A surprise in Iraan

The walkway being installed at the Iraan Hospital with bricks in honor of people in the community is taking shape.  Belinda had arranged for us to have a brick for each of us.

This morning in Texas

As Charles was driving toward Iraan this morning he spotted two Collared Peccary (otherwise known a Javelinas) by the side of the road.  They didn't run away when Charles slowed down to take these pictures.  One never knows what will make an appearance here in Texas!

Beautiful Friday in west Texas!

FUMC-Iraan members at the Senior Center lunch, Jan. 27

Iraan Senior Center Lunch, Jan. 27

"Hold on to your sombrero!"

Yes, that is a vacuum in Belinda's hands!

Charles returned from his visit with Belinda on Wednesday and brought the rain from Georgia with him!  He drove in mist from Boerne to Kerrville and rain the rest of the way, right into McCamey!!!  What a blessing it is to be able to drive in the rain here in Texas :)

Getting caught up after being away last week in San Antonio (attending a session of the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation) was the order of business for Charles.  Bulletins done, both versions of the newsletter sent to Belinda for proofing, phone calls made and returned, lunch in Iraan, searching church records - whew!

This afternoon, after returning from Iraan, Charles spent a couple of hours picking up litter along the highway south of McCamey.  He 'patrols' the 1.5 mile stretch past the hospital/wellness center, the ball fields and the cemetery.  Today's tally was three large bags full!

Decorating in Columbus, GA

We've had a busy couple of days here in Georgia!  Charles arrived at Columbus airport late Sunday night after weather delays in Dallas.  It rained pretty much all day on Monday, what a blessing that is to experience!!!  Belinda is sure that she's seen more rain in the two months she's been in Georgia than in the last two years in Texas.

On Monday, we went to a neat store, The Front Porch of the South, to pick out some furniture for our apartment.  We're really pleased with what we found and have already christened the table with a rousing game of Scrabble!

Today was a restful day for Charles, reading the NY Times (sold locally at Publix) and getting started on a book he picked up in San Antonio while attending the Two-year Academy session.  Belinda meanwhile returned to a busy day of meetings at the hospital at Ft. Benning.  

Charles' week in San Antonio

The Worship Center table Charles created for Jan. 19

Members of Charles' covenant group at a River Walk restaurant

San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio River Walk

On the River Walk in front of a statue of Saint Anthony

 Charles spent much of last week in San Antonio attending a session of the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation (put on by the Upper Room folks) at the Oblate Renewal Center.

This was the best of the sessions he's attended, and not just because he offered the homily on Thursday!  He went with the other members of his covenant group to the River Walk for supper on Saturday, great food and great people!

After finishing up on Sunday, Charles hopped on a flight to Dallas and then on to Columbus, Georgia for a few days with Belinda. We got some furniture for our apartment so Belinda doesn't have to sit on the floor!  (Pictures of the apartment to come :)

Friday in west Texas

 
It has been a lovely day in west Texas with sunny skies and (slightly) warmer temperature - not quite spring, but at least no snow! 

Charles went to Iraan for lunch at the Senior Center along with some of the First UMC members.  Always fun to hang out with our gang!

Chilly day in west Texas

Today's cloudy and decidedly chilly day (35F) feels a lot more like winter than Monday's snowfall did! 

Wintry day in McCamey

Charles had a bit of an adventure today.

During the night, a winter storm descended upon the Permian Basin, brushing our area with a dusting of snow.  Charles had a previously scheduled appointment in San Angelo and so he set off early this morning bound for the city some 110 miles east of McCamey.  About 15 miles from home he suddenly found his car in a slide off the road and facing back in the direction he had come!  Fortunately, he (and the car) were unharmed and Charles was able to return to McCamey safely.

Needless to say he's happy to be home tonight!

Charles goes to the rodeo!

 
Charles made the drive to Odessa Friday evening where he took in the first night of the 79th annual Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo.  Lots of action from start to finish!

January sunrise

Charles had an early morning trip to Odessa and got to enjoy a beautiful sunrise for his troubles.