2017 - Day 59/306 - Tuesday...

It has been a grey and overcast day again today, the last day of February. It is still uncommonly warm, but a front is supposed to make its' way through this evening and give us a little bit of relief. There were 24 days in February that were above 80 degrees for the high temperature, the warmest February in recorded history. The trees are all leafing out. The pool guy was here this afternoon, and we decided not to uncover the pool until the first week of April. That should be about right. The breezes are coming out of the south now (humid) and should turn around from the north later.

Otherwise, there were very few complaints about my day today. I made it to work with no catastrophes, made it home with no catastrophes, got some work done, got some errands run, and I am still breathing. Overall, not a bad day. Deeds, Actions, Changes, FLAGS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 58/307 - Monday...

Last night as Jody and I were on the way home, taking a side trip to Walgreen's to get my prescriptions filled, this was the scene above the car at the traffic signal at IH-35 and University Drive in Georgetown. I cautiously put the car in reverse and tried not to make any sudden moves. It seems it was roosting time for the grackles, and they have made their way into Georgetown. They are an invasive species, and they are not timid about getting what it is they want. It should also be noted that they are voluminous crappers, and you will learn not to park your car under a tree inhabited by them. It is not a pleasant result, I can tell you that for sure. Not a bad day for a Monday. I loaded up on all my prescribed medications last night, and had the best nights sleep I have had in a long time. I did not even use any of the cough medicine that Medicare refused to pay for, so that is a drag. I am not certain as of yet exactly WHAT Medicare pays for in the prescription side, but I have every possible kind of supplement and so far they have paid for NOTHING in the prescription side of things. I guess it could be worse, in fact, I know it could be, so I will stop complaining. Tomorrow is shaping up to be another good day, and I am the luckiest man in the world. Period. Deeds, Actions, Changes, GRACKLES, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 57/308 - Sunday...

I have to admit, I am feeling somewhat accomplished today. Now if I could just get better. I got the chicken coop cleaned out, the high temperatures were in the mid 60s today, so there is a fire in the stove for Jody. Cut grass in the front and back, took three (it's a long story) bales of hay to the cattle, I went to the Urgent Care thing in Georgetown on the way to dinner, and then stopped at Walgreen's on the way home to get a couple prescriptions filled. AND, we got 0.23" of rain this afternoon. So, all in all not a bad day, now if the new drugs would kick in, I would be all better and REALLY accomplished. I may have mentioned this to you all before, but chickens are stupid. I am relatively resigned to the fact that one day or another I will run over one of them when I am cutting the grass. They do not understand that machinery is bigger (and stronger and quicker) than they are. They have only one ambition in life, and that is to get the bug that is RIGHT IN FRONT of the lawn tractor. Nothing will stop them. Well, something may stop them, but so far my reflexes have equalled (if not exceeded) theirs. I am not sure how long that can last, neither I or the the chickens are getting any younger. Deeds, Actions, Changes, CATTLE, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 56/309 - Saturday...

Today was a much more climatologically appropriate day for the 25th of February. The high temps recorded today were in the low 60's, instead of the 90 degree temperatures we experienced earlier in the week. A beautiful and sunny day for leaning back in the big blue chair and taking naps. Several naps as a matter of fact. I did go with Jody when he took the girl dog for a ride, and we did go into Georgetown for lunch, where we were herded like cattle through the chicken fast food place. Things are getting more and more hectic no matter where we are or where we go. I think the population in general is cranky, and for that I am sorry, and those that I blame know who they are. I have already told them that! It looks like I will do some grass cutting tomorrow. And take some hay out to the cattle. And clean the chicken coop. And maybe another chore or two, but nothing too extreme. Deeds, Actions, Changes, GREY CLOUDS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 55/310 - Friday...

It is Friday, so that means all is right with the world! I stayed in Austin last night, which meant I (theoretically) got to sleep a little bit longer this morning. BUT, I woke myself up coughing throughout the night, which was discomforting. Where is the Tussin (prescription filled in 2009) when you need it? I thought (and still do think) that I am recovering somewhat, and my cough is a phlegmy one, so I think I am trying to expel all the evil spirits that are lingering in my lungs. Anyway, I did have a relatively less stressful day, and I made it home while there was still light outside, took a nap in the blue chair while Jody watched Jeopardy, and then did a little bit of a love-fest with Vera the Chicken. It has been a while since we snuggled, so that was good. No real issues with the new television satellite service...all is going well, now we are in the throes of getting used to new channel line-ups and that kind of stuff. Sleeping in tomorrow. G'night! Deeds, Actions, Changes, VERA, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 54/311 - Thursday...

I I really do like the Texas Mountain Laurel. It was my introduction to allergies when I first moved to Texas. I remember it very clearly. I was doing block walking for a city council candidate, and as I walked past them, I would take a deep sniff. They (to me) smell like Grape Bubble Gum. Sniff after sniff after sniff after sniff. And then two or three days later, I could no longer breathe. That was also my first memory of becoming a mouth-breather. Texas Mountain Laurels and I have a long and disturbing history, a kind of symbiotic relationship. A history of abuse, that I cannot remove myself from. So far this season, I have been strong, and I have been able to resist the temptation of the flora seduction. I know it is just a matter of time before I fold and cave in to the disreputable fascination I have for this green and purple mess. The only thing that has saved me so far (I expect) is that I have such a severe case of allergies already, that I cannot smell anything and that fact makes sniffing even more of a useless experience. But we shall see what next week brings. Deeds, Actions, Changes, LAURELS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 53/312 - Wednesday...

We had a first quarter Birthdays lunch today, down the street from the office. WE WALKED. Three or four blocks, but I am still not feeling particularly well. I still think it is allergies. It was a beautiful day today in central Texas, the temperature was pushing 90, admittedly warm for February, even here in Texas! This is one of the 'must do' tourist photo opportunities in Austin. This wall-art has been reproduced millions (I don't think I am exaggerating) of times, and we stopped on the way back to the office for this photo-op of our own. By the way, if you don't recognize me in the photo, I am the curmudgeon in the group. We are now proud (we shall see) subscribers to Dish TV. We had Dish about eight years ago at the farm in Red Rock, but we switched to DirecTV when we moved out here. So far, so good. I hope the honeymoon period lasts a little while, but so far, I am pleased with the products we will be getting (more than we had) and about a-third less expense on a monthly basis. I will take great pleasure tomorrow to cancel the DirecTV subscription. I did have a voice mail message today from DirecTV that they needed to reschedule the service appointment. Next to cancel; AT&T Cell Service. Deeds, Actions, Changes, AUSTIN, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 52/313 - Tuesday...

Okay, I admit this much. Living on 'the edge of nowhere' and 'convenience' are seldom words that are joined together in the same sentence. It is at least 8 miles to our closest '7-11' kind of store, but they also have gas, lotto and a Subway Sandwich shop all in the same place. The nearest (nearest, not to be confused with best) grocery store is 12 miles away. Real groceries are 17 miles away, and we have three different HEBs to choose from at that distance (Taylor and two in Georgetown). People out here are on 'country time', which means they may or may not be on time, may or may not call to tell you, and may or may not show up at all. It took us three years to find someone to paint the house, almost the same amount of time for someone to fix our fences and gates, at least that long for someone to come out and replace some bushings in the turbines. We currently are subscribers to a satellite television service (dig if you want more information) that has TWICE in the past six months left us with no signal at all for seven days or more. The service has been getting bad over the last ten days or so, but quit completely last night. I called and arranged for a service appointment today between 8 a.m. and noon. When nobody showed up by 1:30, I called and they said...no not today, a week from today. No ma'am, I have the e-mail confirmation that says February 21st. Oops, well I guess we made a mistake, and OOPS, now our first appointment to get the 'area wide service correction' completed is March 2nd. Honestly...I am a salesperson, and I know the difference between a prospect and a customer. BUT, if everything works out as planned, we will be subscribers to a different satellite television service for significantly less money. I know, a two year contract...but I honestly don't think I could have negotiated a better deal. Who knows. Deeds, Actions, Changes, SUBSCRIPTIONS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 51/314 - Monday...

I took this picture of the crab apple tree up by the road yesterday afternoon. It is out-doing itself! We had some pretty heavy storms last night, with a couple tornadoes strewn hither-and-yon. I did not pay attention this afternoon, but I hope the blossoms were just battered into oblivion. I am down with the allergies. I was doing just fine (more or less) until Friday or Saturday. I think I just got worn down and need to get a little extra rest. I am hacking (watch our Comrade), coughing, sneezing, sniffling, my throat is sore, I am basically miserable. I wanted to get a second opinion, and they told me I was ugly, too. Ba-Dum-Dum. Anyway, I am still taking the Zyrtec religiously (as I have every day for months), and I hope this will all be better in the next couple of days. I am not a good patient. Deeds, Actions, Changes, BLOSSOMS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 50/315 - Sunday...

I would expect that lot of interesting things go on in the front barn when no one is looking. I am fairly certain that there is a next of skunks living under the barn. The girls have residency on the first floor in the pack 25% of the barn. The lofts (three of them) are full of crap that we seem to need even though we have no idea what is stored up there, and the balance of the first floor is filled up with things that are vital to the running of the property. It takes lots of stuff. The last time I cleaned out the chicken coop (I think it was a couple weeks ago, I was out of town last weekend) I noticed that this t-shirt was down out of the loft, a clear sign that some varmint or another had decided to either use it for a nest, chew on part of it or urinate on it (just for good measure). It was from almost a couple decades ago when I was a serious long-distance-bike-rider. I think it is circa my second Texas AIDS Ride, and the t-shirt was the brain child of my friend Robert (ARVIUM). I have not seen Robert in years-and-years, and this t-shirt makes me nostalgic. Good old Team Schizoid! You gonna eat that donut? Deeds, Actions, Changes, BARNEY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 49/316 - Saturday...

I got most of my Saturday chores done today since I will be showing property tomorrow and it is supposed to be a little bit rainy. I really am not enthusiastic about showing property in the rain (the lock boxes are always on the side of the house on the hose-bibs when it rains), but the worst of it is predicted to be overnight Sunday into Monday. Maybe one to two inches. I would like the rain to fill up the tanks in the back, since the new tank has been all repaired and everything. It is holding water down low, but it will be interesting to see if it holds where it had been breeched. I got everything done today except cleaning out the chicken coop, and I will get that done in the morning. I had been wanting to power wash the front porch and the back patio, and I am happy to report that I got those two items accomplished in about two and a half hours. Got the girl dogs yard cut, took hay out to the cattle, opened up the big pasture for them to enjoy, and a couple other thinks around the house. Done. The chickens seem to have turned the corner for laying eggs again, we are getting any where from three to six eggs a day, so that is swell. It was kind of traumatic when we had to buy eggs at the grocery. We bought a total of three dozen I think, but we are back in the egg producing business it seems. Deeds, Actions, Changes, POWER WASHING, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 48/317 - Friday...

I am relatively certain that most of you loyal legion of followers can readily recognize the main subject of this photograph. For those of you that cannot easily identify the object, it is a urinal. I am not a scholar on the subject, but the root word of the word urinal might just be urine. Not sure, but maybe. I have really never had the intricacies of a urinal explained to me, but I honestly believe it is a eases a need for American men to discard liquid waste when confronted with that need in a public place. Public not necessarily meaning an 'open place' or a place 'out in the open'. There are walls and trees if needed in that circumstance. No, urinals are generally found in buildings that have visitors; a place of public accommodation. A public building. An office building. Perhaps a place of commerce. That kind of place. I happened to visit just such a building yesterday, and happened to be in need of visiting the men's room. They are very proud of the alleged sustainability of our natural resources by having installed this particular urinal. The little sign above the urinal exclaims in great delight (and with graphics that should not be confused with directions to construct a chest-of-drawers purchased at Ikea) that you should press the top button to dispose of 'liquid' waste, and you should press the bottom button to dispose of 'solid' waste. In all my 65 years, I have rarely come upon solid waste in a urinal, save for a vacation to California in our 1965 Buick Sport Wagon, which, during the trip, we had reason to stop at a variety of service stations in and around Flagstaff. So, for posterity, I found it necessary to return to the men's room to document the placard for posterity. You are welcome. And, I failed to give proper recognition to the senders of the fabulous socks that I told you about in last nights journal entry. They were from our friends Joe Mac and Carolyn, who live on the Mississippi Coast, and Carolyn reported that that had just as much fun shopping for them as I will have wearing them. And I wore flamingos today. Deeds, Actions, Changes, URINALS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 47/318 - Thursday...

I got home this afternoon for the first time in six days. I got back into Austin last night at about 8PM, and I stayed in Austin. I needed to be in town by 8AM this morning to present a class, and I did not want to get up at the crack of dawn to make sure I made it on time. Anyway, when I got home this afternoon, there was a weeks worth of mail waiting for me, which included a couple pairs of socks; one pair is adorned with pink flamingos and the other pair seems to be covered with cock roaches and other beastie sorts of spiders and biting bugs. I have a pretty good idea which pair I will be wearing to the office tomorrow. Any ideas from you guys? Speaking of cock roaches; one of the seminars I attended in San Diego included the topic of Crisis Management. It seems we all thrive on crisis, we even have television shows titled 'Scandal' of other various forms of crisis management entertainment. One of the takeaways (for me) was If you ever do anything that will cause you to come back in another life as a cock roach, perhaps you should not do it. I think that is pretty darned good advice myself. Deeds, Actions, Changes, FLAMINGOS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 46/320 - Wednesday...I think...

...and so we say 'Adios' to San Diego, it was a quick trip, in and out, nobody gets hurt. The NAR Broker Summit was GREAT! I really do get a lot out of these quick trips...I am not sure how many I have participated in, I do know for sure I missed one of them, and they are a relatively new product of the National Association of REALTORS®. Of particular interest to me is the Risk Reduction presentations, and this time there was a lot on what are trends and what are fads. It seems artificial intelligence is going to be on the upswing, and anticipating (and identifying) prospective home buyers is going to be a trend. Very interesting stuff. I got back into Austin just a short while ago...and it is 9:43PM right now. I am guiding a class tomorrow on Buyer Representation, so that will be fun to pass all this new information to the learners will be kind of a test run. I will work it in somehow. Deeds, Actions, Changes, SUMMIT, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 45/321 - Tuesday...

If there was ever any doubt this was a hoity-toity place, this will put an end to that thought. The electric covers in the ballroom floor are done with a tromp l'oeil finish, to have them blend in with the carpet. I also had to pass muster at the entrance, where I was questioned and it was determined that, yes, unfortunately, he is holding a reservation for the night. And, as is the case with most old grand edifices, there are not enough electric outlets for the plethora of devices we cannot seem to live without! My plane was delayed because of storms in Houston, and I was booked on three different flights before I even left Austin. I made it to my meeting and was only about 20 minutes late, and it was a good afternoon of seminars and information sharing. An early start tomorrow morning (although from the CST zone, it is a late start), breakfast, meetings and done by noon.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, FANCY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 44/321 - Monday...

Overall, it has been a really good TAR Mid-Winter Conference. Today was the last day for me, I have other stuff I have to do this week, and I got an excused absence because I will miss the TAR Directors Meeting tomorrow morning. More about that tomorrow evening, it is going to be a surprise! I took a class this morning, attended a luncheon, went to the office and went back for another class and a reception this evening. Class #1: About Appraisals(that is not the real name of the class, but that is what it was. Luncheon: My friend Steve was awarded the Texas Association of REALTORS® 2016 Hero of the Year Award, for all the work he does for so many philanthropic causes in Austin. Also, during the Luncheon, a class that I wrote was awarded the Innovative Education Program of the Year Award. Very nice, and such an honor. Class #2: TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) Update. Reception: Awarded the Texas REALTOR® of the Year Award to a friend of mine, Dave Dalzel. What a deserving colleague, and there could not have been a better choice. Time for bed. Deeds, Actions, Changes, AWARDS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 43/322 - Sunday...

Day three of the Texas Association of REALTORS® Winter Meeting. So far, I think this has been a really good meeting. Lots of good information, lots of good networking with colleagues, good classes, overall just a good meeting. The end of the day included a volleyball tournament for TREPAC. Great turnout, and lots of fun, food and a couple beverages. This was my dinner...relatively close to keeping with my renewed nutritional requirements, except for the chips a cheese spread. Otherwise, it was all good!

Tomorrow will not be too overwhelming; my first meeting is at 9:30AM...that is like a vacation!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, WIE
NERS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 42/323 - Saturday...

Where's Waldo? Or Bill? Do you recognize any of these folks? This is a photo of an Investor event at the Bob Bullock Museum this evening. It was a great event, always fun at the Bob Bullock Museum in Austin, and always better with friends and colleagues during the Texas Association of REALTORS® Winter Meeting!

Today was day two of the Winter Meetings. A long day. It started at 7:30 this morning, and it is now almost 10PM. I get to sleep in a little bit tomorrow, my first meeting is not until 8:30, and the day will come to an end at about 8PM. Winding down a little bit.

Monday there are a couple things, and then that will do it for me.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, WALDO, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 41/324 - Friday...

It is TAR Winter Meeting weekend once again. I got to the meting about 11 this morning, and a little over eleven hours later, it is time to call it a night. A forum or two, a class, an opening session, a dinner function and then a few minutes in the Lobby Bar. Can you solve the code? The dinner tonight  was a murder mystery and it was pretty fun. Lots of suspects, lots of alibis, but only one real murderer!

Tomorrow my first meeting is at 7:30, and on through until 8 or 9 tomorrow night. Maybe a little extra sleep on Sunday...

Don't forget, tonight is the full moon: The Snow Moon.

Deeds, Actions Changes, MYSTERY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 40/325 - Thursday...

There is all kinds of pretty in Texas; you can go into the Hill Country and see hills (well duh) and scrub and cactus and caliche, and if you look at it just right, it it pretty. There are canyons and geological formations in west Texas, and it is not hard to see the pretty in those things. If you head towards the coast, there's the coast (another duh) and there is lots of pretty there. If you go east, there are the Piney Woods, and there is lots of pretty to be seen there. There is probably pretty all around us all the time, we just have to stop, take a breath and look at it. Pretty! These little wild flowers were showing their prettiness this afternoon up by the road, so I wanted you all to see the pretty too!

Tomorrow is the full moon, the Snow Moon. Enjoy!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, PRETTY, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 39/326 - Wednesday...

I blame it on the fact that I am bad at math. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide, but that is it. I am not good beyond those things. I have issues with technology. I am not interested in how things work, and I am totally perplexed if they don't work. I have difficulty loading software onto computers. I can not make some programs work, even though I have followed the instructions, letter and verse. I use at least four computers (that does not include my personal electronic devices) on a daily basis, and as long as I do what I ask of them, I could care less about anything else. I play Words with Friends with a VERY SELECT group of folks, because I do not need constant reminders of my inadequacies. My real job when I partake in that is (simply) to make that very select group of folks to feel superior in every way, because I suck at playing that game. I am pretty good at Scrabble, but I seldom claim victory with the electronic version. I know for sure that sometimes I have a word rejected (not a valid word) when I know good and f'ing well that it is a word. The only way I can justify my lack of skill is to blame my competitors with cheating. I know there are 'apps' to win at this game, but I have not lowered myself to that. I fail honestly and without shame. Well, not too much shame anyway. I doubt that my friends are really cheating, but that reasoning works for me, so I will continue with that. My apologies to Skippy. He usually beats me too.

It is much better than accepting that I am dumber than a pile of mud.

I blame it on the fact that I am bad at math, and that I do not have an analytical mind.

So there.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, MATH, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 38/327 - Tuesday...

I don't know what I have ever done to reap such luck. I am the luckiest man in the world. I cannot count all the fortunes that have been bestowed on me throughout my lifetime. Crazy! And then, if all my good fortunes were not enough, I come home (to the edge of nowhere) and get to see things like this beautiful sunset. Crazy, right? It was 86 degrees in Austin today, supposed to be warmer tomorrow. And maybe a little bit of rain possible in the seven day forecast. BUT OH MY, what a beautiful sunset.

My cup is full, I am a lucky man!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, SUNSETS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 37/328 - Monday...

Yesterday turned out to be a nice, balmy day (temperature wise) in the late afternoon, so when Jody and I got back from dinner, he decided to take the girl dog out for a walk. I joined them after a couple minutes, since there it was still early and there was nothing on the television except for some football game, and we don't pay much attention to stuff like that. Give us a good Home & Garden Program or a Million Dollar REALTOR® program and I am all there, and Jody will be reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle. Anyway...it was a lovely early evening walk, and the pink clouds were really pretty, and I thought it made a good photo...Jody walking the girl dog and the nice sunset. It is easy to see pretty out here on the edge of nowhere.

The girl dog still smells like skunk, we bought her a new collar yesterday, but that is not it. I cannot believe how long that odor lasts. And last night, the coyotes were crazy. They were very close to the house; at one point I got up with a flashlight to see if I could spot them. Nothing. Later, they woke me up twice and I could still not find them. It will be interesting to see if there is a repeat tonight.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, DIRT ROADS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 36/329 - Sunday...

Today started out much like yesterday ended; chilly, grey, dribbly. The possum was still dead in the mid-barn, and is now in the trash can up at the road, waiting patiently for the collection tomorrow. It is covered up with chicken poop and cedar shavings, from having cleaned the chicken coop, and the cattle were not in need of any hay, so that saved some time. These delicate little flowers are blooming in one of the beds up by the road, and I have never seen them bloom before (we have only been here about nine years, and we are still finding new things). They are lovely and fragile looking, and the bits of (heavy) dew on them make them look even prettier. Jody thinks they are some kind of a Lily, and I agree with that. I want to think they are Lily's of the Valley, but Jody thinks they are not, so I will go with that.

I got a few things done today, but not a lot, and it was a good day for napping.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, LILY'S, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 35/330 - Saturday...

This is really not what I was expecting this morning when I opened the shed door to get gasoline for the lawn mower. YES, I said lawn mower. It is freakin' February and I cut the grass. It was a grey and dismal day, but I did manage to get some chores done. Cut up firewood for the stove, mowed the grass, swept out the garage, changed my underwear... I am not sure if this opossum was playing 'possum or not (although I highly doubt it. If it was playing 'possum, it was doing a really good job. I will not poke at it until tomorrow (if it is still there), and if it is still there, and it fails the poke test, I will unceremoniously stoop it up with a shovel and even more unceremoniously dump it in the garbage can for the Monday morning pick-up.

Otherwise, nothing of real importance happened today. We did not make it out of the low 50s, and there has been dribbles and drabs of rain all day. Maybe just a misty, heavy-dew, fog-like trace of rain, but it was not comfortable.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, DEAD STUFF, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 34/331 - Friday...

Another week has come and gone, and I am none the wiser for it. In fact, the photo accompanying today's post pretty much sums up my opinion of the last several weeks. I am also threatening to take to Twitter, since I do not have a properly secured personal electronic device, I figure I can give my 140 character posts just as readily as the next fella. The only problem is, I am not certifiable. I have paid my dues, I understand the concept of 'spell check' and generally I tend to proof read my posts before I hit send. Okay, correction, generally when I am driving and texting I do not proof read my posts. Just to be giving full disclosure! You can follow me if you want to, @austinbilliam. I have had that twitter handle for years-and-years-and-years, but never really got into all the commotion, but I am going to give it a try. I think it will be a combination of comments on current events and hopefully a few comments to make you all smile.

We can all use a couple more smiles on a daily basis, I think!

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TWITTER, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 33/332 - Thursday...

O HAIL YAY-ESS! It is 65 degrees outside, so that means we are freaking freezing to death out here on the edge of nowhere. I got a nice fire going in the stove, and did not have a photo for today. This is kind of interesting; you can see the flames through the glass on the stove, along with the furniture in the living room, featuring the girl dogs sofa with the quilt covering it. Not sure what the photo looks like to the rest of you, but we know what it is.

I was supposed to attend a meeting at the Capitol this afternoon, but I vetoed that idea. There are a bunch of (fill in the adjective of your choice here) people out on the streets and especially at or near the Capitol. We will be doing our Hill Visits in April, and I will show up then if not sooner. BUT...I think as the session gets further along, things may quiet down some in the next several weeks. There have already been over 1,200 bills filed...these guys are only here for five months, so there will be a big push as the session gets going really well.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, TEMPS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!

2017 - Day 32/333 - Wednesday...

What could possibly go wrong on the day that I received my February Sock Club package. Nothing, right. I know! It is always fun opening the package, and I have yet to be disappointed. Note the size on the socks is LARGE, which means 1). I have big feet or, 2). they run small or, C). there is a correlation to big feet AND big hands or 5). None of the above. The correct answer, boys and girls is D). It's classified and I would be happy to tell doubt then I would have to kill you, and I really don't want to do that.

I had a 330 appointment in FAR BFE (Leander) this afternoon, which afforded me the ability to circumvent the congestion on IH-35. All southbound lanes were closed, 2 of the 3 northbound lanes closes (about half-way from the office to the edge of nowhere). So, that was a lucky happenstance!

If and when I find myself speechless or with no logical or informed or educated response, STFU is now my default response to most everything I hear, see or read. Just a warning.

Deeds, Actions, Changes, SOCKS, Kindnesses, Whirled Peas, FUN!