Have A Drink From The Wichita Falls Golden Fountain

Here you are looking at an excellent example of why I am liking Wichita Falls much more than my previous location.

My new abode is on Taft Boulevard.

A couple days ago, whilst talking to Tootsie Tonasket, I crossed Southwest Boulevard to South Taft Boulevard, for the first time.

Suffice to say, I need to make video of that road.

So, I'm heading south on Taft Boulevard, being regaled by Tootsie Tonasket, when suddenly the Lake Wichita Dam pops into view.

I had no idea this was so close to my abode.

Less than a mile to the dam, so that is where I went today for my daily commune with nature.

As for the excellent example of why I'm liking Wichita Falls. At the base of the dam, on the south side of the parking lot there is the golden drinking fountain you see here, brought to water drinkers by the Wichita Falls Runners Club, who invite thirsty people to "HAVE A DRINK ON US".

I have seen more drinking fountains and park benches in one month in Wichita Falls than I saw in 15 years in Fort Worth.

And I have yet to find a Wichita Falls park without running water and restroom facilities, with none with the Fort Worth outhouse norm.

I harp on the Fort Worth penchant for outhouses absurdity because it has long annoyed me. And I've long had an aversion to outhouses. Seeing rows of such things in a modern American city park just seems bizarre and embarrassing to me.

But, I can only surmise that most Fort Worthers never venture to another town, not even surrounding suburbs, to get a clue as to how backwards their town is in so many embarrassing ways.

Like having parks with no running water to wash ones hands. Some Fort Worth parks don't even have outhouses, let alone running water. Mallard Cove Park comes to mind. For some reason Quanah Parker Park has a water fountain, but nary an outhouse, let alone a modern restroom facility.

In addition to seeing more water fountains and benches in one month in Wichita Falls than I saw in 15 years in Fort Worth, I am surprised, no matter which park I go to, by how many Wichita Fallers are out and about enjoying the parks. Walking, biking, bench sitting, picnicking, fishing, boating.

Just today, on my jog across Lake Wichita Dam I was passed by at least a couple dozen bikers, coming at me, and coming up behind me. Along with the bikers I came upon at least a dozen walkers.

In the above picture we are looking northwest across Lake Wichita at the Mount Wichita mini-volcano on the other side of the lake.

I sort of lost my affection for the Mount Wichita mini-volcano after my last visit when I was savagely attacked by hordes of biting insects.  When the bug population dies down in a month or two I likely will return to Mount Wichita.

Unless it is too HOT....

Is The Lake Worth Gator Population Floating To Downtown Fort Worth To Rock The River?

I saw this this Monday morning on Facebook via a Facebooker I assume may be a relative of the notorious Texas governor who preceded the current notorious Texas governor.

It has been known for a couple months now that alligators have been migrating to Fort Worth's Lake Worth from their long time abode in the Fort Worth Nature Center & Prairie Preserve's bayous.

Last year a blind alligator somehow made it past the Lake Worth dam all the way to the area where America's Biggest Boondoggle operates its Rockin' the River Happy Hour Inner Tube Floats in the polluted Trinity River.

With such evidence as the fact a blind gator can journey past the dam, combined with the fact a flock of clear-eyed gators has taken up residence in Lake Worth, is The Boondoggle going ahead with this year's enticing locals, who lack sufficient entertainment options, to get in the water at the imaginary island with the imaginary pavilion?

If Rockin' the River does take place this year, and if a gator floats in among the floaters and takes a bite or two or three, whose liability is it? The floaters who The Boondoggle makes sign some sort of pseudo legal document prior to getting in the water?

Or, with that document ruled irrelevant, does the law suit liability go to The Boondoggle?

Or is it the City of Fort Worth which will be held responsible for allowing something so irresponsible to happen as allowing such events to take place in a polluted river where it had become known that alligators were in town?

Has the Fort Worth Star-Telegram addressed these issues, with me missing the addressing?

No Hand Washing In Fort Worth City Parks

Yesterday when I got goosed in Lucy Park I took a picture of the sign you see here. A couple days ago I blogged about the wayfinding signage one finds all over Wichita Falls.

This would be another example of that wayfinding signage.

Can you spot the item on this sign that one would be unlikely to find in a Fort Worth park?

Okay, well, I guess one would not find a Fort Worth park sign pointing one to a waterfall, a park named O'Reilly or a place called Lucy Land.

But, it is a sign pointing toward "Restrooms" which I am focused on, which one is unlikely to find in a Fort Worth park.

One also is unlikely to find a sign pointing one to running water where one might get a drink or wash ones hands after using one of Fort Worth's parks many outhouses.

During my month of staying in North Richland Hills, prior to the move to Wichita Falls, I discovered that all the parks I visited, big and small, in the suburbs of Fort Worth, towns like Haltom City, Watauga, Keller and NRH had modern facilities in their parks.

In Wichita Falls all the parks I have visited have modern facilities. Including many drinking fountains.

Fort Worth's primitive parks came to mind a couple days ago when I saw the following in the Seattle Times.

Does the FDA know that there is a big American city with parks with picnic facilities with no modern facilities, including no running water?

Now, I know Fort Worth is under some sort of bizarre protective bubble which makes the town immune from the laws which govern the democratic, modern areas of America, hence corrupt judges, corrupt courts, corrupt public works projects and corrupt swindles, like the Chesapeake Energy debacle.

But, shouldn't some state or federal agency intervene in Fort Worth for public safety's sake? And make the town either close its parks lacking modern facilities, or install such amenities.

A few paragraphs from the Seattle Times article about the FDA's complaint about Horizon Air's lack of onboard hand-washing ability, with the points being made also applicable to the lack of running water in Fort Worth's parks...

Wash your hands. It’s an instruction that takes a bit of reminding for elementary-school children and commercial airlines alike, apparently.

Without hand-washing facilities, the lavatories are not sufficient for employees to handle food and ice, the agency said in a tersely worded letter, and “can increase the potential spread of communicable disease.”

“People are in close contact. All it takes is one person with an infection and it can easily spread on an airplane,” he said. “Hand-washing is one of those things you can’t do without.”

___________________

Hand-washing is one of those things you can't do without? Unless you have the misfortune to be picnicking in one of Fort Worth's city parks....

Getting Goosed In Lucy Park Before Getting Drenched In Walmart

This Saturday morning started off with an almost zero visibility fog. I think I mentioned that earlier today.

As the morning progressed the fog lifted, revealing a bright blue sky which had not been visible for many days in a row.

With the return of a blue sky and extreme humidity I felt the need to commune with nature.

Lucy Park was my commune choice for the day, along with a lot of other people.

Lucy Park is the biggest park in Wichita Falls, I think. Maybe Lake Wichita Park is bigger. Today in Lucy Park I discovered a very well done series of ponds, home to flocks of geese, ducks and turtles. With multiple swinging benches hidden in shady locations affording a peaceful relaxing viewing platform.

My first surprise upon reaching this location was that which you see above. A bridge. On the bridge is a sign warning "Caution on Suspension Bridge".

Suspension Bridge?

And then I took one step on to the Suspension Bridge to find myself on the swingiest Suspension Bridge I have ever been suspended on. This Suspension Bridge appeared to be quite an attraction. I watched as vehicles would arrive, park in the pond parking lot and then the vehicle occupants cautiously make  their way across the swinging bridge.

As I walked on the trail that surrounds the ponds eventually I came to a big flock of Geese. I have had run ins with Geese before. Geese can be a bit aggressive. Which was the case today. That goose you see below, with his head bending down, would not let me pass. When I stepped closer he made goose barking noises and moved aggressively towards me. I have had a goose goose me before.  It is a painful bite.

I turned around and re-traced my steps, not wanting to force the right of passage issue with the trail blocking goose.

If you ever find yourself in Wichita Falls and find your way to Lucy Park, you will find the Goose Duck Pond at the southwest side of the park, near the westernmost park entry.

I YouTubed video of swinging across the Suspension Bridge, along with a bit of a look at the east end of the Lucy Park Goose Duck Pond....



Oh. One more thing. The clear blue sky did not last. Around four this afternoon the sky turned dark, soon a strong wind blew, thunder rumbled in the distance. And then came a downpour. A drenching downpour. This seemed a good time to go to Walmart. And so I did. The drive there was a bit challenging. I enjoyed running into Walmart through the drenching rain. Inside the Walmart entry stood dozens of locals not wanting to get wet.

Methinks Wichita Fallers are rain babies. I think they may be out of practice, not yet used to the wet stuff after their five year drought.

A Cold Foggy First Saturday In June

This Saturday is the 4th day of June. When is this reputed Hotter than Hell thing supposed to kick in at my new Texas location?

Currently the outer world is being chilled to 69 degrees. So, my windows are open.

The past week it seemed as if I have moved back to the maritime climate of Western Washington.

Constant cloudy sky with a lot of drippage.

And today I looked out my bedroom window after the sun arrived to see what you see here.

Pea Soup Fog.

With almost zero visibility.

I Can't Get Lost With Wichita Falls Wayfinding Signage

A couple days ago I said that in a future blogging I would be blogging about the directional signage one finds all over Wichita Falls.

I have found the Wichita Falls directional signage to be extremely useful.

Basically anything you want to find in this town you can find simply by heading in the general direction of that which you seek and the wayfinding signs will get you there.

A few days after driving around in this town I noticed that the street signs also matched the color scheme of the directional signage.

And then I visited Lucy Park for the first time to discover the same type signage directed me to that which I was looking for, that being Wichita Falls.

Below you can see how the signage makes it easy to find something small, like the World's Littlest Skyscraper.

Below is an example of the park version of the wayfinding signage found along the Circle Trail. I took this photo whilst on a jogging run about a half mile from my abode.

As you can see the above signage is quite useful. In addition to pointing towards possible destinations there is also a map with a "You Are Here" indicator.

I do not recollect being in any other town with such well developed useful signage as what I have found in Wichita Falls.

I remember soon upon my arrival in Fort Worth being perplexed by directional signage in the downtown area pointing visitors to Sundance Square, among other things. I think this was when my confusion as to the location of Sundance Square began, before learning there was no such thing as Sundance Square, in the conventional meaning of the square word.

My quest to learn how the Wichita Falls signage came about led me to the following information on the City of Wichita Falls website....

As part of the Pride in the Falls Phase I campaign, the PITF committee selected a consultant to help develop a master wayfinding signage plan for the City. The goals of the wayfinding signage plan were to establish a framework to implement functional and attractive signage that enables visitors and residents alike to more easily navigate the city and find their intended destinations. This is especially important in promoting tourism and events. In addition, the design of the wayfinding signage would serve to reinforce the community identity and brand with consistent messaging and a visual vocabulary of repeated forms, colors, symbols and typefaces. In doing so, the system will convey a visitor-friendly approach and promote the “Pride in the Falls” brand initiative that arose from the Vision 2020 Plan adopted by the City in 2008.

That town I used to live in had no need for a Pride in the Fort type program because it is well known and well documented that Fort Worth is the Envy of the Nation, making cities and towns across the globe Green with Envy.

Last night I was in my friendly neighborhood Walmart where I noticed that even Walmart has adopted the Wichita Falls wayfinding signage plan.

Am I successfully conveying that I like this town?

Jogging In The Texas Rain Before Getting Too HOT In Arizona

What you are looking at here is part of the patio view of the outer world at my current  location. The patio view and patio at my new location is about 10 times bigger than the previous location.

With a much clearer view of much cleaner air.

Can you tell the patio deck is wet?

The patio deck seems to be wet more often than it is dry in this drippy maritime-like climate I am currently living with.

Day after day of rain. And fog. And fog with rain. Sometimes rain and fog with thunder and strong wind.

And bugs. Lots of biting bugs.

Yesterday my little brother mentioned that the day after day after day of blue sky heated to over 100 degrees at his location in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale had already gotten tiresome, early on in this HOT time of the year.

So, my little brother is heading north soon for a respite from the heat in the relatively chilly Pacific Northwest, staying with his Number One Grandson, Spencer Jack, and Spencer Jack's Number One Dad, my Favorite Nephew Jason.

The last time I escaped the Texas summer HEAT was from July 20 to August 20 of 2008. I pretty much shivered the entire month.

I won't be escaping the Texas HEAT this summer via heading to the Northwest. I may escape the Texas HEAT, and get even HOTTER, by heading to the Phoenix zone at some point in time this summer.

In the meantime, it is that time of the day when I go jogging in the rain. Don't knock it til you try it....

In Texas Enjoying A Basket Of Washington's Favorite Fruit

An email from Spencer Jack's dad, my Favorite Nephew Jason, amused me this morning.

Subject line: Any guesses on Washington's favorite fruit? Hint: It's not an apple.

The link in the subject line goes to a Seattle Refined article titled, appropriately, Any guesses on Washington's favorite fruit? Hint: It's not an apple.

The reason this amused me was because of what you see in the photo. The only fresh fruit in my kitchen.

A basket of my favorite fruit, Mangoes.

And the list of Washington's Top Ten Favorite Fruits...

1. Mango
2. Peach
3. Raspberry
4. Cherry
5. Rainier Cherries
6. Pomegranate
7. Pear
8. Plum
9. Lemon
10. Melon

Mangoes are not commercially grown in Washington, as far as I know. Nor are Pomegranates or Lemons. Maybe a Melon or two are grown. I vaguely recollect Watermelons growing in the Eastern Washington HOT zone.

As for Apples not being in the Washington Top Ten. Well, let's just say Apples are plentiful, in many varieties, and thus they become ordinary. And often free for the picking. Whilst Mangoes are exotic and delicious, much more so, to my taste buds, than a Washington Delicious Apple.

But, where are Apricots on this list? Apricots are my second most favorite fresh fruit. Can't remember when I last had a fresh Washington Apricot. Maybe summer of 2001 when Wanda and Wally drove me over to Eastern Washington when I was up there for my mom and dad's 50th.

Rainier Cherries are another favorite. I remember when last I had Rainier Cherries. August 8, 2008, in Seattle.

And why aren't Strawberries on this list? Apparently Strawberry topped the list in more states than any other fruit. You have not had a real Strawberry til you have a Washington Strawberry. California's Driscoll Strawberries should be prosecuted for committing Strawberry fraud.

I have heard Texas Strawberries from Poteet are good. But, they are not in wide supply, and thus I have never sampled one.

Fighting Off Vicious Attacks In Wichita Falls

Til today it had been awhile since I attempted one of those selfie things. I don't think I was being a grumpy as I look. Then again, I was a bit grumpy.

Why grumpy?

Well, lately I have been under attack.

A couple days ago I was viciously attacked by swarms of biting insects of various types whilst climbing Mount Wichita.

Yesterday I got no salubrious mood enhancing aerobic stimulation and the endorphins that result from such stimulation.

After getting bugged on Wichita Mountain I bought myself some Cutter bug spray to use if I ever return to that mountain once the multiple bug bumps and the resultant itching subsides.

Day after day the weather prognosticators for this location predict thunderstorms. Til today these seem to take place in the middle of the night. Around noon I decided to test if it is safe to go jogging on the Circle Trail which circulates by my front door without being tormented by swarms of biting bugs.

Well, the jogging went well. Til a couple miles in rain started to drip. Thunder rolled in from a long ways distant, with no lightning flashing seen due to that distance thing. But, I turned around and headed back to my under cover zone.

I did not make it back before the rain went into downpour mode and the thunder moved closer.

About ten minutes before the rain started dripping is when I took the grumpy picture above.

As for bug bites. By the time I got out of the outdoors I found I had been bitten several times, but not nearly as bad as that last bout on Wichita Mountain.

I would have thought this would be a bug-free zone, what with the five years of extreme drought. One would think the insect population would have died off. But I have had more bug bites in one month at this new Texas location than all the previous Texas years combined.

I am still liking this new location though.....

Memorial Day With Cousin Scott In Vietnam

Memorial Day, the start of the Summer season, even though Summer does not arrive for a few more weeks.

I erroneously thought Memorial Day was the day we remembered relatives and friends who had passed away. And that Veterans Day was the day we remembered those who served in America's military.

When I saw multiple people posting Memorial Day homages to fallen soldiers, and those who served, I felt compelled to point out that Veterans Day was the day for that type homaging.

But, before doing so I Googled "Memorial Day" to learn I was wrong, as I often am.

This morning my cousin Scott's daughter Olivia posted the photo of her dad you see above. My cousin Scott then commented with...

"i was probably 20 when this was taken. sitting in the office in saigon and maybe listening to anti-war music my uncle gerry sent me..."

I don't know why, but my cousin Scott refuses to use capital letters.

I also don't  know why cousin Scott and his sister, cousin  Linda, insist on calling our youngest uncle, Uncle Jerry, when Uncle Jerry is known only as Uncle Mooch by my side of the family, and since my side of the family is more numerous I think our naming conventions should be the standard.

Then again, it is true that Uncle Mooch's wife, Jane, rather strongly objected the first time she heard Mooch's nephews and nieces call him Uncle Mooch. Jane relented when it was explained the Uncle Mooch name derived from a Disney character we liked, named Moochie.

I remember it being a big deal when cousin Scott returned to the states from one of his Vietnam tours. I recollect one memorable Thanksgiving, if I remember right, with it being a big deal that Scott was home.

I remember when Uncle Mooch was shipped out for military duty. I remember it being a tearful departure with Grandma Jones (Anglification of Slotemaker) and all of us at Sea-Tac, back in the good ol' pre-terrorist days when you could bid someone farewell right at the gate.

I think Uncle Mooch was in the Air Force. But on the ground, somewhere in the Middle East. Turkey maybe? Or was that Uncle Mel? I know Uncle Mel was stationed in Turkey during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Anyway, I hope y'all had yourselves a very memorable Memorial Day....