Living History

As I get older, history gets less dry and way more interesting. Especially when it comes to life. A couple of weeks ago, we drove over to Fort Griffin over in Albany for their Annual Living History Days. We had called them up that morning, and asked how the maneuverable it would be for a wheelchair. The lady on the phone offered to let us use a golf cart they had. YIPPEEEEE! Grandad and David got to drive around in style once we got there, and see things which would have been impossible - or extremely difficult - to get to, if we were there with a wheelchair.

The little boy, on the other hand, was a wriggling mess in the back seat of the golf cart, and for everyone's sanity, I let him roam free on the grounds, running after him every which way his little feet led him.

I did manage to get a look at some of the exhibits, though.. and having people in costume reenacting the times/era was pretty neat.

The Texas Camel Corp!

After touring around the Fort part a bit, we drove over to "The Flat", where the original settlement below the fort was, and which is being preserved by the Historical Commission.

There was an old Truss Bridge which is now blocked off but we stopped the car and walked over it.

Very cool. I now also have a new interest in Historical Markers too :)

Oh, and on that vein, check out THIS app for the Android. Cool. http://www.mygeoreader.com/

Food Galore

Just a collection

of random meals ....

Meal 1

Fried Kway Teow




Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables




Mild Chicken Curry/Stew




Watercress Soup






Meal 2

Mahi Mahi with Mango Glaze




Mango Dip/Sauce




Rice Cakes




With Sweet Chili Sauce




And a Salad





Meal 3

Chops with Mushroom Gravy




Rolls and a Salad




Scalloped Potatoes




Poppy Seed Muffins with Lemon Glaze





Meal 4

Chicken Bruschetta Bake ( recipe link HERE )




Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Sprinkles ( Link to Recipe HERE )

Garden World and Photo Ops

A couple of weekends ago,

we went to the Garden Center with Grandad.

It had been a while since Grandad had been there, and he had a great time going through the aisles of different plants they had.

Grandad had always been an avid garden/lover of plants, and has passed that love to David, and hopefully on to Jaxon as well

Although, little boys are sometimes way more interested in all kinds of other things too.

There was a tiny little glitch with the foot rest on Grandad's wheelchair,

but a few minutes with a borrowed wrench quickly solved the problem.

Meanwhile, Jaxon got all antsy and would not be kept in his little stroller, and so we left the boys and went off in search of the "pumpkin patch" area.

He even managed to get in some "stomping in puddles" time.

I managed to get him to sit down for some hehe, choreographed shots, most of which looked like this, or worse,

But I finally got one that is so sweet, it melts your heart :)

West Texas Fair and Rodeo ( Part 2 )

We went to the Fairgrounds the next weekend to take in sights and happenings at the actual Fair and Rodeo part of the whole shindig.

We saw some livestock judging...




Went into some of the buildings and saw other exhibits, and food/handicraft that had won ribbons....




There were stalls and booths promoting and selling goods




We strolled through the games/rides/amusement park part.....








I couldn't help taking some photos of some hermit crabs with some very colorful shells...




And what's a fair without fair food?? We didn't have any though. And check out the fried oreos and snickers booth. Hoy.




Jaxon woke up from his nap in time to see the animals at the petting zoo.









See ya next year!

West Texas Fair and Rodeo ( Part 1 )

A few weeks ago, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo was in town, and to kick it off, there was a Parade downtown.

We got there with a few minutes to spare, and tried to find a spot to park and watch the parade.

Thanks to David's extreme good luck and sharp eyes, we ended up right in FRONT of where the parade would pass by.

A big crowd had gathered and people had found themselves a spot to watch the parade go by.

We literally had no one in front of us to block our view ( well, Grandad's view ) as everyone clamoured for a piece of shade provided by the buildings. It didn't matter as much to Grandad, as he was in the shade as well, IN THE CAR, and with the air conditioner going.

There were a few minutes to spare before the parade started, so we let Jaxon walk around a bit on the deserted ( blocked off ) road.

There was lots to see... there were different vehicles, wagons and horses....

Floats with mascots and festival princesses...

and marching bands, among others

Jaxon got a little restless, and so part of the time we were strolling around, taking in the parade from different parts of the street.

The weather was cooperative, and Grandad got front row seats, so all in all a good time was had by all.