Fort Lancaster, Texas

Kirke McKenzie, a FUMC - Iraan member (who had played "Taps" at the cemetery), encouraged Charles to take the short drive south of Sheffield and visit Fort Lancaster. This is the remains of a pre-Civil War US Army post which was part of the defences on the Texas frontier. Really interesting place and the scenery on the drive back can't be beat!

Memorial Day in Sheffield (part 2)

Following the ceremony at the Sheffield cemetery, everyone gathered in the community center for refreshments. This is the best part of living in small towns, the way people come out to support each other!

Memorial Day in Sheffield (part 1)

Charles attended the Memorial Day observance in Sheffield (near Iraan) this morning where FUMC - Iraan and US Navy veteran, Burton Lanehart was to be honored. Burton served in WWII aboard the USS Ranger (the first purpose-built aircraft carrier), mostly in the Atlantic. He also spent some time in the Pacific on the Ranger and ended the war aboard the USS Ticonderoga.

There were several FUMC - Iraan members on hand which made for a special event for everyone. Charles was among the nearly two dozen veterans present (more than sixty Iraan and Sheffield residents were in attendance) who were recognized for their service.

Memorial Day in McCamey

Charles went to the Resthaven Cemetery in McCamey this morning to take part in the placing of flags on the graves of the veterans buried there. More than 275 flags were placed in the two cemeteries here in McCamey.

This afternoon, he attended a brief Memorial Day observance in McCamey.

World Famous Barbados Weekend (part 3)!

As mentioned earlier, Charles was a judge for two of the events at this weekend's World Famous Barbados Weekend.

He was one of the judges for the women's division of the Spam cooking. If you're like Charles, the idea of cooking with Spam is a bit of a reach! However, Charles was really impressed with amazing recipes using Spam!

In the afternoon, Charles stayed to help judge the signature event, the Barbados cooking! Charles was excited to sample such fun ways to savor sheep!

World Famous Barbados Weekend (part 2)!

The entrants to this year's event came from far and wide - the colorful cooking areas were as much fun as eating the food!

World Famous Barbados Weekend! (part 1)

The World Famous Barbados Cook-off weekend got off to a great start last night in Rankin. Today, Charles made the journey to the seat of Upton County and got to have a front-row seat!

He got to be a judge of two of the events - spam and also the signature event, Barbados (which Charles learned was a type of sheep).

Lots of fun, wth several more blog entries to come!

A hot start to Memorial Day weekend

This just in: It is going to be a hot weekend in McCamey!

Charles Tending to the Homefront

Charles did some yardwork at the parsonage this morning... while "Mac" (the taller metal-art cactus) and "Ira" (the other metal-art cactus) looked on. Thanks be to God for a wonderful man who enjoys tending to the needs of the homefront!

Metal Art at the Parsonage!

Today Charles and Belinda visited a really fun store in Odessa called "Unforgettables." They purchased three fun flowers for the front of the house and two fun cacti in the back. After choir tonight, they enjoyed giving choir members a tour. Everyone enjoyed meeting "Mac" the tall cactus (named after McCamey) and "Ira" the more diminutive cactus (named after Iraan)... the two friendly cacti characters in the backyard.

The parsonage

Lots of activity takes place at the parsonage and a lot of it in the air!

We've really enjoyed the Rufous Hummingbird that visits several times each day and the swallows that have a mud nest at the front of the house.

Yesterday Charles spotted a flash of red at the bird bath and today we had a return visit - a Red-breasted Grosbeak!

We've also had consecutive days with a Road Runner visiting the parsonage. What a wild place we live in!

Miracle in McCamey, Texas: RAIN!

After months and months without rain.... Oh, Lord God, for the rain you gave us this afternoon: We thank you and praise your name! Amen!

"The Mississippi Squirrel Revival" Song!

If you want to smile, click here to view/hear Ray Steven's great song: The Mississippi Squirrel Revival! (It's worth waiting through the preliminary 15-second commercial. Be sure to have your audio on!)

Today in San Angelo

We made a quick trip to San Angelo today where Charles attended a meeting of the San Angelo District. Belinda visited with her mother and ran some errands in the big city.

Charles had a bit of time before his meeting and paid a visit to the Water Lily garden. It is a really pretty place to see and well-worth the stop. Before picking Belinda up, Charles spotted another of San Angelo's famous sheep.

A night out on the town

Charles attended the Convalescent Center's party for people who volunteer each week at the center. It is always nice to be with the residents who appreciate the attention. (Sadly, Charles mistakenly deleted the pictures!)

This evening, we joined other United Methodists in McCamey for our monthly dinner on the town. We gave a copy of the new chamber of commerce cookbook as a door prize. It was a big hit!