"We All Place Country First"

I was going to blog about the Obama acceptance speech. Talk about how moved I was.

Instead, the Krusty Old Man has even stolen space on TammieLand today.

Excuse me Mr. McCain, but you have just insulted me and the sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits - to the core.

Yes, you are showing your "Maverick" spirit. However, you should have been wiser in your choice. All you have done, in my opinion, is prove Senator Obama correct in his statement that you just don't get it. If you are looking to woo Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters into your camp - you should not have chosen a 44 year old beauty queen from Alaska. The only thing that makes her different from Mayor Jimmy Trammel is that she has been Governor for a little over a year. If you wanted a strong female that no one knows - choose Kathy Taylor. Oh sorry, she probably isn't pretty enough. And I'm pretty sure she was never a PTA or "Hockey" mom. She probably doesn't bake cookies either. Oops, sorry, she would be too much much like Hillary.

We want real change, sir. Not change as perceived inside the head of an old man.

Speaking of age... and, yes it is an issue to me. What happens if you get a call at 3am that Iran is attacking Korea? You can't handle the news and stroke out. That leaves us with a Beauty Queen in the Oval Office. I would feel safer with Paris Hilton. At least she would call her daddy for advice before doing anything drastic.

Let's go over Governor Palin's experience:

Married high school sweetheart - been married 20 years today, has a 19 year old son - hmmm
PTA / hockey mom
Birthed 5 children - the last one in April 08
Totally pro life - is using the baby as a billboard for that
Wasilla City Council (4 yrs) population around 6700
Wasilla Mayor (4 yrs)
Governor of Alaska - 1.5 yrs (Alaska is the size of Washington DC)
Lifelong member of the NRA
Proud of helping destroy the Tundra to lay a natural gas pipeline

Voters on the right will like Palin’s conservative credentials: She’s opposed to both abortion rights and gay marriage, supports increased domestic drilling for oil, is a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and has a son in the U.S. Army - Politico

Yeah, I can see where you, Mr. McCain, would think she and Hillary are very similar.

As for me, I'm firmly in Obama's camp.

Let the fun begin...

Denver Democrat commentary...

I received this email from an authentic Denver Democrat. She had some interesting observations:

Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 3:56 AM

Hello all -Just a quick note from Denver, home of the historic DNC.

First, as a lifelong Democrat, I feel it's ok to make fun of my own party.

Second, for those of you who don't know, my office is in Invesco Field (site of BO's acceptance speech), which has been insanely busy for the past month b/c of the convention, football, etc.

A few observations as we try to survive, I mean welcome, the delegates, the media, and the crazies (and they're not all from Boulder...):

For a 'green' convention, there are a lot of stretch limos & huge SUVs hauling people around town.

Since when did protesting mean that you acted and dressed like an idiot?

Wouldn't it be nice if BOTH parties had spent the $160 million for each convention on something like our national debt, fixing healthcare or social security, or alternative energy? Sorry, dumb idea - those corporate donors need somewhere to spend $ and everyone loves a good party.

Ok - seriously, I know it's a historic event and best of all - the secret service is taking over the stadium tomorrow until after the speech, so I have 2 days off. Thanks Barack! Kris

Comal County Blue

Like I said before, it's the little things that keep us going. I totally believe that. This last year has been very trying, to say the least.

I have only been in my current location 11 months, seems like a lot longer. My Nannie hasn't been gone a year, seems like forever. I've only been a Boland loyalists a few years, seems like a lifetime. Created a bond with a long lost uncle. Lost two cousins; gained two brothers; learned to love thru the tears and hate like I never thought I could.

I've said goodbye to too many people over the last 11 months. But some of the most wonderful things have also happened.

My daughter is engaged to her soulmate. I was able to visit Tuscon, Phoenix and San Antonio and see all three cities from the eyes of the natives, those that truly love their homes. I won't trade those weekends for anything.

My favorite singer found out he had a polyp on his vocal chord. He is in fact being operated on the very day his latest CD is officially released - August 26, 2008. Today, I received that very CD - Comal County Blue in the mail. Betty Mom thought something had bit me from the squeal that came out when I saw the return address! I was probably within the first 10 people to pre-order the CD. I was equally excited that in addition to getting the cd BEFORE the common folk - I have an authentically autographed one! Yes, he really did sign it. You could still smell the ink from the sharpie and I have enough things that he has signed to verify it.

It is now 7:45ish and I already have it on my mp3 player and have listened to almost the whole thing. All I have to say is WOW. He is still JB and they are maturing in their music. This is a good thing. I love him from Pearl Snaps to Comal County and every truck stop in between... Hardly a day goes by that I can't find one of his songs in something that happens in my life. I quote him almost as much as SK.

It's the little things. A new CD from a favorite artist. New music to listen to and sing while standing at the tips of his boots. Thanks Jason!

Long days and pleasant nights.

Summer of the Monkey

It's begun!

Steve was supposed to come over this week and get my lawnmower running. He is positive it is as simple as cleaning the carborator. Well, the day he was supposed to be at my house he ended up in the emergency room. Something about gastro something and another word that is too long to say or spell. His potassium level dropped severely. He is on a clear liquid diet (no water please) he has to drink gatorade and broth to raise the salt in his system.

The night before that happened - I went to my Pilates class - the teacher has dissappeared. I truly enjoyed this class. It was my once a week escape.

Is this just a coincedence? HELL NO! What is going on, you may ask...

MONKEYSHINE

Fortunately he is at the southern end of the Hill Country and can't get enough energy up to Green Country to do much more harm than salt depravation. He sits there with his goofy grin and unassuming OSU clothing. He will not win! We already have a plan to get around this minor inconvenience.

I haven't gone mad yet so that means his powers are weak. Or are they?

Go then there are other worlds than these...

Look Who's Going to the RNC!

The elderly Senator McCain will be very well protected at the RNC. My favorite cop cousin has graciously volunteered for the post.

OK, mayhap he won't be the Senator's personal body guard, but I lay my watch and warrant that he would be the better protector.

Congrats cuz! I'm secretly envious - what I wouldn't give to be at the DNC next week! (of course your counterparts would be protecting Obama from me)

Remember - shoot first, ask questions if anyone is left standing - it's the Republican Way!

Long days and pleasant nights.

Feels Just Like It Should - Uh Huh...

Life has been relatively boring, yet incredibly busy.

Actually ended up buying a new fridge. So now one is in the shed out back, to be returned to the house if I ever move. The other has made back into retirement, successfully.

The only problem with allowing one fridge to hang-out in the shed and the other to go back into retirement is that the fridge in the shed started chatting with the lawnmower. Now I seem to have an appliance mutiny on my hands. The lawnmower is trying to fake illness. That will be resolved as soon as my brother-in-law can make it to Tulsa. In the meantime, if my body is found in pieces or I become a crazed killer maniac weilding a machete - have the police talk to the lawnmower and the fridge. You might also have them chat with that damn monkey at Don and Nadeen's house.

In other news...

I fear that I've gotten Millie into a habit that isn't such a good one. After I finished my lunch this afternoon Millie started crying hysterically. She jumped onto my lap and began hugging me while howling. I asked her if she wanted a nap and a blankie. She immediately jumped down, grabbed a toy and was back on the couch as soon as I threw a blankie over my legs. Sound asleep in seconds.

Looks like the Redbirds are in the fight for the Wild Card. Up until this year I complained rather loudly about the Wild Card, now I like it. We are still 2.5 games behind the Brewers for the play-offs. It's possible to overcome them, getting less likely by the day - but I'm still hopeful.

Beer for My Horses: Only thing I can say is MUST SEE! I about wet my pants laughing so hard. and I'm pretty sure the beer had mostly worn off before the middle of the movie.

Only days before Comal County Blue is released. I can't wait. In case you were wondering - Yes I have already ordered it.

My job review is being written. Carlton says he can't think of very many nice things to say. So, keep your fingers crossed. I've been offering him nice things to say about me, we'll see if he takes my advice.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Tonight the Answer's Austin...

Again I say, this nightmare of a year has to end.

I have stopped reading the traffic reports that come in from OHP. You only have to open one with the header - fatal, next of kin notified - and recognize the name to teach you that lesson.

However, the news of death always reaches one way or another. Today, I opened the weekly internet update from the weekly "rag" in Pryor. Headline news - Nita Jacobs died Monday.

I first met Nita when I married into Pryor. She was a wonderful woman that got the bad end of a bad straw. She married Nolan (also wonderful man) not out of love, but because he needed a caregiver. His children only cared about his money. She took very good care of him, to the point of even dedicating her life (while he was alive) to his church. Over the years this marriage of convenience turned into love. He took care of her in death as she had taken care of him in life. She was one of the true Angels out there.

Goodbye Nita - say hey to Nannie, and assortment of friends and family now that you've reached the other side of the clearing. You can once again help Nolan tend the roses.

I so desperately want to go back to the Hill Country. Sitting poolside with a beer in my hand and not a care in the world. Watching the coons and deer eat their breakfast and dinner. Listening to the birds singing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Okie roots. But I'm beginning to believe that the only "happy" place is South Bound 35.

I'm so very tired of being somewhere in the middle, and pretty sure the sun is shining somewhere in Texas - tonight the answer's Austin and the Comal County blue... (here's hoping you are well and singing again soon Jason...)

The party's not over - it's just leaving town - so don't be dissapointed - its gonna come back around...

It's the Small Things...

It really is the small things that make you happy.

A trip to the Hill Country with a "best" friend and two "good" friends. A surprise email from a favorite uncle - a joke that is totally unexpected from him. The sun rising in the morning. Puppies to cuddle up with. Friends to share a laugh...


Today, the folks I work with are getting a good laugh at my "expense" you might say. About a month ago I noticed that my fridge wasn't working so well. So my younger sister and brother-in-law brought me a fridge that they had used until inheriting another one. The new-to-me fridge had been in retirement since November 8, 2007, not to mention it is over 30 years old. I tried to bring it out of retirement and it fought my decision, and it won. Today, the Lowe's truck backed into my drive and I have a brand new, fresh out of the box - refrigerator!


Until you have lived without a freezer, you don't know the joy of being able to cook and freeze! Or going to the grocery store and not avoiding the Meat section.

This has been a very rough year. I'm not speaking of the physical year, I'm talking about the year beginning Sept 29, 2007. I can't remember a time when so many people I've known intimately or "well" have gone to the clearing at the end of the path. The latest to say goodbye to are Uncle David and Emma Lou - both are missed more than words can express.

We need the small things to keep us distracted and help us to move on in a world that is moving on regardless of what we want. So I stand in front of my new refrigerator and thank Gan that I am able to enjoy this small thing.

Go then there are other worlds than these...

Boys...

We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other. - Luciano de Crescenzo

We like to say "who needs men?" Well the truth is they really are needed for more than just to carry out the garbage and mayhap mowing the lawn. Can you imagine if you hadn't had your Daddy growing up?

It's true, what a man can do a woman can do better and with time left over. However, sometimes it's nice to have one around just to talk to and well be treated like a "woman." Saturday night I actually had male company. It was fun. He wanted to go to dinner and a movie, then found out I was cooking a pot of beans... Well somehow that turned into an invitation to come over for beans - taters - and cornbread. I have decided any man that likes my puppies and will watch a Johnny Depp movie with me is worth keeping around for awhile.

I'm happy. Yet can't seem to get shed of that feeling that the world has moved on and left me in one of the Wasteland villages of Mejis. (translation: I feel completely alone except for the occasional traveler that stops by for a very brief visit)

Now, I find out that Boland will be sidelined longer than anticipated. Please pray to your favorite God that his surgery and recovery are successful. It will be devistating if this voice is silenced.

Anywho, not much sense to my ramblings today, but felt I've neglected TammieLand too long. And you guys are a great sense of support...

Long days and pleasant nights.

Beginners Pilates...

Pilates was formed by Joseph Pilates during the First World War with the proposal to improve the rehabilitation program for the many returning veterans. Joseph Pilates believed mental and physical health are essential to one another. He recommended a few, precise movements emphasizing control and form to aid injured soldiers in regaining their health by strengthening, stretching,and stabilizing key muscles. Pilates created "The Pilates Principles" to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. - Wikipedia

Last night I went to my first ever Pilates class. It was only 45 minutes. The instructor is a wonderful "little" man named Barry. Just a side note, he felt it necessary to let my girlfriend and I know that while he is a Pilates instructor - he is straight. Anywho, the only equipment necessary for Pilates is a mat. My friend and I were excited because we have grown not very fond of weights. Boy were we in for a surprise. Once we began the floor exercise portion and had to keep our legs in the air at various points for various durations of time... life began to get tough. This very nice, straight instructor began looking an awful lot like Hitler, Musselini and Stalin all rolled into a 5 foot something man named Barry. It did not help that he kept reminding us - as he heard our moans of anguish - that this is the beginners - beginners class.

Then after I made it home, I made the mistake of getting the purple dinosaur out and playing tug-of-war with Millie. I had forgotten that the purple dinosaur is laced with doggie crack. Toby and me both tried hiding for 30 minutes before she finally gave up and went to sleep.

Go then there are other worlds than these...

Two Things I Love...

...Jason Boland - Jason (the ghost of Waylon) is having some health issues. He has been working triple time the last six months on a new CD and keeping up his live appearances. He has a polyp on his right vocal chord. While it is treatable - he has been forced to cancel all performances until released by the doctor or it is potentially career ending. I blame myself. The last time they were at the station, I asked for a new CD - less than a year later they were in the studio. Jason, man, my thoughts are with you and I've been praying to every god I can think of to help you heal. In the meantime, he has released the first single off the new CD: Comal County Blue. It's really good... www.thestragglers.com

...the St. Louis Cardinals. They weren't expected to finish above last place this season. What a surprise they were the first half of the year. Seems more than just my prediction about the NL West is coming true. They woke up one morning and realized they were actually a good team, and well, have gone to hell in a handbasket. They have managed to lose 4 straight. That's not the bad part of this story. The really bad thing is it was 4 home games against the Brewers! That's only slightly less embarrassing than losing to a team in the NL West. Unless the pitching staff gets control and the bullpen stop walking so many people - even a Wild Card is out of the question.

Go then, there are other worlds than these...

Aunt Tammie Vacation

Last year Patty and I "kidnapped" Hayden for a couple of days and called it our "Hayden Vacation." We never dreamed that this summer he would call both of us and demand 'cation. Nor did we imagine that he would actually have a list of things he wanted to do on his 'cation.

So last weekend was his Aunt Tammie Vacation. Sinclaire has also been feeling terribly neglected, so I took the opportunity to take care of both of them. We had the best time!

First on Hayden's list: Work with Frank
Friday night the whole gang met Frank and me at the Porter Peach Festival. We were live in the 4/5 & 6pm newscasts. Hayden helped by running around and spending all his momma and mooma's money. He also made it on-air with Frank in the 6pm. We filmed some b-roll of Frank talking to the crowd, Hayden was in that as well. It was terribly exciting to see himself on TV.

Second on Hayden's list: Go to Ollie's
When Poppie, Hayden and I made it back to Tulsa, we stopped at Ollie's. He loves that place. It has model trains running all over the place. It's a greasy spoon with hamburgers and the absolute best breakfast buffet.

Third on Hayden's list: Space Chimps
We took Sinclaire with us. She made it to my house pretty early. We had to walk to Channel 8 to get my car. That just about killed Hayden. It was a loooong walk. Then we had a lunchable and were off to Space Chimps. The kids loved the movie. I think they liked the video games at least as much. They also got popcorn, soda and air-heads at the movies.

Fourth on Hayden's list: Chuck E Cheese's
If you have never been there, I don't recommend it unless you have a 4 and 5 year old with you. We saw the kids when they either needed a drink or ran out of tokens. A two hour stay there and both were pretty tired. Daddy and me, that is. Aunt Tammie also bought them cotton candy as a present to take home.

Notes from the weekend: Millie loved having someone to run and play with. She also escaped outside a couple of times to get away from the children to rest. Seems jumping on the sofa at home is not something that is allowed, but at Aunt Tammie's the pillows fall on the floor as if inviting jumping. Shoes are required at home, but can't seem to be found at Aunt Tammie's. Sponge Bob 24/7 will drive an adult to madness.

I pray that each year both of them want an Aunt Tammie vacation.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Baseball Halfway Mark

Just a quick note to update those of you that care and even those that don't.

We are halfway thru the season now. My prediction that the NL West is the worst in all of baseball has come true. Not one team is even at .500. Pitiful! Arizona had very high hopes. Honestly they were the only team in the division that was supposed to be contenders. However, Joe Torre has proven himself as a manager. He has taken a team that couldn't even figure out how to tie their own shoelaces and made them a contender in the West. Keep in mind, Arizona sucks this year, even with Brandon Webb. Currently LA and AZ are tied for first both are at .495 with 49 wins and 50 losses each. Chicago is in Arizona this week, so look for the DBacks to add at least 2 and possibly 3 more losses. Note to the DBacks - it would help me out a LOT if you take down the Cubbies...

The real competitions are in the East and Central divisions. Very surprisingly, the Mets are at the top of their division. Just a few short weeks ago they fired their beloved manager, in a middle of the night ordeal that found itself on the Daily Show. Stewart whined about it for week - but now he is all smiles, seems that was just the shot in the arm the team needed. In the East as with the West there is a tie for first. Unlike the West - the teams are showing respectable numbers: NY has a .535 while the Phillies are at .531 - each have won 53 games and lost 46. The rest of the season is a run for the finish. The 2nd place team is only 1 game out.

Now to my favorite division - the NL Central. Frank has tried to get me to go Dodger Blue while Jeff thinks I should watch the DBacks. My question to them is "why" I have one of the best teams out there. I was ready to watch the other teams play this year. If you recall we gave up 17 men this season. Everyone, including me, thought LaRussa had lost his freakin mind. We also started the season with our only two starting pitchers that anyone had ever heard of on the DL - and our best reliever went there quickly after the season started. Pujols and Molina have both made it on the DL also. The fact that we are giving the Cubs a run for their money is impossible. When asked why the team is playing so well, LaRussa says it's like the old days, you aren't guaranteed a slot on the team, you have to earn it each day. Boy have they earned it. My Redbirds are sharing 2nd place right now with the Brewers - the Redbirds are at .564 with 57 wins and 44 losses. The Cubs are 2 games ahead with a .586 - 58 wins, 41 losses - the best record in baseball! No reason out there at all to watch anyone else play. =)

Go then, there are other worlds than these...

Rocklahoma 2008

Last year, the first year of the ginormous 80's hairbands concert, was a lot of fun. I went with Kenna, Jimmy and Regina. We went two days and partied out to the music Jimmy and I remember from our teen years.

I opted not to renew my $100 ticket when the price went to $400 plus. I'm happy about that too since I had no clue who most of the bands were and therefore the music just annoyed me. We added Rocklahoma to Frank's Fun Friday Festivals list and were there live in the 4, 5 and 6pm newscasts. Frank had asked for one of the bands to be his primary interview in the 6pm. A man I had never met drove up on a golf cart with the funniest looking creature wearing a velure bright orange jogging suit. He had an entourage of two voluptuous women that were wearing so little clothing, even Frank didn't want to put them on air. I started trying to make small talk and do the producer thing, got the guys name - Donnie V, and band - Enuff Z Nuff, about that time Frank walks up. The first words out of his mouth were "Donnie V - OMG!" That began the night.

Barbara gave us a tour of the backstage area. Frank and Donnie V had become best buddies. We had corporate tickets and were able to go just about anywhere we wanted. The problem with going places with Frank is that you can only take two steps every half hour. People literally mob him. They want to give him hell about the weather or this or that, and almost always want a picture with him. Barbara snuck him backstage where he watched his favorite band of the night. Kenna and I left long before Frank.

Saturday Kenna and I went back as worker bees. Let me tell you - being just a volunteer isn't too bad. That is if you can handle smelling like beer at the end of the night. You meet a lot of really nice people that are very appreciative of you. I was offered marriage, money for my TK hat, and other things because I could pour a mean and fast beer. It was also fun seeing old friends that I haven't seen in years, literally.

The only scary part was when the wind and rain came and we thought the tents were going to blow away to Kansas and take us with them. Or, we would all be electricuted since the power box was 2 feet underwater. It didn't stop the party - only made our lines for beer longer.

Then when absolutely no one that had signed up for the last shift showed, I had the pleasure of working with Hunter (the new me), Jo and Lorri. That was fun. It was especially fun when the really cute girl that was hitting on Hunter actually believed that Hunter was was my son and she kept trying to get me to talk to him about going out with her. Then there was the kid that asked us if we had seen a man wearing a pink hat and dressed like a woman. We said no, he explained that was his step-dad and he was is in dire need of cash so would we keep a lookout for him. A while late that man actually came to me for beer! I totally believe John, Marlene and Jo about the weirdness having no end at Rocklahoma.

Go then there are other worlds than these...

Hola San Antonio

After two of the most wonderful days on Earth we just knew that day 3 of our Texas Experience couldn't be any better and likely not match the first two. To our delight, we were so terrifically mistaken. As Jo would say, if asked, how can we have been mistaken about a day in Texas being just as AWESOME as the day before?

We were greeted by the now familiar smell of Starbucks quality coffee. We also had breakfast. I found time to lie beside the pool on the hammock like swing. You would have never known we were in the middle of the city. It was so peaceful. I had asked to go to the Alamo. I think Jo wanted to go to the Riverwalk and everyone agreed that it was a Texas size shame that I had never had a hurricane. Those are really the only three things on our agenda, so you can see how we didn't really think the day, while being fun, would come close in comparison to the previous days.

I want to start out this day with the story of our hosts, Don & Nadeen. It truly is a Hollywood type love story. Who knew that really happened? Don and Nadeen knew each other from a few social events they each had attended years ago in Muskogee, OK. Don claims to have never met Nadeen. Anywho, Nadeen was on year 15 or 16 after her divorce. She found out from her cousin that Don's wife had passed away. Nadeen is a wonderfully thoughtful woman, she wrote him a letter. To her surprise, he wrote back. Marlene (Nadeen's daughter) suggested that they email each other. Nadeen had no clue how to even turn on a computer so the task of actually sending the email fell upon Marlene. Marlene and Nadeen say that the author was Nadeen, Don disputes that. =) After a couple of months of this correspondence he invited Nadeen to Germany (where he was currently living (retired military- parttime employee of the CIA) and he offered to pay her fair. Only a fool would turn that down. Their first few minutes together he was kissing her or if he's telling the story, she was kissing him. Their second date, he proposed. The pictures are incredible. They have been married since 2000 and are truly living the "happily everafter."

Ok, now to the day. We went to the Alamo. It is awe inspiring. It is a major piece of American/Texan/Mexican history. I've been once before and was in awe. This time Don was our tour guide and he knows everything about everything. When we left the Alamo we walked a couple blocks and came upon this church. They were about to begin a service and had the live music going. We went in to observe. I immediately had the urge to sprinkle the Holy Water - kneel and pray. As we walked out, I was caught off guard. We walked by the remains of the men that fell trying to save the Alamo. This tribute is so powerful in it's simplicity. A powerful reminder of the risks and lives that have been taken for our homeland.

We went to the Mexican Market; the Riverwalk; ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant. In the midst of the day we happened upon this child enjoying the Texas sun. I couldn't help but get a picture. Sadly, this was the last full day of vacation. The next morning we packed up, said our goodbyes, visited Geisla (sp) the wonderful German woman that lives next door, and headed back North.

The motto for the weekend was "It's All Good!" and it really was. No regrets. Good Times, Good Friends, It's All Good!

Go then there are different worlds than these...

Whiskey River Take My Mind...

The bestest 4th of July ever was this year. I'm not sure it will ever be topped.

We woke to the smell of freshly brewing Starbuck style coffee. Jo made a beeline to the coffee and the solarium. I lingered in the shower and then ventured downstairs, after being assured that the evil monkey was nowhere to be thought of. First thing I did after finding a coffee cup was to break said cup. While picking up the pieces, I met our hostess for the first time.

Nadeen and Don are darn near the nicest people on EARTH. Mayhap in the niceness category with my beloved Tio NT!

The night before we had feasted on Nadeen's home cooked brisket. This morning after the most awesome breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the most scrumptious melon from the Czech Stop (more on that in another blog) Jo packed about 20 brisket and bbq sandwiches for the picnic. Then filled 2 - one gallon bags full of chips. We laughed at the ungodly amount of food we were taking - however - we didn't laugh long. The cost of food was outrageous. The fact that Nadeen forced Jo to make so many sandwiches actually saved the crew tons of money. We were the envy of our neighbors.

The day brought just about everything imaginable. It started off warm. Pat took the stage and like magic, first guitar strum and the Heavens opened up forcing the populous closer to him. He left the stage and the sky immediately cleared. Most memorable part of Pat's act - "Welcome to San Antonio! Birthplace of .... ME!!!" That's what makes him so special - he recognizes that we love him that much.

We endured a couple more showers, nothing like the gullywasher like the one during the Pat portion of the day. Robby called at some point. The funny thing is that Robby seems to worry about me - a lot. We have yet to figure out why, but I think it's wonderful to have someone care. Jo convinced him that I was passed out on the lawn and she had just left me. The truth was that I had hung behind talking to our new friends. I'm sure they were kinda scared of us and thought it best to befriend us. We weren't the strangest of the day. There was a cute cowboy, nice body, but for some reason found it necessary to show off his undies. He also danced with anyone that walked by and halfway looked at him.

I met the cutest / hottest cop on Earth also. Sorry, I only have the pic that I took of him from my admiring distance. His name is Chad. He is a Selma (HOT) cop. Jo, Marlene and a whole slew of our "new" friends have the pics of the two of us together. We convinced him to take the picture to show my cousin in Tucson that the cops in Selma are way hotter than the ones in Tucson. The thing that amazed everyone is that at any point if I was asked where he was - I could point him out - in a crowd of tens of thousands. When we posed for the picture, he couldn't believe how many cameras were pointed at us. =)

I was thrilled to learn that this wasn't just any Willie's 4th of July Picnic, it was also a Last of the Breed concert. We were given the pleasure of seeing Ray Price and the Hag - LIVE. This is our reaction to the 2nd chord of the Hag's Rainbow Stew.

Then Willie took the stage with his family. Jo and I sat back and just soaked up the music and the big Texas sky. We lingered a bit after the almost 90 minute performance by Willie and family. I've seen him 3 times now in the last year and that is by far the longest he has been on stage. It truly was a day in Heaven.

After leaving the picnic - we found an IHOP and had the most outrageously sinful pancakes and eggs. Then made our way home and fell into restful slumber that even Monkeyshine couldn't disturb.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Southbound 35...Let Texas Fill Our Souls

Thursday morning, July 3, 2008 I was up before the roosters. It's all good, though. That was the day we began the most awesome trip ever. I was in Mazie by somewhere around 8am. John and Marlene arrived not long after and we were on our way south to what I now know is the "Hill Country."

Jo and I had packed snacks so we could save some money on the road while eliminating a couple stops on our way to the ultimate destination - Willie! Marlene discovered quickly that our idea of "snacks" includes bologna and cheese. Thankfully, she was delighted by the surprise.

We had heard of Willie's Truck Stop in Abbott, Texas and decided to make a pit stop there, since it was right on 35 South. This was the first real clue that the weekend would be totally spectacular. We thought that the truck stop had been open for awhile. Willie has been on the road talking it up - he even talked about it on the Colbert Report. What a surprise when we were just one vehicle of about thousands to pull over and park. There was a huge picnic going on, including a stage with live music, tents of food, and a few people selling souvenirs. This was also John and Marlene's introduction to Jo and Tam in that Texas Country Fog that people seem to think we have.

There is a Willie Saloon, a Willie general store and Willie gas pumps. We were truly in Heaven. Little did we know it was just the outskirts of Heaven. We took pictures of everything, including the dancing frogs and frog worshipping the Texas flag. About ten minutes further south on 35 - we passed the Honeysuckle Rose headed North. We barely missed seeing Willie at his truck stop grand opening.

We made it to our 5 Star hotel somewhere around 8 or 9. We had a wonderful princess room with twin beds awaiting us. There was a pool and all the accomodations we could ever ask for. As we enjoyed a drink pool side we also were blessed with seeing the deer and racoons feed in our lawn.

We did have one thing to be worried about. Monkeyshine! Jo went to the bathroom came out rather perplexed, made me go into the room and look - sure enough - there he sat looking innocent in his OSU t-shirt. We knew better though and ran screaming from the room. That night our door was locked and we made sure that we both said our prayers to every god we could think of to warn him off.

Go then there are other worlds than these...

Wonderful Day

Happy Birthday to my BFFJo! She is now legal when she enters a bar! The last dozen years have been just testing the local law enforcement...

Also, it is the anniversary of Nannie's b-day. If she were here she would be 87 years young today. The good news is that I'm sure she baked a cake and a pie and she and Poppie are enjoying it together, once again!

That's all I have time for now. We leave before the chickens wake up tomorrow morning. I would complain - but we will be South Bound - Willie in Sight! Nothing in that complaint worthy.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Busy Saturday

We had a very busy day here on Mt. Krumpit. We slept on the couch last night. Woke up around 6:30 this morning and have barely stopped going.

After breakfast and coffee, two loads of laundry, stripping the bed, Mommie went shopping. Nicole and Ryan were the beneficiaries of todays trip. Tomorrow I'll go to the grocery store and prepare for the roadtrip to Willie.

I have vacuumed, dusted, washed dishes, changed and laundered the sheets on the bed, ironed - all the house work is complete. To the point that I have been on my feet so long that my bum knee began complaining. So I ran a hot bath while the Redbirds play the Royals and added some aching muscle smell good stuff. (sorry Clint - we are making the Royals pay for beating us 4 in a row) When I came out of the bath I had to grab the camera. Toby was sound asleep on the bed - Millie was passed out on the couch. It must've been a very tough day for them as well.

Then Millie hid from the camera by burying herself under the blankie. Well she was alerted to a cat and this is what I saw...

Go then there are other worlds than this...

When is a Rose just a Rose?

"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed..."

If you have read TammieLand at all you know my favorite author is the King himself. Just read the header. I have read the complete Dark Tower series including the comics.

Mayhap you already know of the rose that is protected in New York City. If anything happens to it - the tower collapses and the universe will dissappear. Roland and his ka-tet find themselves traveling between worlds to save the rose as they seek the Tower. Their mission isn't easy, the Man in Black and his minion are always a step and a half ahead.

Imagine my surprise when while mowing I found a single rose growing in a place that it had not been planted. Growing despite the fact that gravel surrounded it and cars surely drove over it. Growing despite the world around it. Ye kennit? I am going to dig it up and plant it in a planter and take loving care of it. I'm certain this is the sign that my dinh will be arriving soon...

"Go then, there are other worlds than these."