Wednesday, 22 October 2014 through Thursday, 29 January 2015

Awake but still sore from the work on Monte Creek Bridge, methinks that I need to go to West Virginia so that I recuperate from this work. I step out of the jammer and walk down the hill to look at the bridge to see how much the water is flowing and find that is has not changed much from yesterday. I walk back up to the house and soon after, Joe brings out a cup of coffee for me. We walk together down to the bridge because he wants to see the water flow and afterwards, we walk back up to put our work clothes on and ready ourselves for the concrete truck.

At nine-forty, Joe and I walk down the hill expecting the truck at ten am but it does not arrive until a half hour later. The pour begins and we use six of the seven yards that Joe ordered. We had previously dammed up the creek fifty feet upstream to slow the water down and the last section of the pour was in the creek bed just upstream of the bridge. The concrete would displace the water as it filled up the creek bed and then I made a large dam with the concrete about ten feet upstream of the bridge. When the driver began cleaning the truck, Joe and I began working the concrete with trowels, Joe doing most of the top of the walls while I worked the concrete in the creek bed. The concrete dam in the creek bed allows enougth time for me to work the concrete on both sides of the bridge.

At two pm, when both Joe and I had reached a point where we could let the concrete begin hardening, we leave the bridge, I take a hot shower and change into clean clothes and we both go the a lunch buffet. I fill my first plate with mustard and collard greens, squash, boiled okra with tomatoes and begin eating. When I sit down, I tell Joe that I will not eat any fried food unless they have fried catfish, after which Joe picks up a piece of fried catfish and laughs. My second plate has two pieces of fried catfish and three types of rice. Joe and I both finish with a bowl of pecan cobbler.

We return back to the home and as we drive over the bridge, I ask Joe to look to see if the water is flowing at the bottom and he says yes. I tell him that we need to begin pulling forms, starting with the two by six at the bottom. Then Joe continues pulling all of the forms while I begin to cut a hole through the concrete dam on the upstream side allowing the water to flow through the culvert. Then, at about six, after a couple more hours of work, we both agree this bridge is done.

We pack up, drive up the hill to the home, unload and put away all the tools. Then Doc comes out and wants to play ball so I begin throwing the ball on the grass for him to chase and return. Soon, Joe is done outside, we tell each other good night and Joe and Doc go inside. I go into the fifth-wheel trailer and take a hot shower, my second today. It has been really nice having hot water to shower with these last five days, I will miss this luxury when I continue the tour tomorrow morning. Joe and I both will leave out at six am right after coffee.

I work pounding key until seven-thirty pm and then I am hurting so much that I must needs get horizontal for the evening. I will read in the Bible for a while and then go to sleep.

The ringing phone awakes me and I get up to answer Joe′s call. He said last evening that he would call to wake me but I said that I would probably be awake; I wasn′t. We both drive down from the hill a little at six-thirty am. As Joe strikes out west to Arkansas, I head for the w-mart to upload my latest journal pages.

At eight am, I begin my drive east across Tennessee on interstate 40, then northeast on interstate 81 and finally north on interstate 77 to Princeton, West Virginia and connect to state highway 20 which takes me right across a long bridge high above Bluestone Lake and the Bluestone National Scenic River which is a tributary off of the upper New River at Bluestone Lake. I continue downstream along the New River on highway 20 until I arrive in Hinton, West Virginia and immediately find the Kingdom Hall. I turn into the parking lot, go thru the drive through and find out that the meeting is at seven-thirty tonight, answering a prayerful request that has been on my mind. Then, I drive to the g-mart to purchase a package salad and green onions for my supper, drive to the f-mart for Wifi to check email.

During the meeting, I find out that a circuit overseer will serve here next week and Ethan, the young brother who gave the number three part, suggests that I stay for the visit. Shortly before that, I had thought the same thing but I told him that I will pray about it. Leaving the hall, I drive to an all night f-mart and park in the back but it is ten-thirty before I am horizontal.

Sleeping in this late is due to not getting good sleep last evening. Nevertheless, I continue driving on highway 20 and immediately enter the New River Gorge National River, a park that I had visited, methinks, back in the 1980′s during one of my drives to New York. I remember then that I just drove over the New River Gorge Bridge and was amazed at it being 876 feet over the water. This time, I drive along the river, first to Sandstone falls and the visitors center, stopping to get a map, six stamps, two patches, and talk with the rangers, one who gives me the best route to drive. Leaving the visitors center, I drive north on highway 20 to Meadow Bridge, WV, then north on county highway 31 to Danese, WV, then north on state highway 41 to Lookout, WV where I turn east on county route 82, a narrow winding asphalt road full of pot holes, which takes me to Lansing, WV. From Lansing, the same county road 82 becomes a one way road leading down into the gorge, across an old trestle bridge, one at least a hundred years old but still in service. In fact, when I arrive to cross the trestle bridge, there is a photo shoot going on for a bride and groom.

I continue up highway 82 to the rim, cross the modern New River bridge (completed in 1977 as part of US highway 19) and stop at the Canyon Rim visitors center on the north side of the gorge where I get several more stamps on my park map and another patch. From there, I continue north on US highway 19 to Gauley River National Recreation Area, visit the dam, and a couple of over looks. Then, I drive back south on US 19 across the bridge and stop at a d-mart for the evening. There is a f-mart with WiFi next door so I upload today′s journal entry after completing it. Tomorrow, I will make one more stop in the park before heading to the next one.

The dayspring has yet to begun so I transfer from the d-mart to the f-mart so as to purchase a cup of coffee and connect to the internet. At just before eight am, the suntouch occurs and I go in to obtain a refill before leaving for Thurmond Historic District south of Fayetteville on the New River. I drive south on US 19 to Glen Jean where I turn east on county highway 25 and drive on a mostly one lane road, filled with pot holes along a creek filled with waterfalls. There is also a railroad track along the holler (West Virginia talk for valley.) and the road winds and curves back and forth over both the creek and the tracks several times as it travels down to the New River where it arrives at the bustling town of Thurmond. However, the bustling part was over near a hundred years ago when it had the highest revenue on the entire Chesapeake and Ohio railway. Now, with closed up buildings, a rusting metal one lane bridge and dilapidated coal car loading structures it more resembles a modern abandoned train stop, which in all aspects it is. Nevertheless, here is where the park services have set up camp, rebuilt the old train station and repaved the walkway to the downtown area and now call it a historic district. I move on to the next park.

Leaving the New River Gorge area, I travel on interstate 64 east, connecting to interstate 81 north and in Winchester, Virginia, take state highway 7 east and connect to US highway 340 east and arrive in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Immediately, I recognize that this old historic town is now for the gathering of turkeys, foul birds busy gorging themselves on catfish entrails. I drive right out of the downtown area up along Washington avenue and stop at Storer College Place where the Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail visitors center is located. I park the jammer and go inside, this being the first time at this location since on the Appalachian Trail, when on 24 June 1978, I walked down from Loudoun Heights in Virginia, crossed the Potomac River and arrived at the Appalachian Trail Conference headquarters to sign the register. This is a homecoming I have long awaited for.

Here, at the AT visitors center, I meet David and Reed, who greet the visitors and tell me that today is an especially busy one, with over three hundred visitors to the center. I bring my back pack into the center and take photos of it in front of the center and Read offers to take one with me in the photo. Finally, I drive to a d-mart for the evening and being totally exhausted get into the sack shortly after sunset.

I awake this morning at suntouch but since I have come into the eastern time zone and have yet to adjust jammer′s clock, because of which I thought it was six-thirty am. I drive to a f-mart in Charles Town, WV to do my Bible study, purchase coffee and sit in the jammer with the engine idling which it will do now since Joe had it fixed at his ar-mart. At nine-fifteen, I drive to the hall here in Charles Town, get dressed and walk in for the meeting. This is a large congregation with over a hundred people at the meeting and I meet quite a few of them.

Afterwards, I drive to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to check out the visitors center for a patch but find that the gift shop is in town. Since this park is so packed with turkeys this weekend, I forgo going into town and drive out of town south on US route 340, the same route that takes me all the way to Front Royal, Virginia, another town visited during the Journey to Katahdin.

Today, I do not stop in Front Royal, but head to Shenandoah National Park so that I can begin Skyline Drive and find that the park entrance is backed up with cars a half mile from the fee gate. Of course, I get in free by showing my Senior Pass, but there must be literally thousands of cars paying the ten dollars to enter the park, this being peak fall foliage time. Once in the park, I drive to the first visitors center, walk in and purchase two patches and obtain a brochure imprinting it with the available stamps. I also watch the video and talk with the ranger for a while at the center. Before leaving and continuing the drive south on the national park drive, I eat a salad with oil and vinegar.

The drive is slow with lots of cars in both directions and at each overlook, the parking lot is full of cars and people. This park took is packed with turkeys everywhere I go, here from the cities for the fall colors. This is ok as all of us need some form of recreation away from the stresses of everyday life. I drive to the Skyline lodge exit and park in the guest parking lot, arriving at seven pm after sunset, hang all of my curtains and begin writing my journal for the day. Now, I am all caught up and it is still before eight pm. Methinks if I go to sleep early and get up early in the morning, then I will most likely have the drive all to myself because turkeys always sleep late in the morning.

Upon arising it is still long before suntouch although sunglow is just beginning. I walk into the Skyline lodge restaurant to use the facilities and then return to the jammer to begin driving. There is no one else on the road except for the deer and there are a lot of them but they are up at this time to browse on the grass aside the road because they too know that the turkeys sleep late, so I drive slow allowing them plenty of time to see that I am not a turkey and not bolt out in front of me. As the sun begins to reach the horizon, there is a bright red showing first. I know that the suntouch is about to happen so I find a good spot where I can pull off the road to take photos. Afterwards, I continue south on Skyline drive until I arrive at Big Meadows area, a place I have camped at before, park the jammer and leave the engine idling so that I can charge the computer while I write in the journal and wait for the visitors center to open.

Upon touring the visitors center, I learn that this national park has a tainted past. The US government evicted all the people who lived in the proposed national park; what a sad history for a park! I drive to the camping area, stop at the laundry and do a couple of loads. So much has changed here since I walked through the park on my Journey to Katahdin. Continuing south on the Skyline drive, I pass several more familiar sights, then drive out of the park at Rockfish gap and continue south right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.

It is only about four miles until the first visitors center where I acquire a map, stamp it and find a really nice embroidered patch and then I continue south on the parkway. Both today and yesterday, methinks how when I was walking upon the Appalachian Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive, it being such a wonderful experience, one such that caused me to write in my journal how I felt sorry for all those who were only driving on the roadway alongside the trail, that they were missing so much joy by driving and not taking the footpath. Now, however, after driving on this roadway alongside the Appalachian Trail for the last two days, methinks that my mind has changed. Not that the trail does not give great joy, but that there is a similar joy in the driving upon this roadway. It is a pleasant drive with such grand views in every direction. Too, the suntouches that I have seen here have been remarkable, as are the early morning encounters with the wild life. Also, the mile after mile of colorful displays of autumnal foliage is eye pleasing indeed and are the vast valleys and hollows below the roadway.

Also, my since of being on the mountain is still obtained from driving this route as the views are from very high up. Methinks that it is a good thing that I choose this path and wish to continue on it for a few more days. However, in my continuing on this path, this will also mean that I will not be returning to Hinton, West Virginia for the circuit overseer′s visit and this presents a dilemma for me. I will continue to pray about this dilemma.

I stop at another visitors center for the evening, one with a lodge on a lake and go into the lodge. Here, I find that there is a salad bar for seven dollars and I ask to be seated for my supper. Afterwards, I retire to the parking lot in the dark mountain night and read for a while in the Bible before retiring at eight pm. Ever since the bridge work at Joe′s place, I have been having aches and pains in my legs and for the last few nights have been take two aspirins to help me to obtain sleep. I do likewise tonight and an able to go to sleep right away. Arriving at the w-mart in Franklin, just off of interstate 65 but have a tough time logging in so I leave and drive to Spring Hill. At seven pm, I arrive at the hall, get dressed and go in for the meeting. Several of the friends greet me saying "Hello Brother Buras" I did not know that I had met this many, or the friend here must just be good at remembering names. During the meeting an announcement was made that next Sunday, the ninth of November, there will be a Branch visit at this hall. What is this all about and you know that I will be in my seat on the ninth of November. After the meeting, I tell Joe that I am just going to stay in town and will meet him for the ministry tomorrow morning. I then go to the f-mart, get online and upload my journal entries. It is ten-thirty when I return to the d-mart, park and climb into the back of the jammer.

Awake to an overcast sky; during the night the sound of light rain hitting the jammer briefly awakens me. I drive up US highway 31 just a short way to the w-mart for a cup of coffee and check email.

At eight-thirty, I drive to the hall and meet with the field service group. Joe conducts and I work this morning with Joe, Ariel and Diana. Afterwards, I go to the d-mart to purchase laundry soap and then to the w-mart to work on updating the photo taken during the last weeks. At five pm, I head for Joe and Sarah′s home so that I can take a hot shower. Too, I want to get out of town where all the little demons and seeking their candy treats. Holly cooks enchiladas and then Joe, Sarah, Cathy, and I with Holly have supper but we do not eat until nine-thirty and right afterwards, I excuse myself and head to the barn.

Awaking at the beginning of the dayspring but the sky is overcast, the wind blowing and not a star to be seen. I work on the computer as the day slowly illumes. Then at seven am, I go into the fifth-wheel to take a hot shower and when I return to jammer feel sleepy and lay back down under my sleeping bag. The next thing I hear is some one knocking on a window. I sit up and see Joe with a cup in his hand and ask him "What time is it?" to which he rrplies, "After eleven am." I get up immediately and ask him "Have you eaten breakfast?" to which he says no. Then I tell him "Lets go, I′m buying."

We get into his Honda and drive to the country breakfast restaurant. Afterwards, we go to the ar-mart to meet Mark and the three of us begin working on the counter for in the customer office. Mark had previously designed and built the counter but the manager and office person asked if the entire piece of furniture could be made nine inches taller. Mark, Joe and I discuss how would be the best way to make it taller and finally come up with a workable plan. Mark stays in the ar-mart to remove some of the parts from the old counter while Joe and I head to the lumber store to buy some two by boards, a four by eight sheet of quarter inch oak plywood, stain, putty and two finished counter tops. We then return and begin rebuilding the left-side counter.

It is after nine pm when we have come to a stopping point for the day, having rebuilt the counter, put the stain on it, glued and clamped the finished top on. We will let the stain and glue dry tonight and will return to finish putting the trim on tomorrow after the meeting and then will install the left counter in the office. Next weekend we will work on the right side counter and hope to have it completed and installed before Monday the tenth of November.

The dayspring comes earlier today because of the Fall Back and has begun long before I arise. I work on my photo gallery while awaiting for Joe to arise. Outside the jammer, the sun rises into a clear pale blue sky. The heavy frost that was laid down from the freezing night is slowly melting from the warming sun. Later, I prepare my daystart, eat and then feel like going back to sleep; so, I climb back into the sleeping bag to take a nap. Before lying down, I put a note on the jammer window stating "Wake Me!"

I awake on my own and finish my study for the meeting later today and then Joe comes out with a cup of coffee and I ask him if we were going to the lumber store for the under counter cabinet. He says yes but he need to go inside for a moment. I go with him and get a second cup of coffee. Soon, we purchase two of the cabinets, drop them off at Stagecoach and return to the barn. At twelve-thirty pm, we go to the meeting and afterwards return to the barn because Sarah has a luncheon prepared for six people. After the hot meal, we sit and talk for a couple of hours while Joe watches the football game. Then, Joe and I head to Stagecoach, meet Mark there and the three of us continue work on the left counter. We hope to install it tomorrow after Stagecoach closes at five pm.

Then Joe and I return to the barn and I go into the fifth-wheel to take a shower, after which I retire to the jammer for the evening. It is nearly eleven pm when I get horizontal.

When the dayspring is well underway, I arise and begin pounding keys in the national parks gallery, now working on the third gallery, the Caves and Deserts. At eight-thirty I check to see if Joe is up and find him preparing a meal for Doc. Afterwards, we go out for breakfast and then to ar-mart for flooring and more pre-built cabinets for the office at Stagecoach. Then at four pm, we head for the ar-mart to begin preparing for painting the office walls and ceiling. Mark joins us at five pm and we work until eleven pm.

Then I ride with Joe and we return to the barn where Sarah has supper in the oven. After eating, I walk out to the fifth-wheel to take a shower and then climb into the jammer to hit the sack at midnight. Long day and I am exhausted.

Up at early sunglow and drive into town to the w-mart for a cup of hot and to work on the photo gallery; I spend most of the day here stopping at two-thirty pm to drive to the d-mart for a few pantry items. Then, at three pm I drive to Stagecoach and begin working on covering the furniture and then taking the base molding off of the wall. Joe arrives at five and Mark at six to continue with the painting of the ceiling and walls.

At nine pm, we stop and begin turning Stagecoach back into an auto repair office. Most all of the painting is done with the exception of the area around the office managers desk. After closing and locking Stagecoach, Mark walks to his apartment While Joe and I both drive to the barn. Sarah has spaghetti and salad waiting for us when we arrive and after eating I walk to the fifth-wheel to take a shower and then climb into the back of the jammer to go to sleep. In about an hour or two, I wake up with severe stomach cramps and must needs go to the bath room where I loose ever thing I have eaten today. I return to the jammer feeling much better and fall right asleep.

Awake feeling much better than last night but what ever it was that caused me to feel so bad came out with the food. I put on my jeans and polo shirt, and then drive to the w-mart for my morning cup of hot. It is raining this morning and as I begin pounding on the keyboard, the rain begins to pour down.

During the afternoon, I meet Matthew, who plays the ukulele and later, Emily, who works here at the w-mart. Both are students in the nearby high school. Then around six-thirty pm, I leave the w-mart and drive to the d-mart to do some reading and Bible study. I am able to get horizontal very early tonight, before eight-thirty.

After a long nights sleep, I feel rested and ready to return to the key pounding, updating the national parks photo gallery.

At six pm, I drive to the hall, change clothes and begin studying for tonight. Then at seven fifteen, I go inside for the meeting, after which I drive to the d-mart for the evening.

I awake to watch the suntouch begin and also notice the moon nearly at the horizon. Soon, I am getting out to walk into the w-mart and it just does not feel like the temperature is in the thirties. I suppose the reason is because there is no wind, but I am comfortable in my polo shirt without a jacket. Soon, with a cup of hot at my side, I begin my day long task of pounding key. I have finished upgrading the Arches and Canyons photo gallery and should finish the Yellowstone National Park gallery which involves four separate pages.

At one pm, I drive to Franklin, Tennessee and stop at an Italian restaurant, one originating in Houston, Texas, which advertises free food for veterans. Each year for the last several, the number of national chain restaurants that participate in the free food on veterans day for veterans has been increasing, some even providing food more than one day. Last year in southeast Houston, I had breakfast in one restaurant, lunch in another and supper in yet one more and this year plan to do the likewise. However, this year, when Veterans Day arrives next Tuesday, I hope to be on the road driving southward from Virginia Beach in Virginia on the Outer Banks highway-seaway route. I think that the last time I drove this was in 1983 when I took the coastal route from Texas across the Gulf coast to Florida, down to Key West and then up the Atlantic Coast to New England. Of course, on this drive along the way, I will be frequenting the parks as well as scanning my map book for other sites of interest.

Earlier this week, I found out that both English congregations in Spring Hill, are having a branch visit. I have not been a party to this type of visit and look forward to it. Too, while here, I have been going to the Thompson Station congregations meeting but will attend the Spring Hill congregation because there branch visit in at two pm on Saturday, which will allow me to head out earlier towards the Outer Banks.

At five pm, I drive to Stagecoach and find Joe and Mark working in the office. I ask Joe, "Why didn′t you call me?" to which he answered, "We were not doing much, so we didn&prinm;t want to bother you." I proceed to sit in one of the chairs to watch them finish and then tell Joe about my plan to have meals on veterans day to which he questions me as to whether that would be a wise thing to do, especially since as Christians, we are now neutral politically. Then Mark speaks out and says "Paul used the Roman card in his day." (Acts 22:25) Joe concedes and later Joe and I drive to the barn because Joe says that Sarah has supper ready for us. As is my custom, right after eating, I excuse myself and get into the sack by ten pm.

First thing this morning, I go into the fifth-wheel for a hot shower, then out to the jammer to finish dressing and turn the jammer around so that it is pointing down the drive way. Just before leaving, I stop the engine and get out to put my belt on when Joe walks up with a cup of coffee. We talk for a few minutes, I tell him that I will be leaving town after the two pm meeting today and then drive down the driveway heading into town to the w-mart. Upon walking up to the register, the barista says, "Tall blonde in a for here cup?" to which I tell answer "and no room."

At one pm,I drive to the hall, put on my suit and walk in for the meeting. Today, there is something new besides the normal weekend meeting with the Watchtower Bible study, there is a live presentation of the branch visit at the US branch at Patterson, NY. Several speakers from Bethel give talks directed to the US branch personnel, all of which are broadcasted throughout the congregations in the US branch. At two pm is the first broadcast and tomorrow at nine am and three pm, there will two more broadcasts for other congregations within the branch territory. I have chosen to attend today′s broadcast so as to allow me to leave directly afterwards.

Then shortly after five pm, I walk out to the jammer, change clothes and begin the drive eastward to the coast. Heading east on interstate 40, I turn north on interstate 81 and drive until I begin to hurt. Then I stop at a truck stop for the evening.

After awaking, I go inside to purchase coffee, then return to the jammer and start the engine. While the engine and myself are warming up, I sip on the hot liquid, finish my journal entry for yesterday and begin today′s. Then for a few minutes before beginning my drive east, I open my Bible to read a couple of chapters in the book of Deuteronomy.

Continuing on interstate 81 north into Virginia, I take exit 150 east through Cloverdale and then content to US 460 east, stopping first at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park where I found out the Lee did not surrender to Grant in the courthouse, but in the town of Appomattox Court House in the McLean House. I know, it is just a technicality, but, nevertheless, I had always though that the surrender was signed in the courthouse. Then next, I drive through the Petersburg National Battlefield, the Richmond National Battlefield and finally stop at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the only site visited today that did not have to do with the Civil War. I leave the Richmond, Virginia area and drive southeast on interstate 64 and stop in Williamsburg, Virginia at a d-mart for the evening. After a small supper, I work on my journal to finish today′s entry.

I awake quite early and check the time to find that the w-mart is now open so I drive the short distance there for a cup of hot and spend an hour here to wait for the Colonial National Historic park to open. At eight am, I drive to the park which only takes twenty minutes and still need to wait longer. Finally, at nine am, the doors open and I go in for my brochure, stamp it and walk to the gift shop looking for a patch. Upon finding the patch, I laugh at the two color single thread embroidery and don′t buy it. Then, I walk across the bridge over the swamp and check out the original site for Jamestowne. The location is on the James River inland quite a ways from the Chesapeake Bay and has a low bluff overlooking the river. Excavations are ongoing and one area has an exposed brick over ten feet under the existing grade. The ranger giving the presentation said it was a cellar of an older building, possibly dating back to the early to mid 1600′s.

After walking through most of the original town, I leave and begin driving on the Colonial Parkway, a twenty-five mile roadway connecting Jamestowne, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Arriving at Yorktown visitors center, I walk inside to get a brochure with a stamp and they have the same problem with the patch that Jamestowne has and I don′t buy one here either.

Next, I drive to the coast and visit Fort Monroe National Monument with its star shaped bulwarks but as far as I can see, it is undeveloped as a park, having been just retired from service with many of the structures converted to living quarters. I an not able to find a visitors center. Afterwards, I drive across the Chesapeake Bay bridge-tunnel into Norfolk and continue south to Chesapeake where I set up camp for the evening in this large city. It rains off and on all evening and I spend time reading and resting until retiring.

My sleep ends just after some strange dreams, with one about Becky Rose and I find that it is raining lightly upon arising. I drive to a restaurant to have breakfast using my veteran′s card and then to the w-mart for the rest of the morning where my v-card work again. As I sit here in this w-mart working on my web site, I watch the rain coming down outside, while inside a group of the employees begin unpacking the boxes and begin to dress the store in it′s Christmas garb. During these final years of this system, there is no getting away from the holidays this time of the year.

At noon, I get back into the jammer and drive about a mile for a free lunch of grilled chicken over fresh spinach, salad and hot bread. The waiter came to me after the meal and said "I hope you enjoyed your lunch, your bill is zero." I did give him a substantial tip. Afterwards, I return to the w-mart, park in a space and then take a nap. Later, I work for a while on my computer. Then at five pm, I leave south out of Chesapeake towards North Carolina and in less than an hour I am driving across Currituck Sound and soon arrive in Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks and stop at a d-mart for the evening.

It was a warm night, too warm for me and had to sleep outside of my bag most of it. I awake wontedly early, even wantedly (if I can use the latter to mean looking forward to something) and begin searching for WiFi which I find at a f-mart not far from the d-mart where I overnighted. I wait here while charging my computer battery until about six-thirty am when the light of day comes through the fog and rain.

However, I wait for a bit longer to finish my second cup of hot before driving north on state highway 12 to Carrituck Beach Lighthouse. When I arrive at the lighthouse, it is still too early for anything to be open so I snap a few photos of the lighthouse in the fog and then head back south.

The next stop is the Wright Brother National Memorial, a park that I believe that I visited back in 1983. So much has changed here on the Otter Banks by way of subdividing and home building. The area is totally inundated with private homes, businesses and everything for the traveling turkeys for their vacation to the beach front including hoards of shops where they can buy there useless souvenirs. Leaving the air field, I drive west across a bridge onto Roanoke Island where I stop at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Upon arriving, I ask the ranger, "Does this park have to do with the colonization" to which he said yes. I then say, "I just came from Jamestown which is the first permanent English settlement in America, so, what is this one?" Then ranger Rob says, This settlement was before Jamestown but was an unsuccessful one and no one knows what happened to the settlers.

Suddenly, my long lost studies of American history comes back into my mind, Roanoke Island! This is were the English first tried to colonize the Americas but the colony failed and they have yet to find out what happened to the colonists. I tell Ranger Bob, I know! and when he looks up at me, I say, Aliens got them.

Then, I drive back east to the Outer Banks and continue south along the easternmost rim of land some twenty-five miles from the mainland. Upon arriving into the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the hoards of buildings stops and the sand dunes begin to show themselves. Then for many miles, it is just the sand, the sea, state highway 12 and me. (Well, there are a lot of other cars too.) I stop at Bodie Island lighthouse and visitor center. Most of the lighthouses in the park are closed for the season so I will not get to climb to the top of any of them. Still, I do get to take photos of them, even if there tops are stuck in the fog. I leave Brodie Island and travel further south, arriving at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse just after sunset and go directly to the campground. However, the campground is closed so I drive back to the lighthouse and take a place in the visitors center parking lot for the evening. Now, as I pound the keyboard, making my journal entry for today, the light from the rotating beacon shines overhead.

I was approached last evening by a park ranger informing me that it is not allowed to camp in the visitors center area and I had to move. I drive out of the area and park in town in a restaurant′s parking lot that will be opening for breakfast at six am tomorrow. This morning, I awake but do not have to wait too long to purchase a cup of hot. Then, I drive back towards the visitors center and stop at the original site of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse to photograph the suntouch. (In 1999, the lighthouse was moved to its present location because the shifting sands of the barrier reef had moved the coastline dangerously close to the lighthouse.) After taking numerous photos, I leave the lighthouse area and head back south to a bathhouse for a cold shower before the visitors center is scheduled to open.

Upon arriving at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, I still have to wait another half hour until the visitors center opens and then acquire my embroidered patch and stamp imprint on the park brochure. I also stop at the museum, in the old Double Keepers Quarters, where I learn about the 1999 move of the lighthouse. This light house is the second tallest one in the world and they were still successful in moving it almost three thousand feet from its original location.

Leaving the light, I drive south to the Ocracoke Ferry, wait for some time until the cars begin to board. I do not think that there would be enough room for me but the workers wave me on as the last to board. The boat ride lasts for three quarters of an hour and at one point, we slow down to a crawl due to there being sand bars in the bay. Arriving on Ocracoke Island, I drive with the Atlantic ocean on my left and Pamlico Sound on my right the entire fourteen miles of the island to the south end and the small town of Ocracoke. I park the jammer, walk to the visitors center, purchase a patch, and acquire a stamp imprint on my park brochure. Then I have to wait again until the four pm boat begins to load. It has been a long day of waiting for me but shortly after four, the two hour boat ride begins and lasts for two hours crossing same Pamlico Sound as earlier but this time arriving at the north end of Cedar Island. During the boat ride, I greet several of the passengers, include a couple riding a motorcycle and another couple riding bikes, both driving south on the coastal route as I am doing. Also during the ride the sky goes dim and I embark after dark, continuing south on state highway 12 until I arrive at a w-mart to check for a local meeting to attend.

Even though the morning brings with it a layer of frost on the windshield and roof, it is still not too cold for me. However, this morning I do don my jeans which is the first time wearing them since taking them off in Florida last Thursday. The short jaunt south into Florida this past week has really shown me how much the weather can vary across this continent and that it is still not time for me to head south for the winter. Since becoming a snowbirder only a couple of years ago, I have already come to learn that the perfect climate does not exist, at least not on this side of JD. Still, in my life, I will continue to sojourn for such vicinage, howbeit ever so temporary.

After contacting Joe, drive to the barn and help him turn the water on in fifth-wheel for me to shower. I tell him how much that I appreciate his doing this for me knowing that is is a task for him. We sit inside the fifth-wheel and talk for a while before he goes into the house to see how Sarah is doing; she hasn′t been well for a few days. I tell Joe to tell Sarah hello for me. I then take a shower and put on some clean clothes, after which I read in the Bible and then go to sleep.

Awake first at five-ten am but decide to go back to sleep and don′t get up for almost two more hours. I wait for Joe to contact me for us to go out into the ministry at nine am, but at eight-fifteen, receive a text that he is not feeling well and is sleeping in. I put my suit on for the ministry, drive to the hall and meet with the group at nine am. I work with David and Ron and we do some door to door in an area not far from Franklin, Tennessee.

Afterwards, I drive to the w-mart and work on the photo gallery, finishing the new gallery for Volcanic parks and include new photos of Yellowstone National Park. This requires moving some of the individual park photos from other galleries and intend to have the number of no more than twelve parks prevail throughout most the national parks galleries. It is six pm and I must leave to ready for the meeting tonight, drive to the hall, get dressed and begin donning my suit. Then I begin my study and some time around six-thirty, I begin to wonder what day this is, if it is in fact Thursday and when I find out that I am a day early, I walk to the front of the hall thinking that there may be another English meeting tonight and find that the Spring Hill congregation meets at seven-thirty pm on Wednesday evening. That is when I decide to go to their meeting this week, return to the jammer and continue my study. After the meeting, I head for the d-mart and go right to sleep.

Awake at five-thirty am and live in the bag for a few minutes, but then get up a six am, drive to the w-mart and begin working on the photo gallery. At eight-thirty am, I drive to the hall for the ministry meeting, and everyone there, seven of us, pack into one mini van for the morning. Afterwards, I drive to Stagecoach to find both Joe and Mark working and join them for a couple of hours. Then Mark goes back to his apartment while Joe and I head for the barn arriving at three pm. I go in to take a shower while Joe goes into get ready for a deer hunt. He comes back out in camouflage coveralls and his rifle. Then he walks to his deer blind and says that he hopes he gets another one to which I tell him to call me if he does and I will help bring it in. After he leaves, I climb into the jammer to work on the photo gallery but feel sleepy and lay down for a nap.

Later, I awake when Joe and Sarah are returning home from their meeting, say hello as they walk inside and at the same time, get a call from Susan who wants help in purchasing a computer. We talk for over an hour before we say goodbye. Then, I turn on my computer to work for a while on the photo gallery.

Up at dawn, with only the planets left shining in the sky and drive to the w-mart for coffee and to work on the computer. Again this morning, I go to the hall for the ministry meeting working with Dan and two sisters. We go out for a couple of hours and then Dan needs to go to a study and asks me to accompany him. The study is with an older gentleman who really knows his Bible verses and because he is very humble, he is very teachable. It is long after one pm when Dan drops me off at the jammer. I then drive directly to Stagecoach Auto Repair and find Joe and Mark working in stalling the cabinets and I join in with what I can do.

Then, shortly after five pm, we stop and head our separate ways. I tell Joe that I will be staying at the d-mart tonight so that I can be at the w-mart by six am and ask Joe if he would like to join me for coffee. He says "Not at six! However," he says "I can be there by eight." I tell him that I will be there until I leave at eight-thirty am for the hall. Leaving Stagecoach, I drive to the d-mart, arriving by six pm and leave the jammer running to warm up the inside and work on today′s journal entry for a little while but go to sleep early.

Awake before five, turn on the engine to warm up the jammer and also myself and then get back into the sleeping bag. At five am, I drive to the gasoline station to fill the gas tank (regular gas at $2.48) and top off the liquids. Then I drive to the f-mart to check the temperature online and buy a cup of hot, waiting for the sky to illume. All to soon, I am driving west on interstate 40 and after crossing the Arkansas River connect to interstate 30 and continue southwest only to get off on US route 70 to Hot Springs.

Arriving in Hot Springs, I go directly to the Whittington Avenue Spring to fill up my water bottles. I had previously purchased some new bottles and inaugurate them here at the spring. I stop at this spring because I believe it is the best water available anywhere. (N 34°  30.906′   W 094°  04.164′) Why I say that it is the best water is primarily because the pH is 7.25 making it alkaline water but this water also has key alkalinizing minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and a little sodium.

Afterwards, I drive to a car wash and clean the jammer, then drive to a w-mart for WiFi. Then at ten pm when the mart closes, I try to start the jammer to drive to the d-mart but it will not start; it cranks but will not fire off. The wash must have gotten the wires or distributor wet, so I climb into the back, say a prayer and go to sleep.

Upon arising, I wait until the w-mart opens a five-thirty and go in for a cup of hot. I will wait until after the sun is in the sky and the day has warmed up before trying again to start the jammer. At nine am, a cold rain begins to fall and my hope of it warming up is forever gone. Then at one pm, I go out to the jammer and it still will not start so I pull off the inside engine cover so that I may take the distributor cap off to dry out any moisture that could be inside causing the engine not to start. Then at three pm, after removing part of the lower dashboard to access and remove the cover, I then try to start the engine and immediately notice sparking near the coil wire at the top of the ignition coil. This, methinks is the problem and call Joe to tell him what I have found.

After describing where the spark is, he tells me to remove the coil wire, massage it and after scraping the corrosion from the connection post on top of the ignition coil, reinstall the coil wire. With this done, the engine starts and keeps running, even with the sparks continuing intermittently, I tell Joe that he is better than a Chilton′s manual and thank him for his help. When the engine warms up and heat begins to come into the inside area, I begin to feel much better. Then, I begin to look on my GPS for an ap-mart to buy a new ignition coil and wire set so that I can replace both. Less than a mile north is a ap-mart which I call to ask if they have the coil in stock, which they do and I drive there for the coil. However, the coil wire only comes in a spark plug wire set and will arrive at nine in the morning.

Then, I drive to the nearby d-mart, park the jammer and go in for a couple of empty water bottles. Back at the jammer, i climb into the back and after reading the Bible through several chapters, turn off the light, say a prayer of thanks to God for his help in my troubles today and then go to sleep.

It is still quite dark when I awake this morning but the rain has stopped even though it remains overcast and foggy. To start the jammer, the coil wire needs to be massaged again and after reinstalling the wire, the engine starts right up. I drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and to wait until time to go to buy the spark plug wire set at nine. Upon arriving at the ap-mart, I leave the jammer running while I go inside to purchase the wire set and some dielectric grease. Then, I get out my tools again and begin removing the old coil and wires. Soon, I have installed the new coil, plugged in all the wires and reach for the ignition key. That was way too easy, methinks as the jammer engine purrs like it should. After wiping all the dust off the parts, I continue reinstalling the brake control module, lower dash face plate and ash tray. Then, I clean up the front of the jammer, sweeping out all the debris, clean the back facing seat area and put everything back in it′s place.

Once everything is clean and in place, I return to Whittington Spring and fill up the two bottles bought at the d-mart last evening. Finally, I leave the ap-mart to find a l-mart to clean most of my dirty clothes. After putting my clean clothes away, I drive to a f-mart for some bean burritos of which I eat while I drive back to the w-mart, arriving at five pm, park, leave the engine running and connect to the internet. I will stay at least one more night here in Hot Springs. By nine pm, I have moved to the rear of the jammer and at eleven pm, a police officer knocks on the window and ask me to move from this parking lot. I drive to the d-mart, go in to buy a dome lamp and stop to check my weight and blood pressure. I am happy at what I find, I am now 240 pounds and my blood pressure is only slightly higher than normal. Then I return to the jammer and resume the evening in the back of the jammer.

Last night after cleaning up the jammer interior, I moved the furnishings and change the location of the window curtains. This morning, in the rain, I walk into the d-mart and purchase another set of auto-shades for the front windows. Then, I drive to the w-mart for coffee. Latter, I drive to Bath House Row, park on the street across from the Quapaw and go in for a hot pool soak and use of the showers; the price is still eighteen dollars plus tax. After two hours, my skin is turning white and I get out, return to the jammer and head out of town driving first south on state highway 7 and then southwest on interstate 30.

I cross into Texas at about four pm and continue west on interstate 30 until arriving at Sulfur Springs, Texas pulling off the freeway and into the parking lot of a d-mart. I go first to the men′s room and when arriving see a large spill on the floor right in front of the door. There are three employees standing near by to warn passerby′s of the slipping danger. I walk around the spill to the rest room and see a mop and bucket, grab the damp mop and clean up the spill. When I finish, I look up and all the employees are looking at me with faces showing much disbelief that a customer would do what I did. I walk into the rest room and take care of my business.

Then, I shop for some salad ingredients, return to the jammer and run the engine with the air conditioner on. It is in the low seventies and very humid, but the weather report says the temperature will drop tonight and stay in the fifties and sixties all week end. This I am glad to hear.

When in Tennessee, the price of gasoline had dropped to $2.50, in Arkansas, the price was in the mid to low $2.40′s, and as I cross into Texas, the price drops is in the $2.30′s and fill up at $2.35 at the d-mart chain. I suspect that when I arrive in southeast coast of Texas, the price will have dropped to around $2.00 or less. Too, here in Texas, I am now paying less than fifty cents for an avocados whereas in Tennessee the price was two dollars.

The dayspring has already begun when I arise, methinks that the warm night did not make for a good nights rest. I drive a short distance to the f-mart for WiFi and coffee and see a Whataburger next door, my favorite fast food restaurant, which tempts me to buy something to eat, but after seeing earlier that my weight has dropped to 240 pounds, I will not indulge in the fast food and instead eat my living food.

Leaving out from Sulphur Springs south on state route 19 to Canton just below I-20 and continue on state highway 198 to Gun Barrel City and then south along Cedar Creek Lake that has it′s water level below the boat ramps and even the docks are on dry ground. We truly are in the worst drought of this country′s history. Continuing south to Malakoff, I connect to state route 31 and begin driving west across a very level area and some where on this road, I stop as a rest stop and fill my sierra cup with my daystart and open a carton of almond milk. Then, I continue west on highway 31 and while driving through Kerens, Texas, see a shop called the Purple Anvil Metal Art and it looks so interesting I decide to stop. Granted, I seldom stop at the many road side attractions that frequent the byways, but this one intrigues me.

From the sign and the numerous pieces of metal art outside the shop, I figured out the what this shop is all about, however, I wanted to know the why and who about it. As I walk through the finely crafted front door, one that appears to be one of the art works of the artist, a tall blonde greets me and I ask "Are you the metal artist?" to which she answers yes. I begin to browse through her art, of which she has quite a collection of unique pieces and as I do, we talk about several subjects. During the conversation, I learn a little about this artist, she is the mother of an awesome son who is the recipient of the Eagle badge in Boy Scouts, married to Ricky who works in the oil industry and is fifteen years my junior. Also, as the conversation continues, I ask, "Why did you choose metal art instead of quilting or knitting?" to which she answered "I do those things too." One of the items that she has on display is blue glass bottles and I show her the blue glass oil lamp purchased at Jamestown, Virginia. We exchange personal cards and then as I am walking out to return the oil lamp to the jammer, she said, "You can leave that lamp here" and then smiles large.

Upon leaving the Purple Anvil, methinks that this is a person that has a good heart as while I was in her shop, she even offers to provide hospitality to quench any needs that I might have. I know that I will tell others about the Purple Anvil.

Leaving Kerens and continuing west on highway 31, cross interstate 45 at Corsicana and continue west to where highway 31 merges into US highway 84 west to Gatesville, Texas. A short way out of town, I turn south on state highway 116, then state highway 580 to Lampasas, Texas where I connect with US 281 south and follow this to Marble falls. Here , I stop at a d-mart for the evening.

Up early and go to a w-mart just south of the Colorado River bridge and check e-mail. Then at nine am, I head to the hall which is north of the bridge and dress for the meeting. Soon, the friends begin to arrive and I go inside for a good talk and study. Afterwards, I call Elise, tell her that I am stopping at the d-mart and ask her if she need anything. She give me a short list, which I find and buy for her, but also buy more salad makings. Then, I put my sister′s address into the GPS and head south to Blanco, Texas, head east toward Wimberly and finally south on Fischer Store road to the ranch.

Parking in the front driveway, I walk to the door and knock but nobody answers. I turn the door handle and find it unlocked, open the door and hear John calling me to come in. John tells me that Elise has gone to the grocery and will be back soon. Then John and I talk for a while until Elise arrives back home. We spend the evening sharing a meal and watching the tv. At ten, I excuse myself and head for the jammer.

Long before daylight, I arise and start the engine to charge the computer battery; I play solitaire while I await my hosts to arise. At seven thirty, I go in through the front door, which Elise left unlocked for me to have access to the rest room and Roxie and GeGe, their dogs bark briefly until they get my scent. They both like me much like most dogs do. Going into the rest room, Elise walks out of her bedroom and asks me if I want coffee. I tell her, but of course. We use the little containers which make one cup at a time.

About midday, I bring in the salad ingredients purchased yesterday inside and begin chopping the veggies into small pieces. Elise tells me that she can not eat onions or radishes so I make two batches, one with and one with the onions and radishes. Then Elise and I pack all the garbage into their pickup truck and drive to the dump but upon arriving find it closed today. I tell her that we can come back tomorrow morning to bring the garbage. Then we head back to the ranch to get supper prepared, she grills some salmon and I get out the salad which has had plenty of time to chill. After eating, both Elise and John tell me they liked the salad that I made. I tell them that I will be leaving the bowl full of salad for them to eat. The salad with the onions will go with me when I leave.

Upon arising, I work on my journal until daylight, then sit in the hot tub for an hour. After I get out of the hot tub, I step into the pool and find the water to be very cold but decide to jump in anyway. I only stay under the frigid water for less than a minute before grabbing my towel to dry off an heading to the jammer. After I change into my jeans, I return to the copilot seat and a short time later, Elise lets the dogs out front. I go for a walk with them, well, I walk, they run, stopping to do their business. Then Roxie, GeGe and I return to the house.

Elise offers me some coffee while I set up my computer to charge, but most of the day I am doing odd jobs and the computer just sits on the table charging. Elise and I do go shopping for house cleaning items and other stuff. We also do a little grocery shopping and I buy some fruit.

At six-fifty, I head for the hall on Jacob′s Well Road and when I arrive there just after seven pm, no one is at the hall. I drive in to look at the schedule and it reads: Tuesday 7:00 pm Bible Study. I have arrived at another congregation which is going to the circuit assembly this weekend. I then return to the ranch, park outside, read in the Bible for a while and then go to sleep.

I noticed it first yesterday evening and again this morning, now that the fog and overcast has lifted, that there is a glow from San Antonio in the southern sky. Except for the city glow, it is still dark when I arise this morning, sit in the jammer until the dayspring and then go to get into the hot tub.

At about eight am, I crank up the pressure washer and begin washing the concrete around the pool including the ¾ inch cracks between the slabs. Lots of leaves, dirt and roots come out while I wash and rake all the debris to the garden area. I continue this until Elise comes out with a cup of coffee which I stop and drink while we talk. I ask for a second cup and the goes in for it. At noon, she asks me what I want to eat and I tell her, a bowl of the salad that I made Monday, which she brings out for me.

I continue washing right up until she calls me for supper, she has made salmon, corn on the cob and baked yams. This was a wonderful meal and afterwards, I excuse myself and head for the jammer. However, because my body hurts so much, I decide to get into the hot tub before climbing into the back of the jammer. Then, I get prone and type for a few minutes.

One more time, I wake after seven am and I am beginning to remember what it is like to sleep late every morning. After a dip in the hot water, I return to the jammer to rewrite yesterdays journal entry.

At eight thirty am, I get dressed and drive to the hall to meet for the service meeting and work with Vince, Gene, and Tom. I got to know these brothers a little; Tom was born and grew up in Wimberly, Texas and as we drove though the town square, he pointed out where the original post office and general store were back in the sixties. We drove northwest out of town to the Rolling Oaks area and had quite a few people to talk with, even finding some possible interest. Shortly after noon, we return to the hall and do cleaning for the meeting tomorrow.

I then drive to the g-mart, buy some salad greens, drive to the ranch and prepare my mung bean salad. Elise has cooked a turkey, gravy, and bread. Too that, I make a mung bean salad and this time add chopped beats of which I took the greens and boils for fresh greens. After supper, John and I watch a cable show called America Unearthed which showed another Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire. Really interesting! Then at nine, I pack out to the jammer to go to sleep.

I drive to the w-mart, walk in for coffee, find a place with an electrical plug for my computer and sit down to begin typing. Later, I go to the shopping center right next door to get a haircut on ten dollar Tuesday. Returning the w-mart, I continue working on the web design. At four pm, it begins to rain outside and methinks, can food for me tonight.

At six thirty, I leave the mart, drive next store to my night parking location and enjoy some canned treats while reading in the Bible and getting ready for the meeting tomorrow evening.

Up before the dawn and with the rain continuing, return to the horizontal for a bit longer. Then I drive to the w-mart, take my seat and spend the day finishing the Forts gallery of the national parks. At five-fifty pm, I stop return to the d-mart to buy some veggies and dried fruit, then drive to the hall to get dressed for the meeting.

The Rio Grande English Congregation is about fifty in number and very warm, most coming up to me to greet me before. Talking to the territory brother, I find that there are places in the congregation territory that never get worked, so this is definitely where there is need. I really like it here and just after one meeting have decided to stay; so I get the address of the hall from the secretary. After the meeting, I talk with Daniel, a pioneer and make arrangements to work with him in the morning. Arriving back at the d-mart by ten, write in my journal and then get horizontal by ten twenty pm.

Up late because the noise last night kept my awake until after midnight, drive to the w-mart for coffee and afterwards drive to the hall to meet with Daniel. We go into town to meet two others and then only make some calls because it is still overcast and very cold. At twelve-thirty pm, I return to the w-mart and work on my web site.

By six, it becomes dark and I go out to the jammer for a meal, then I retire to the d-mart for the evening.

The sky, still overcast but not raining, is just only becoming a dark blue upon awaking and I drive to the w-mart to set up in my now regular location. At eight, Daniel stops by briefly to use the banos and gives me a greeting. I continue my work on Quire Ten, finishing the revision by noon and then upload it to the web site.

Shortly after, Richard from Yucaipa calls and we talk for about a half hour. Then I return to working on the national parks photo galleries.

Overcast with a slight chance of raining is the forecast for the the next two weeks. The overnight temperature will be in the forties and in the low sixties for the high. I would prefer it to be a little dryer but can live with this weather for a few months especially since I most likely will be in the w-mart most days. My original expectation was that there would be much less rain here because of the proximity of the Tamaulipan mezquital (desert) ecoregion. This is the name of a desert in Mexico which reaches into South Texas affecting the climate along the Rio Grande River, keeping the area relatively dry.

Later, I get dressed for the ministry which after meeting at the hall, will travel west with the group to work in Roma, Texas for the morning. There is also a large group coming up for a couple of congregations further south in the valley, who come here to work in this area of great need. Several ask me how long I have been here and answer "Less than a week." The areas where we work are very wet from all the rain that has fallen on the valley this past week, which, I am told is not common for the area. At noon, we stop for a short lunch break and I am able to find a package of fruit and nuts that have less than fifty milligrams of salt and make do along with a bottle of water. (For about a year now, I have been limiting my sodium intake.)

We return to work in the ministry and continue until after two pm before returning to the hall, where I change back into my street clothes, wash the mud off of my ministry shoes and drive the six miles back into town and stop first at the g-mart for some salad greens and then the w-mart to work on my computer. At sunset, I drive to the d-mart and watch a movie from my collection within the jammer′s storage bins. At ten pm, I put the computer in it′s bag and get horizontal.

Up with the dayspring, empty my garbage and then drive to the w-mart for coffee while working on my Bible study for today′s meeting. Afterwards, I stop at the g-mart to buy some salad vegetables and then drive to the hall arriving in the later morning, park in the back of the hall and work on cleaning the jammer because the English meeting begins at three-thirty. In the process, I find the keys that I lost when I first arrived in Wimberly; it was on the floor under my clothes rack. I also clean and cut up the salad putting it in zip locks before the meeting starts.

Then, I dress, go inside and do not arrive back at the jammer until only a short time before sunset and I change clothes. With the moon struggling to shine through the overcast winter sky I southeast drive towards the Gulf stopping first in McAllen, Texas for a trout and vegetable meal for supper before stoping at a d-mart for the night. When checking online, find that this d-mart has WiFi. It is eight-thirty pm and I get horizontal and read some before sleep.

Up at the early dayspring, the light coming through the overcast skies barely making a change in the light of dayspring. Well, at least the days are getting longer! From the new d-mart, I drive along US highway 83 just one mile to the newly built w-mart, pull in and set up office where I continue working on the national park photo galleries.

In the early afternoon, I leave for the e-mart to search for a new camera, finding one at the first stop but then need to find an additional battery but there doesn′t seem to be one nearby. I then drive to the w-mart to check online and find many options but as yet do not have a local address to use for delivery. After hours online, I finally stop for the evening at the d-mart to read and then sleep.

Awake long before dayspring to go first to the w-mart for coffee and work on the galleries.

Before I even realize it, the day is done and I am driving back to the d-mart for one more night in this system.

After arising, I go into the d-mart to take my blood pressure which I find is 119 over 79. Then I drive to the w-mart for my cup of hot and internet. Once sipping, then I begin working on the gallery.

During the morning, I send Richard (Yucaipa) an email to tell him about my blood pressure. I continue here until noon when I begin the drive back to Rio City for the meeting tonight. When I arrive in Rio, I stop at the g-mart and purchase a salad, return to the jammer, cut up an onion into the salad and add vinegar and oil. Soon, I am getting dressed for the meeting and arrive early to visit with the friends. Afterwards, I retire at the d-mart.

Up and moving to the w-mart to spend the day, mostly to work on the national park galleries.

Daniel comes in for a brief time, greets me and then leaves, but for the most part, the day remains overcast and uneventful. In the evening, I go out for a Mexican meal but so far I am not impressed with the food here, the food being much too greasy. Then I return to the d-mart and park in the area where the large trucks have regularly been parking.

Waking up this morning means that I have now been in the valley for ten day and if following my journal writing for a time, then one would know that I have made it a practice to comment on a new area after living in it for ten days. This winter, just ten days prior, when I drove into the valley, it was necessary to wear my sun glasses because the sky was clear with the sun beaming brighter than I have seen it for many moons and needless to say, I was happy to finally be out of the wet, even thinking that this new found sunlight would be the norm here in the valley. This dry and warm, methinks is much of the motivation for my being here in the valley, that and to spend time photographing the birds here.

Then, during that evening, the sound of rain on the roof of the jammer wakes me and causes me to wonder what that would mean with regards to the weather here. Upon arising the next morning, I found myself in a winter storm which brought on much cold and wet. This storm was to persist for the next five days and during the middle of it all, methought about leaving for dryer places. Then last Saturday, after spending the morning in the ministry, when the sun and blue skies blazed overhead once more, I was glad that I stuck it out through those days of the cold, miserable and wet.

That clear sky held for two straight days but then cold and wet returned once again and since has become the norm which continues even today in a dreary overcast with light rain. Well, after all, methinks, this is winter!) However, I do not like the depressed feelings it cause within me when the rain persists day and night all week long. Nevertheless, the rain is here today, but methinks, at least the rain here in the south Texas valley is not mixed with freezing rain like it is in many parts further north. Still, I came here this winter hoping to get out of the cold and wet but for the most part thus far, this hope has not even come close to materializing.

True, this is the winter of my sixty-fifth year and it is now not in my nature to want to deal with the cold and wet, however, during my life I have come to adhere to the conviction of remaining cheerful despite what life throws at me. Does not my own Life Lesson Eight state "Rejoice on days when the sun shines, accept the rainy days and be overly cheerful... Remember, no matter how bad the moment seems to be, it will pass!"

As mentioned, since arriving here, I have had the desire to spend time photographing the birds in the valley, however, I am still waiting for the sun to make that more successful. Nevertheless, today at two pm, in the rain, I drive west on US highway 83 towards Roma to the World Birding Center there but also looking for a Mexican restaurant where I can eat a good hot meal, methinks, anything would be better than the one last night. Upon arriving in Roma, I continue west into the main part of town to locate the center, park, walk in and begin talking with the couple who are there, methinks, most likely winter Texans working in exchange for a winter camping birth. As the conversation progresses about snowbirding, I bring up the subject of the ultimate winter destination, the paradise earth and begin to tell them about it. To my surprise, it is easy to talk about this subject with them and both of them respond.

A short time later, the man asks me "What religion are you?" and when I tell them I am one of Jehovah′s Witnesses, he says "So are we!" We then continue the conversation with a whole new light on things. Larry and Jo are winter Texas, stay at the state park in exchange for three days of work and go to the same hall that I am going to. Small world!

Later, I begin the drive back towards Rio and while still in Roma stop at a place called Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant and enjoy a tasty plate of fish, beans and rice. During my meal, I complete my reading through to the end of the 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah′s Witnesses. There on page 162, under the subheading Poor but "Rich in Faith" are the closing sentiments of the publishers of Sierra Leon and Guinea, especially those of the many poor Witness families who live in remote areas and tell of resisting the temptation to move to what would be for us here in the US, "the city" but instead remain in their impoverished land and communities. Emmanuel quoted in the paragraph said "Because we live in land where the need for Kingdom preachers is great, we realize that our service is especially valuable."

As I continue my meal, methinks much again about why I have come to this land where there is also a great need for kingdom preachers. These same thoughts begin to question the motivation for my being here: "Is my reason of being here to help where there is a need for preachers or is it ‘my need to be here’ that is greater? Too, am I really acting in a selfless way and want to truly glorifying Jehovah?" Methinks we would all do well to be more like these ones that I just have been reading about. Yes, as the article helps us to understand that especially during these last days, we are first of all ministers of Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 6: 4,10) Then I pack out, return to Rio and stop at the d-mart for the evening. The cold, miserable and wet continues throughout the night.

Last night was a cold one, and there was need to get out an additional blanket to stay warm, this being the second time it has been necessary this winter. After starting the engine to warm up the jammer, I get up and take an alcohol bath before putting on my blues. Then I drive to the w-mart for coffee and next to the hall for the ministry meeting not really expecting anyone to be there.

There is one sister, Erica from the English congregation and quite a few others from one of the Spanish congregations, at least thirty of more and methinks that this is some zealous group of Spanish speaking friends and most do not even speak a word of English. It was Erica who determined that the reason for so many out on such a nasty day is that the circuit overseer is visiting them. We both sit in the hall during the CO′s discussion but neither of us understand many of the words. Then, I head back to town and stop at a restaurant for an omelet, potatoes and pancakes while working on my Bible study for tomorrow. Then, I return to the d-mart to have the one bad tire replaced and all four tires balanced, after which I sit in the jammer and try to stay warm as it is not suppose to get above forty degrees today.

Later, I go inside again to buy a bag of prepared salad, return to the jammer to eat it and then take a nap, all along trying to stay warm. At six, I go inside again, this time to get warm and see Daniel, who is in town and walking around the store also. We both head out to our auto and I run the engine to warm the inside of the jammer while I write today′s journal entry. Another day ends in the cold, miserable and wet.

The morning comes just a little dryer but not any warmer, but I am glad for this positive change, in fact there is a belt of sunlight on the horizon. I drive first to my office and check the forecast which tells of a dry warming trend for the next week. Methinks that dry warming is good. Then I continue working on my gallery pages. By ten am, it warms up to 42°F, there is some blue sky above and the sun even comes out.

By one pm the temperature is pushing fifty degrees although not there yet but the sky is mostly blue now. I will accept this as a good thing. Now it is time to get dressed for the meeting; I have yet to get used to going at three-thirty pm. After the meeting, I change clothes and then head north towards Salineno Wildlife Preserve arriving after sunset and park in the area just in front of the preserve. After reading in my Bible through many chapter, I finally turn off and go to sleep.

The night had a clear sky and the moon shown brightly through the last half of it. Up to start the jammer and warm up while waiting for the Salineno Wildlife Refuge open at eight. Then Merle, the refuge host walks his dog out the gate and down to the river and on the way back up stops to talk and invites me in for the first feeding. I grab my camera and begin taking photos, actually, I begin learning how to use it and all too soon, well in about two hours, an indicator begins flashing the words, battery out. That did not seem to last very long. I pack out of the preserve carrying a few more photos to include in the Birding Gallery.

Up from the river to US highway 83 and then south back to Roma for coffee and to connect to the internet. I find that there are five who have sent me a reply to my winter report email and I respond to all of them. Next, I drive back north on US 83 past the preserve and into Falcon State Park, purchase a night in the campground and drive in stopping first at the community center to get some hot water for a cup of tea. While there I talk with the different ones who are passing through. Then at two pm, I drive first to the shower house and after to space 66 and set up for the evening. One of the first things I do is to empty the rear inside deck of all items so that it can dry out. I am not sure how that keeps getting wet but it always dries up quick enough. I think that there is an opening in the rubber gaskets and when there is a hard rains, the opening allows some water through. That is just one more reason that I do not like the wet.

At about five pm, I begin to pack all the gear back into the rear of the jammer and then begin cooking my Repast, a different version of the old standby. While the brown rice is boiling, I chop up some veggies: sweet potato, jicama, and chayote squash. I chop the sweet potato very fine but the others in large chunks. This is so the sweet potato will cook faster and the other will not get too soft. When the rice is close to being done, I put all the veggies in to the boiling water, return it to boiling again and then simmer until every thing is just right, soft but still chewy and then add a tablespoon of dried seaweed and Wayfarer′s Spice. This was a very different meal but I did enjoy it very much, even added a little hot sauce and some sesame oil at the end to see how that would be. Although the sesame oil has a strong flavor, I like the taste it changed it too. While I was eating, I was wondering what else might go good on the veggie Repast and Parmesan cheese came to mind, but doesn′t that go good with every thing?

As the sun sets, I notice that an overcast sky is coming back and by seven pm, it is completely dark. Now, light from the computer is drawing some small annoying gnats, so I need to shut down for the night.

First thing this morning, I drive back to the shower house for a second hot shower while in this park, these being the first since my stay in Wimberly last month. Yes, I do so enjoy the hot when it is available. Afterwards, I drive to the community center for WiFi and find there are four more who have responded to my winter report and think how good it is to hear from friends.

At nine am, I go into the center for a cup of hot water and use one of my tea bags. Soon, others begin to arrive, all winter Texans, gringos, well except for the four park rangers who are all of Mexican origins. The rangers are hear to help teach a Spanish class in the center. The instructor, Joy first gives everyone a handout and we practice some Spanish phrases. Then the winter Texans split into four groups to work with the rangers and speak the several phrases. It is real fun getting to know the ranger and some of the other campers. Some are from the Midwest, some New England, some from Canada, all are winter Texans and this means that I have found where the gringos hole up for the winter here.

At about noon, I drive south heading back to Rio and when arriving Then at five pm, I go into the g-mart to purchase vegetables for a salad, return to the jammer, prepare my meal and eat. Then I read in the Bible for a time before hitting the sack.

Upon awaking this morning, find it overcast with a heavy mist so go directly to the w-mart for a cup of hot. Last night, I has also purchased a quart of Greek yogurt, one with ingredients of only milk and cultures. There was many to choose from, however, most all contained sugar, cane syrup, and some even with HFCS. If you remember, previously, yogurt was the only dairy that I would eat, well and some occasional ice cream, and yes, yogurt is dairy, but I have found out why plain yogurt can be helpful and why there would be a reason to eat yogurt. See the Living Food supplement page, Grains. In fact, this morning, I use one cup of yogurt to soak rolled oats, add wheat germ, walnuts and raisins and eat the meal for lunch.

At five pm, I leave the w-mart to prepare my supper, the remaining salad makings from last evening. Then I drive to the hall for the meeting. After going inside and finding one other brother, I stand in the entry way to greet those who come in. Soon, two men, not dressed in suites enter and I greet them. The older one, speaking broken English tells me that he is from the local Spanish congregation and has brought the second man, a much younger one named Hector here to the English meeting and would like someone to help him. I volunteer to take him under my wing and help him with his Bible study. We talk for a little while and I find out that both his parents are students in the Spanish congregation and he wants to do so in the English. After the meeting, we meet again and make arrangements for the Bible study to be on Saturday at eleven am. I ask Daniel to be with us then and for Daniel to take him home tonight as I don′t have but one seat belt.

I then drive to the d-mart, change into my blues and after finishing my journal entry prepare for sleep.

Arise the first time I awake this morning instead of going back to sleep for another hour despite it being completely dark out, drive to the w-mart and set up my office for the day. Daniel comes in and sits with me for lunch and has a salad and soda instead of his normal burger, fries and soda but then leaves for work.

Complete another national park gallery, the Grand Lodges and go on the the next, then by six, stop to buy some salad greens and have supper. After that, drive to the d-mart, eat, write in my journal for a short time, and then read in the Bible.

Up again long before dayspring and although the ground is dry, there is moisture on the outside of the jammer′s windows. I get up, don my blues including the sweatshirt and drive to the w-mart for coffee and begin working on the computer.

It has been a long day working with the web site pages, then after dark, I drive to the d-mart put up my curtains and climb into the back to get horizontal only to have a flock of four wheel turkeys invade the parking lot right were I am trying to sleep. With loud music reverberating through the air and noisy chatter between these birds, I decide that I don′t want to wait until they leave but get up and drive to a much less likely place for the turkeys to roost. It is after ten when I finally get back horizontal and even later when I am asleep.

Light from the suntouch explodes into the jammer through the cracks in the curtains, waking me causing me to arise quickly and get dressed. I use the last of my plain Greek yogurt and into the quart container, add a cup of rolled oats, a tablespoon of wheat germ, and one quarter cups of walnuts and raisins. Then while letting that soak, I drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and then sit in the jammer with the engine running and have breakfast. I must say that the plain yogurt is nowhere near as tasty as the liquid or flavored versions but have you seen all the chemicals that are put into those. I suppose that I could add a tablespoon or two of molasses to sweeten it or chop a banana into the container.

At nine am, I drive to the hall, get dressed for the ministry and wait for the others to arrive. As previously planned, Daniel and I work together driving to several different cemeteries looking for some who might be grieving and finally find one woman whom Daniel is able to share a scripture with. Then, we go to Hectors home and study with him until after two pm. Hector, a new Bible student has grown up around the witnesses but as he said, let his worldly friends get him into trouble. Now he wants to know God and the Bible and shows great zeal in his effort to do so. I told him that our study sessions will not be like grade school but more like college and will give him assignments and homework for him to accomplish. His large smile never left his face as if saying "Bring it on!"

Daniel drops me off at the hall and I head into town, first to wash the jammer, then because it is Friday, out to eat, next to the w-mart to connect to the internet and finally to the d-mart after dark for the evening. It is hard to get to sleep so I get out my Watchtower and prepare for the study tomorrow.

It is much warmer this morning than it has been since arriving in the valley, but still within my comfort zone but later today it reaches the low seventies which is pushing the limits. From the talk by some in the valley, winter is done with, I hope not.

At two thirty, I stop working on the computer and drive to the hall to get dressed for the meeting. It is an encouraging meeting for me and afterwards I head back into town to eat and shut down for the evening.

Upon looking out at the sky, I see a very colorful display and notice that it is a bit foggy with a slight drizzle. Soon the drizzle stops but the clouds darken some. I drive to the w-mart and set up office for the day and begin work on the photo galleries.

The temperature rises to almost eighty degrees today and during the heat of the day, I head for some shade with picnic tables that I have noticed in town. The temperature there is so much cooler and I almost feel like taking a nap but I do not. Then at six pm I head for the d-mart and then watch the sun set in a cloudless sky. The sunglow fades from orange to crimson and then the stars come out.

The morning begins early and have to wait for the w-mart to open at six am. Then I spend a long day pounding the keys but finish the Monuments photo gallery.

In the early afternoon, Aldofo walks up, greets me and then goes to purchase a salad to eat. He returns to eat and we talk for a long time discussing many topics. We also arrange to work together in the ministry soon. He leaves after the sun sets and then I drive to the g-mart to buy my salad. I sit in the jammer to eat and listen to the state of the union address while the air conditioner cools the inside down. How do those politicians know how to use words to sway people. I turn off the jammer, get horizontal and thank God for both calling me to serve him and using me as he has done.

Up first at five-early but go back to sleep knowing that the w-mart is not open yet. Upon arising, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to continue on the next gallery finishing the Mounds gallery.

At six pm, I stop, eat supper and head to the hall to get dressed for the meeting being ready long before it starts so I complete today′s journal entry which doesn′t take long. I am already studied so I begin to read my Bible while waiting. After the meeting, I again use the air conditioner to prepare the jammer for my sleep.

Drive to the w-mart for coffee and just after dayspring a large storm blows in from the south with rain showers but is short lived. I get busy working on the photo galleries as the wind continues to blow and dries every thing up but also the temperature drops.

At five, I watch some of the videos on the broadcast channel at JW.ORG and there is on I watch that has become my favorite. Then at six pm, I decide to stop for the day to get something to eat, write in my journal and then read the Bible until I get sleepy. Funny, I put the heater on tonight to prepare the jammer for my sleep.

Awake early, drive to the w-mart for coffee and begin another day of working on the gallery with hopes of finishing the national parks galleries in a week or two. Then, all I have left is the state parks and the birding galleries. Methinks, this will probably take me all winter, maybe even through summer too. However, when it is all done, I can return to my writing of Episode Two.

At six pm, I drive to the hall for a special gathering to watch the January broadcasting from the www.tw,jw.org. The gathering is being sponsored by one of the Spanish congregations but the program is being broadcast in English. Arriving early to clean up and put on my suit but upon arriving I smell the particular smell of hot cooling fluid and upon opening the hood see the steam coming from the heater core side where the valve is, the same valve that I replaced on 11 May 2014, just eight months ago. I do the same as I did then, disconnect the valve, fold the supply lines and use the screw clamps to squeeze them shut. Then I clean up, put on my suit and go into the hall to visit with the friends and watch the broadcast. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart, read for a while and finish through the book of First Samuel and then turn of the light.

Upon arising, I put on my blues including my sweat shirt and drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot but also buy sausage biscuits to eat because I am hungry, cold and feel like eating some grease on bread. I then continue to work on the journal. At eight-thirty am, I drive to the hall for the ministry meeting, get dressed and wait for the meeting at nine-thirty am. My phone then chirps, I have a text, something I only recently began doing. It is Daniel writing me that he will not be out in the ministry today, we had planned on going to my study together. Soon, a few others arrive and I go into the hall for the meeting and end up going by my self to study with Hector. I text him to see if he is up for it and he texts "yes but not until ten-thirty. I am still waking up." I text back, see ya then.

Arriving at ten thirty, we begin in the first chapter of the Bible Teach book and after several hours, finish the chapter. Since we′ve met, I have notice one thing about him, that he is zealous about learning the Bible, so I offered to study with him a second day during the week. Also, since I will be going out with Adolfo on Tuesday, I offered that day for the second study so that Adolfo can join in with me on the study.

After the study, I head back to the hall to change clothes and then decide to begin looking for the heater valve and stop first at the wrecking yard next to the hall but have no success. Then, not wanting to spend another twenty dollars buying a part that only lasts for a year, I decide to drive further south into the valley and check out the wrecking yards there. Somewhere in the drive, I also decide to go to the meeting tomorrow in San Benito to look up some friends that I met when I was here at the Sunday public meeting on 21 February 2009 after returning from my trip to Michoacán in the south of Mexico. I was having problems then also with a coolant leak but it was the heater core that needed to be replaced and temporarily bypassed it then, similar to what I have done this time. Also like then, it is winter and bypassing the valve removes the heating capability of the jammer. Nevertheless, it was Peter and Janie who showed me exceptional hospitality and I have wanted to return to greet them once again.

After stopping at several GPS locations without any success in finding parts much less even another Aerostar, I finally drive to the w-mart where I frequented during my previous time in San Benito to get online and check my com. After sunset, there is need to turn on the jammer to keep the computer battery charged. Along the interstate that I drove, there were a couple of large wrecking yards that I will return to later, but I am done part searching for today. While sitting here in the parking lot, Mark from Oak Harbor calls, some one I haven′t talked with for many months. When I was last in Oak Harbor, he was in considerable pain cause by a hip problem. I have since heard that he had surgery to put in a replacement hip, but what I didn′t know is if it successfully removed the pain. He said that even thought there was pain associated with the surgery, the old pain had been removed. His phone was on speaker and was able to talk to both Mark and Cheryl, talking for almost a half hour. It is such a fine thing to talk with good friends, this is truly the best life to live.

I awoke first at five am but felt the need to sleep longer. Then when I arose, drive to the w-mart and get a tall blonde in a ceramic cup. While sipping on the cup of hot, watch the colorful display of the dayspring and work on my study for the meeting here in the early afternoon.

Later, I go to the meeting and revisit with my friends and several even remember me. Afterwards, I go back to the w-mart and work on the galleries; I am determined to finish this upgrade this winter as I do not wish to have it continue into the next tour. After the sun leaves the sky, I go to the JW Broadcasting station and watch several more videos. I am finding that these videos are so encouraging for me, especially for helping me set spiritual goals. Finally, I leave the w-mart and drive up the valley so that I will be closer to the wrecking yards in the morning.

Sleep was not easy last evening and I linger in the sack until late this morning, then I drive to a w-mart for coffee and to upload my journal entry. At nine am, I drive to the first wrecking yard which has an Aerostar but not the parts I want and I move on to the next yard. After stopping a several yards and finding a couple vans, I finally decide that the quality of parts that are available is not too good and I start my drive back to Rio Grande City. I do stop to wash the jammer and my laundry on the way north and when arriving back in Rio, park the jammer in a shady spot and take a nap because the temperature has risen into the upper seventies.

At eight pm, I leave the w-mart, drive to the d-mart and set up for the evening, running the jammer for the air conditioner and to charge the computer.

Upon waking, I look to the eastern horizon and see that the sunglow has just begun, arise don my blues, move behind the steering wheel and soon, I am sipping coffee in my office seat at the w-mart. Checking the weather, I notice that Bar Harbor, Maine is in blizzard conditions, below freezing and will remain freezing for the next ten days. That is how I remembered it was when there during the winter of 1981. There was always lots of snow to shovel every day which I totally enjoyed doing, but having to deal with those weather conditions is not what my heart wants at this time in my life. Still, I look forward to once again acquainting myself with the friends as well as the rouged terrain when arriving there this summer.

Later, I leave the w-mart and drive to the hall, get dressed and go inside for the ministry meeting. Fluorin conducts and instructs the small group about 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and how we can apply that in circumstances where those of other religions try to give us a give of some religious relic. This was a very interesting discussion and I learned much from brother Flourin. We go into Rio Grande City and work in the door to door work until noon, myself with Adolfo but there is two other car groups of sisters in the same territory. After the ministry, I go to get some vegetable for supper tonight, then drive to Falcon state park, take a shower and check in to the tent area.

Most of the afternoon, I worked on the jammer fixing some of the thing that needed working on. I was able to fix the sliding door which has been not working for over a year. Too, I put in another heater valve, the plastic one but it is better to have one working even if it only lasts eight or nine months. Also, I began looking a little closer to the rear bumper and thought more about what Richard from Yucaipa, who said I should build one myself out of wood; it could be feasible. Before I start that project, I will check online again but a little deeper to find a new one because replacing the deteriorating bumper with a new one would be some much easier to do than all that woodworking. Finally, I begin preparing supper, getting out the stove and ingredients and while the water is heating up, a roadrunner walks up to check me out, my first on up close.

Now, I am sitting in the jammer watching the sunset, the engine running so as to have the air conditioner on, but I decide to get out to photograph the suntouch. At first, the brightness of the suntouch conceals the horizon but as the sun continues downward I begin to notice that there are mountains in the distance which are rendered almost indiscernible by the numerous nearby trees. So I move to a different location and zoom into and photograph these mountains which are most likely of the Sierra Madre. Then at six-thirty with the sun well below the horizon, I return to the jammer finish my supper and begin eating. I am having my vegetable Repast with everything in the recipe except the onions having forgotten to buy them. However, I did purchase a red bell pepper and a tomitilla to include, the latter which has added an interesting flavor. Also, the sub-lime sauce is exceptional. The sky is dark now and soon I will climb into the back to get horizontal because I am tired from this long day of activities.

This solitary event each day is one which I often wait for hours for it to occur, that of the start of the dayspring, the time of the day when the sunglow first begins to appear. There are usually several times in the morning that I will awake and look out my window searching for any sign of dayspring as normally I go to sleep soon after the sun sets the evening before.

Immediately, I drive to the shower house for another hot shower, after which I drive to the recreation house to gain access to WiFi. Once inside, I get a cup of hot water to dunk my tea tree tea bag. Soon, the Spanish class begins which I was going to stay for but I find out the main part of the program is to learn and sing a favorite Mexican song. Once I look at the words of the song, I realize that the song is religious in nature and choose not to participate but drive to Salineno Wildlife Refuge to take more photos.

When the camera says battery exhausted, I pack out and drive to Rio Grande City where I take up a space in a parking lot and while waiting for the meeting tonight, take a nap. Later, I drive to the hall for the meeting and afterwards talk with Adolfo and his family outside. Finally return to the d-mart parking lot for the evening.

Like many days before, I arise during the sunglow, drive to the w-mart and begin working on the website. I stay in the w-mart until after sunset, then I drive to a g-mart to purchase bottled spring water and an avocado to eat for supper with my sweat potato. Finally, I drive to the d-mart, pick a spot and set up my birth for the evening. I am not too hungry this evening, I believe because I over ate after returning from the state park. I plan to eat lightly tomorrow also.

The temperature reached the low eighties today so I remained indoors the entire day and it will be warm again tomorrow.