The Big Tree

Goose Island State Park is just north and across the Copano Bay bridge from our campground. It has this huge Live Oak Tree. Trunk is 11 feet in diameter. The branches are 90 feet from side to side. And the tree is estimated at 1000 years old. If this tree was growing in my yard, it would cover the entire yard and part of each neighbor's yard.

We visited there again today. A pair of endangered  Whooping Cranes ( only 250 remain alive today in the world ) nest near the tree. They had a juvenile with them. It was probably hatched this spring in a Canadian National Park near Alaska, where the birds summer. They migrate here for the winter. I couldn't get any good pics of the 5 foot tall birds with 7 foot wingspans.

Kidney Stones are NO FUN

Well I survived 3 days of kidney stone pain, nausea, 4:00am emergency room trip, middle of the night trip to nearest open pharmacy (40 miles one way) for pain pills and anti-nausea pills.
As I said, "I survived'.
Barely!
I still feel like left over flu.

We have said our good byes to Care and we will return to volunteer again. It was a very uplifting experience. I met a number of very positive people who have not had the same hand dealt to them that I got. I met some other people that made me reinspect my attitude. In any case I think I am a better person for having spent a month helping others.

Self inspection (and kidney stones) can be painful!

New Years

It almost 9:00pm and I'm beat. We came on duty at 7:00am. I'm not going to make midnight.
Happy New Year to all!

Party started at 5:00

Christmas Dinner

We had dinner with 80 of our close friends at Care. We cooked, served and ate. I made my world famous Italian Beans. Sharon added a pinch of just the right seasoning.

In case we ever get lost

You Are Here

Texas Forestry Museum

One very nasty tree cutter

Old Chevy logging truck

Logging train

Cat Nap

Thelma speaking:
I was very tired today. Louise and I stayed up late guarding the coach while the staff was out looking at Xmas lights. And a miniature train display.
So I convinced Loren to lay down and make like a bed for me.