BBs Blog

A precious gift, and a truly Enchanted Rock

2012-02-24T09:55:00.000-06:00

It has become a standing joke that because of my not very good luck at Farkle and Bingo, I am going to have do something like sacrifice a goat in order to win. Naturally I have NO intentions of really sacrificing a goat. However, a gag gift given to me Wednesday night at Farkle by my friends Colleen, Ron, Brian, and Peggy has resulted in me being the proud owner of a tiny plastic toy goat. I was so touched by this funny loving gift, that little goat, who we named Freddy Farkle, is now one of my most prized possessions. The fact they told me after giving it to me they had been searching for 2 weeks for some kind of toy goat for me, makes that gift even more precious to me.

Thursday I headed off to Enchanted Rock with Colleen, Ron, and Brian. There is no way, even if he had 2 good feet, Mr. Grinch is ever going to hike up a huge rock, so I was really pleased to be able to take that journey up Enchanted Rock with 3 good friends. We swung by Walmart first so I could pick up a backpack, and get Mr. Grinch a few things to make sure he had plenty to eat and drink while we were gone. I found a really nifty dark blue, trimmed in pink backpack that says Peace, Love, and Joy on the front of it, and has groovy peace symbols for zipper handles.

I took Freddy Farkle along with me on the trip up Enchanted Rock for good luck. After all, goats are natural born climbers. I am pleased to say Freddy brought us all great luck since we did reach the top of Enchanted Rock without mishap. I even posed Freddy for a couple of shots as we made our way up. And posed him after we arrived at the top with my brand new backpack, and the walking stick I bought when Moonie and I were in Big Bend.

The journey up Enchanted Rock was an incredible experience for me. The views are really magnificent. I did forget to take my good digital camera with me, so had to snap what photos I could with the iPhone camera. Next time I'll pack the good camera in my backpack along with trail mix and other goodies. In a way forgetting the other digital camera was good for me though because it allowed me really experience this fantastic journey on the level I needed to.

I rediscovered parts of myself I thought I had lost along the journey of life while we hiked to the summit of that magnificent rock. As I stood on the summit of it, 2 days shy of my 54th birthday, I remembered that in my impetuous youth I had once climbed to the summit of the great Ayers Rock in Australia. How wonderful it felt to know that all these years later, I could still make it to the top of the largest pink granite monadnock in the United States.

To see more photos of Enchanted Rock, Click Here

Stonehenge II

2012-02-16T09:44:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Mr. Grinch and I went to Ingram, Texas to see Stonehenge II. Stonehenge II was built by Al Shepperd and his friend Doug Hill. Constructed from plaster and graphite-covered steel and metal mesh frameworks this is a more faithful replica of what the original Stonehenge looked like. The finished replica is 90% as wide as the original and 60% the height. There are also 2 13' Easter Island Heads that stand a respectful distance from Stonehenge.

Being able to go to this replica was awesome for me since I have featured a "replica" of the original Stonehenge in The 13th Witch. And that Stonehenge is continuing to be used in the sequel to that. I walked the outer and inner circle, sat on the altar stone, and of course took some pics. I am going to go back there again and spend a little more time walking around the replica, and getting some more pics.

After visiting Ingram we decided to just keep driving around and see what other neat sights we might run across. This beautiful Hill Country is just filled with interesting places to go to. We took The Old Tunnel Road for a few miles, and saw some really beautiful scenery. Too bad Mr. Grinch wouldn't slow enough for me to get pictures that would do it justice. I manage to turn loose of the door handle I was gripping for dear life long enough to snap a fairly decent shot of a really awesome two story house.

Mr. Grinch decided after a few miles he was ready for something to eat so we we turned around and headed to Waring. We intended to get a burger, but they had been so busy they were were out of beef patties so we opted for BBQ sandwiches. Those were some of the best BBQ sandwiches with homemade fries and onion rings I have ever tasted!

As I sit here sipping my first cup of tea this Thursday morning I am once more feeling so very lucky to have found this wonderful place that has so many neat things to see and do. The icing on the cake though is that I was able to end the day by sharing photos and good chat with my friends last night as we played Farkle. It's those good friends really make living here so wonderful. Yes, some of those good friends are only here for a little while before they continue their traveling lifestyle. But, thank goodness we have phones, Facebook, email and messenger services to keep in contact with.

What could be better than living a life in which there are lots of interesting things to do, and fun friends to share those interesting things with?

To see more photos of Stonehenge II click on the photo with this entry.

They really were the best hot dogs!

2012-02-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

As a way to say, "Thank you for these wonderful times around the camp fire" I took some wieners, buns and marshmallows to the Friday night camp fire this week. What a joy it was to watch the people around the camp fire enjoying those hot dogs and marshmallows. It really made me smile when I heard a couple of people remark that was the best hot dog they had in a long time.

Those camp fire roasted hot dogs, served with generous sides of laughter and fun were so good I ate two of them myself. And have to admit, they were the best hot dogs I had in a long time. What a wonderful way to continue my theme of Savoring The Flavor of life.

Sharing great food with good friends is one of the best ways to truly savor the flavor of life. Whether it is hot dogs around the camp fire, or potluck dinners, food just really does seem to taste better when shared with others. Speaking of potluck dinners, I can't wait for the Valentines Day Potluck and Chocolate Madness Dessert dinner. I know there is going to be some really fantastic food there.

When I'm not sitting around the campfire, or farkling, or playing bingo, or sharing a potluck dinner with folks here, Mr. Grinch and I are out and about seeing the sights and grabbing some good food from one of our favorite places. Sometimes I can get him to slow down, or even stop long to snap a few pics while we are enjoying the scenery.

I am snapping pics as much as possible, then adding them to my albums so that I can look at them, and once more smile as I recall the good times associated with each of those pictures. I'm afraid I have to admit to becoming a Facebook fiend. But it is a great way for me to share some of the pictures I'm taking with some of the folks in those photos, as well as with others who follow my Facebook page.

I have always believed life is very much what you make it. In a sense, I made one of my best dreams come true by moving here. That dream was about being in a place that was like a little micro community, where I would be among good friends, and also get to meet interesting new people. Another dream I had was about living in a place that was really beautiful, had lots of interesting sights nearby to see, and fun things to do. Now, here I am at the Top of the Hill RV Resort watching both of those dreams come true.

Along with get togethers here at the Resort that provide me with the opportunity to enjoy sharing good times with friends and new acquaintances, I can go to all kinds of interesting places like the Wildlife Safari, Luckenbach, and every second weekend of the month it's Market Days in Boerne. Which reminds me, I need to get my little butt in gear, get dressed, and head into Boerne in a little while because this weekend is Market Days.

BB does Luckenbach, and gets a Fast Armadillo!

2012-02-07T15:03:00.000-06:00

What a great day it's been! Took off for a drive to Luckenbach Texas this morning. The scenery along the way was really beautiful. Unfortunately I couldn't get Mr. Grinch to slow down enough to get a decent picture, much less stop. After going past it, then turning around, I made my way into the little Gift Shop that if you are coming from Sisterdale, is after the turnoff to where the dance hall and old Post Office building are.

I was glad Mr. Grinch missed that turn off the first time because while getting directions, I also got a really cool hand engraved with a Drimmel drill while I watched, Fast Armadillo wine bottle. Now, if you are coming from Fredericksburg, then the Gift Shop is before you get to that turn off. No matter which way you go to Luckenbach, be sure and stop at the Gift Shop and get your free Fast Armadillo wine bottle! They have all kinds of other neat gifts and souvenirs you can buy as well.

When we finally got to the downtown loop of Luckenbach, I went into the old Post Office building, which is now a really cool gift shop, and bar. There I politely inquired if those porta potties I saw outside were the only facilities in Luckenbach. I was really relieved to discover that no, there are other real restrooms in Luckenbach. The Ladies room is awesomely rustic, complete with little curtains across the stalls instead of doors.

After my brief trip to the Ladies Room, I went back to the old Post Office building and bought Mr. Grinch a hand made in Texas, big knobbed walking stick that has the words, "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting...Holy Sh_T, what A Ride!"

I intend to go back to Luckenbach again and visit both the Fast Armadillo Gift Shop, and the downtown loop as well. Next time, Mr. Grinch is going to let me stay longer or I'm going take that big knobbed walking stick and.....

Click on the pic of the Fast Armadillo bottle to see more Luckenbach photos.

A Real Change For The Better

2012-02-06T17:04:00.000-06:00

When is the last time you laughed so hard you couldn't catch your breath? Sat around a bonfire with good friends and new acquaintances? Waved pom poms at a Super Bowl Party? Played a fun game like Farkle or Chicken Foot Dominoes? Thanks to now living life at the Top of the Hill RV Resort, I can gleefully say, "Why just within the past week!" to all of the above questions.

Moving here has changed my life in so many wonderful ways. Made me realize that I still do possess a pretty good set of social skills, that I still can make people smile and laugh when I'm around them. And just as importantly, I can still smile, laugh and have a lot of fun myself when around people like the great folks here at the Top of the Hill RV Resort.

What a joy it's been learning to play fun games like Farkle, and last night at the Super Bowl Party, Chicken Foot Dominoes. Heck, I'm even attending Monday night Bingo games, and learning very quickly that at least around here, Bingo, is not just for people of a "certain age" as Mr. Grinch, AKA Larry said. Truth be told, depending on what your idea of acting our ages might be, some of us here just don't do that. No matter what our ages may be, we are too darn busy waving pom poms and having fun to be worrying about acting our ages.

Speaking of waving pom poms, I am so glad the inner child within me insisted on grabbing a couple of pair of those yesterday at Walmart when I was picking up the party trays for the Super Bowl Party. We had so much great fun acting silly and waving those pom poms around last night. It is often said it is the little things in life that mean the most. I think those little pom poms we waved around last night proves there is much truth in that statement. Especially, when little things like that are shared with good friends.

To see more pictures of the Super Bowl Party click on the photo of me waving those pom poms :)

Why smiling is so important

2012-01-22T19:49:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about smiles for some reason today. No, not the little yellow smiley faces. I mean real smiles. Perhaps the reason real smiles have been on my mind today is because I've smiled so much lately. Especially yesterday as I interacted with the animals at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park. I know I was as bad as some of the kids when it came to being awed and entertained by those magnificent animals. Know I had a big smile plastered on my face throughout most of that experience.

When is the last time you did something that made you smile from ear to ear?

Sometimes we forget how much a smile can mean. One never knows just how much that sunny smile you give a total stranger, can brighten his or her day. I like giving total strangers big sunny smiles. Sometimes, without missing a beat, they return that smile. Other times they blink, and almost take a step back. It's obvious wherever these those folks are from, getting big sunny smiles from a total stranger for no apparent reason, isn't something they see every day.

If I'm in a crowd of people I'm apt to pick out the grumpiest looking one, then turn my biggest brightest 1000 watt on him on her. I've had lots of different reactions to that. Have had a few people look at me like I was totally, perhaps even dangerously insane, shake their heads, then hurry off. I love that reaction. While I watch them hurry off, with a big grin on my face, I'm thinking, "Yeah I'm bad! I can scare them with a sunny smile!"

When is the last time you smiled so big at a stranger they thought you were a possible lunatic?

Other times a stranger will blink in surprise, give me a bit of a leery look for a second, then sort of cave in, and return the smile. As that smile is reluctantly returned, I know that no matter what has caused that person to have looked so grumpy, at least for a few seconds, he or she felt a little better.

When is the last time your smile brightened the day of someone badly in need of a sunny smile?

Don't you think it would be fun to be able to answer? "I have done all 3 in the past couple of days!"

Just a little thought from Beyond ;

On Safari!

2012-01-22T10:14:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning I decided to dress up in my black skirt, fun lace and knit leggins, little black boots with the grey fur trim, and a black blouse. I figured with this outfit, I was ready for anything life might throw at me. Imagine my surprise when a little later Mr. Grinch suddenly decided this was the day we would go on the Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari. I wasn't about to take a chance on him changing his mind while I changed clothes, so headed off to the drive through African safari dressed to the nines.

At first I thought that was the same place that had the viral video on You Tube. But after arriving there discovered it wasn't. That was fine with me though because I had been wanting to go on this drive through safari for several months now. I figured even if that wasn't the park that had the over friendly zebra, I would still be really stylishly dressed if something happened that wound up with me on a viral You Tube video.

I'm happy to report that nothing like that did happen. However, there was this one zebra who really had the feeding thing down pat. It would just come right up to the open window, stick its head in it, then open its mouth wide, and wait for food pellets to be tossed into that wide open mouth. I didn't get a pic of that because I was too damn busy tossing food pellets into its mouth. I was afraid if I stopped throwing food in there long enough to grab the iPhone and take a picture, it might get mad and eat my iPhone.

I noticed that although you were told at the entrance to toss the food on the ground and not feed the animals by hand, some of the animals there were so spoiled they gave you a dirty look when you tossed food on the ground. Those spoiled creatures would then stick their heads in the window and make it plain they wanted a food pellet they didn't have to pick up off that nasty ground. So yeah, I broke the rules and hand fed those spoiled critters. I spent a good deal of my life around horses though, so knew to put the food pellet in the palm of my hand, and keep my fingers straight.

I really enjoyed seeing and interacting with the animals at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park. It's obvious they also enjoy interacting with the humans who supply them with endless food pellet treats. I noticed though that a few of the animals didn't seem very hungry for the pellets, but did seem to enjoy just visiting for a moment with the humans passing through their domain. One of the zebras especially enjoyed visiting with me for a few moments when I conducted an experiment and scratched what is always a prime itchy spot on a horse. I figure a zebra is nothing but a small horse with stripes. Sure enough, that zebra had the same, right there on the withers itchy spot all horses do.

Today's little drive through African Safari Adventure was a fantastic Saturday outing. Unfortunately I forgot to grab the good camera when we left. I did have my iPhone with me of course, so managed to snap a few good photos with it. We intend to return to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park, and do the drive through safari again. I will be sure and take the regular digital camera then. One day I also want to do the Natural Bridge Caverns. I think I will save that for a spring or summer outing though.

Sitting here remembering the fun I had today as I write this makes me so glad that we decided to call this area home. I have lived in many places in my lifetime. Traveled a great deal in my younger days. Then put down roots that I thought ran very deep. Things change though, and the move to this beautiful hill country has been a change for the better. Perhaps the best part of that change is the fact that Saturday evening I spent a little time around an impromptu Saturday night campfire sharing stories about the wildlife safari I had just gone on with some of the good friends I have gotten to know here at the Top of the Hill RV Resort. Now how cool is that?

To see the photos I took while on the Wildlife Safari Click Here

That "certain age"

2012-01-19T23:34:00.000-06:00

Girls Gone Wild! New Years Eve 2011

I am happy to say that work on the new clubhouse has begun! The pavilion is great for big get togethers like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, for games and little potluck suppers, it's awfully big. Plus, the nearest public bathroom right now is across the lane in the laundry trailer. Those of us who are enjoying the games, potluck meals and other activities Colleen is doing such a wonderful job organizing, are going to be damn glad to see that new clubhouse finished.

Wednesday night is board, card, and dice games up at the pavilion. I’ve been having fun participating in some of those games. I learned to Farkle last week, and came close to winning a round of it this week. I needed to roll a combination that would get me exactly 250 points so I could reach the 10,000 mark. Unfortunately I rolled everything but a 250. I wound up getting beat by a pal who rolled the 150 he needed in one fell swoop.

Monday is bingo night. I amazed myself by actually wandering up to the pavilion this past Monday night, and playing a few games of Bingo. I had steadfastly resisted the Bingo thing because of bad dreams in which I turned into a little old blue haired lady the moment I shouted, "Bingo!" Larry didn't help matters when as I put my coat on he made a snide comment about how I was that "certain age" now that I was going to play Bingo. I reminded him he was ten years older than me, then flounced off to play Bingo.

I came close to winning the final black out game my first night of Bingo, and seeing if that nightmare comes true. But as luck would have it, another pal beat me to it. So far, nobody has turned into a blued haired old lady no matter how many times they shouted, "Bingo!" I think I'm pretty safe if I ever do win a game.

As long as fire bans are lifted, and the wind cooperates, Friday night is bonfire night. I not so jokingly remarked one Friday evening the nice folks sitting around the campfire that night were the only ones I really felt comfortable attending a bonfire with. One of the folks visiting for a few days gave me a questioning look. I held up the broom and pentacle necklace I always wear, and in a stage whisper said, "Witches have to be careful around bonfires." She blinked, then nodded her head as she joined in the laughter with those who had known why I was normally leery of bonfires.

Be they here at the Top of the Hill RV Resort, or in the bustling town of Boerne, making sure I look my best when I attend any activity has become a fun activity in itself for me. Yes, shopping for things to wear is part of that fun. But, I've also recycled some older clothes I have into some great outfits. Those funky spandex Flirt dresses I bought so long ago are being majorly recycled. I top them with a matching, or contrasting sweater, add a scarf, belt, leggins and boots. A funky summer spandex dress then becomes what appears to be a sexy winter skirt and sweater outfit.

Looking my best is about more than just the right clothes though. Finding the right makeup, especially now that playing Bingo makes me that "certain age", is more important than ever. While looking for some new mineral powder at Walmart, I came across a Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Kit that included concealer, highlighter, correcting powder, and loose powder for $19.24. The correcting powder is really strange looking, but does what it says, and looks great on. So far, I really like everything in this kit. I think I will be looking for more Physicians Formula products in the future.

Street Eats

2012-01-07T22:53:00.000-06:00

Watching my shrimp creole crepe
being made

Street eateries are one of the many ways I am savoring the flavor of life this year. Boerne offers a wide variety of those during Festivals, Market Days, Parades, and other special events. A few of those vendors can be found around town all the time now though. Crepe Nations is one of our favorite street eateries that can be found at the plaza most days. Watching the crepes being made is fascinating. Eating the finished product is a culinary delight. The shrimp creole crepe I got today was make your eyes water, clear your sinuses good. The banana Foster crepe I got for dessert was a delightful dessert after that hot and spicy savory crepe.

I also saw Fat Bellies at the plaza recently as well, so if they are going to hang out there we will be trying to good Cajun cooking soon. There is all a Skinny Cat Catering down near Cibolo creek I will try when they finish the new sidewalk by the creek they are building. Have I mentioned Boerne REALLY loves their sidewalks?

I wonder if the people so often seen strolling up and down those sidewalks has anything to do with some of the street eateries hanging out in Boerne full time? I just know the only time I saw anything close to a street eatery in west Texas was if I went to a fair, carnival or circus. Now that I’m living here in the hill country, I’ve become such an avid fan of them, I downloaded the Eat St. app for my iPhone so I can keep up with my favorite street eateries.

If you had told me a year ago I would be downloading an app for my iPhone to keep up with street eateries on, I would have told you to seek psychiatric help. Heck, a year ago I was fighting the idea of even getting an iPhone! And look at me now.

A hot and spicy beginning

2012-01-03T15:49:00.001-06:00

Colleen, our new Activities Director has done it again! And she is making my 2012 theme of Savoring The Flavor of Life so easy. The "So You Think Your Chili is Hot?" contest was a wonderful success. And the prize winning chili, cooked by Patricia Warren, some of the best I've ever eaten. Kudos to Colleen for arranging the chili cook off, and to Patricia for that delicious prize winning chili.

One of the reasons I chose the Savoring the Flavor of Life for my theme for this year is because great food, sometimes shared with good friends has become such a part of our life now. Whether we are eating something I've cooked up on the grill, in the crockpot, on the stove, eating something from one of the great restaurants around us, or breaking bread with friends at a potluck meal, I am very much learning to not only slow down and smell the roses, but also to take time to savor that good food I'm eating.

It is the potluck suppers and chili cook offs like New Year's day I enjoy the most when it comes to Savoring The Flavor of Life. It is the people attending them that make those occasions something truly special. There are always people there that I've come to consider good friends, as well a few new folks and total strangers that may wind up becoming good friends. The conversation is always lively, but never belligerent. I've been to several of these little get togethers now, including last night's New Year's Eve celebration, and not once have I ever experienced a bad or uncomfortable moment caused by rudeness. It never ceases to amaze me how well we do all get along when we gather together.

I think the fire us regulars here went through is part of the reason those of us who do call The Top of the Hill RV Resort home, are like that. Though we were always good neighbors, after the fire we made more of a point to check on, visit with and just generally sort of look out for our friends and neighbors. You can tell which of us went through that fire when you get us all gathered around a nice little bon fire. We are the ones carefully keeping an eye on that fire, and jumping up to stomp out the tiniest straying spark from that fire. We have learned that though it is a beautiful and warming thing on a cold winter's eve, it can also be a terrifying and destructive force when out of control.

I am looking forward to many more opportunities to savor the flavor of life this year. Colleen said something that really stuck in my mind New Year's Eve. Something about going around one more time. And that idea really appeals to me. Yes! I want to really savor the flavor of life to the fullest one more time before I slide into my grave looking like hell, but grinning like a monkey. Or wind up in an old folks home in depends. Whichever comes first. Either way, while I am still of sound mind and body, and known for my sexy knickers, I intend to go around one time on the merry go round of life, and reach out for that brass ring. Fortunately I'm in a place and time that I can do just that while surrounded by good friends, and truly interesting strangers.

One way I am staying in shape while still savoring the flavor of life, and so much good food, is by taking frequent walks as often as possible. That way I can still savor the flavor, and zip up my favorite pair of skinny jeans. No, I do not, and will not own a pair of those pajama jeans. Though I will admit to really loving leggins. Especially now that I've got some cute skirts, dresses, and boots to wear with them. With Colleen planning so many fun activities, I'm thrilled to say that making sure I do always have something nice to wear to those activities has become a very fun activity in and of itself. Especially with great gal pals to go shopping with.

Savoring the flavor of life

2012-01-01T11:58:00.005-06:00

Celebrating New Year's Eve with friends

I'm sitting here this morning enjoying a cup of tea, and thinking how lucky I am that a little over a year ago we decided to visit this area. Had we not done that I might well have spent yet another New Year's eve sitting in that big old house in west Texas wishing I was out celebrating it. Thanks to that fateful decision, I spent this New Year's Eve sitting around a campfire laughing, joking, talking, and just having a wonderful time with some of the greatest folks I've ever met.

The change in our lifestyle that was brought about by that fateful decision to come here for a visit has been one that I am really digging all year round. And I have the feeling this year is going to be even better. We have a new director of activities that as last night's celebration proved, is damn good at her job! I can't wait to see what other things she cooks up for us. Last night she mentioned she was arranging a wine tasting tour for those who wanted to take it. Bet your bippy BB is going to be signing up for that!

What's really great is even as I write these words this first morning of 2012, I know in a little while I'll be heading back up the pavilion for another fun event. Today we are having a So You Think Your Chili's Hot cook off. No, I am not cooking any chili, though I did pick up some tamales from Mi Casa to go with all the great chili that will be there. I have no doubt I will enjoy the chili and tamales. But, what I am really going to enjoy is visiting with the folks who prepared that chili, as well as others like me who just come to savor the flavor of it.

Savor the flavor of life is going to be my theme for 2012. I want to experience EVERY joyous happy moment I can, and savor the flavor of each of those moments as if they were my very last taste of life. Truth is, any moment can be that for any of us. Or if something like a giant meteor strikes earth, all of us. Should I suddenly fall over dead, or something horrendous happen to the whole earth, I would like to be sitting among real friends laughing, joking and having a good time when it does.

To all those reading these words, I wish you a very safe, happy, and prosperous 2012. May at least one of your dreams come true. But remember, sometimes we have to help the Dream Faerie out and make a change in our own life first for that to happen.

Ms Knickers

2011-12-29T15:55:00.000-06:00

One thing I have learned about using the laundry room here is that you had better NOT accidentally leave undies there. I made the mistake of doing that not so long ago, and thanks to one of our fun loving camp workers, I am now known for my knickers collection. I honestly hadn't noticed I had left my little knickers in the laundry, and when nobody came to claim them, they were hung up on hangers across the little wire shelf at the front of the laundry room. I went to the laundry a couple of days later to do a load of wash, and imagine my surprise when I saw my own panties hanging up there. I quickly took them down, tossed them in a net bag and back in the washer.

About that time another of the camp workers turned up to do some cleaning and remarked someone had finally found their knickers. I sort of blushed and said, "Yeah. Looks like it." Roy saw my expression and started laughing his ass off while gasping, "Those were your knickers? Damn we have been wondering who the belonged to."

I take a lot of flak about my knicker collection now. You can bet your bippy than I make DAMN sure now that I don't leave any clothes behind in the laundry room. Especially my unmentionables! If you are wondering why I didn't miss those knickers sooner, it's because I happen to have a large lingerie collection, and just didn't notice those few pairs were gone.

I am handling being Ms Knickers with as much grace and good humor as possible. Though I have to admit that I may yet wind up throttling Kane for hanging my panties up. Roy, who is the camp worker that came into the laundry the day I found my knickers hung up, and who takes great delight in messing with people, has been relentless about reminding me about the knickers incident. He did that once too often the other day when I went to check the mail, and without thinking I began "beating" him about the head and shoulders with the mail I had in my hand. Fortunately for Roy, nobody had mailed me a blunt object, so being beaten with the junk mail in my hand didn't really hurt him.

What amazed me was that when I realized what I was doing, I stopped, thinking to myself, "Oh hell they are going to think I'm a dangerous lunatic!" But, instead of finding the other people in the office looking at me in utter horror, I turned to find them cheering me on, and trying to get video! Everyone there has had at least one of Roy's jokes played on them, so I have now become the camp darling for being the only one to retaliate in such a manner.

As I was getting into the Club Car, Brian, another camp worker, reached down and picked up an envelope, held it out and said, "You dropped your mail, Ma'am." As I walked over, then took the envelope out of his hand, I felt like I was in some strange version of The Quiet Man. Think when Maureen O'Hara loses her shoe and one of the villagers picks it up and hands it to her. Then I remembered the scene where someone hands John Wayne a stick to beat the pretty lady with, and thought despite the fact Roy is hardly a pretty lady, it was a damn good thing there wasn't a stick there to hand me when they were cheering me on so.

A tragedy waiting to happen

2011-12-19T11:49:00.000-06:00

The recent shooting of a couple of students at Harwell Middle School has given me one of those severe, "WTF were they thinking?" moments. The new school, which opened this year, is in close proximity to a couple of hunting leases. School district Superintendent Rene Guiterrez says they were not aware there were hunting leases on the west side of the school. How can a Superintendent of the school NOT be aware of something like that? Whose bright idea was it to build the school there? Are the people responsible for having the school built there really so dumb they have no freaking idea just how far a bullet fired from a high powered hunting rifle can travel? Didn't anyone, at any point look at the plans for where the school was going to be built and say, "Hey, do you really think it's a good idea to put our new school next to those two hunting leases?"

The gun control people are already trying to use this as yet another reason to screw with our right to bear arms. But, as far as I'm concerned this isn't about gun control. It's about common sense. Or rather the lack of it shown by those who are responsible for having a school built that close to two hunting leases. Yes, hunters should be careful where they shoot. However, I don't care how careful they are, a school built that close to hunting leases is a tragedy waiting to happen.

School officials are now considering putting up a cinder-block wall to protect the kids. My neighbor, Eric Kennedy, (yes, he's related to those Kennedy's), is an avid hunter, and knows just how far a bullet can travel. He has suggested what I consider a better plan for solving this whole dilemma. To quote him "If we are going to start fixing America let's do it right. Screw the cinder-block wall. Just move the politicians in City Hall and the County Courthouse to the new school. They would have a brand new buildings, plenty of desks, wonderful views, wildlife all around them, and a great big parking lot they could play basketball in. The kids could be moved to City Hall and the Courthouse where they would be safe." Kudos, Eric for what I consider a completely brilliant idea on how to solve that problem!

This incident is disturbing in many ways. Not only have two children been shot, but according to what I have read, one land owner will not be leasing his land out after this year. Is it because of the school now being there? Had the land been leased for hunting before the school was built there? If so, why should a land owner have to give up leasing his land out? Shouldn't the people who are responsible for building the school where it is have thought about those hunting leases, and the revenue they bring in to the land owner and the community, before they built the school there?

Speaking of money. Did money exchange hands under the table for that school to actually be built where it was? If so, what price did those receiving that now bloodstained money put on the lives of the children in their community?

A Colorful Path

2011-11-16T18:40:00.000-06:00

I took a little hike into Lost Maples State Park today and had a wonderful time. I had attempted to take a hike through the park Sunday but after getting there and seeing the long long line of other people waiting to get in, I decided to let the people who worked through week enjoy the park that day, and come back during the week when it wasn't so busy. After standing in a much shorter line today for only a few moments we drove around as much as possible, then Larry parked the truck near the Maple Trail entrance and I took off down the path.

The first thing I noticed as I was carefully making my way along the path was the colorful sprinkling of leaves along parts of it. Other parts of the path were fully carpeted with maple and other leaves. The beauty beneath my feet enchanted me just as much at times as the beauty above them. I guess for people who live around maple trees, walking on such a colorful path is an everyday thing for them during parts of autumn. For this former flat land west Texas woman, it was a magickal experience.

Today's little hike was everything I had hoped it to be. I had wanted a short scenic fall hike, and that is exactly what I experienced. It was enough of a good stretch of the legs to leave me pleasantly exhilarated, just the slightest touch foot weary, and panting slightly at the end of it. During the hike I saw some gorgeous scenery, chatted with some fellow hikers, and just generally had a perfect autumn outing.

The photos I snapped are not as good as some I've seen of this beautiful park. This was my first visit however, and I only had a certain amount of time. I hope to return to Lost Maples and hike other parts of it. If not this fall, then perhaps this spring, and then again next fall. In the meantime, I have the photos I did take, and some wonderful memories of this perfect autumn day to look back on.

Though I did take more photos than I've included with this blog entry, today wasn't really about taking pictures. It was about truly enjoying and experiencing what was to me, a perfect autumn day. It was about seeing, hearing and feeling all that was around me as I nimbly made my way along that often rocky nature trail. It was about really seeing and feeling the ground beneath my feet, as well as the beauty all around and above me. It was about pushing myself at times on that often colorful trail. Then taking a moment to sit on the bench beneath the canopy of leaves above me, catch my breath, and for just a moment, become one with all the beauty around me. Though I obeyed the rules and didn't take any maple leaves, I do admit to carefully hugging a couple of the trees.

Last Rays

2011-09-19T21:58:00.001-05:00

It was the kind of evening that first made me fall in love with the hill country. A slight cool breeze ruffled the leaves as the leaves dipped below the horizon. I liked the rosy and orange glow that lit the horizon for a moment, so whipped out my iPhone and snapped this shot. Then I sat back down in my chair and simply took the time to fully enjoy those very last rays of the setting sun. Thinking about perhaps making a blog entry later as darkness finally descended.

One of the things I was thinking about as I enjoyed a beautiful hill country evening is that there are probably a lot of people who would not, could not understand how I could trade in the big home I had recently spent a small fortune remodeling, to live in a Heartland 41ft Cyclone Toy Hauler full time. Yeah lots could probably see taking a trip in it. Maybe even traveling full time. But to just LIVE in it? Voluntarily! But, there are a lot of folks here at the Top of the Hill RV Resort, as well as RV Parks all over America who understand it perfectly.

Those who do understand it perfectly have no problem with what is really downsizing one's life in many ways. The funny thing is some of us who have done that, actually embrace this downsized life with an enthusiasm that many would find insane. Me, I'm all for the downsized lifestyle. I have a comfortable bed, a nice little living room, a kitchen, a bath and shower that is the envy of the RV neighborhood, and a man cave for Larry with it's own little bathroom. I also have wonderful neighbors. A view I never tire of. And the hottest ClubCar rod in the neighborhood.

If I wish to leave the park and head into Boerne, I can be there in 10 minutes. There, I can get anything I need or want. Especially on Market Days. I absolutely adore Market Days in Boerne. Going into Boerne and getting something to eat from one or more of the food vendors has become a regular once a month treat. Usually I find some little something I just can't resist while winding my way through the vendor lanes as I get our food.

Boerne Market Days are also a great way to socialize. Local people, as well as out of town visitors stroll up and down Maine Street, and through those vendor lanes in town square. People smile and nod to each other when they make eye contact while strolling around. Often chat about the merchandise on display in the vendor lanes. Visit with each other while waiting for their food in front of the food vendors, and just generally enjoy the Boerne Market Days shopping and socializing experience. Or at least that how I view it through those nifty new rose colored shades I got at the last Market Days I went to.

Stormy Weather

2011-09-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

The clouds I shot in this photo dumped both light hail and plenty of much needed rain on us not very long after this picture was taken. As I write these words it is still sprinkling, with the occasional crack of thunder. The smell of rain is WONDERFUL! The sound of that plinking plunking hail when it first started raining wasn't so great, but oh the sound of the rain falling was music to the ears of all of us here in the drought stricken Hill Country.

Like many others all over Texas, those of us here at The Top of the Hill RV Park have also been through Firestorm that left some lightly scorched, and others without homes or vehicles that were nothing but piles of twisted metal and ashes. We were one of the lucky ones who sustained no damage.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

One tap

2011-09-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

After moving web hosting companies because of that dreadful hack attack on my little place in cyber space, I decided to do some major revamping and streamlining on the website. I updated my RapidWeaver program, added some Stacks plug ins to it, and went to work on the revamp. Those Stacks plug ins are way cool and make designing new pages a really fun breeze. Thanks to those fun new Stacks plug ins, the Witchy Woman section has been revamped, and content added to it. It's now sporting a Sabbats section that is dedicated to information about the Wiccan Sabbats.

I also decided to go back to using the Blogger plug in I already had so that I could update my main blog from anywhere via iPhone or iPad, and not have to use Word Press. After trying out a couple of blogging apps for the iPhone and iPad I chose Blog Press as my favorite because it allows me remote blogging access to my Blogger account, plus posts an update with a link to my blog page when I publish a post. It also stays in sync with my RapidWeaver Blogger plug in so I can easily work on drafts no matter what computing device I am on.

I am so mobile and in sync now it is scary.

Life is sweet

2011-09-14T13:24:00.000-05:00

Boerne has some of the finest eating establishment of any town its size that I've ever been in. Trying each of those fine eating establishments at least once, has become a mission for us since discovering and moving to Boerne. We've already tried and marked some of the eateries here as favorites, but are also still trying new ones as well. Today for instance, since it is right across the street from HEB, after I finished the grocery shopping we stopped by Uncle Bernie's Ice Cream & Deli and grabbed a couple of sandwiches and two slices of apple pie. The Mega Club sandwich is HUGE. I know everyone says I have a big mouth, but I could hardly get my little rosebud lips around parts of that sandwich.
As I write these words, I'm too stuffed from eating half of that fat sandwich to even think about the apple pie. Perhaps later this evening I'll get a good case of the munchies and enjoy the apple pie. Along with making a wine sipper out of me, Boerne has also turned me into an avid dessert lover. Lucky for me my favorite wines are sweet wines, so those really go great with dessert.

The Club Car

The wonderful laid back, yet still fun loving lifestyle here has made a new woman out of me. One who gleefully embraces the cocktail hour principle of life. Sometimes that glass of wine is sipped while sitting in the jacuzzi watching the sunset. Other times it is sipped while sitting in my own little yard. And should I decide to spend it tooling around in the ClubCar, I will grab one of those little bottles of wine to go I keep handy for moments like that. No matter where or what I'm sipping, chances are some part of that cocktail hour will be spent chatting with one or more of my neighbors.

Golf carts are very popular among RV folks. Thanks to Larry falling in love with that souped up ClubCar themoment he laid eyes on it, we have the grooviest golf cart in the neighborhood. I further souped it up by having lights added to it. And not just any lights. The front headlights are simple ones, but instead of regular rear lights I chose blue led strip lights. I can now see where I'm going, and be seen for miles around from the rear. Something that will come in handy when they get all our amenities back and I start attending nighttime activities in those new amenities.

The tin roof is completed on one side
Speaking of getting the amenities back, the new pavilion building is coming right along! It is amazing how fast it is going up once all the red tape was out of the way. If things keep going as fast as they have been, it should be completely finished by the end of the month. Being two story, the other new amenity buildings will take a little longer. management says they should be finished by the first of the year. I am looking forward to the Grand Re-Opening we are going to have when everything is finished. Especially if we really do wind up with a Tiki Bar.

That Boerne Bustle

2011-09-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

That Boerne Bustle
As we drove into town Sunday to take advantage of some of the good food always available from the Market Day vendors I was reminded of one the many reasons I love Boerne. It, bustles. But, it's not the frantic bustle of a big city. No, it's more of a laid back easy going bustle. Though traffic can get a little small town heavy at times even on a Sunday when a Festival and/or Market Days are going on, there is no road rage. Colorfully dressed pedestrians dot the sidewalks of the town. In fact, Boerne is the darndest town for sidewalks I've ever seen. And the city is currently in the process of adding more new sidewalks.
Most of the cafes on Main Street have an outdoor area you can dine in. People visit with those at their outdoor table, and with others walking by. The folks in Boerne are an extremely friendly bunch who treat perfect strangers like good friends. Those who come to visit the town for Festivals, Market Days, and other celebrations are welcomed with wide smiles, and open arms. Because the people of Boerne have made us feel so welcome, I make sure I do the same for those visiting this beautiful bustling little town that I have come to love so much.
Attending festivals, parades, market days, and other events, helps keep life fun and interesting for me. I get to mingle with crowds, chat with all kinds of cool people, eat lots of good food, and hopefully get some good pics of whatever is going on. One such event I'm looking forward to is the Harvest Moon Celebration in October. Another is the big Weihnachts Fest Parade and Dickens On Main Street.
I have marked my calender, created a couple of Events in my Facebook page, and will hopefully be attending all those events, and anything else interesting that comes along the bustling Main Street of Boerne.

Hack Attack!

2011-09-11T09:01:00.001-05:00

I’m happy to report that despite the best attempt of a nefarious hacker to take little ole me down, BB is back. The service of denial attack did result in my page being suspended for a short time. But the site is now back up and running. I did move to a new web hosting company though because I was not exactly thrilled with how Networts Hosting handle the situation. Network Solutions seems to offer a more hacker safe place for little place in cyber space. Not that any server or site is truly hacker proof.

After all the stress that hack attack caused me, I headed into Boerne Saturday to relax a little. Every second weekend of the month is Market Days, and I have come to really enjoy taking at least one swing through all the vendors during those weekends. I took my time, and snapped a couple of pictures strolling up the vendor lane leading to one of our favorite food vendors.

While waiting for them to prepare my order, I snapped a photo of it as well. As I was headed down the other vendor lane to the truck, I snapped one more interesting and colorful photo of an artist at work at her booth. Then it as back home to dine on some really great gorditos and k_bobs.

I have to admit that I am using Facebook page a lot more than I ever thought I would when I signed up for it. It is a very quick and convenient way to upload iPhone photos, make quick notes, and keep in touch with friends and family. I am also using a self hosted Word Press Blog again as well since it allows me to make blog entries directly from my iPhone or iPad, and any content published on it is automatically published to my Facebook page as well.

A state of perfect synchronization

2011-08-14T11:05:00.000-05:00

This groovin' granny is once more making sure she doesn't get left completely in the technological dust of this brave new world we are all now living in. I am proud to say I am FINALLY an iPhone owner. Yeah, yeah I know, it's about damn time this hardcore mac lover got with the iPhone program. The Verizon salesman tried to talk me into a Droid, but I wasn't going for it. I could tell from the face he made every time he said the word iPhone, he wasn't an Apple lover. But as I told him, I have been a hardcore Apple fan for a long time now, knew the pros and cons of both phones, and still wanted the iPhone.

I'm really glad I didn't let him talk me into a Droid because I am loving the new iPhone 4. It does everything a regular cell phone does, and yes, a whole lot more. Gone are the days when the only thing I did on a cell phone was talk and send the occasional text message. Texting on the new iPhone 4 is much easier than trying to text on that ridiculous Razzle phone. Plus, I can easily surf the web, listen to music, and do just about anything else I would normally do on the laptop or iPad.

The muse has always loved coming up with really great ideas when I didn't have any way to jot those ideas down. But now Morris is going to have to get use to me always having a little notepad handy now thanks to the iPhone. True, because I'm not use to the little keyboard yet, the notes are currently rather terse. But, I've noticed the more I use the little keyboard, the better I'm getting on it. Even now I can at least jot a few words down that will hopefully jog my memory enough to allow me to remember what it was I was thinking at the time. As I did when the idea for this paragraph came me to while I was sitting beneath my favorite tree sipping my morning tea.

I love the Apple ear buds with the built in microphone. Those really rock! People I have talked to while wearing the ear buds with the built in microphone say I am coming in good and clear. I know I can sure hear whoever is calling a lot better than I ever did with the regular blue tooth accessory. It is nice to have the ear buds to listen to music with in stereo, yet also be able to talk on the phone with the same ear buds. Now I can crank the music all the way up, and not have to worry about being able to hear the phone if it rings. Should I want the music off, all I have to do is reach up and give the center of the little built in remote/mic a gentle squeeze. I can also adjust the volume with a gentle squeeze on one end of the remote/mic, or the other.

If worse comes to worse, and Larry can't get my attention by banging his empty beer can on the table, or any other way, and really needs something, he can always call me on his no nonsense, not so smart flip phone that lives in his shirt pocket. He refuses to catch up with technology when it comes to his cell phone. That's cool with me though. His phone does what he wants it to, and my iPhone does what I want it to.

Now that I have caught up with smart phone technology, I have been taking advantage of that groovy bar code scanner feature in my Grocery IQ app. That is a really cool feature that makes adding items to the grocer list a snap. No, I have not scanned every household and grocery item in the RV. Yes, I have scanned a few things I buy frequently, and put them into the favorites list. Since I always have my phone with me when we go into town, I never forget the grocery list now. I can add items from the iPad or even laptop if I want, and the Grocery IQ app automatically syncs and updates the app on my other devices. Syncing is what it's all about when it comes to making sure transferring information from one device to another is a breeze. After updating a couple of apps on the laptop, I have achieved a state of perfect synchronization.

Because it can do so much, I'm afraid I am guilty of being one of those people who are pretty much glued to their iPhone now. It's my phone, MP3 player, radio, grocery list, camera, photo album, and so much more. Muffy sends me pics now of their family via text messages. I save the pic in the camera roll, then upload it to my mobile gallery. Yes, I have become one of those obnoxious iPhone owners who can show off the latest picture of my disgustingly cute grandson with one tap of my finger. I also freely admit to joining the ranks of those have CRS, (Can't Remember Shit) because there's an app for that.

Firestorm

2011-06-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

The frog fountain before the fire

One week ago the Top of the Hill RV Resort that we now call home became of the victim of a careless fool who went down the highway with a BBQ pit in the back of his pick up that the coals were still lit in. The burning coals blew out as he was driving down the road, and caused a wildfire that nearly consumed us all. As it was, we did lose all the pavilion area, the pool, the laundry room, and 6 RVs that were on the very top of the hill. The good news there was no loss of life or injuries from the fire. The owners and management here intend to rebuild. Some of those who had RV homes here that were lost will be replacing them and coming back here. The following is from the pages of my diary. It is the story of that fire, and the continuing story of the aftermath of that fire.

I am including some photos along with the story so that those reading it can truly see just how much damage was done by the fire that swept through last Sunday afternoon. The first two photos show the porch area and frog fountain are some I took a few days before the fire. I spent so much time sitting on that beautiful back porch and listening to the sound of the frog fountain I thought getting a picture of it to include in my personal photo album would be good. I am so very glad I have these photos that show some of the original ranch buildings that once made up the pavilion area.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The back porch area before the fire

The smell of smoke from Sunday's firestorm still fills the air around us. The once beautiful top of the hill area now looks like a war zone. Burnt rubble that was once the laundry, pool, fountain, and the rest of the main pavilion area, as well as 6 of my neighbors RV homes bears mute testimony to the devastating fire that consumed them.

The porch area after the fire

I never dreamed I was about come face to face with a wall of fire when I put on my new hot pink swim suit and headed to the pool Sunday afternoon. But the moment I stepped out the door I knew that heavy smoke I smelled wasn't coming from a BBQ pit. As I backed the Club Car up and looked up to my right I saw the smoke billowing up. Instead of heading for the pool I went to investigate the source of all that billowing smoke.

The pool area

I discovered A fire that had started in the middle of the highway below us had jumped the road and was now headed towards us. I dialed the office on the cellphone to let them know we had a fire headed our way and ash from it was already falling in the park.

What’s left of a neighbor’s once beautiful Fusion RV

I headed back to the other side of the park and stopped at Odel's place to start wetting it down until she could get away from the office. Odel arrived within a few minutes and took the hose from my hand. She had barely begun spraying when the fire jumped from a falling ember was now far too close for comfort. Odel handed me the hose and walked a feet up the road. Then ran back down frantically saying, "I've got to move! I've got to move!" I stared in amazement and replied, "You will never get unhooked and ready to roll in time." It was at that point I heard an explosion. I turned towards the sound of the explosion and found myself face to face with a wall of fire. When I looked back Odel had vanished. Later I found out she had jumped in her car and was frantically helping Kane and the other camp workers get people evacuated.

I started backpedaling like crazy away from the wall of fire, jumped in the Club Car, hit the reverse button on it and put the pedal to the metal. When I reached our RV I jumped out, opened the door and yelled for Larry to get out to the truck because we were going to have to leave. At that point a police car came over the hill with officer on the speaker horn ordering the evacuation of the park. I grabbed the computers, the lockbox, and a couple of other items, and we headed out of the park.

As I looked back on the fire blazing behind me, my heart sank. I just knew Odel's place was about to go up in smoke, and more than likely, ours would be doing the same shortly after that. I reminded myself if worse came to worse, we had insurance.

We spent the next several hours sitting in the truck waiting to see just how bad things were going to get. At times being told we would have to move farther down the road because the fire was still spreading. We saw several of our neighbors in the caravan of cars and trucks lining the sides of the road as refugees from that wildfire waited to see if they had homes to return to.

By days end we knew our rig was okay, as was Odel's and the rest of the RVs on this level of the tier. Though it was heartbreaking to hear we had lost 6 RVs and all the pavilion buildings on the very top of the hill. Those of us who still had homes could return to them that night only long enough to grab necessary medication and what ever else you could snatch up in one quick swoop through the RV. Monday morning we were allowed to return to our homes.

Do we stay? Or do we temporarily go to another park until full amenities are restored here? One part of me says stay and watch the rebirth of the park. Another part of me says head for somewhere with laundry facilities and a pool!

I've been told they may start clearing the rubble away tomorrow, and that temporary buildings will soon house laundry facilities as well as public restrooms and showers.

As the clock strikes 12:00 a.m., I hear the sound of rain beginning to fall. Perhaps falling to sleep to the sound of that rain will chase away the fire nightmares I've been having since Sunday night.

Wednesday June 22, 2011

We got a good rain last night and that has helped remove the ash and smoke smell from air. I sat out under the 5th wheel this morning enjoying the cool air and what is left of the view. It's heartbreaking to see some of the trees that were once so beautiful in the condition they are now. But, there are still enough trees left unscathed by Sunday's fire to make the view enjoyable. After taking a closer look at some of those trees I realized though they are badly scorched, the tops of some of them are still green. Perhaps they will survive and come back next spring.

The scuttlebutt is that the rubble should be cleared off the top of the hill this weekend and that next week they will be putting up temporary buildings to provide us with laundry facilities as well as public showers and restrooms. The showers and restrooms are no biggie to us since the Cyclone has the mega shower that more than takes care of our bathing needs. I will be glad to get laundry facilities back though! We will have to go in to Boerne today or tomorrow and do some laundry. Hopefully this will only be a one time thing if they get the temporary laundry facilities up next week.

I've also been told they are going to put a new liner in the pool and get it up and running again very soon. I am so hoping this is true. If they can get us some laundry facilities and a pool within a couple of weeks, then we are going to stay here. There are nicer places right now we could go to and actually wind up saving on the rent if we did. But as nice and economical as those places are, they aren't home to us.

Bandera and Kerrville are both nice towns, but we have learned our way around Boerne, and come to love the town and its people. Those people made us feel welcome and truly wanted in their community from our first visit here. Those people have also been very quick to offer a helping hand to those here at the park who need it.

Right now helping each other out here is what it's all about. And those of us here at the park who still have homes are doing what we can to help our neighbors who have lost everything. Most had insurance and just need some emotional support right now. But a few didn't have insurance and so they are truly in dire straights right now.

Thursday June 23, 2011

I was up at the crack of dawn again this morning. I slept better last night though, and had no bad firestorm nightmares. The weather right now is foggy and cool with a small chance for more rain. Next week the chances for rain look fairly good. Rain right now is what we desperately need to help reduce the possibility of more fires.

After my morning shower I put on one of the new sun dresses I got last week. It's a great moral booster right now to slip it on and feel oh so pretty and feminine. Though there is also a slight sense of survivor guilt for having it to put on when I go up the top of the hill and see the rubble of 6 of my neighbors RVs.

Later this afternoon I slipped out of the sundress and into some shorts and an old t-shirt and enlarged the circle of stones around one of the two trees we have at our space. I'm going to plant some flowers around that tree soon. I was thinking of doing that before Sunday's firestorm because I spend so much time out there watching the humming birds. With so much devastation still around us I need to make our spot as nice as possible right now.

Saturday June 25, 2001

I spent the morning gathering rocks from all around the park, including a few blackened ones from the pavilion area, as well as from the area the RVs burned in. Those blackened rocks will serve as reminders of the firestorm we went through last Sunday.

When I took the cleaning crew their daily jug of lemonade, I took a couple of shots of them clearing the burnt rubble of one of my neighbors RV. The bobcat in that picture belongs to another neighbor who was fortunate enough to have his RV survive the fire fully intact. He is donating that little cat and his time today to help clear the rubble away.

Everyone here who has opted to stay is pulling together and doing whatever we can to help our neighbors, and the park itself return to normal. My daily delivery of ice cold lemonade to the crew helping remove the rubble is the least I can do.

After wetting the area around it down good, and making sure the hose was handy just in case, I lit the little Fire King gas grill this evening and fixed a couple of Texas Griller Steaks from HEB. It felt good to be out enjoying the grill again. Served with a nice salad the steaks made a wonderful meal.

After the dishes and grill were cleaned up I sat and watched the sunset. The view, despite the burnt area in front of it is still beautiful. I'm glad we opted to stay here. I find myself truly appreciating what we do have left, and eagerly awaiting the rebirth of the pavilion area.

Smack!

2010-02-23T11:10:00.001-06:00

Smack!

Not only is a school in Pa being sued, and investigated by the FBI because of allegations that it spied on its students via the built in iSight cameras on the Apple computers it distributed to its student, but Facebook and Google are also facing class action lawsuits for violating the privacy rights of their users. With technology advancing at the lightning speeds it is, anyone on a computer who wants to take full advantage of everything it has offer, is going to find his or herself between a rock and hard spot when it comes to the issue of privacy. In order to try and find some kind of realistic middle ground between that rock and hard spot, those using computers need to be well aware of how they operate, as well as what really lies beneath the surface of what may be on the other side of our monitors.

Concerning the lawsuits being filed against Facebook and Google, I will agree with those filing them that both Facebook and Google should have done better when it came to handling the private information of their users. However, having said, that let me give those a users a heads up here. FYI, no matter how good a job a site does handling the private information of its users, or how good the security program is on any social networking site, there is always a chance that a hacker can breach it. For those who are really that clueless, that's what hackers do. If you are going to join a social networking site, by all means insist they handle your private information in a responsible manner. And be sure that site has the best security available. But, if you think that security system will always be able to protect your private information from hackers, you need a smack up the back of the head reality check here.

I don't know if there was criminal intent behind what the school board did by setting up those laptops in a way that allowed them to remotely activate the built in web cams, or if the entire school board just needs a good hard collective smack up the back of the head for being too stupid to realize the potential danger inherent in what they did. If all they were concerned about was keeping track of the laptops so they could be recovered if stolen, why didn't they just attach or implant some kind of GPS device or program in them?

Given the vague way the clause concerning monitoring the hardware was worded in the "acceptable-use" agreement, I do believe whoever wrote that clause understood what was going on a lot better than the parents who would be reading it did. I sense the person behind that wording knew full well if the agreement actually said something like, "Oh and by the way, we have the ability to turn on that neat little iSight camera and take at least one still picture of anything going on in front of the monitor anytime we want. But, don't worry, we will only use it if your kid reports the computer stolen.", none of the parents would have signed said agreement. It makes me want to give the parents who signed that agreement a smack up the back of the head for not being more aware of what the school actually meant by "monitoring the hardware." Don't any of those parents read the tech news, or at least watch crime shows on tv?

One reason I know as much as I do about hackers and "hardware monitoring" is because along with keeping up with the tech news, I watch a lot of CSI shows, as well as Criminal Minds and Law & Order. I credit all those shows with making me very aware of the possible dangers on the other side of my monitor. I blame NCIS on my wanting to smack some of the people involved in these current news stories up the back of the head. And although I do know that hacking into well secured computers is not as fast and easy as characters like Abby from NCIS make it appear, researching what I often see on those shows does tell me that it is possible, and that many times, it has already happened for real.

I am not trying to be a fear monger here and discourage people from using social networking sites, or even computers supplied by schools. What I am trying to do is remind all those reading these words that the net, and the computers used to connect us to it need to be used in a responsible manner that takes security issues, hackers, and other criminal elements into consideration. This is especially true when it comes to computers supplied by a school that are taken off campus by students, and/or when making the decision to join a social networking site.

Weighing the risks

2010-02-19T11:56:00.001-06:00

I've been keeping a close eye on the story concerning the law suit filed against the Pa. school district that is accused of crossing privacy lines by using web cams on laptops to spy on their students with. The school finally did issue a statement stating they use the remote feature only in the case of a stolen laptop, and at no time have they ever violated privacy laws. I'm not much impressed with said statement though given the fact that I keep reading where a student was accused of inappropriate behavior in his home, and apparently presented with a photograph as evidence of that behavior that was taken with the built in web cam. So far, there has been no indication that the student's laptop was ever reported stolen.

Even with privacy safeguards like the school claims it has followed in place, isn't there a risk that a hacker could gain control of the remote feature on those distributed laptops via one of their Trojan Horse or other programs? And isn't there a terrible irony in the possibility that a hacker could possibly gain control of computers given to students to work on via such a Trojan Horse program? When one considers just how sick and vicious some of the hackers and trolls roaming the internet today are, I think the question of just how safe the laptops given to students really are, most definitely needs to be addressed. Should the answer to that question be not 100% safe, then when one considers what could happen if a hacker with pedophile tendencies gained control of one or more of those distributed laptops, it is enough to chill the blood of any loving parent.

Giving laptops out for students to work on is a wonderful idea. However, given the possible potential for misuse by the schools themselves, as well as by hackers, it is a wonderful idea that needs to be carefully thought out and well studied to insure that those gifts do not themselves become Trojan Horses that could wind up biting the givers and receivers of those gifts in the butt in some very sad and savage ways. What the school in Pa. has been accused of, could wind up only being the tip of the iceberg where that matter is concerned. Think about it.......

Pa school is playing Big Brother

2010-02-18T17:28:00.001-06:00

We are living a world where many people are getting far too accustomed to having their privacy invaded in various ways by technology. Google maps are zooming in on homes and businesses all over the world. GPS devices are being used in a variety of ways that sometimes cross legal lines when they used by stalkers to pinpoint the location of their victims. RATT phones supplied by suspicious spouses and other nosey people are listening in to what should be private conversations. And now a Pa. school district has done the unthinkable, and is accused of eavesdropping on its students inside their homes via remote controlled web cams on the laptops it supplied to said students. Suit: Pa. school spied on students via laptops (AP)

When you take into consideration that students are very likely to take those laptops supplied by the school into their bedrooms to do homework on, the idea of the school having remote web cams that can be turned on at any time, is disgustingly scary to say the very least.

The real irony here is that this Big Brother behavior by the school was uncovered when an assistant principal told a student he thought he had engaged in inappropriate behavior at home, then produced a photograph taken by the web cam on the computer supplied by the school as evidence. None of the stories I've read so far have said what the inappropriate behavior of the young student was. I can't help but feel that whatever that student did, it isn't half as bad as what the school has done by invading the homes of its students in the manner it has.

Some students from that school are now placing masking tape over the web cams and microphones on their school supplied computers. And though many are probably going to laugh at this, I actually started putting a small piece of sticky note over the built in iSight cameras on my macs a couple of years ago after watching a movie where a hacker took control of a computer web cam. I figured even back then, better safe than sorry when it came to that all seeing little eye on the top of my display screen.

The Lower Merion School District should ashamed of itself for violating the privacy of its students, as well their parents in the manner it has. They are at best, guilty of a form of illegal wiretapping, and at worst, no better than a pedophile who puts hidden cameras in bathrooms. The faculty members responsible for this breach of privacy need to be held accountable for their actions. And the school district as a whole needs to understand that their job of monitoring students does not extend past the boundaries of the schoolyard.