The Fence

Take a good look at this picture. Is it a fence? Is it a moat? Are the bars to trap alligators? This is the fence that through our government's well thought out wisdom is being constructed along the border of Mexico and the United States! This photo was taken out the truck window as we drove onto the "Mexican side" of the fence. However, we were still in Texas as the border is really the Rio Grande which was many miles further on. Now the fence is tall and strong, but there are many openings through which to pass. In one picture you can see a tire laying by the opening. It was explained to me that the border patrol drags this tire behind their vehicles so they can inspect for footprints. I'll post the rest of the pictures on my Flickr site. Draw your own conclusions.

Is It True?

EW has informed me that no creative person has pets! Well, I am wondering if that is true.

Laredo

This weekend's getaway was to Laredo. What a shame that the drug war prevents people from walking across the bridge to Neuvo Laredo. We toasted to the Dos Laredos that are no more. However, I would definitely recommend La Posada for its old world charm and tasty cuisine. And of course if you are in the need of Mexican pottery or metal work, this is the place. My friend, Jennifer, and I were in heaven combing through the various shops in hopes of hidden treasures. I must admit that I never did find the coveted pig planter to match the one I already have. "Quiero un puerco grande para los flores."

The Hideout on the Horseshoe

Here are two images from last weekend's getaway to the Guadalupe River. Although overcast and a bit cold, it was peaceful and relaxing. One of the highlights was finding a bonanza of limestone which was carted home for a building project.

The Joy of Sourdough

There is nothing like making your own sourdough starter. Nurturing it and feeding it and then lovingly putting it in the refrigerator. These loaves turned out the best of any previous efforts. Even my most critical taster pronounced the bread to be excellent.

An Amazing Turn...

of events. Who would have thought that this girl would find someone who really cared for her? Skeptical I was at first and perhaps still a little, but EW has been slowly breaking down my defenses. Tonight before my departure to Padre Island, he presented me with a lovingly cooked pot roast, fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice, and various other delicacies so that I wouldn't have to cook when I got there. Plus he has monitored the weather and worried if I was driving in any adverse conditions. There is also the elaborate set up he constructed so that I could plug in my travel trailer at the house which has eliminated the need to pack large and cumbersome ice chests. The best part though is that we share the same sense of humor. For example, tonight we were having dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant. After we both visited the restroom and commented on the annoyance of those air blowers instead of paper towels, I asked if he had noticed the directions printed on that device. He hadn't, and of course I had because it takes about 10 minutes to get your hands dry in such circumstances. So I was reading the directions while waiting. The last line of directions said: "Turn nozzle up for drying your hair." Now I ask you, who dries their hair in the restroom of a restaurant? Well, let your imagination take hold of that!! And we did. The waiter, who didn't speak English very well, showed signs of distress because we were laughing so hard. EW thank you for an amazing 2 months.

Our Christmas Choir

It's hard to describe so I'll let the picture speak for itself.