Texas

Texas is

" . . . a blend of valor and swagger." -- Carl Sandburg, poet

"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word." --John Steinbeck, author

Texas has a colorful history . . .

"I'm about to enter Texas -- my spirits are good and my heart is straight." -- Sam Houston, 1832

"I shall never surrender or retreat." -- William Barrett Travis, the Alamo, 1836

"Like most passionate nations, Texas has its own history based on, but not limited by, facts" -- John Steinbeck, Travels With Charlie, 1962

"Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States cannot make it without Texas!" -- Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas

Texas is the land . . .

"It is impossible to exaggerate the pleasant character, the beauty, and the fertility of the province of Tejas." -- Father Antonio Olivares, 1716

"I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw." -- Davy Crockett

. . . and the people who live there.

"I think Texans have more fun than the rest of the world." -- Broadway choreographer and Wichita Falls native -- Tommy Tune

"Nor is it the habit of Texans to look back. We have tradition of looking forward and not looking back to see where we have been or who is following us." -- President Lyndon Johnson

"What Texans can dream, Texans can do." -- President: George Walker Bush

Happy Birthday (to Me!)

My birthday was 2 weeks ago.  Last year I posted about turning 56 with various numbers that helped tell something about me.  And as MTB pointed out, that post also made it abundantly clear that I'm an accountant.  This year, I'm only posting two pictures.  You need to see both pictures so you can see everyone at least once.  We had planned to go to Old Town Katy and have a photographer take pictures, but the rain, wind and cold changed that.  We were in our back yard, and Lindsey used her camera, focused, set the timer, and ran to be in the picture.  If you check-out Ryan's blog and Carries blog, you will see other picutres Lindsey took that day.  Great work!

From left to right, by family.  Ryan and Brianna.  Brianna is holding Atley, and Asher is in front.  Carrie and Shawn.  Carrie is holding Graham; Devin and Caroline are in front.  MTB and DTB.  Brandon and Bethany.  Brandon is holding Annie and Bethany is holding Leah.  Mabel is in front.  Ashley, Brittany.  Lindsey and Brandon.  Brandon is holding Violet.

Thanx everyone for the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!  Nothing means more to me than seeing the wonderful adults that my children have become. It's a great blessing to know that I have had a small part in your lives. Thanx again!!!

Finally Finished

Except for a few finising touches, this is how our Kitchen and Family Room look after the remodel. 

Breakfast Room

Dining Room

Family Room

Family Room Again

Kitchen