy brewing.

I have not yet gone into batten down the hatches mode. My windows remain open.

I don't know if I will be going on a bumbershoot enabled walk today. Bumbershoots can be lightning rods.

A Happy April Fool's Day With Wildflowers & Turtles

This morning I was in Arlington, which is the town where the Village Creek Natural Historical Area is located.

Since I was in the neighborhood, and even though I'd biked with the Indian Ghosts on Easter, I decided to walk with them today.

As you can see, via the photo, the Village Creek Blue Bayou was looking particularly blue today. Blue and green. Swamp foliage appears to be over proliferating.

Today is the first day of April. Also known as April Fool's Day.

April Fool's Day is the holiday celebrated world-wide where one tries to fool people. Usually the fooling takes the form of making up some somewhat plausible story. For instance, every year, previously, since I've been writing this blog, on April Fool's Day, I make up some scenario that has me moving from Texas.

I saw something today that reminded me of the first time I drove from Washington to Texas. That being the wildflower you see below.

I believe this particular wildflower is called an Evening Primrose. I only saw one instance of this flower blooming today. Usually there would be a big patch of these wildflowers. Back in early May of 1998, when I drove to Texas to see if it was feasible to move here, south of Amarillo I began seeing delicate looking flowers. Eventually I stopped to check out these flowers close up.

Texas being so colorful, from wildflowers, was the first of many unexpected Texas surprises.

I don't remember if it was an unexpected Texas surprise to find out that so many turtles thrive at this location on the planet.

The Village Creek turtles were having themselves a mighty fine time basking under the sun today.

I went swimming early this morning. Methinks I may go for a rare afternoon swim and do some turtle-like sun basking.

If the weather predictors are correct with their predicting, some time around midnight tonight some heavy duty storming should begin banging, blowing and dropping water, with the banging, blowing and water dropping continuing through Tuesday's daylight hours.

A Happy Easter Village Creek Bike Ride

Those are my handlebars on the Village Creek Blue Bayou Overlook, looking over the Village Creek Blue Bayou on this last day of March of 2013, which also happens to be Easter.

A lot of people were in the Village Creek Natural Historical Area today getting exercise in various forms; biking, walking, roller blading, jogging, playing volleyball, soccer and sitting at picnic tables engaging in the endorphin inducing activity known as eating.

I called my mom and dad on the way to Village Creek to wish them a Happy Easter. At that point in time my parental units were not available, so I left a voice mail.

Earlier today I mentioned that I'd not heard from Spencer Jack's dad confirming that Spencer Jack was going to go to Phoenix to visit his great-grandparental units tomorrow.

Spencer Jack's dad read the blog and then emailed me to tell me that he had emailed me earlier in the week to tell me Spencer Jack was visiting Arizona, April 1 through April 6.

Changing the subject back to riding my bike.

I'd not been in bi-pedal mode for quite some time, not since an incident at Gateway Park where I saw something unseemly the likes of which I'd never seen before whilst on my bike. Or off my bike.

I was feeling real strong on wheels today, zipping up the inclines. I think I will be adding way more bike rides to my exercise mix.

Happy Easter

In my mailbox this Easter morning I found a "Happiest Easter Wishes!" card from my mom and dad.

Happy Easter, mom and dad.

If my information source is correct, with that information source being my favorite ex-sister-in-law, Spencer Jack's grandma, Spencer Jack should be arriving in Phoenix tomorrow.

I tried to confirm, with Spencer Jack's dad, that he was going to be in Phoenix tomorrow, but I got no confirmation.

I have not called my mom and dad since I learned that Spencer Jack was going to be in Phoenix tomorrow, to find out if my parental units were aware of this. My mom always tells me about any expected incoming visitors. The last time I talked to my mom there was no mention made of Spencer Jack's upcoming visit. An incoming aunt was mentioned, but no Spencer Jack.

I will make a Happy Easter call to my mom and dad later today. I suspect I will then be told that Spencer Jack is arriving tomorrow.

Changing the subject to something else.

I had myself a long swim this morning, with some slight drippage adding some water to the pool. The clouds looked as if they were about to deliver a downpour, but no downpour poured down. And now, a  couple hours later, the sky is mostly blue.

I have not been on my bike for well over a month. I think I will put an end to the lack of bike time today.

Periwinkles & Crayon Castles Pre-Easter Blooming At Fort Worth's Oakland Lake Park

A Crayon Castle has been erected in Oakland Lake Park since I last visited this location a week ago. There appeared to be one person trapped inside the Crayon Castle, bouncing up and down, as if trying to escape.

The number of people walking around Fosdick Lake was way above the norm. I suppose this may be caused by this being Easter weekend.

Tomorrow, on Easter, parks like Oakland Lake Park and River Legacy Park, in Arlington, will be seeing a lot of people having Easter BBQ picnics.

I remember last Easter going to Oakland Lake Park and seeing all the picnic tables being used, with some people bringing their own "furniture" to set up a home away from home.

At Oakland Lake Park the Easter picnickers do so with no running water available. Or restroom facilities. Unless one counts an outhouse as being a modern restroom facility. This in one of the Greatest Cities in the World.

Last year by the time I was done with my Easter walk around Fosdick Lake rain began to fall, putting a quick damper on all the Easter effort that multiple families had put into having themselves a fine time.

Today, in the vegetation that surround Fosdick Lake I saw my first non-yellow wildflower of the year. A colorful bluish purple bright wildflower who I think may be known as a Periwinkle.

After I had myself enough wildflower gazing I drove on to Town Talk where I had an interesting conversation with a guy in a Smart Car. That and I got 8 loaves of Ezekiel Bread, Orange Peppers, Rutabagas, Asian Pears and a lot of other good stuff.

So far, none of the predicted rain or lightning strikes has rained on or struck me at my location since this morning's 3 AM bursting flashes of light and big booms.

I suspect the current peace and quiet is only a temporary respite, with fresh booming and downpouring happening at some point in the coming hours.

A Thunder Booming Night Before Easter Looking For Chocolate Bunnies

Coming up on 11 in the morning on this next to last day of March the outer world, at my location, is currently heated to 64 degrees.

When I went swimming this morning, a little before 8, the outer world was chilled to 55 degrees.

Overnight a couple inches of water were added to the pool, courtesy of Mother Nature.

About 3 in the morning thunder started clapping and rain started pouring down. The thunder clapping and rain pouring did not last too long.

As you can see, via my computer based weather monitoring device, more sky-based electricity is being predicted for Today, Tomorrow and Monday.

Currently I am seeing no clouds that seem capable of generating electricity and loud booms.

Since it is Saturday, and I am a creature of habit, I will be going to Town Talk.

Before Town Talk, just like last Saturday, I will be walking around Fosdick Lake in Oakland Lake Park.

With tomorrow being Easter I'm thinking today should be an interesting day at Town Talk. I suspect a big box of chocolate bunnies may be in the warehouse....

Marie The Missing Herb Trekker

Earlier this month I was sort of shocked to learn of the demise of the Unstoppable Woman, Dina Moor.

This shock led me to make contact where I've not made contact for a long period of time.

These contacts have brought fresh surprises. For instance, I emailed Maxine, who lives upriver in the beautiful Skagit Valley in a sprawling estate that can easily be described as idyllic. Maxine visited here way back in 2001, post 9/11. I was last at Maxine's sprawling idyllic estate in August of 2004. I last saw Maxine, in person, in April of 2006, in Tacoma.

I last heard from Maxine last September, when she was getting ready to hike over the Cascades to Stehekin. If I recollect correctly I asked Maxine to send me some pics of her Stehekin hike. No pics arrived and I forgot about it.

Well, I heard right back from Maxine, after I emailed her. She is fine, ready to start doing some mountain hiking again, prepping for this year's hike to Stehekin.

But, Maxine's email contained the surprising news of another friend's unexpected passing. A person I had not seen since that time in August of 2004 when Maxine had a group of old time friends to her sprawling idyllic estate for a Salmon BBQ.

And now I am wondering about Marie the Herb Trekker.

Marie moved to the D/FW zone from Seattle. Marie had previously lived in Texas and many other locations beside Seattle. At some point in time Marie the Herb Trekker started making comments on my blog. If I remember right Marie and I were also exchanging emails. I was sort of giving Marie pointers as to how to adjust to the culture shock of Texas. The last I heard from Marie the Herb Trekker she was heading to Houston, and then San Antonio. Marie the Herb Trekker's blog has disappeared and she has disappeared as a follower on my blog.

Very perplexing.

Below is a series of blog comments, back and forth, (edited somewhat to shorten) between me and Marie, which gives you a good idea why I'm wondering what has become of Marie the Herb Trekker...

September 1, 2012 at 12:18 AM
 Marie said...
Hey, Durango - you're killing me with Pacific Northwest memories. I too remember being grateful that traffic had stopped so that I could take in the view! The floating bridge was great - so was coming south on I-5 on a sunny day and seeing Mt. Rainier standing in front of you as big as God. Or the Alaskan Way Viaduct at sunset. And the lack of garbage - yes! What gives here? Garbage makes my forehead wrinkle. On the other hand, I do appreciate many things here. Gas is cheaper. Everything's cheaper. There is no state income tax (none in Washington either, but Californication takes a hefty bite.) And many nice folks. Like aerobic bloggers who point the way to shady paths for the topographically challenged. Loved the tree pics on River Legacy Park's site - I shall head over. Many thanks!

September 2, 2012 at 8:48 AM
 Marie said...
Durango, I just received my third electric bill since moving here. I am definitely NOT amused - Steve's point is a good one. I've already spent more for electricty (air conditioning) in three months than I spent for all year in the Evergreen state. But Rainier cherries, you say? I'll pay any price for those! Your hilly green path has me encouraged. These temps and that green water - not so much. But we take the good with bad, eh? By the way, your recent post about the Quanah Parker exhibit made me run to my bookshelf - I have a copy of "The Last Comanche Chief." His and Cynthia's story, and that of the Comanche in general, is a real gut wrencher. Not much of a living Native American legacy exists here like it does in the Northwest. I remember going to Suquamish for the canoe races this time of year. Well, thanks to our amazing distribution system, I can at least go get some cherries. Happy trails!

September 2, 2012 at 2:59 PM
 Durango said...
Howdy Marie, I have not read "The Last Comanche Chief." "Comanche Moon" is really good, covers both the Comanche history in detail, as well as Quanah's and his mom's.

The 'missing' Indians perplexed me when I was first in Texas, having come from Washington where there are so many tribes, with tribal lands. And casino resorts.

In 1999 I went to a very cool Pow Wow at the Fort Worth Stockyards. There were Tulalips there. It turned very spooky. I tell you, Native Americans have special powers. This little Indian girl sought my group out, high in the stands, came up and introduced herself, said she was with the Tulalips but that she was really a Blackfoot from Montana. Well, the visitor who was visiting me from Washington, was the recent widow of a guy who was half Blackfoot. Like I said, spooky.

September 3, 2012 at 12:59 AM
 Marie said...
Hey, Durango! I'm becoming a frequent flier here. I trekked over to the new Trader Joe's a couple weeks ago but couldn't make it past the parking lot cluster. Had to be other West Coasters jonesing for their TJ fix. How could I begrudge them? Today I found myself at Whole Foods buying cherries and then at Clear Creek Nature Preserve up in Denton County. Part of a journey to see about a slightly used kayak. Still plan to get to River Legacy per your recommendation. I'm building a list of must-sees as I meander through your bloggings. But Durango, how do you do it in this heat? I have to live life to the fullest by 9 a.m. or I'm toast. Literally.

September 3, 2012 at 3:38 PM
 Durango said...
Howdy Marie, frequent flier miles are a good thing. I made it in the FW Trader Joe's. I parked a distance away and walked back. I was very disappointed. I'd only been in the Trader Joe's that is south of Sea-Tac, can't remember the town name. The FW one was nothing like the WA one. I felt no impulse to buy anything. It was sorta like when I first moved to Texas, missed Costco, then Fort Worth got the first Texas Costco. Went to the Grand Opening. Was shocked. Costco had been Texasified. Walked in to see saddles and Remington statues for sale. No coffee roaster, no fresh sushi. Then the Southlake Costco opened and with way more transplanted Yankees living in the Southlake zone, that Costco is more like a west coast Costco. Still no sushi, as of my last visit.

I have biked that Clear Creek Nature Preserve trail. I remember the waterway looked very inviting and made me want to return with my inflatable kayak. I never did. I pedaled all the way to the dam that makes, I think the name is, Ray Hubbard Lake. Long bike ride. River Legacy Park has a kayak trail too. Can't imagine paddling it though.

As for how do I do it in the heat? That question was sort of funny, typing it out. My number one concern moving to Texas was the heat. I was never a fan of those Washington summer days when it'd get into the 80s. I did not know about acclimating. By my first summer in Texas, by being out in the heat, I got used to it. When it is HOT I do not go to the Tandy Hills unless the humidity is low and it is windy. The other places I go have enough shade that I do not over heat. On the bike the heat is not an issue, til I stop pedaling. Oh, and both hiking and biking you have to go shirtless. I could not stand it if I had a shirt on, because the shirt would get soaking wet and it'd be miserable.

After a few years of Texas heat you may experience the bizarre opposite. As in when I go back to Washington in summer, after already being used to the HEAT of Texas, I feel chilly. I remember July of 2004 with the Tacoma locals in full whine due to it being almost 80. I was shivering and in long pants. From July 20 til August 20 of 2008 I was cold pretty much the entire time I was in Washington.

September 4, 2012 at 4:53 PM
 Marie said...
Durango, you will be glad to know that I got in about an hour of walking and jogging out in it today. Yes, acclimate I will. Sadly, going shirtless isn't really an option on account of my gender. But you've motivated me with your daily aerobic discipline and excellent attitude - thank you! I'll trek on to other posts now!

September 4, 2012 at 6:18 PM 
 Durango said...
Howdy Marie----You could be a trendsetter and pretend you are in Oregon or Washington or Austin and go topless whilst hiking. I know you could do this on the Tandy Hills, most days. And in an emergency, quickly coverup should you see anyone.

I've been meaning to mention Oakland Lake Park. That's were I went today. It's very close to the Tandy Hills. The breeze blowing across the lake has a nice coolness to it, even on a day like today, when it is HOT. Oakland Lake Park is easy to find. Just exit I-30 at Oakland Blvd. Head south on Oakland, take any of the next couple lefts, go a block and you'll see Oakland Lake Park and Fosdick Lake, with parking on the west and east sides of the lake. And a nice paved trail around the lake where you'll see a lot of turtles and ducks.

September 4, 2012 at 10:44 PM 
 Marie said...
Durango, I went to White Rock Lake in the early a.m. Worked up a righteous sweat. I have to travel a lot during the week, but I try to check out a new locale every weekend. I will add Oakland Lake Park to my list. I won't be setting any trends though! I am enjoying the hilarity on your blog. I think I might adjust yet...

A Neighborly Walk With A Fort Wort Police Officer Trespassing On Chesapeake Energy Property

A walk around my neighborhood was my vertical motion choice this last Good Friday of March.

Before the walk around my neighborhood I walked to Albertsons to pick up this week's FW Weekly and DFW.com.

Between my abode and Albertsons I came upon a Fort Worth police car parked on my neighborhood Chesapeake Energy property, parked behind the  No Trespassing/Trespassers Prosecuted sign that Chesapeake good neighborly installed at this location.

I have no way of knowing if the Fort Worth police officer was aware he was trespassing and under threat of prosecution courtesy of Chesapeake Energy.

I thought this was a very odd location for a cop to be parked. When I walked by I could not see a cop sitting inside the car. I debated with myself whether the good citizen thing to do or not was to walk over and check to make sure the cop was okay.

The debate with myself was short, with me opting to just mind my own business.

When I exited Albertsons and the cop car came back in to view I was fairly certain I could see someone inside the car, moving around. Why I was able to see this from a distance, but not when significantly closer, I do not know.

I took the picture you see above and hoped to myself that the cop did not come and arrest me for blowing his cover or some such thing.

The Fort Worth cop car being oddly located was the only odd thing I saw on my walk today. It was a warm walk, with the temperature nearing 70.

This morning when I got in the cool pool the air temperature was 61. The cool pool seemed to be about the same temperature as the air. Due to yesterday getting to be nearly 80 degrees hot, the cool pool was uncool enough that I had myself a salubrious long swim this morning. I suspect tomorrow morning will see a similar salubrious long swim in the not so cool pool..

My Baby Sister Told Me I Am Old Before I Walked With The Village Creek Indian Ghosts & Plein Air Painters

Ancient Village Creek Indian Path

Today for my daily endorphin inducing aerobic stimulation I opted for the relatively peaceful aerobicizing with the Indian Ghosts who haunt Arlington's Village Creek Natural Historical Area.

A peaceful, calm before the storm type energy, seemed to be the theme for today's Ghost Walk.

The prediction for this morning was rain. I did not learn til after my blue sky early morning cool pool dip that the forecast had been changed to rain later today, rather than early today.

By noon blue had been blotted from the sky by what looked like a thick cloud cover ready to drip at any moment. Now, hours later, the sky has not yet begun any dripping.

I think we need some sky drippage, soon, to get the annual Texas Wildflower displays busy blooming. It is almost April and I have yet to see a single Bluebonnet.

Today, whilst walking with the Indian Ghosts I came upon something I have never come upon at this location, previously. That being a guy painting.

I asked the painter if I could take a picture of him painting his painting. He said sure, but then proceeded to jump out of the way. I think he may have thought I asked, "Can I take a picture of 'your' painting?" rather than what I actually asked, which was "Can I take a picture of 'you' painting?"

I asked the painter if he was one of the Plein Air Painters at the Prairie Fest. He said he was two years ago, but not last year, when the Prairie Fest temporarily morphed into 3 separate festivals over 3 months.

I told the painter that this year the Prairie Fest is back being a one day affair, this coming April 27.  He said he'd check out the Tandy Hills website to see if they are having Plein Air Painters this year. I told him I was sure they must be, that that was one of my favorite parts of the Prairie Fest.

I checked out the Prairie Fest section of the Tandy Hills website and saw no mention made of Plein Air Painters. I am sure it is a given that they will be there, with no need to mention that fact.

On my way across the Village Creek dam bridge, on my way to look at the Village Creek Blue Bayou, I saw a  couple guys fishing.

I often seen people fishing in Village Creek. I have never seen anyone catch a fish. The only fish I have ever seen in Village Creek is a Gar Fish. My one and only Gar Fish sighting. Seeing a Gar Fish, in Texas water, marked the last time I have put myself into a Texas body of water. Except for swimming pools.

When I crossed the Village Creek dam bridge again, returning from viewing the Village Creek Blue Bayou, I saw the number of fisherpeople had doubled.

When I was a kid my dad would take me and my brother fishing in the Skagit River. Salmon of various sorts is what one fishes for in the Skagit River. Salmon is a very tasty, very big, safe to eat fish.

What does one hope to catch in Village Creek and what does one do with it if one catches it?

Speaking of Skagit River salmon. My favorite nephew, Joey, continues the family fishing tradition. When the salmon return to the Skagit River Joey catches his fair share. I have no idea what that number is. Or if Joey turns any of his catch into Smoked Salmon. I do know, for certain, that Joey has never sent me any Smoked Salmon.

Speaking of my relatives. I heard from my Baby Sister this morning, informing me, among other things, that I am OLD. I was 17 when my Baby Sister was born. This morning my Baby Sister reminded me that she has a birthday upcoming, on April 13, to be precise, a day which lives on in infamy, I remember it so clearly.

My  Baby Sister mentioned how old she will be on this upcoming birthday, with the inference that adding 17 years to that age makes me very OLD.

I don't feel very OLD. I don't act very OLD. I don't look very OLD. But, I guess I need to come to grips with the fact that I am very OLD!

I Am Thinking About One Year Lived After Scratch Beginnings

This morning when I woke up my computer there were the usual several hundred emails, with most of them being spam blog comments from someone named Anonymous.

However, there was one non-Anonymous email from someone named Adam Shepard, with the subject line "one year lived."

This particular email seemed to be non-spamlike, enough so that I clicked on it.

I'm glad I did the click.

A couple paragraphs from the email, referencing Adam Shepard's Scratch Beginnings, Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream book...

My new book, One Year Lived, is coming out on April 22nd. It is the narrative of my one year trip around the world. I mustered cattle. I volunteered with children. I went scuba diving. I grew a mullet. I fought bulls. I made love on a beach. Etcetera.

A few years ago, for my first book, Scratch Beginnings, I was featured in the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, the New York Post, the Atlantic, on the Today Show, CNN, Fox News, NPR, 20/20, 147 radio programs, and blah, blah, blah. My publicist expects similar exposure with the release of this next book, and with that kind of clout coming to your blog, I’d love to work with you on its release.

I emailed Adam back, telling him I'm willing. Adam proposes sending me the ebook PDF version of his new book, One Year Lived, to peruse and use however I think best.

Should be interesting. I hope......

Below is a YouTube video with Adam Shepard talking about Scratch Beginnings...