DANCING WITH MY MAN

The day had grown long---he was weary---I put on a Martina McBride CD---we started with the Texas Two Step----and then slowly we began twirling---he began leaning into me and I pulled him closer---the song was melodious---sweet---soft---lyrics and a beat made for slow dancing together.  We slowly made circles around the room---moving with the rhythm and as many a slow song seems to lead---we ended up just swaying together until the last chord faded.  He then slept peacefully in my arms---his sweet baby breath slowing ---the lovely romance of dancing with your man!

THE COWBOY IN MY LIFE

In my perpetual quest to get-stay in shape---I went for my 5 miles this morning.  I have decided to explore new territory--and went West instead of East this morning.  The cowboy above is roughly 3 blocks from my apartment--going West.  I saw him as I headed North and admired his rough manly beauty---I headed through the University West neighborhood--went by a road crew after a few blocks---and kept on going---Strange--but there seemed to be another crew working a few blocks away---and these guys looked a lot like the first group---but you know --put an orange vest on and they all look alike.

Then I saw another cowboy statute which looked very similar to the one I had passed a mile plus ago ---WELL this is Texas---there are cowboys in Texas----I kept on trucking---made another neighborhood street or two and then got on the TCU exercise trail---next thing I know--there is another bronze cowboy---I always thought I knew where I was going---but it turns out the streets are not on a square here--I guess like many towns built on a river the streets follow the lay of the river. I have seen the same statue and the same work crew 3 times---

The cowboy---well he is my Cowboy Angel---the points me to the way home--not unlike the Angels God provides us on our journey this side of Paradise.

Sidenote---Runners---I actually ran a mile and then a couple more 1/2s during this morning's 5---I AM COMING BACK---ever so slowly!

I have over night guests again--Camille & Collin are spending the night--she was glad to share the Roasted Red Pepper/Alfredo-Pesto Chicken Pasta that I prepared.  LOVE having someone to cook for!

NOW--I need to go think about a name for my cowboy!

BELLS, HYMNS & PRAYERS

Robert Carr Chapel

TCU Campus

Saint Stephen Presbyterian Church

I am fortunate enough to live a block behind the Robert Carr Chapel which is on the TCU campus.  TCU at one time was a Disciples of Christ owned university---I have heard--but must admit that I am not sure--that they are no longer connected---it is just a private university now---the chapel  is directly west of me.

Directly east of me - 2 or 3 blocks is Saint Stephen Presbyterian church which is a huge complex on the side of the hill that I live on over looking the Forest Park area of Fort Worth.

The beauty of where I am is that they BOTH have bells and hymns that they play.  The tower at TCU also chimes the hour.  I have loved hearing these bells.  While a student at LTU and living in the dorm---Keeny Hall also had bells that chimed---I don't remember it playing hymns though--just chimed the time.  I loved those chimes a LONG time ago!

It is a sweet sound and often a reminder to pray----such a great place to live--chimes and bells in stereo!

MONA, MONKEYS & ME!

Today I took Mona for a tour of the AT&T store and the Apple Store.  Her I Phone decided to have a conniption fit and loose ALL of her contacts just before she left for Fort Worth.  She is in the Big City--there is someone here to solve EVERY problem--all you have to do is figure out WHO that someone is and THEN find out WHERE they are.  NOT TO WORRY---I AM ON IT!

We then went to one of the cities wonderful deli/bakery shops-McKinley's Fine Bakery----Corn/Potato Chowder ( I must say NOT as good as mine--NO BRAG--JUST FACT!) and 1/2 a jalapeno/cheddar pimento sandwich.  It was great--but next trip---SKIP THE WHOLESOME FOOD---GO STRAIGHT TO THE BAKERY!  I saw a piece of carrot cake that--well WHAT WAS I THINKING--passing on dessert!

This afternoon we met #3/#4/#5 Grand and #1 daughter at the Fort Worth Zoo---it is a GREAT ZOO--the best part--well beyond the fact that Wednesday's are 1/2 price day---was seeing Mona enjoying the zoo.  I LOVE the excitement and wonder she shows over any new experience--from the time we toured Disney World after our marathon---until today's zoo experience. She makes me back up and remember the wonder of what we are seeing.  

AWESOME DAY!  Now for Lora's Mexican Cornbread & Brownies for dessert--

COME TO FORT WORTH & I WILL IMPRESS YOU!

Mona thinks I am AWESOME---know my way around Fort Worth---and can even never take the same road and STILL get us back home!  REALLY--It's AMAZING!---KEEP IN MIND--Mona lives in Goose Creek--with 2 major roads & 1 major intersection---WAIT---Perhaps Major may have been slight overstatement!

I took Mona for a 2-3 mile walking tour of the homes RIGHT by me---VERY PRICEY---older part of Fort Worth--AND VERY BEAUTIFUL!  The wind was cold--but she was a trooper and endured my walking tour.  It is very hilly and reminds me a great deal of old and scenic historical neighborhoods in Shreveport.  It all butts right up to one of the City Parks--We stopped several times for her to make pictures of houses--hopefully these Texans will not think we are casing their estates!

We visited with Camille and Baby Collin while the big boys were at MDO until noon--and then WE HIT THE TOWN!

We WENT TO "Uncle Julios" for lunch---YUMMY!!!  Mona thinks it was the best Mexican she has ever had---I actually have found a place--in walking distance of my apartment that I like just as well--maybe even better.  The boys and I tried it out Saturday night---I had a brisket, spinach & feta taco----OH WOW!  I need to try that at home--after I can get out and grill this Spring.

I then took Mona to Garden Ridge--if you have missed that experience--well I must say---think   WAREHOUSE---STACKS TO THE CEILING---ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF!  It's a retail Flea Market!  She bought 2 things--I bought a buggy full--there and at Target.  I am calling a Sabbath Rest for my Credit Card--it is suffering from fatigue.

ANYWAY--we went North---traveled West via I-30---went South several miles---went East traveling on the I-20 Service Road---headed North---back to the apartment.  MONA WAS SO IMPRESSED--I am not going to tell her that I just drove in a huge circle---SOMEONE needs to be impressed with my prowess!

COME ON OUT TO SEE ME---I AM JUST COCKY ENOUGH TO BE DANGEROUS!

SUCKING IN THE YOUTH!

I HAVE told you that I live half a block from TCU--YES?  The path to the grocery, restaurants, etc is directly through the campus of TCU.  The sidewalk in front of my house is the path from many of the apartments, parking lots, etc to the campus.  I have a direct view of the students going to and from class.  I also walk to the store etc. from here.  I am watching and observing and taking in what the current dress is and the habits of the young.  First thing I need is a pair of black tights--I think I have some--but need to dig them out--they are the dress to go to any time the weather is cool.  You wear them under anything or just by themselves!  I am SUCKING IN THE AROMA of the young!

I have my first LA guest---Mona is here for a few days.  I have taken her in the short walking tour today --longer tour coming in the morning---GLAD she has her walking shoes with her!

HELP HELP AND MORE HELP!

I'M HERE!!!

I have safely arrived and am almost finished making my initial "Nest" preparations in the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!

I first have to talk about ALL the help I have had making this move.  IT HAS BEEN AWESOME...

Help in Ruston with the Rhymes assembling a group of church men to load the truck.  Help in route--with the St Andre crew--driving---and unloading the truck (after helping load).

Help in Fort Worth with Adam and their friends Josh & Dana helping unload the truck.  Help from #1 & #2--Scott & Gabe---BIG HELP---couldn't start to tell you all they have done!

Help today from Josh again---who came to change the plug out on my dryer.

I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THEM!  It has been an arduous job--to say the least----BUT I'm here!  

NOW to begin living the "Big City Life"---side note---they have AWESOME grocery stores in large towns---from everyday stores all the way to designer groceries---I am GOING TO LOVE THAT!