The swallows are back!

The swallows are back!

Last year we had a large nest that the swallows had erected in one corner of our front porch.  It had to be taken down when the parsonage roof was replaced last fall.  Just this week a pair of swallows had begun the task of rebuilding.  Add to that the pair of House Finches building a nest in the hanging basket on the back porch and we're bird-central!

Roses are blooming in "Angelo!"

What a difference in Belinda's mothers' rose garden!  Three days ago, her able-bodied son-in-law Charles pruned and fed her roses.  Now some are in full bloom!  Spring is definitely here in west Texas!  Thanks be to God for the signs of God's blessings at our every turn!

Photo taken today.

Photo taken five days ago.

A warm spring morning



Convalescent Center visitors

Parsonage flowers

Parsonage rose

Each Thursday morning Charles walks the 1/2 mile from the parsonage to the McCamey Convalescent Center where he visits with the residents during the weekly coffee & donuts gathering. 

Along the way he picks up trash and enjoys the sights and sounds of the west Texas.  This morning, he spotted some wildflowers that have begun to spring-up - what a blessing these signs of new life are for us!

At home in McCamey

Yellow rose of Texas!

Red roses of Texas!

Honeysuckle and crepe myrtle tree coming into bloom

Tea time!

At work in McCamey

We've had a nice couple of days here with rain yesterday and slightly cooler weather today.  No rain came from the clouds passing to our south, but it was still pretty watching the sky tonight.

Rain last night!

Yesterday evening we had that rarest of events in west Texas: rain! Belinda was flipping through the tv channels and noticed a weather report of rain coming into the Permian Basin. We went out to the front of the parsonage and watched the lightning and felt the temperature drop by the minute.

This morning, Charles checked our rain gauge and it showed .5" which is a big, big deal for us!

Today in Texas

We were blessed today with wonderful weather including a rarity for us: a thundershower this evening!  Earlier today Charles made a quick trip to San Angelo and stopped for some tea at Belinda's mother's place where her roses were in full-bloom!  On the way back, he spotted some frisky goats and some west Texas wildflowers. 

Beautiful Sunday in west Texas

We had a lovely day here in west Texas - two services this morning followed by a restful Sunday afternoon/evening!

"Uncle Erwin"

Today Belinda and her mother went to Bingo at the clubhouse of Rio Concho West, the patio home community where her mother lives.  Today's caller was "Uncle Erwin."  That is, he is the uncle of Dolly L., who is a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in McCamey.  He is a lovely man!  (... and he is a really great "caller!")
Thanks be to God for joy-filled people like "Uncle Erwin!"

Fun Time in "Angelo!"

If the shoe fits, "wear it" ... or maybe it should be "sit on it?"  Belinda took these fun pictures of her mama Sheila at Sunset Mall in San Angelo today!

Springtime in west Texas

North of McCamey going toward Crane

FUMC - McCamey

Iraan senior center lunch today

"Spring Thing" at the McCamey Park Building this afternoon

M.O.P.S. volunteer sprucing up the town

Spring is in the air in Iraan and McCamey with lots of activity taking place on this beautiful Friday afternoon! 

Charles went to Iraan for lunch and to tend to some church business and then came back to McCamey for some shopping at the Chamber of Commerce's "Spring Thing."

Sunrise in McCamey

We've had some rather blustery weather to usher in springtime in west Texas!  On Tuesday, Charles was determined to mow the lawn at the parsonage and next door at the church (in McCamey) on the first day of spring - wind or no wind! 

This morning, we were up and at 'em early and got to enjoy a beautiful sunrise - yea, God!

Belinda's Visit with Her Mother Last Week

Last week, Belinda joined her mother and her next-door-neighbor Debbie ... for a fun visit to the San Angelo craft show. What a fun time they had!  Also, while at their beading class at their instructor's home, Belinda's mother enjoyed a special moment of "bonding" with Eli, the doggie of the house!

Springing into spring!

Iris in bloom

Yellow roses of Texas

Sunrise over our backyard wall, Mar. 18

 Spring starts tomorrow and our backyard is ready for the occasion!

Happy St. Urho's Day

In honor of St. Urho's Day (March 16th), here is a recipie for Mojakka (a Finnish-inspired soup):

Kalamojakka (Fish Stew)

1 whole fresh fish, cleaned and scaled
6 large potatoes, pared, cubed
1 onion, peeled, quartered
6 whole allspice
salt to taste
butter

Put fish into large pot. Cover with cold water and add the potatoes. Let come to a boil. Do not add salt until you add the onion and whole allspice. Let the potatoes boil about 1/2 hour and then add the onions, allspice, salt and a little butter. Cook until onions are soft.

Submitted by Lee Rowe, Marquette, MI

Things are blooming in Texas!

Near Mertzon, TX

Parsonage flowers

 The rain we've had this year is far and away more than we had all of 2011.  There are some wildflowers alongside the roadways which makes for the long drives more enjoyable. 

At the parsonage, the hummingbirds have returned and they seem to be enjoying the Texas Heather in our backyard.  Charles also has two humingbird feeders up and they've seen regular visits since Wednesday when the first Hummer was spotted.

Blooms and more

There was lots going on at the parsonage today!  The iris bed in the backyard is sending up lots of leaves and the first of the white iris made its apperance today.  The purple iris are very close to blooming any day now.

When Charles went to get the mail, he was thrilled to find a package from his brother Dale who lives in Columbus, Ohio.  Dale sent the buttons shown here, any day with buttons is a good day for Charles!

Beautiful day in west Texas!

                          

The rain of the past few days gave way this morning to sunny skies and much warmer temps.  We had a great time with both churches this morning and now we are enjoying a restful Sunday night!

Rainy day in west Texas

We had that rarest of events today in west Texas: rain and cold!  Yes, it was only in the mid-30s today with rain off and on all day!  It made the spring blossoms just that much brighter against the grey backdrop! 

A bunny in Odessa!

There are lots of interesting sights to be found around Odessa and these "Jackrabbits" top the list!

Remember the Alamo!

6 a.m., March 6th, 1836.

The defenders of the Alamo began the last day of their lives, hearing this chilling sound.... the "Deguello" bugle call... which translates literally to mean "slit throat".  They knew the end was near.

They however had no idea that their resolve, courage & sacrifice would never be forgotten. They could not possibly fathom they would be remembered as heroes and lay the foundation of what it means to be "a Texan".

They had fueled the flame of freedom...their dream for us all. God rest their souls. REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

Visit the Alamo website to learn more.

To Angelo and back

Sheep and donkeys near Mertzon

Early wildflowers near Mertzon

Yesterday was a busy day for us!  Charles set out first thing to drive to San Angelo for a dental appointment, not much fun but the dentist is really good.  Belinda and her mom followed later in the morning.  They went to a community lunch and program at a San Angelo hospital and to catch up following three months apart.

When Charles was done with the dentist and Belinda and her mom were done with the program at the hospital, it was back on the road to McCamey!  In the evening, Charles led a discussion at the McCamey church's United Methodist Men's supper.  Whew!