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THE
JOURNAL
ONLINE
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QUIRE
ELEVEN:
CHAPTER
TWELVE
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The Quest for The Solace, Part One
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On Loving the
Brotherhood
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A Journey of a Thousand Days, The First One Hundred Days
Thursday, 26 November 2015 through Thursday, 03 March 2016
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The Autumn Journey to
Texas
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As autumn rushes in, each successive day causes the dayspring to retreat further into the night, making the length of day ever shorter. As the season progresses, a wayfarer looks southward again to escape the onslaught of freezing nights.
Most times upon my return into southeast Texas, there is a need transverse the megalopolis that has overgrown the entire area. When this happens, I choose a path which provide me a safe corridor through the overgrown city areas. The path I take today is one which I have traveled since childhood and one I feel safe traveling even today in the last days of the system of things. It begin in Coldspring, Texas at the campsite where I began my camping experience with the Boy Scouts. Next, I takes me on state highways into the extreme northeast area of the megalopolis to the crossing of the Houston ship channel at the Lynchburg ferry, also an area from my childhood. Finally, I travel south near Galveston Bay, cross Clear Creek and enter Galveston County.
(Day One TB)
49°F. 5:55 am.
Overnighting at The Barn
23,800 DA, 1770 DR70 or 5423 DR80
As the sun begin making it′s early dayspring blue glow, the full moon surrounded by clouds and setting to the west finally breaks free of the cloud covering to stand alone one hand above the tree line in it′s sojourn across the night sky. Continuing in it′s descent, the haze near the horizon once again enshrouds the moon. On the opposite horizon, the sun glow has begun to fill the eastern sky and highlighting the many layers of clouds with multiple tones on orange and red turning the sky into the work of the master′s artist′s brush strokes.
Turning around again, I see that the ever changing canvas has stretched across the sky and the brush strokes now envelope the area surrounding the moon. All of this pulchritude takes place in the span of less than an hour and then slowly disappears into the increasing daylight.
Some time after eight this morning, Joe comes outside with a cup of hot which means that soon, we will both be back in the hole at the
Lowery Creek bridge. We hook up the trailer to the truck and we both drive down to the bridge. We begin unloading and carrying bags of concrete from the trailer and stacking them at the four corners. Joe leaves to gather water hoses to bring water down to the bridge while I begin cutting the bags open and pouring the dry concrete powder onto the stacked rocks. When Joe arrives with the hose, I ask if it is wet and he says that he has to go back to turn on the water. He grabs a nozzle from the truck, attaches it to the hose end and walks back to make the hose wet. I continue dumping the dry powder onto the rocks and when Joe returns he begins to spray the concrete to cement the rocks in place. When all twenty-four bags are dumped onto the rock and watered in, we load the form lumber into the back of the truck and head up to near the house to a debris pile and while I drag the water hose up from the bridge, Joe loads the lumber onto the debris, adds some diesel fuel and lights the fire. I water the nearby bushes, and grass and then we tend to the fire for over two hours.
At three-thirty, with the fire completely doused, we head back to the barn to clean up. Then I sit in the fifth-wheel writing today′s journal entry, doing a wash of nylon clothes and watching a football game on the TV.
At five, I go inside to see what is happening and find Joe watching the same football game while Sarah and Cathy are busy cooking a turkey dinner. Shortly after, Jerr and his girlfriend show up for the meal and I decide not to stay, so I tell Joe that I need to buy groceries for the drive south during which I will be camping.
At five, I go inside to see what is happening; Joe is watching the same football game while Sarah and Cathy are cooking a turkey dinner. Cathy makes the comment that the meal tonight is Thanksgiving but I tell her that I do not celebrate Thanksgiving because it is a national holiday and the customs and practices really have nothing to do with the giving thanks. I sit down with Joe for a while and soon Jerr and his girlfriend show up for their Thanksgiving meal.
(b1a11-12-01a.20151125.1547) All my Bags are Packed, I am So Ready to Go
I tell Joe that I need to do some grocery shopping for my drive south during which I will be camping. He asks, Are you leaving now? to which I tell him, Yes, and I walk out the back door, get into the jammer and drive out the driveway.
Methinks that if I will not go to my sister′s home to eat turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving day when she asked me to on Day
267 JO, surely I will not stay with Joe in his home where three of the five people there think they are eating a Thanksgiving meal.
I drive into town, find the only restaurant open and have a broiled chicken sandwich. Then, I stop at the d-mart, go in for some veggies and then return to the jammer and after taking two aspirin, climb into the back to go to sleep.
(Day Two TB) 55°F, 5:41 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is not hard to awake before sunrise, or even the dayspring at this time of the year, but is hard to get into bed before it gets dark in the evening, in fact, at this time of year, the day ends, depending on the latitude at about five to six pm. I drive to the f-mart for coffee and to initiate my journal entry. At seven this morning, I drive to the shop to meet Joe so that he may take a look at my steering column and try to correct the problems therein. He begins right away and it short time says that he has corrected the problem, just two bolts that had loosened at the bottom of the shifter transfer column. Soon after, I head for the g-mart to buy some groceries for the road ahead. By noon, I an heading south on US 31 to Columbia, Tennessee then right on US 412 to the
Natchez Trace Parkway bypass which takes me to
Meriwether Lewis Park and here access to the parkway heading south.
Driving south on the parkway, I stop only at a couple of spot so that I can arrive at Busby Park as near to sunset as I can. Busby Park is the middle of three free campgrounds on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I do arrive here just after sunset and quickly find a space to park, then open the rear hatch and begin cooking by starting a pot of water on the stove. Then I cut up veggies: beet, yellow onions, and sweet potato and add them to the boiling water. I pour off a little of the water so that I can add more; first sprouted mung beans, then quinoa, next seaweed, sesame seed, TWS and finally chopped fresh garlic adding back the water to keep it boiling. As I turn off the stove, I add hot sauce and then drain all the liquid into my sierra cup.
After putting the food in the front of the jammer, I clean up the cooking area, put away the stove and fuel. Finally, I turn on the jammer, plug in my inverter and charge my computer, phone and other batteries. As I eat my meal, I pound on the key board and listen to all the bad new that is going on around the earth. I am impressed at how good this meal tastes and plan to add it to the
Living Food Menu.
As I sit here in the jammer, I can see cars traveling by on the parkway a little ways below and a few pull into the park for a space, of which I do not believe there are many more available. Noticing that it is much warmer here than further north in Tennessee, I turn on the air conditioning for a short time. Soon, I turn off the jammer, the inside lights, climb into the back and take two aspirin. It is seven pm when I am horizontal and read in my Bible for a short while before closing my eyes.
(Day Three TB) 61°F, 5:59 am.
Jeff Busby Park. CSR: 6.5
Awake at four am and go back to sleep but when my eyes open then next time, I get right up, get of the jammer to walk around it and then get in to drive out of Busby Park and head southwest on the Trace. When I arrive at the northeast edge of Jackson, Mississippi, I pull off the Trace for coffee. Stopping first at a w-mart, I purchase a tall blonde and after writing about this morning in my journal, upload it to the web. Soon after, I leave and on the way back to the Trace, stop and buy gasoline. The drive down the trace is pleasant and I stop at Rocky Springs, Mount Locust Stand and then
Emerald Mounds, all of which I have not seen. The Mount Locust Stand was a travelers inn for the Kentucks who had rafted their crops down the Mississippi river to sell at market and then road a horse or walked the Trace north bound back to their home in Kentucky.
The Trace ends at Natchez, Mississippi, where I turn west on US 84, drive across the bridge over the Mississippi River and continue west on US 84. When I arrive in Jena, Louisiana, I turn west on state highway 8 and continue until arriving in Leeville, Louisiana shortly after dark. I locate a d-mart to park for the evening and by eight this evening, finish my Bible study for tomorrow′s meeting, take a couple of aspirins and go to sleep. At midnight, I awake with my legs throbbing and take two more aspirins and return to sleep again.
(Day Four TB) 69°F, 5:58 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is well before the dayspring when I arise, drive to the f-mart for coffee and to check my com before continuing west on LA 8 towards Texas in a piney forest reminiscence of recollections of the years of my youth spent with the Boy Scout troop camping in the east Texas Big Thicket. I cross the Sabine River early this morning and continue, now on Texas state highway 63 and arrive in Jasper, Texas by eight-thirty. After stopping briefly at the d-mart to buy some auto oil, I plug in the address for the Kingdom Hall here in town but the GPS brings me to a driveway with two large smiley faces. I check my address information and look up and down the street before I head out of town to the second congregation of three that I recorded yesterday at the f-mart using the WiFi. The GPS tells me that I will arrive one minute before the meeting begins and I push the posted speed limit of 75 mph on US 190 from Jasper to Woodville. I don′t go over the speed limit, just push past my comfortable speed of 65 mph and cruise at seventy-two.
When I arrive at the hall, the parking lot is near full but I find a place, put on my meeting clothes and walk in to the public talk just getting started. After the talk, the study of the Watchtower begins and I enjoy the subject of what we can do to show our love for all that Jehovah has done for us. Afterwards, I show up with my ministry bag but because the weather is somewhat inclement, nobody meets for the ministry. So, I walk outside, open up the jammer, and change out of my meeting clothes into my fall blues. Then, I drive west on US 190 to Livingston, Texas and stop at the d-mart for some fresh collard greens, carrots, turnips, garlic and bananas.
From there, I drive briefly south on US 59 and take the Lake Livingston state park exit, drive on Farm Roads (FM) along the lake then the dam, and then connect to FM 222 which takes me to TX 150 where I turn west to Coldspring, Texas, turn the corner and drive out of Coldspring to FM 2025, turn south and then turn into
Double Lake Recreation Area, a campground where camping began for me in February 1963.
This will be the first time to return here with a Senior Pass which cuts the camping fee in half. The last time I camped here, I paid seventeen dollars and did not have electricity. Since then, the camping fee has gone up to eighteen dollars and you have to pay ten more for electricity, a total of twenty eight dollars for one night. Today, I choose to not use the electricity and pay nine dollars for the night. Also, I have found out that all of my old walking trails, those that I trained before beginning my hike of the
Appalachian Trail in 1978 are now mountain bike trails which I am sure are fully converted into mud troughs. Too, the access to the swimming area parking lot has been closed and I am not yet sure what that is all about but I will take a walk tomorrow to find out. After driving through the camping area, I set up at campsite 24 which is on the east side of the lake nearest the shower building and hear a very noisy group of mountain bikers nearby which so much remind me of the weekend warriors I experience during my walk of the AT.
Now, it is six pm, after dark and I sit here in the jammer, engine running with the defroster on because earlier, I had the jammer open while I cooked and some rain got inside. My Repast is chopped beet, carrot, garlic, turnips, yams, and yellow onion boiled in water. Then to the mix add sprouted mung beans, quinoa, dried seaweed, sesame seed, TWS, and coconut oil. Since completing the cooking part of the Repast, I first poured the broth from the cook pot into my sierra cup and drink the hot liquid before beginning on the solid food. Outside the thick piney forest is drenched from the light rain that has been descending all day. As the sun sets, I watch as the light in the sky seen through the trees fades first to blue, then dark blue and finally dark gray before disappearing completely. Now, with all the bikers having left the campsite, the steady drip of water hitting the roof of the jammer is all that is heard in this east Texas piney woods forest.
Then at seven pm, I walk to the shower house, take a shower in the tepid water and then return to the jammer and run the engine while warming up the inside and finishing my day′s journal entry. Then the park manager walks up and asks if I plan to stay here tonight. I tell him, yes, I have already paid for the space by putting my fee in the payment slot at the front of the park. He says, OK, thank you. and then leaves. I shut down the engine, climb into the back, take two aspirin and then read in my Bible for a couple of chapters before turning off the lights and going to sleep.
At midnight, I awake with pain throbbing in both feet and lower legs and take two more aspirins. While prone and still awake, I remember that I have some pain relieving cream, open my shower bag to retrieve the cream and spread copious amounts on both legs. I return to the horizontal and concentrate on breathing and soon fall asleep. Awaking again in the early morning, I feel that my legs are not throbbing and realize that I have a new approach to pain relief.
(Day Five TB) 53°F, 6:30.
Double Lake Recreational Area, #24. CSR: 5.5
I awake first at five thirty am but go back to sleep because it is still dark and I want to walk to the lake before I leave the campsite. Then at six-thirty, I walk to the lake take a photo and then walk to the men′s room before returning to the jammer and drive out of the campsite. Turning south on FM 2025, I drive into Cleveland, Texas and stop at the f-mart for coffee and WiFi. After sitting at the mart for over an hour drinking coffee, I head out for League City.
From Cleveland, I take TX 150 east to TX 321 and turn south, drive through Dayton, Texas where my brother Barry lives. However, for the past few years, he has not been answering my phone calls, so, after driving through Dayton, I turn west on US 190, drive a few miles and then at the Crosby exit take FM 2100 south towards Lynchburg, Texas. This is the old Crosby-Lynchburg road that leads along the east bank of the San Jacinto River, then over the Ten (interstate 10) and onto the north section of Independence Parkway to the conjunction of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou where the Lynchburg Ferry crosses the Houston Ship Channel to the site where on 21 April 1836, Santa Anna, then president of Mexico, was defeated in a battle that lasted just eighteen minutes.
The Texian Army, led by General Sam Houston engaged and defeated the Mexican army, capturing the Mexican president who later signed the peace treaty that dictated that the Mexican army leave the region and also paving the way for the area known as Tejas to become an independent country which came to be called the Republic of Texas. The battle site is now called the San Jacinto Battleground State Park. The state park and the ferry crossing both remain as memorable places of my youth.
(b1a11-12-01.20151130.1023) A River Crossing from the Days of my Youth
(b1a11-12-01a.20151130.1032) A place I would walk to as a Youth
After crossing the ferry, I stop briefly at the reflection pond before driving south on Independence Parkway out of the park, through the industrial refineries area and connect with Texas highway 225, (also known as the Pasadena Freeway) turn east towards La Porte, Texas where I take Texas highway 146 south, (all of the above are wholly within my hometown stomping grounds) cross the bridge over Clear Creek into Galveston County and then turn on FM 2094 and head west to a very familiar w-mart where I stop, go in, buy a tall blonde and begin pounding keys.
When the sun sets, I pack out and drive to the d-mart near the IH 45, in each d-marts, I have been looking for a hair salon that provides a senior discount and this one got the price right. Too, while the lady cuts my hair, who is a Hindu, I am able to witness to her about the God of the Bible and encourage her to read the Bible. She tells me that she has a friend who visits her and is one of Jehovah′s Witnesses, which statement tells me the whole story about Namy.
Leaving the d-mart, I go out to the jammer, park it near some trees and then shampoo my hair, after which I complete my journal entry while eating some pecans and raisins. This d-mart has WiFi so I upload the most recent journal writing. Then, I climb into the back and get horizontal.
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The Sojourn in the
Galveston Bay Area
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Fall in the Bay Area is normally overcast and wet, but the friends here are always uplifting and true. Too, a sojourn in the Bay Area always involves visits with my sister Susan and her family in League City.
One benefit of my visits in this part of the country is that the cost of gasoline is always lower than anywhere else in the country. The first time I came to appreciate this fact was in 1971, when living in southern California at the time of receiving my military discharge and then returning to the Texas bay area. After leaving California with a gasoline price over seventy cents per gallon, I was so glad to arrive back where my family still lives and find the price still at seventeen cents per gallon.
(Day Six TB) 55°F, 5:24 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Overcast and misting. Awake before dayspring, drive the short distance to the w-mart, walk in, buy a tall blonde and remark to Tamara that everything here has changed. I sit down and begin pounding keys and taking sips from the cup of hot. Methinks that it was overcast and misting the last time that I visited this area. (Day
725 to Day
738 JO) That stay was almost two weeks and I do not expect to stay as long this time, but when one is retired, footloose and wayfaring, one never knows.
At eight am, I drive to the Kingdom Hall, get dressed for the ministry meeting and then join the service group for the morning. I work with Pat, who has much in common with myself: in age, military and VA experience, and our service to Jehovah. In the few hours that I have known him, I have come to like him a lot. When he drops me off at the hall after the morning ministry, he asks me if I am coming to the meeting tonight. I tell him, I had not planned it but will see him there.
Then I drive to the w-mart to work on my web site, park in the lot, stay in the jammer and connect to the WiFi. At six-thirty pm, I drive to the hall and enjoy the meeting, sitting next to Pat. This, the
Clear Lake Congregation has only three families from the original Clear Creek congregation that I was in back in 1985. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart and ready for my night′s rest. Too tired to rub the pain relieving cream on my legs, I just take two aspirin and close my eyes.
(b1a11-12-01b.20151202.1736) Sunset in the City, League City, Texas
(Day Seven TB) 54°F, 5:04 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake with the jammer covered with dew, rain, or some other kind of wet. I get dressed, drive to the w-mart for coffee, sit down and check my com. I had asked Pat if he was going out this morning but he has doctor′s appointments; he did introduce me to Paul, another pioneer who will be going out tomorrow morning and I made arrangement with Paul to work together this morning. While at the w-mart and until leaving for the hall, I work on my journal entry.
At eight-thirty, after arriving at the hall and getting dressed, I go inside, meet with Paul and the two of us work with RJ, Brian, and another brother whom I do not remember his name. While at the hall, I see Chip who asks me to work with him tomorrow morning to which I tell him yes, I will be out tomorrow morning. Today, I work with the group in a subdivision near Friendswood, Texas and find it mostly not at homes; still, we do get to talk to a couple of people. Later, we go to a g-mart with a w-mart inside for a coffee break and I purchase a bottle of sparkling water. After the ministry, I go back to the w-mart for a few hours and then go out for a fish burrito, beans and rice at a local Mexican restaurant.
After supper, I stop at an aw-mart to remove all the grime from the jammer and scrub my tires. Then, while the tires are drying, I drive to the d-mart, park and then apply a sealant coating to the dry tires which makes them look wet and guarantees the look to stay for six months. It is amazing what new products from technology are coming out on the market, only this product comes with gloves because the chemicals are so toxic. After applying the tire wet product, I deposit the container and applicator into a nearby trash receptacle so as not to breath the residual fumes because the instructions say that the fumes are toxic. Afterwards, while work on the computer, I stop, step out side and check out the sunset. After, I read for a while and finally turn off the lights and close my eyes. After trying to fall asleep, I realize that it is my legs that are what is keeping me from going to sleep, so I take two aspirins, then close my again and soon after am able to sleep.
(Day Eight TB) 44°F, 4:54 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I put on my winter blues, drive out of the parking lot, across the street, then into the parking lot for the w-mart and go inside for my cup of hot. While on my second cup, I finalize setting up for the new passage that was begun last week. Later, I drive to the hall to meet Chip for the ministry, but he has been called away to do some work this morning and I instead return to the w-mart.
After several hours here, I then go to look for a hg-mart for some food for my trip south but do not find one locally, so I drive back to the hall to visit the
Bay Area congregation, arriving early and visiting with the friends. Finally, I call my sister to let her know that I will be parking in the street in front of her home. She does not answer but calls back and we talk briefly during which she reminds me that she will be at work until after five tomorrow but looks forward to seeing me then. I arrive in front of her home under the oak tree just after nine pm, climb into the back and close my eyes.
(Day Nine TB) 48°F, 5:14 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Awake, look at my clock for the time and then drive to the same w-mart that I go online at on day
Five TB after driving across the Lynchburg ferry, this being the closest w-mart for me when I park at my sister′s home. Here, I will work on my web site while waiting for my package to arrive. Shortly after seven this morning, I call Susan who is getting ready to go to work and tell her about my package; she checks at the front door and tells me it is already there and that Chad will be home all day if I want to stop by. I tell her that I be there in the afternoon and she then invites me for supper, that Chad will be preparing shrimp gumbo. What time? I ask her. At six, she says. I tell her I will see you then.
I work on writing the introduction to the chapters in Quire Ten and complete the first writing on several parts, and after re-writing the first one for the fourth time, upload it to the web page. I will continue tomorrow morning with doing more. At two pm, I leave the w-mart, drive to and park under the oak tree, retrieve the water pump and then begin installing it on my pressure washer. However, I find that the connecting bolts are too short from the new pump and Chad suggests that I look in my Dad′s coffee cans for some longer bolts. I ask Chad, You have my Dad′s coffee cans? to which he says Yes, Susan brought them here before Susan sold your mom′s house. I tell him how after Dad died, I organized all the content of the cans and put the labels on them. How I have always gone to Dad′s coffee cans to get any hardware that I have needed through the years. Chad says that they have saved him many trips to the hardware store that he also adds to the cans with his extra bolts. I tell him that when I found longer bolts for my water pump, I put the short ones back in the can, and that is how I have always done it. Then Chad leaves to buy some shrimp while I install and test the new water pump. After I get it running, I use up the gasoline washing the front drive way, then put the washer in the garage where it will be moved up to the attic and stored until next spring.
Susan arrives at a little after six pm an we all have a meal of shrimp gumbo, rice and French bread. After we eat, Lauren brings out her flute and music stand to play several pieces she has been working on for a band concert her school is giving later during February. For the short time she has been playing this instrument, she has gotten quite good. Afterwards, we talk and then some time after nine this evening, I excuse myself to retire to the jammer and first write my journal entry before getting horizontal. Once in my sleeping birth, I take two aspirins and close my eyes.
(Day Ten TB) 49°F, 6:14 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
I awake at shortly after five this morning but I close my eyes and it is not until after six when I next open them. After driving to the w-mart and sipping on two cups while pounding keys, I drive to and park under the oak tree by eight this morning and begin work on sorting through the bins in the jammer. A short time later, Susan comes out to asks me if I would like some coffee and I tell her that I would love a cup. We go into the kitchen and use her pod machine to make us each a cup and put my coffee into my insulated cup. Then I return to the jammer and continue sorting and tossing away things. It is amazing me each time I go through this routine how easy it is becoming for me to toss things into the trash. It has become easier to toss my things into a bin to be put into storage; I have so many bins here that I must needs sort through them again someday soon but that day is not this one, at least not while I am here in League City this month; maybe in the spring when I return here.
The sorting work continues all day, Susan decides to sort through her things in the garage and visits with me several times. I tell her that I am going to buy some pre-made curtains and sew Velcro around the edges and she offers her sewing machine for me to use. I thank her and tell her that I had hoped that she would let me use it. Too, I say that I am buying the curtains because they are thinner and will be easy to sew, unlike the thick towels that I tried to sew the last time I made curtains. Before the sun set, I was able to get all the bins up in the attic, do three washes including two of my bedding. As it begins to set, I drive to the d-mart and purchase two packs of navy sailcloth curtains. Afterwards, I return, park under the oak tree and Susan brings out my sleeping bag, now completely dry. I set the bag in the jammer and then we both walk back to the dryer and put my thick blanket in the dryer and get it started.
Finally, I walk out to the jammer and start typing today′s journal entry while the blanket dries. Later, I retrieve the blanket, shut the garage door, return to the jammer and finish the journal entry. At eight-thirty pm, I unplug my computer, shut down the jammer engine, climb into the sleeping birth and get comfortable. I take two aspirins and then close my eyes for the evening.
(Day 11 TB) 45°F, 5:14 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
When I get up, I see a clear sky and look first for the moon finding it waxing crescent over three hands high nearly due south with Venus one hand below and Jupiter two above. Mars follows closely above and to the right of the moon′s path in the ecliptic but is indiscernible because of the light pollution in this city. Saturn is near to the horizon and like many of the stars here are all obscured by the light from this city. I drive to the w-mart, arriving before it opens and use the time to wipe the heavy dew from the jammer. Upon the cafe opening, I walk in, purchase a tall blonde and begin working on the start of today′s journal. By my second cup I have begun my study for today′s meeting and really enjoy this study. Afterwards, I drive to the hall, get dressed and go in for the meeting with the
Bay Area Congregation that meets at ten this morning.
Shortly after the meeting, I head back to the oak tree house, park on the side of the road under the tree and begin work on making custom curtains for the jammer. Previously, I have used an old blanket which I had hung from the inside panel trim near the ceiling, hanging it down and stuffing the extra along the back side of the wooden bins. This blanket also covers and blocks the interior rope lights that I previously installed while in Yucaipa on day
974 JO on the same trim panels, however, knowing that I would later remove the blanket and install curtains, I went ahead and installed the rope lights on the outside of the curtains; I just have not turned the lights on yet. Now, when I complete the new curtains, I will be able to use the inside rope lights. By seven-thirty this evening, I stop working, ready the jammer for me to sleep in and then tell Susan and her family good night. I walk out to the jammer and complete today′s entry, shut down the jammer and get into the sleeping birth all before eight-fifteen, exhausted from the long day. My legs, still aching has me get out and chew two aspirins.
(Day 12 TB) 48°F, 6:13 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Upon arising, I look southeastward and see that the moon waxing crescent four hands above a growing sunglow and now in conjunction with Venus the two being only one finger′s width apart; Mars and Jupiter are above them, again, the light pollution prohibits me from taking photos. I drive to the w-mart, buy a cup of hot, pour it into my Yeti and then pound keys. Then, at eight-thirty this morning, I drive back to my spot under the oak tree and resume my work on the curtains and work most all day in the jammer and on the sewing machine.
Lauren arrives home at four-thirty, Susan at six-thirty and then we all have supper that Chad has prepared. At eight, I return to the jammer, prepare my sleeping birth, write this short journal entry and then go to sleep.
(Day 13 TB) 49°F, 5:33 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Watching the moon while driving to the w-mart, I notice that it has dropped below Venus by one hand and is much closer to the horizon. With coffee in hand, I continue my work on the introductory paragraphs in Quire Ten. Then at nine am, I return, park under the oak tree and resume the curtain sewing.
After supper we watch a television show and then Susan and I have a somewhat lengthy Bible discussion. By way of reminder, I quote from the Bible at Romans 15:4 which states in part: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning," Next, I ask her to read two scriptures and then we will reason on how they teach us the inappropriateness for a Christian to celebrate Christmas. We first read
Jeremiah 10: 1,
2,
3,
4,
5 after which I say to Susan, Two things. First, this account in Jeremiah is a reproof to those known as the people of God after they had taken up one of the condemned customs of the heathens, those not worshiping the God of the Bible, to which she agrees.
Second, I continue, Even though this custom appears to be a Christmas Tree, it is not because this occurred long before Christ came to the earth. Instead, this passage describes a custom that was subsequently adopted by apostate Christendom years later. Furthermore, this scripture would guide those of us today who want to please God, helping us in our mental ability to distinguish between what is acceptable to God and what is not. I then ask Susan, When God condemns a custom, do you think that he will ever need to change his mind at a later time? Susan answers No. Therefore, once we have come to this conclusion, that is, deciding what is condemned by God, what should be our resolve? Should we continue to practice the custom? Again, Susan answers No. Then, I grab my Bible, turn to 2 Corinthians and say, In fact, notice what
2 Corinthians 6: 14,
15,
16,
17,
18 has to say about what our action should be.
After reading the verses, I ask Susan, So, what does verse 17 tell us our resolve should be? Would it be not to celebrate? Susan shakes her head yes, and I repeat the part of the verse that says separate ourselves and quite touching the unclean thing. And we must do this before God will receive us. Susan then retrieves a pen to make note of these verses.
Later, I inform Susan that I am heading south to the Rio Grande Valley, and after giving my sister and her family good bye hugs, walk out to the jammer, drive to the d-mart and stop for the evening. This store has WiFi so I even upload the latest journal entry to my web site before retiring.
I am fully aware that my drive south to the valley does not begin tonight, in fact, I intend to stay in the Houston area for a day or two more, but wanted to bring to end the visit with Susan and her family at this time. Too, I feel that I need not tell them of my immediate plans, as it is enough for them to know that I am now not Parking at the Oak Tree House at night.
(Day 14 TB) 51°F, 5:53 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After opening my eyes, I step outside and notice that it feels a bit warmer outside, then after dumping my garbage in the d-mart receptacle, drive to the w-mart for coffee and to continue composing the Quire Ten introductory paragraphs.
At three pm, I leave the w-mart and drive to a af-mart where last week when working in the ministry, I saw that the cash price was $1.599 per gallon. The fuel tank, close to being empty would not hold more than twenty six dollars. Methinks, Only in Texas! and, it must be the reason that I keep coming back here during the winter. Still, this evening, just after sunset, the temperature is about eighty degrees and too hot for this snowbird. I return to the d-mart, park and get comfortable but there is sweat on my brow. Methinks, it is too hot. Entirely too early this evening, I melt into the back of the jammer to sleep.
(Day 15 TB) 57°F, 4:23 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up early and still have slept too long because my back is aching, the type of ache which only comes from being in the sack too long. I drive to the w-mart, park outside and wait for the door to be unlocked at five this morning. Meanwhile, I turn on my computer and begin pounding on the keys. In short time, I am inside with a cup of hot in hand as I browse through the news releases on jw.org.
At two this afternoon, I leave and go to the e-mart and purchase a tablet. Knowing quite well that it is not a need, I decide that it will only be used for downloading Bible translations and study aids. It is not the latest and newest, but has been on the market for about two years, therefore, with tax, it costs less than two hundred dollars. I have tried to use my phone for this purpose but the phone is much older and just will not handle the technology. I do however, take the 64 gigabit micro memory disk out of the phone and install it in the tablet. It was purchased to expand the phone memory but could not be used to the full there, but now, it will be very useful in the tablet. I return to the w-mart and begin learning the functions of the tablet and downloading the Bible and study aids from jw.org website.
One thing that I have found out is that the JW Library is the most functional way to access the different study aids, connecting to each of them, and switches quickly between the different publications. I especially like the way it creates a popup window with Bible text, which when you click on the title bar of the popup window, it takes you to the context of the Bible text.
After becoming somewhat proficient in using the tablet, I drive to the hall, get dressed for the meeting and go inside. Carl and Barbara greet me and we talk some, then Carl helps me log into the WiFi at the hall so that I can use the online feature of the JW Library. Still, I use several hard copy books during the meeting to keep me up with the several parts, but I do see a time when I will be able to down size this burden even more by getting rid of my meeting bag which currently contains some thirty pounds or more of hard copy bookage. After the meeting, I walk out to the jammer with Carl to show him the bottle of tree tree oil. I had told him before the meeting about the healing qualities the oil has and let him try some on a tooth that was giving him problems. We then bid each other good bye, after which I head to the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 16 TB) 71°F, 5:33 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After I awake, I drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and uploading more of the videos from jw.org to my tablet. Later, I leave and after stopping briefly at the d-mart drive west out of League City on FM 646, then FM 517 to Alvin, then the TX 35 bypass and next west on FM 1462 to FM 762 where I drive north a short distance to
Brazos Bend State Park. When arriving at the park, I check in, pay twelve dollars for a place to park for the evening and to take a hot shower. The primitive campsite requires campers to carry their gear a short distance to the sites, but I just stop in the parking lot and here is where I stay for the evening. I have parked here on previous occasions.
First, I secure my site, then I climb into the jammer for a nap after which I watch the December JW Broadcasting video and then work on today′s journal entry. It is before eight pm when I climb into the back and read before closing my eyes. Looking on my road map, I see that FM 762 north will take me to Rosenberg, Texas in the morning so that I can stop at the hg-mart.
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The Journey to
South Texas
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Often, upon leaving Galveston Bay, my first stop is at Brazos Bend state park to stay the night and take a hot shower. The stay is short because the park is crowed with marathon runners from Houston and before I begin the drive down to the bottom, I stop at large shopping marts to stock up my stores.
Crossing to the west side of the bottom, I stop in Laredo for a couple of days before dropping further south into the Rio Grande Valley. Leaving Laredo, I stay next at Falcon Lake state park and another hot shower before heading into Rio.
(Day 17 TB) 71°F, 4:03 am.
Brazos Bend State Park. CRS: 5.0.
I awake early this morning, rise immediately, start the jammer and drive to the shower house to take a hot shower. Then, I leave the park and as I drive out watch a long line of cars driving into the park because there will be a marathon starting this morning from the state park. Some of the campers that I talked with last evening informed me of the event, even that they were there for the same purpose.
Leaving the park, I turn north on FM 762 and then northeast on US 59 towards Sugarland getting off at the TX highway 6 exit and stopping first at a w-mart for coffee. Knowing that at seven this morning, the hg-mart opens, I pack out from the coffee shop and head over to shop for my pantry and then the rain begins to fall lightly.
When my grocery shopping is complete and everything is packed in the back of the jammer, I then begin my drive south towards the valley and do so in the rain. Leaving Sugarland, I travel west on US 90A, then south on US 77A to Cuero, Texas where I connect with Texas highway 72 and continue southwest. While drive through Kennedy, Texas, I stop at a large g-mart, one that has an af-mart out front and fill up my fuel tank with regular costing $1.599 per gallon. Again, methinks, Only in Texas. I continue the drive southwest on TX 7 under the 35 and then leave TX 72, to drive south on US 281 for a short distance and then turn right on US 59. Up until this highway, almost all of the route was on roads never traveled upon before. Of course, US 59 is a highway that I have driven on several occasions. I continue driving until and arrive in Laredo, Texas, the rain having stopped just northeast of this border town.
After driving past Lake
Casa Blanca SP state park, I turn off of US 59 on to Bob Bulluck Loop to the next exit where the d-mart is locate, stop at the d-mart, park and go inside to see if this store has the wick dry underwear that I have been looking for. Although most have some of the underwear, none of the d-marts that I have looked at have had my size, nor the color I want, nor the brand but this store does so I purchase one of the XL to try for size. Too, the store is heavily packed with shoppers and I do not stay long inside. I head back out to the jammer, and try for a while to upload a JW video but without success. Finally, I park in the corner where the other RV′s and big trucks are parked, shut down and get horizontal.
(Day 18 TB) 48°F, 5:03 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I am so glad to see that it is much cooler this morning than it has been for the last two days; the heat waves in Texas during this time of the year only last a couple of days. Arising, I drive to the f-mart for a cup of coffee and there in the jammer work on my study for today. I was only able to download the study issue of the Watchtower this morning because I have had difficulties with downloading any files to my tablet last night. Methinks that it is because of the large number of people accessing the WiFi wherever I connect.
At eight this morning, I drive to the north hall, park in the lot, and finish my study. Then at a quarter to nine, I put on my meeting clothes and get ready to go into the hall. When some of the friends arrive, I walk in also. The last time I came to a meeting at this hall was on day
957 BR after having just arrived back in the United States from my two month wayfaring trip to the south of Mexico. Upon entering, I do not recognize any of the friends here; those who I had become friends with in December 2009 before entering Mexico, have all moved on. I visit with several of the ones in the congregation now before leaving to first wash the jammer, next have a burger at a the What-a and then spend the rest of the day at a w-mart, plugged in but still not having any success downloading the video files. Finally, at nine-thirty pm, one large file completes it′s downloading, so I wrap up my gear, leave the w-mart and drive the d-mart for the evening at which time I immediately climb into the rear of the jammer and close my eyes.
(Day 19 TB) 45°F, 8:29 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After such a late evening yesterday, I indulge and sleep in despite awaking at five and then again at six this morning. When I do get up, I go into the d-mart to price the food prep blender that I have been looking at but it is not on sale here. Then, I drive to a w-mart on the north loop near an e-mart, get online to check price and availability and locate one here in town. Too, I try again to download from jw.org and it works just fine here at this w-mart. Curious!
At five this afternoon, I drive to the e-mart and purchase the blender for thirty-two dollars plus tax, less then I had purchased each of the previous two bullet machines while in Washington. Afterwards, I go back to the d-mart to buy bananas and blueberries to make a fruit smoothie to which I also add ground flax seed and water. While enjoying my smoothie, I watch the 2015 Annual meeting, part one before turning off the tablet. Finally, after completing today′s journal entry, I put up the curtains and get horizontal, only a few minutes after ten pm.
(Day 20 TB) 60°F, 6:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to resume the downloads from jw.org as the downloads work fine here at this coffee shop. Of the ten types of downloads, I am on the second to last in the list, the videos and I have progressed through half of these categories, having downloaded them. However, viewing them is a total different subject, but I hope to get well underway with the viewing during my hiatus in RGC (Rio Grande City).
At three pm, I drive to Lake
Casa Blanca state park, find out that a campsite without electric is eighteen dollars and forgo camping here. Nevertheless, my park pass lets me in for free and I drive to the shower house for a hot shower and it has really hot water, a feature that I like about this state park. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart to purchase some veggies and with them make a smoothie which does not taste to bad. I am slowly getting use to what goes together to make a good taste. Then, while downloading more videos, I begin watching those in the translation category. I especially enjoy the "Seeing God′s Word in My Language" and "This is the Way" videos.
The evening of this day comes quickly and again I find myself pushing my key pounding into the darkness, doing it from both ends of the light and no wonder, the darkness is thirteen and a half hours long. At eight pm, I close up shop and climb into the back but it take me a while to find sleep.
(Day 21 TB) 58°F, 5:03.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Here it is, hump day, both for this week and the month. I drive first to the w-mart for a cup of hot and to continue downloading the jw.org files. I suspect that I will complete this task today and then plan to attend the midweek meeting tonight at the Central Congregation nearby the d-mart. Except for having access to the w-mart that I enjoy visiting, I do not see myself coming back to Laredo because this city has become too big for my liking. Too, there are other cities in south Texas, some much smaller, with this same coffee shop.
I did finish downloading the jw.org files but during the five days, while working on the tablet, I have noticed that when I plug in my stereo ear phones, only the right speaker works. So, I take the tablet back to the e-mart and after a short diagnostics, the clerk says that the tablet is defective and that the store will give me a new one. I asked about all my data and he said that it might be possible to save it but he says that it could just as easy be lost. Long story short, the files became corrupted and it will be necessary to download all the files again. The first thing that I did was try the music to make sure the sound works on this tablet and as soon as the first song is downloaded, try the ear phones and I find that the sound works just fine.
Later, I leave Laredo, in fact, I gladly leave Laredo and drive south on US 83 to
Falcon county park, and find a place to park the jammer. At sunset, I get out my camera to photograph the colors and tonight see a rare
Sunpillar.
Afterwards, I climb into the back of the jammer to read in the Bible before closing my eyes.
(Day 22 TB) 53°F, 6:13 am.
Falcon County park. CSR: 5.0
The night sky absent of the city lights, even with the waxing crescent moon is very dark here and there is no need to put up any curtains. There are three flood lights nearby at the bath buildings but strategically parking the jammer blocks those lights from view. Arising, I notice that there are only a few parked in the campsite, one camper, whom I had previously talked with last winter and learned that he is from Quebec, Canada. At seven-fifty this morning, I head to
Falcon state park and find this campground absent of the crowds here that I experienced last year, which seems quite odd to me. I must admit that I did not arrive last year until near the end of December which makes methinks that most winter Texans must first celebrate in their home town during the holidays before head south for the season. Later, I talk with one of the park workers and find my assumptions about the arrival of the crowds are correct, the winter Texans will not arrive until the end of December.
I do hang out at the community center, connect to the WiFi and download only a few of the files that I lost when I had my tablet replaced. Then, in the mid-afternoon, I head to RGC and while driving through the downtown, see a new Mexican restaurant and stop for late lunch. Although the food is expensive, the salmon was really good and I was able to witness to the waitress, even telling her about the JW Library which she downloaded on her phone. After lunch, I drive to the d-mart, park the jammer and finish my journal entry before turning off the jammer and climbing into the back to read.
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The Winter Sojourn in
South Texas
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The Winter Sojourn in The Rio Grande Valley
In recent decades, the influx of immigrants from Mexico has inundated the areas adjacent to the border of the United States. This has resulted in the increase of Spanish speaking people in the border towns of this country and at the same time, a decrease in the English speaking people in the same locations.
The first time I arrived in the Texas border town of Laredo in December 2009, there were nine Spanish congregations and only one large English congregation but it was soon to be split into two. Seven years later, during the winter of December 2016, the same locality has sixteen Spanish and three English congregations.
Nevertheless, the English population still seams to be dwindling in south Texas and many areas only being reached by the Spanish publishers. One area in particular is Starr county, wherein are Rio Grande City, Roma and numerous smaller communities, many of which seldom receive a witness in English.
Also, preaching in Starr county, Texas to English speaking people is very much like preaching in a foreign language field.
(Day 23 TB) 43°F, 7:03 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The cooler temperature keeps me in the sack longer this morning, even until the ache in my back forces me out of the back of the jammer. Then I drive to the w-mart, purchase a cup of hot and connect my technology to begin downloading files from the jw.org website. Once the downloads are started, I return to my work on the Quire Ten introductory paragraphs.
It is near eight pm when I leave the w-mart and drive the two blocks to the d-mart, have a salad while listening to an audio drama about our Christian heritage, then afterwards read a few chapters and then retire for the night to the horizontal.
(Day 24 TB) 58°F, 5:31 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is not as cool this morning and arise at the first eye opening after five am. I drive to the w-mart, actually, it is a ff-mart but serves me more for a internet connection than it does for any food. I do buy coffee here while I am sitting in the dining room.
In the evening, I retreat to the d-mart and prepare my Watchtower study on my tablet. I really like the ease of access for looking up all the scriptures in the study and read every one; I just hope not to become complacent and stop reading them all. After the study, I listen to a audio drama, then shut down the tablet and sleep.
(Day 25 TB) 63°F, 6:03 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up at the third call, drive to the ff-mart for coffee and to continue with the current work on my computer. At one pm, I leave for the hall, and once arriving there, clean up and dress for the meeting, which here is at three-thirty pm. I do not bring in my meeting book bag but instead just my Bible, spiral notebook and tablet. During the meeting, I find yet another use for the tablet, using the memo app for taking notes, doing this instead of writing on a scrap of paper and stuffing the paper into a pocket of my meeting bag with all the other scraps of paper.
Upon walking out of the hall, I find that the sun has already set but there remains a slight sunglow, deep blue in color in the sky above the horizon. I change into my blues and then drive to the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 26 TB) 65°F, 5:31 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking on this year′s shortest day I note that it is pleasantly warm, even comfortable. I drive to the ff-mart for a cup of hot, two biscuits and to get busy on my computer. Then as the light of day slowly increases in the sky, I drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. Upon arriving, I see Daniel′s car parked in the parking lot, so I park the jammer and go inside to find him sitting at a desk writing letters. I tell him that I need to return to the jammer to put on my suit and that I will be back in for the ministry meeting.
We leave the hall and go to the territory which is north a few miles on US 83 and work a section of old highway 83. We both are able to talk to a householder and offer a publication. The young man that I talk with, Juan, is home for the holidays from work in the oil fields of west Texas. He is a polite person, frequently saying "yes sir" and comments that he would like to read the article on understanding the Bible. While riding in Daniel′s car, we talk and one conversation that comes up is the weather. He tells me that the temperature during the rest of this week will be in the high eighties and even in the nineties. I tell him that I am going to go to Mission, Texas so that I can freeze in the w-mart there.
After the ministry, when we return to the hall, I head south to the first w-mart, which is about twenty-nine miles down US 83 in Mission, Texas, park the jammer, go inside and begin downloading videos to the JW Library. Here, the downloads work just fine, unlike the f-mart in RGC which keeps disconnecting my tablet from the WiFi connection; methinks that I will stay here until I have downloaded the rest of the files. I keep working at the downloads until about ten-thirty pm and have finished the first category of videos, From Our Studio. Then I pack out, drive to the d-mart and climb into the sleep position. It has been a long day and I am very tired.
(Day 27 TB) 63°F, 5;35 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon waking realize that my sleep last evening lasted through until this morning. I must have been really tired yesterday to not wake up several times during the night to relieve myself. Methinks, for a person who is acquiring old age-hood as I have done, the only all-nighter we now experience is when we do have to get up and pee. I drive to the w-mart for the bathroom and then buy a cup of hot. Soon, I am sitting in my space pounding on the keyboard again. I stay here all day and must need wear my hooded sweat shirt to keep myself warm in this refrigerated w-mart.
Too, I make good progress in my efforts to download all the files from the jw.org website but will need to return for at least one more day to complete this task. At sunset, I stop and drive to the d-mart which is about a half mile west aside IH 2 and true to what Daniel said, it is after sunset, and still quite warm. I run the air conditioner for a while until the jammers cools off and then read in the back before turning off the light.
(Day 28 TB) 67°F, 7:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is quite warm this morning, but stop first at the d-mart to have a tire checked for a leak. The store lugwrench finds that a thorn has pierced the side wall and he puts on a new tire which costs me thirty five dollars which is about half of what a new one costs, thanks to the ten dollar tire hazard warranty I purchased. Then I drive to the w-mart, carry with me my hooded sweater and go in to the freezer for the day. By six pm, I have downloaded nearly all of the videos, having just one that I could not get started.
After leaving the w-mart, I drive directly behind the w-mart just two blocks south of IH 2 and into the Kingdom Hall parking lot for the mid week meeting. Arriving early, I get dressed and soon after go inside to find out that this is a double hall with two congregations having their meeting tonight, one English and another in Spanish. Tonight, I find those in the English congregation to be very friendly, with many of the friends, men, women and even a couple of the children coming up to greet me. After the meeting, I drive to the d-mart go in to buy ice cream and then sit in my car with the air conditioner running until I am cool enough to sleep. Shutting down the jammer, I climb into the back and get horizontal.
(Day 29 TB) 72°F, 5:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
There is sweat on my brow when I awake this morning and turn on the jammer engine to run the air conditioning. While the jammer is cooling, I drive to the nearby w-mart and go inside to my regular space. After setting up my computer, I purchase a cup of blonde roast. Then I go to jw.org on my tablet and go to the video download section to resume the downloading. Like what I said to some of the friends last night, I go into the freezer at the w-mart, carry my hooded sweater and drink several cups of hot to stay warm. Today is no different with the exception of completing the downloads from the video section at jw.org. By five-thirty pm, I am hungry, tired and done for the day.
Leaving the w-mart, I drive to a Mexican restaurant for my supper after which, I drive to the d-mart, leave the engine running with the ac on and watch several of the videos I had just previously downloaded. At eight-thirty pm, with the temperature still too warm to sleep, I shut down both the engine and the tablet, but with the door open, try to get a breeze. Gasoline prices here are down about ten cents from when first arriving, now at $1.639 per gallon, but since I still have a forth of a tank remaining, I will wait to see if the price goes down any further. At nine, I shut the door and get horizontal. During the night it becomes very windy and the jammer begins to rock in place.
(Day 30 TB) 78°F, 5:10 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is even warmer this morning, and was hard to acquire sleep last evening. Still, I have respite in knowing that there is a freezer wherein I can dwell during the heat of this day, yes, the w-mart is open today from five am until ten pm. I drive directly to the w-mart, don my winter blues and go inside to begin a day of pounding the keys on my computer. I do have a cup of daystart mid morning but much of what I eat today is out of the food case in the w-mart. After two cups of coffee, I switch to hot water for another two cups.
What is really interesting about being here, is first, that this w-mart is even open. And, second, what amazes me is the continuous stream of customers that keep this coffee shop full and even packed from before five pm until well after I leave at nine-something pm. Methinks that these coffee drinkers are all here for their sugar fix. Too, in order to keep my ears from hearing all the celebratory goings on, I have copied all of the musical videos downloaded from jw.org to the media player on my computer and have been listening to these forty-four spiritual songs over and over. Methinks this is the absolute best playlist for me to listen to.
On a different note, methinks that of the one or two people who actually read my key poundings, if either should become curious as to what all my key pounding of late has been busy composing, well, that one should go to the Wayfarers Passage, and read what I have written for
Episode Seven. There you will see a preliminary draft of the story that I hope to composed as the seventh of seven episodes in the historical fictional works of The Wayfarers Journal and there too, you will meet a wayfarer named
Cobalto Azul who is one of the seven characters in this
series. It is true, there is still much more of my current online journal to write before I begin in earnest to compose the fictional episodes, but recently, I have had an inspiration about a new path for this web site and subsequently have begun redesigning it.
Although this path changes both the name and literary genres of The Wayƒarer′s Journal from the original autobiography of the author, to The Wayƒarers Journal which is a series of fictional stories, methinks, this change will be beneficial in several ways. First, this change from an autobiographical to a series of fictional episodes based on a true story will have a more appealing story line for the reader.
Too, this change will allow me to include within the episodes, all of my writings, many of which are fictional stories. Third, writing the episodes this way should be easier to compose even possibly requiring less time on my part. After prayerful consideration, I have decided to go with this new path and will begin redesigning this web site to reflect this change.
Another hot evening keeps me up later that I would desire, even close to midnight but finally, sleep comes to me. The wind has continued all day and into the night.
(Day 31 TB) 70°F, 8:09 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I get up, go into the d-mart to my morning walk and when walking through the men′s section, try on a couple suit jackets to check my size which I find the 48R fits just right. Also, when I try on the pants, I find that the 40 inch waist fits comfortably, even a bit loose, making me happy that my size is still dropping. Then, I stop at the blood pressure machine and take my pressure and weight myself. The pressure is 122 over 82 which is fair but when I see the weighing results, I am even more pleased because it shows that I am now 228 pounds, so, I go out to celebrate at the ice cream shop. Not really! I head to the w-mart and resume the work on the web site. When leaving the w-mart, the temperature outside is unbearable for me, it being still over eighty degrees. Still, I leave Mission, drive east and stop at the d-mart in Pharr, Texas.
Earlier in the week, when setting up my tablet, I go to the manufacturers website and find that since buying the device have received free training courses and so scheduled one for Sunday afternoon. Too, so that I would not miss the Sunday meeting, I looked on the meeting finder at jw.org and found that hall in Pharr to have a meeting at nine-thirty am. So, at seven, I drive to the d-mart and get horizontal by seven pm but can not sleep. So, I do my Bible study for tomorrow and at ten pm, I try again to slept but it is still too warm. Finally, sleep overcomes me some time after midnight. All day, the wind continues non stop.
(Day 32 TB) 79°F, 6:03 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I get up, drive to a f-mart, buy two taquitos (Texas breakfast burritos) and a senior coffee. Then, I drive to the Kingdom Hall only to find it gated, so I drive down the street and stop at a park. Here, I finish my coffee, wash my upper body and put on my meeting clothes. Then, I drive to the hall, another with double auditoriums, walk in and visit with the friends. After the meeting, I drive to the e-mart, go inside and ask about the training session. The clerk tells me that it will begin at one pm. I look around in the store until Jerry approaches me to tell me that he is ready. I learn quite a few things about my tablet and I am becoming more and more amazed about the amount of things that can be done with this tablet.
After the training session ends and before leaving the store, I buy a screen protector and a stylus with a twist pen and use my membership earning to save five dollars. Then, at three pm, I leave the e-mart and find the temperature has dropped considerably, which is much more to my liking. I drive west on the two (interstate 2) and soon it becomes US 83 which I continue through RGC to Falcon Lake, drive into the state park for a hot shower and after returning to the jammer, drive to Falcon county campsite to park for the night. Here, I leave the engine running to charge batteries and catch up on my journal writing, then watch another jw.org video. Finally, after reading a chapter, close my eyes and sleep. Another day with non stop high winds.
(Day 33 TB) 42°F, 6:43 am.
Falcon County Park. CGR: 5.0
Awake with the sunglow already in progress and note that the wind although still blowing lightly has abated considerably. I get dressed and leave the campground, driving on FM 2098 east to US 83 and once on the highway drive east to Roma, Texas where I stop at a twenty-four hour f-mart, buy coffee and write the start of today′s journal entry. When my Yeti cup is full, I continue east on US 83 to Garciasville, Texas and stop at the hall to get dressed for the morning ministry meeting. Daniel is already inside and I ask him how his trip to Big Bend National Park this past weekend went to which he said that he loved it. (He is a first timer.)
We are the only two who are out today, so we work together the whole morning, mostly doing calls, stopping at cemeteries to see if anyone is there, and also stop at the library. Going in, I asked the librarian direction to the Bibles and religious books. She said "I have one at home but the library does not have a Bible" but took me to where the religious books are shelved. After looking and not seeing any of our books, I ask her if could donate a new Bible to library and she answered yes. Good, I will come back another day, then, introduced myself and she said her name was Stephanie. Daniel offered he the current magazines and she also accepted them.
Later, Daniel drops me off at the hall and I change into my summer blues, the temperature has warmed up very nicely and move the jammer to a shady spot near to where the water spigot is located, open up the jammer and clean the inside. Since I arrived here on day
22 TB, I have noted that there is a pile of cut tile and construction debris along the side of the hall, in sight of the front door. Too, in the same area is parking for disabled and the space is covered in leaves, dirt and other debris. So, today, I have decided to work on cleaning up this eye sore along with washing my tires and wiping down the outside of the jammer. It only takes three hours to get done what I can do and the entire area looks so much better. Still, the reason there is mud in this parking space is that the concrete drain pathway has filled with dirt causing the path to become higher in elevation than the concrete, which blocks water runoff from the concrete. Instead of draining, the parking space just pools the water which attracts dust and later becomes mud. To fix the drain problem, I will need to find a shovel so that I may lower the drain path to a level lower than the concrete.
Leaving the hall, I drive to the d-mart, go inside to buy groceries, power steering fluid, and a bottle of wet spray for the tires. Then, just before the sun begins to set, I arrive back at the jammer, move it to a dark location, spray the tires, leave it running to charge my device batteries and complete my journal entry for today. At seven pm, I begin watching a video but I am too tired to stay up to watch all of it, but do so any way. Finally, I turn off the jammer and climb into the back to sleep.
(Day 34 TB) 44°F, 6:15 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise at second call, drive to the f-mart for coffee and sip on it while playing solitaire. Then at seven-thirty, I drive to the hall to dress for the ministry meeting and when I get back into the jammer, Daniel drives up, greets me and walks into the hall. I get my tablet, Bible literature and also go inside where Daniel and myself write letters for mailing to those not able to locate during the house to house ministry. At nine-fifteen, we clean the writing table, take our seats and await the others to show up, which count is ten heading. Then in three car groups, we head for the territory in La Grulla, Texas.
This morning, I work with Flourian, taking turns talking to those, which are not many, who come to the doors that we knock on. I speak with a man who says his name is Pedro, but that he works nights and can not talk now. When I ask if I can come back, he says yes and I give him the tract entitled "How do you view the Bible?" On a piece of scrap paper, I write down his name, how to return to his home, the tract name and our discussion. I want to find an app for use in keeping my ministry records but it must needs be an app that has multiple accounts so I can save different calls in different congregations.
After noting that it looks like rain, we return to the hall at three pm. I go to the grocery and buy four carrots, a small bunch of spinach, a large avocado, one prickly pear, and a small piece of ginger. I use these ingredients with one clove of garlic and one cup of water to make a drink for my supper in the blender and I am surprised to find it to tastes really good. Later, I will add this blender meal to my recipe page. Stopping at the w-mart, I upload today's journal entry and then by six pm head to the d-mart to watch another video on the tablet. At nine pm, I call it good and hit the sack, that is, with my body.
(Day 35 TB) 50°F, 7:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
This morning, it is not until the third wake up call that I arise, get dressed, drive to the f-mart for coffee and WiFi. Then at seven-fifty, leave the f-mart and drive to the hall to meet for the ministry.
Daniel and I work first on letter writing, then before we leave in his car, I share my blender meal with him. At first, I only give him two tablespoons in a cup but when he says he likes it, I fill the twelve ounce cup. We do calls until noon and after the ministry I drive into RGC and park near the city hall for the WiFi and work on line.
Finally, at evenfall, I drive to the d-mart park and watch a video after which, I power down and close my eyes.
(Day 36 TB) 53°F, 7:02 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Again, it is the third call when I arise and repeat my morning. However, Daniel and I only work for an hour letter writing and because it has begun to rain, do not go out in the ministry. He is going to visit his parents in Alice, Texas and so I decide to drive to the w-mart in Mission, Texas.
I go inside and work on the computer until eight-thirty pm, and then since the mart is closing early, pack out and drive to the d-mart for the evening. I watch videos until midnight and then even in the rain, hear explosions in the distance from those who still, although most likely unknowingly, practice pagan rituals. Closing my eyes, it is not long before I am asleep.
(Day 37 TB) 51°F, 7:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It seems funny how the morning are repeating themselves these days. I drive to the d-mart, buy coffee and pound on the keys. At nine pm, I pack out, drive to the d-mart and get into the sack.
The wind storm that blew in early this week, turns bad on Wednesday with cold and a dreary wetness that has persisted since Wednesday even becomeing colder.
(Day 38 TB) 42°F, 5:51 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I awake this morning but do not arise except to turn on the jammer engine and heater. Instead, I remain under the down bag to keep warm. The location where I have chosen to park at this d-mart is nearby to the af-mart and void of many live trees. Elsewhere in the same parking lot are areas of several trees in which roost a murder of grackles, which in the morning are, besides possibly seagulls, the noisiest birds anywhere.
At seven this morning, after the inside of the jammer is quite toasty, I drive across the street to a f-mart for coffee and two biscuits. I then connect to the internet and upload my journal entries. Next, I drive to the e-mart in McAllen, Texas to look at the external drives and buy two new stylus, an additional one for my second suit and one to give to Daniel, who although carries such a cheap ugly pen, I am beginning to like him as friend. After not finding an inexpensive drive, I drive back to Mission, Texas to the w-mart and continue pounding on the keys. Methinks that having this new tablet is giving me a new perspective of my web site and is helping me to make some changes so that the web site will be easily viewed on multiple platforms.
At eight this evening, after checking to find that the new time tomorrow for the English meeting is nine-thirty, I drive to the d-mart, go in to buy crackers and cheese, return to the jammer to eat while doing the study for the meeting tomorrow and then afterwards watch a video. I have begun from the top of the list and have set a goal to watch all of the videos from jw.org. It is later than usual when I close my eyes.
(Day 39 TB) 44°F, 7:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After sleeping right through to my wake up call this morning, I drive directly to the w-mart for coffee and to update my journal. I check for the new monthly programs but it has not arrived yet.
After many hours at the keyboard, at eight pm, I call it enough and retreat to the parking lot in the d-mart.
(Day 40 TB) 48°F, 6:49 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise and drive to the w-mart, buy coffee, pound keys, play solitaire. Leaving at noon, I drive north on US 83, stop for burritos in RGC, to wash the jammer in Roma and then Falcon State Park. Driving past the community center, notice that it is open so I stop for a cup of coffee and chocolate cookies before driving to the shower house for a hot shower. I put on clean clothes and gather up all my dirty ones into my laundry bag to do my wash. Then, I leave the state park, drive to the county park and see that Robert is still parked in his regular space. I pull into his driveway, park and when his side door opens, he steps out to greet me.
We stand outside for a while talking, after which I offer him a cup of hot tea. He declines but I bring out my stove to boil water for myself one. We continue talking and we mostly discuss healthy food and share several items from my pantry. As the sun sets, I retrieve my LED torch and we look to see a clear sky and many stars. Immediately spotting Cassiopeia constellation high above, look downward from the top of the "W" and find the north star. Then pointing to the north star, tell Robert, "That direction is north." to which he confirms. We continue talking until about seven thirty pm but the temperature drops and we both retreat to our vans. Turning on the engine, I work on my computer while the inside warms but only until about eight pm when I shut down and climb into the back for sleep.
(Day 41 TB) 49°F, 5:31 am.
Falcon County Park. CSR: 5.0
In the dark of predawn, I rise, start the engine and then leave Falcon county park, drive to Roma where I stop at a f-mart for coffee and catch up on my journal writing until daybreak. Then, I drive to the World Birding center at Roma Bluffs and talk with the couple who are volunteering in the visitor center. In exchange for working in the center for three days, the city of Roma arranges for them to park their motor home in a full hookup campsite at Falcon State park and provides a car for them to drive from the park to the center and back. That appears to be a great deal! They tell me that there is need for another volunteer or two for the center and ask if I would like to begin. Thanking them, I say no, but methinks that I am tempted by the offer.
Afterwards, I drive down US 83 in search for a l-mart and find one in Escobares, Texas, park, gather my laundry and go inside to start my wash. After the washer has begun, I return to the jammer and start the engine to charge batteries. My wash is finished just before eleven this morning and I separate the fabrics and start the drying. At twelve thirty pm, I pull out of the l-mart and drive downriver towards RGC.
Upon arriving in Rio Grande City, I stop at the f-mart and compose a new will for myself. Then, after dark, I drive to the hall for the meeting, it being tonight instead of Wednesday evening because the circuit overseer is visiting Rio Grande City congregation. When I arrive at the hall, the parking lights are not on and I drive past the hall, missing the turn off. I turn at the next cross over and return to find the hall, pull in and park. Tonight is the first night of the new meeting format using the Our Christian Life and Ministry meeting workbook, but the congregation book study is not held to allow the circuit overseer to give a talk.
After the meeting, I drive back to the d-mart, park and climb into the back for sleep.
(Day 42 TB) 56°F, 7:41 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I awake to a comfortable but humid morning, drive to the f-mart for coffee and then drive to the hall for the ministry meeting meeting. The circuit overseer relates an important principle about how we should view our time and efforts in the ministry. Then we head out to the field ministry.
I work with Jonathan, Alberto, and Don for the morning and we work a territory in RGC with two other car groups. Then, without stopping at the hall, Alberto, the driver, heads to a Mexican restaurant, at which we all go in and sit down for lunch. Then, we return to the hall for the afternoon ministry meeting and the circuit overseer continues talking about the principle about viewing our ministry. I have written the three verses down on a scrap of paper but have misplaced the paper at present. Methinks that this is because I am transitioning from books and notepads to using only a tablet. I have not become proficient at using a tablet and at times feel at loss when I have a need to take notes. So, I must needs bring my meeting notebook with me until the transition is done and I am competent at using fully the tablet.
After the ministry, I drive to the back of the hall and take a nap. Awaking at five pm, I drive into town, have a taco salad and then park at the d-mart and watch another video, this one monthly broadcast while also charging batteries. Then, I shut down and climb into the back of the jammer. Looking at the time, I see that it is eight-thirty when I turn off the lights.
(Day 43 TB) 60°F, 6:36 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The humidity continues although there has been just a little rain, and that only during the night. Up before the dayspring, drive to the f-mart for coffee and to upload journal entries. At eight am, I drive to the hall to prepare for the ministry today and again, there is four car groups. I work with Alberto, Eduardo, and John and continue for a short time into the afternoon with Jose and Marisella. After wards, I clean up the jammer, drive to the f-mart and work on files until eight-thirty pm.
Then, I drive to the d-mart and sleep.
(Day 44 TB) 59°F, 6:49 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Sleep in this morning, to the forth wake up call. Then I arise, drive to the f-mart for coffee and check my com. At eight am, I drive to the hall to ready myself for the ministry meeting.
Again, I stay in the ministry until the mid afternoon and then head for the f-mart to access the internet. The connections are not the greatest here in RGC, especially for downloading files. At dark thirty, I head for the d-mart and sleep.
(Day 45 TB) 50°F, 6:44 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise, drive to a f-mart east of the hall for coffee and WiFi but the coffee is not good and there is no refills. Then, I head to the hall and go in to see that Daniel is here. I work with Frank and we go into an area with several other car groups and during the ministry, I see a l-mart that looks promising. When we stop an noon, I drive back to the l-mart and find it has clean machines with two dollar wash and quarter dry. I will return to do my laundry here next time I need to wash my clothes.
I drive into town to find a good WiFi location but find only two bars, not enough to download the January broadcast. Finally, I drive to the d-mart, buy ice cream and sit in the parking lot to indulge and study for the meeting tomorrow. Then, after reading two chapters in 2 Chronicles, I turn of the light and close my eyes.
(Day 46 TB) 39°F, 7:39 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The sun is shining into the jammer when I arise and I go directly into the d-mart to visit the mens room. Next, I drive to the f-mart for coffee and then head to the hall to get dressed for the meeting. Upon arriving, I see that Daniel is already here and inside so I get dressed and go in to greet him. Soon, the meeting begins with the circuit overseer giving the public talk, then a shortened study and finally a final talk by the CO about the need to master the fundamentals of being a Christian. Must is to be learned by such a good teacher!
After the meeting, I go with Daniel and David out into the ministry and do two of my calls, finding both at home. Both calls even want me to return again. Then, Daniel returns to the hall, I change into my blues, drive into to town for burritos and then continue driving to Falcon Lake and stop for the evening at the county park. Arriving at sunset, watch the sky become dark while writing my journal entry and finally climb into the back to read but I am so exhausted from the week of constant activity, I just go directly to sleep.
(Day 47 TB) 39°F. 4:01 am
Overnighting in a parking lot
Falcon County Park. CRS: 5.0
Today is the tenth anniversary of this web site!
This day comes terribly early due to the fact that I was asleep before seven pm last evening. After staying in the sack an extra hour causing my back to begin to hurt, I rise, turn on the jammer′s engine to warm up the interior and soon find myself updating the home page of the web site. Outside the sky is thick overcast clouds giving strong indication of coming rain. By six am, I am beginning to become hungry but it is still dark outside so I eat a hand full of raisins and walnuts. As soon as I see the dawn begin to glow up from the eastern horizon, I leave the campsite, drive east on FM 2098 to US 83 and then south a short distance to Salineno to visit the refuge and photograph the birds. Arriving before the gate opens, I open the tail gate, set up my stove, put on a pot of water for tea and while the water is heating, prepare a cup of daystart. At eight am, Merle walks up to the gate, opens it and walks over to the back of the jammer to greet me. We talk for a short time during which I pour hot water into my cup and eat my daystart. After telling me to come in at any time, he then leaves to go start feeding the birds.
Soon after, I follow him with my camera and cup to tea to the feeding frenzy that is already begun in this small riparian zone refuge. Large bright green, orange, red, blue and yellow streaks of colors continue quickly to and fro, all contending for the small stashes of peanut butter-lard mix that have been strategically placed to provide bird watchers optimal viewing of the numerous variety of birds perform amazing aerobatic feats. Beneath this areal frenzy, scores of ground walkers, mostly of varying gray colors, scour every inch of the ground to pick up any morsel dropping to their feet. Not to be missed are the colorful small birds, those that cautiously creep out from the background tangle of branch and twigs to work their way up to the stashes and grab a morsel. Looking up, I notice several water fowl flying upriver to locate suitable locations to forage for their morning meal and in the nearby treetops see a raptorial bird eyeing this ongoing frenzy for a meal opportunity.
However, all to soon, the overcast skies incessantly dump wet misting rain on every thing and I do not last long before I must needs retreat from the dank feeding frenzy and head back to the jammer to dry and warm myself with the heater. Leaving, I drive to the state park to take my shower, after which, I head to the community center for a cup of hot coffee and cookies. I take up a place near to an electrical plug and begin pounding keys. At three pm, the center closes, so I retire to my campsite, number 69 and although had desired to cook my Repast this evening, rain encourages me to open cans for my supper instead. I watch a movie borrowed from the community center and then read in the Bible before turning off the lights. The misting rain continues into the evening.
(Day 48 TB) 50°F, 7:03 am.
Falcon State Park. CRS: 9.0
It is much warmer this morning and not raining. Right away, I pack out drive to the shower house for a hot shower and then into Roma, Texas for coffee and WiFi at the f-mart. This f-mart has much better internet than the state park does, even better than most in RGC. After my first cup, I have breakfast while downloading the January broadcast from jw.org broadcasting. After the video download, I watch the January broadcast and afterwards move to a bench seat near the window and continue pounding keys right into the afternoon, then the evening.
At eight pm, I leave the f-mart and Roma, drive downriver to RGC, park in the d-mart lot and with the rain now abated see the new moon two hands above the western horizon. At nine, I shut down and climb into the back of the jammer.
(Day 49 TB) 49°F, 5:13 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon opening my eyes, it is at first hard to rise, but I do, step outside and think, "This is not bad, it doesn′t feel too cold." Then, I drive to the f-mart and find that it is just below fifty degrees with a humidity of less than fifty percent and methinks, "Yes, this is the weather that has brought me here during this season." With global weather patterns askew, pinpointing the correct time and location to enjoy a particular appeasing climate is becoming more of a guess than an art. Of concern to me is if this "perfect" weather will continue for long or should instead my expectations be ready for more of the rain and miserable.
Climbing back into the jammer, I drive to the nearby f-mart and wait for it to open at six, go inside and begin pounding keys with a cup of coffee at close reach. It is not until six-thirty this evening that I leave the mart, drive to the hall, dress for the meeting and go inside. The new meeting format is still a work in progress but is enjoyable and the meeting passes by quickly. Soon, I am back in the d-mart parking lot getting ready for another night of sleep. The sky is overcast and except for seeing the waxing crescent moon last evening, it has remained overcast and humid in the valley.
(Day 50 TB) 56°F, 6:03 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After rising, I drive to the f-mart, take my position by the window, sip coffee, pound keys and behold the changes as the new look for my web site slowly take shape, one key pounding at a time.
At six pm, I leave to find sustenance after which I head to the d-mart for the evening but since sleep evades me, I work on the web site changes until my battery get too week to power the computer any longer.
(Day 51 TB) 53°F, 6:11 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Waking up before dayspring find the jammer covered with dew even though the concrete underneath is dry. I drive to the f-mart, purchase coffee and return to the key pounding. During the course of the day, I listen to a presentation about why probiotics are so important for good health and I am so impressed that I took notes and will upload the notes to a page in the appendix.
Of late, I have been developing four of the main characters that will take center stage in the upcoming episodes and hope to be able to introduce some time in the not to distant future. Changing to this new approach in my web site gives me the opportunity to include all of my short stories that have been written over the years. At six-thirty this evening, I leave the key pounding to seek something to eat. Walking outside, I see the waning sunglow in a clear sky and high above, the moon waxes crescent. After buying the ingredients and preparing a salad, I sit in the jammer, keys under my fingers and enjoy the lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sliced carrot and hemp seed which I cover with oil and vinegar.
(Day 52 TB) 57°F, 5:47 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up to another morning with the jammer saturated with dew which I use to wipe off the road dirt that has accumulated during the past days of rain. After the jammer is wiped down, I drive to the f-mart for coffee and to resume my key pounding.
Finish the day with a salad and Bible reading.
(Day 53 TB) 54°F, 5:44 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up before dayspring, drive to the f-mart in RGC and prepare for the meeting. After the meeting, I drive to the state park, pay the three dollar entrance fee, drive to the shower house and take a hot shower. After I thorough soak, I drive to the county park to cook my Repast.
For two days now, I have not had access to my web site. I have not been able to upload my journal nor any changes to web pages. I have tried accessing the hosting service from several locations but my access keeps getting blocked. I have gone to the host forum to ask for help but so far, I am still blocked. However, I will keep trying.
Finish the day with a Repast supper and Bible reading.
(Day 54 TB) 56°F, 5:55 am.
Falcon County Park. CRS: 5.0
Up before dayspring, drive to the f-mart in Roma, Texas and resume key pounding. After the suntouch, I return to Falcon Heights for the evening, park in space 001 and let the engine run to charge my batteries.
Finish the day with canned supper and Bible reading.
(Day 55 TB) 55°F, 6:10 am.
Falcon County Park. CRS: 5.0
Up before dayspring, drive to the f-mart in Roma, Texas and resume key pounding. Then, I repeat yesterday evening′s journal entry.
Finish the day with canned supper and Bible reading.
(Day 56 TB) 58°F, 5:45 am.
Falcon County Park. CRS: 5.0
Up before dayspring, drive to the state park for a shower and when leaving the shower building, still before the dayspring, I trip on the steps from the sidewalk down to the roadway and fall to the ground, however, I am able to get right up to check for injuries. I discern that the main impact from the fall is to my right hand which was jammed against my right breast. My hand is sore from being hyper extended backwards at the wrist and I go into the rear of the jammer, retrieve my pain cream and rub it on the wrist. Then, I put away my shower items, get into jammer and begin driving out of the park. This is when I begin to feel aches in my right chest and because I have had this same type of pain previously, discern that I have also cracked a rib. I know that these injuries will most likely take all winter to heal and require longer sleep time in the process.
Driving out of the state park, south on FM 2098, I side swipe a guard rail, one which is on the white line. I immediately stop to look at the damage and find that the sliding door has been damaged, will not open and most likely will needs to be replaced. Then, I head south on US 83 and stop at the f-mart in Roma, Texas where I put more pain cream on my hand and chest. Then I go inside to take up the key pounding. Then at six this evening, I leave Roma, drive south to RGC for the meeting tonight. The injury received today has done me in and I feel really beat up but still go in for the upbuilding association and instruction.
As soon as the meeting is over with, I head back to the d-mart, eat my supper from two cans and then climb into the back of the jammer to sleep.
(Day 57 TB) 54°F, 6:31 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I arise and drive to the f-mart for my morning cup and to resume the key pounding. Remaining all day inside, I watch to see the dayspring begin and then about eleven hours later see the sunglow wane in the eastern horizon.
After driving to the d-mart, go in to buy a few cans of sauerkraut and then return to the jammer to have supper, a can of sauerkraut and another of unsalted pinto beans. I do add TWS to make the beans more palatable. Upon reclining, I find that it hard to get comfortable on my right side because of my rib being cracked.
(Day 58 TB) 59°F, 7:57 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
My sleep is abruptly ended by the loud whistle of a train north of my position about one hundred yards. When opening my eyes, I see that the light of day is bright and check first to learn the time. I wonder why I have slept so late while climbing out of the rear of the jammer towards the drivers seat, feeling like I have taken a beating and then think to myself, "Oh, yeah!" I drive to the f-mart and have coffee while continuing with the web site overhaul.
At eight this evening, I leave the f-mart, drive to the d-mart, go in and check to see if the shelf has been stocked with seeded grapes and find four containers left. I purchase one and return to the jammer for my supper. After a can of pinto beans doctored with TWS and one of sauerkraut, finish with the grapes. Then, I climb into the back despite the need to sleep only on my left side finally fall asleep. I have notice that the temperature has begun to drop and is supposed to lower into the high thirties tonight. That is a little colder than I would prefer, but I will take high thirties over the sweat wrenching eighties and above any day.
(Day 59 TB) 38°F, 6:34.
Wolf Full Moon
Overnighting in a parking lot
When opening my eyes, I rise to start the jammer and turn on the heater but return immediately to the warmth of the sleeping bag. Too, while up, notice the dayspring just beginning to illuminate a clear sky over the eastern horizon. I might note that in the northeast, they are experiencing a blizzard with over two feet of snow in both NYC and Baltimore.
Soon, the inside of the jammer is warm enough to immerge from beneath the feathers and I climb into the pilot seat and drive to the f-mart, purchase a cup of coffee, sit down and begin pounding the keys. At eight thirty, this morning, Daniel comes in to get a cup of coffee and says hello but then leaves to go to the ministry meeting. I tell him that I will see him tomorrow.
I continue my weight loss supplements, which I have been doing since Monday and have, beside three cups of hot, only a cup of daystart all day. It is midday when I walk outside to fill my sierra cup with the cereal and I notice that the temperature has warmed up nicely. Inside, the constant smell of hot salty fried food is loosing it′s grip on me since going onto the supplements. It is like I do not even think of eating, even with the aromas wafting constantly throughout the restaurant. At seven thirty, I leave to drive to the d-mart, park, open my two cans, beans and sauerkraut, and commence my supper with pecans and raisins for desert.
After eating, I turn on my tablet and do my study for the meeting tomorrow and afterwards watch the September 2015 video form the monthly program collection. Then I shut down at ten pm, climb into the bunk and shut my eyes.
(Day 60 TB) 47°F, 7:53 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Again this morning, most likely due to my recuperation need from the broken rib, my eyes open and see that daylight is already upon me. First, I turn on the jammer to warm the inside and it does not take long this morning. Then I go into the d-mart to wash my face and comb my hair after which, I drive to the f-mart for coffee, but because I do not have much time before the meeting starts, I sit in the jammer to shave and drink the cup of hot. At nine this morning, I head for the hall, put on my meeting clothes and walk inside. Albert, a local elder give the talk and then we have the study. Afterwards, I eat at a Mexican restaurant and then drive to f-mart to work on my web site. Too, I bring in my tablet to upload some new videos.
For the next week, while not having access to my web site, I will spend my time working on the new web site. Too, I will not make entries to my daily journal due to the fact that most days will have a format something like: wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep. Too, it is getting really hard to write new material with the above format.
(Day 61 TB) 51°F. 6:00 am
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 62 TB) 49°F. 6:11 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 63 TB) 53°F. 6:55 am
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 64 TB) 54°F. 6:22 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 65 TB) 58°F. 6:44 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 66 TB) 51°F. 6:33 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake up, drink coffee, pound keys, eat something, sleep.
(Day 67 TB) 52°F, 6:31 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It has now been over two weeks since I have had access to my hosting account. I have tried in many different ways to regain access but nothing has been successful. During most of the last two weeks, I have been using the community forum supplied by the hosting service to communicate with many of it′s members, many of whom have given me several recommendations for resolving this problem. Finally, I have decided to try one that was given me about a week ago, that is driving out of the area where I have my access has been blocked and try accessing my account there.
First, I drive to the f-mart for coffee and to write in my journal. Then, at nine this morning, I drive to the hall for the meeting and really enjoy the study dealing with one hundred years of Kingdom ruler ship. Then, after the meeting, still in my suit, I drive to La Grulla, a town just south of RGC, buy ten dollars of fuel at the af-mart because the price has dropped again, this time to $1.559 and then call on Pedro, a person that has shown interest in the Bible. Arriving at his home, I do not find him there, so I return to the af-mart, change out of my suit and then begin my drive southeast to Mission, Texas. My first stop is at the f-mart where I walk inside, set up my computer, buy a cup of hot with a grilled cheese sandwich, and then take my seat. After turning on the computer, I try accessing my hosting service and without any problem whatsoever, am directed right to the control panel.
Clearly, I am ecstatic about having access to my web site, but at the same time saddened because this means that in order to upload my daily journal entries, I must needs drive into the city fifty miles away. Nevertheless, life is what it is! However, I do enjoy the grilled cheese sandwich.
It does take long before I am reminded why I have chosen not to spend much time in the city. The people here are abrupt, often unpleasant, and always in a hurry. Remaining in the f-mart well after suntouch, my key pounding continues. Finally, I drive to the d-mart, go inside and purchase those items not available in the smaller RGC d-mart, return to the jammer and park in my regular spot for the night but do not get into the sleeping birth until nearly midnight.
(Day 68 TB) 65°F, 7:14 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awaking after suntouch, I rise, drive to the w-mart for coffee and to begin pounding keys. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for living in the city, I will continue here for a couple of days because of my appreciation for the conveniences that are available. Even the auto fuel prices are lower, the one at the d-mart where I park is at $1.429 per gallon. I have not filled up the tank but plan to do so before I return to RGC.
Late tonight, I leave the w-mart, still working on the new format. There has got to be a better way to get this done. There are seven passages and during the last week, have been struggling to completed the first level of only a couple of the passage. One thing that has helped me quite a bit is to use a paper journal to write down the formats of each passage level. This has helped some but I need something more. I will think about how I can do this.
(Day 69 TB) 60°F, 5:09 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After lying awake for several minutes thinking about making a template for web pages, I open my eyes, check the time and decide that it is time to rise. Then, I drive to the w-mart and after purchasing a cup of hot, begin creating the templates.
At the end of the day I have finished all of the Mountain and Appendix first and second level pages. Previously, I had completed the Journal, Wayfarer and Self passages first and second level pages. These four passages have taken me over a week to complete. Today, with the aid of a template, I am able to completed Burden first and second level pages. So much more can be done much quicker with copy and paste on templates. I retire shortly after eight pm.
(Day 70 TB) 51°F, 5:14 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I head right to the w-mart and begin right away on a new template for the Journal Passage, well, after purchasing a cup of hot. In my email, I am informed that there is a free purchase on my gold card and use it for lunch to have a grilled cheese sandwich and an free refill on my coffee.
Then by four pm, I am done with both the first and second levels of the Journal Passage. Before I leave the w-mart, I write to my journal and upload it to my web page. Chances are that this will be my last update to the web site until I make the drive back down the valley for an assembly in La Faria, Texas on the twenty-first of February which will be the spring circuit assembly that I will attend before heading back upcoast to Galveston county.
After I pack out of the w-mart, I drive to the e-mart and find that the price for a five hundred gigabyte (.5 terabyte) external hard drive has dropped some so I purchase one. I then drive north on US 83 out of the city and back to RGC for the meeting tonight.
Arriving at six-forty pm, I have just enough time to dress before the meeting begins, then walk inside and greet the friends. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart and park for the night
(Day 71 TB) 53°F, 5:51 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The low battery beeping from my phone awakens me and I get up, drive to the f-mart where I sit in the jammer with the engine running to charge batteries. At six thirty am, I turn off the engine and go inside for coffee and plug in my computer to the electricity.
At eight forty this morning, I head for the hall for the ministry meeting and go out with three car groups into the territory. We finish a little before noon and then I drive to the f-mart to begin pounding on the keys.
I work on uploading my files to the new external drive, copying all the photo files from both my computer as well as from the old external drive. Once all the files are on the new drive, then I will use the old drive to hold only an extra copy of these photos. I also upload my camera memory to the new external drive.
By six pm, I am nearly complete with then organizing of my files and then plan to upgrade the computer operating system to the new windows 10. I still am suspicious about a major upgrade that the manufacturer gives out free and wonder what kinds of spy ware in onboard.
(Day 72 TB) 54°F, 6:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After waking, I drive to the f-mart for coffee and to begin my day of key pounding. Previously, I have created all of the first and second level pages. Although not all of these levels are filled in to completion, I continue today with building the third level, particularly the store in the Burden Passage. As I work on these pages, I appreciate how quickly I am able to add content to these new pages, mostly by copy and past from the old web site pages.
The day continues awash with work, and then as the light of day comes to its end, the key pounding is still going on, right up until eight this evening. Then, I leave the f-mart, drive to the d-mart and while eating a can of sauerkraut watch a video from the monthly programs, one I have not previously watched.
(Day 73 TB) 40°F, 6:29 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I arise before daybreak, drive to the f-mart to fill my Yeti cup. When the cup is full, I return to the d-mart to don my suit. Then, I drive to the home of a call who had invited me to come to his home in the early morning but upon arriving find that he is not there.
After returning to the f-mart to pound a few keys while awaiting the ministry meeting to begin, I write about a couple of things. First, ideas for improving the appearance and content of the new web site continue to come to mind. I write most of these idea down in my paper journal so that they will not be lost. For instance, the time line that has always been a part of my web site has always hosted a gallery of photos of myself from infancy to the present. It was only a quick thought that came to my mind a few days ago, that there is need to develop a time line of the characters so as to better equip myself to write each character′s life story.
My first thought was to create a paper time line and then use it for the creation of each story. However, I continued unsure as to it′s creation or effectiveness to helping me achieve the desired goal and decided to think more on the subject. Then, this morning while writing to my journal, a though comes to my mind that what I must needs do is to use the existing time line and change it to a "Life Journey" line of all the characters. I will continue to think more on this idea.
Then, at eight-fifty am, I head to the hall for the ministry meeting, work with Daniel first in the door to door and then go on some calls. Afterwards, Daniel takes me back to the hall and I head for the f-mart for lunch and key pounding. After I eat, I then remember how recently I have said to myself I need to stop eating in these restaurants. The self agrees and then tells me, Ok, we will start tomorrow. Ever since I arrived here in RGC, I have been eating often in restaurants, too often and I really need to stop doing this.
After the sun sets, I leave the f-mart and head for the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 74 TB) 37°F, 6:25 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is quite cold this morning and upon arising, I do a quick cleaning with isopropanol and then get dressed with my winter blues. Then, I drive to the f-mart for coffee and to do my Bible study. Later, Perfecto arrives and I tell him that the Bible in now available in over 2800 languages. Then, I return to my study and finish just before nine am, at which time I drive to the hall, dress for the meeting and go in.
Afterwards, I go out in the ministry with Daniel, make a few calls, one which I find Giomar and Nora home and when they come to the door, Giomar is carrying a brand new baby girl as Nora has just given birth a few days earlier. We look up the topic of hope for the future, I leave a Good News brochure and make an appointment for returning next Sunday. Then, Daniel and I drive to Roma to call on one of Flourian′s calls because Flourian is away giving a talk in San Antonio. It is really apparent that this man is sighing and groaning over the conditions in this world. He invites us in and we talk, trying to help him visualize the real hope for mankind. Methinks, no, I am convinced that there is truly a great need here and I should return next winter with higher goals in the ministry, arriving earlier and staying until after the assembly. I must needs pray that this happens.
After returning to the hall, I change into my blues, drive to Falcon state park and go into the community center where there is a super bowl party going on. I take up a position on a table in a corner which is next to a electric plug. Here, I work on my web site for the rest of the evening. At eight-thirty pm, I pack out, walk out to the jammer and drive out of the state park to the county park for the evening.
(Day 75 TB) 47°F, 6:19 am.
Falcon County Park. CRS: 5.0
Up before the dayspring, drive south into Roma, Texas and stop at the f-mart for my daily dose of coffee and key pounding.
At seven pm, I leave Roma, drive south to RGC stopping at the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 76 TB) 49°F, 5:28 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is before daylight when opening my eyes, drive to the f-mart for a cup of coffee and a day of key pounding. At about ten this morning, I drive to the hair salon to get a hair cut after which I return for more key work.
After dark, I drive to the d-mart, watch a video, read in the Bible and then sleep.
(Day 77 TB) 44°F, 5:27 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake early again, drive to the f-mart for coffee and begin another day of key pounding. After a day of key pounding, I go out to the jammer to dress for the meeting tonight and see a group of
parrot nearby. I drive closer and get out my camera to take photos.
With windy conditions prevailing, this photo session is anything but easy. Still, I am able to acquire a few photos of a group of these parrots on a wire as well as on palm branches.
At six pm, I pack out and drive to the hall, and while I wait for the meeting, I clean the jammer some. After the meeting, I return to the d-mart for the night.
(Day 78 TB) 52°F, 5:55 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Another early morning, drive to the f-mart but they do not have coffee and neither do several other locations after checking because the city water is turned off. I leave RGC, drive south on US 83 and drive to the truck stop in La Grulla to purchase coffee and use the mens room. From there, I drive to the hall get dressed and join the group in the ministry.
At noon, I return to the f-mart for the evening to pound keys and remain here until the sun begins to set. When leaving the f-mart, I hear parrots overhead, stop, get out of the jammer with my camera and take a few photos. Like those photos taken in Yucaipa, these are not to great because these parrots fly before allowing anyone to get close.
(Day 79 TB) 53°F, 5:59.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up before the dayspring and drive to the f-mart, go inside for coffee, WiFi and another day of key pounding.
After working for many hours, some of the friends, including Aldolfo, come in for supper and sit at the table next to where I am, who offer to share their food but I tell them I have already eaten. We talk while they eat and after for a long time. It is after ten pm when I pack out and head to the d-mart.
(Day 80 TB) 58°F, 6:39 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up later this morning, drive to the f-mart for coffee and catch up on my journal entries. Then, at seven thirty, I head to the hall to prepare for the ministry meeting. I ride with Jonathan in his truck with David and we work in the same area which is called Los Lomas. This is Spanish for the hills and are part what is called the Hill Country of the Valley. Too, I must needs take of my suit jacket while in the ministry because it has become too warm to keep it on. Methinks that spring in the valley has arrived and in bethinking this realize that I have been seeing flowers all about daily.
After the ministry, I return to the f-mart to pound on the keys for a while. Then again at sunset, I drive to the d-mart and take my rest for the evening. While I am doing my Bible study, I realize that after the ministry tomorrow, I will no longer need to remain in RGC, but can begin my journey for this new year. So, my travel down valley to the city will start in the afternoon, in which I will wait for the circuit assembly before moving up coast towards Galveston, Texas.
(Day 81 TB) 56°F, 7:13 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake by the bright light that the suntouch explodes into the confines of my sleeping birth, arise, dress and then drive to the f-mart for coffee. I update my journal and then head to the hall for the meeting.
After the meeting, I say my goodbyes and then go on one last return visit before leaving but the couple is not home. Then I drive south on US 83 to the first w-mart, go inside, buy a cup of hot and try to access the internet. Wouldn′t you know it, their WiFi is down, so I remain here and work on my web pages until the sun set at which time I drive further south to another w-mart. After checking to find the WiFi working, I upload my journal entries for the last many days.
While sitting in the jammer, I notice that the sky has filled with colors.
(Day 82 TB) 60°F, 7:33 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After a rough night with little sleep, I arise, drive one mile west to the w-mart for a cup of hot and internet. Here, the humidity is near 100 percent because the jammer is too wet to wipe dry.
I stay in the w-mart all day and after sunset, drive back to the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 83 TB) 62°F, 5:21 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up before dayspring, drive in thick fog to the f-mart, but before going inside, wash my hair. Then, I grab my computer bag, go in and have a cup of hot to start my day of key pounding.
It is after the evenfall when I drive back to the f-mart and retire.
(Day 84 TB) 50°F, 5:22.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Wake, pound, pound, sleep.
(Day 85 TB) 61°F, 6:40 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The sound of my phone chirping to tell me that the battery is low awakes me at ten minutes after five this morning. After turning the power off, I go back to sleep until shortly after dayspring. When I do arise, the sky is full of color as it has been all this week both morning and evening. Then i drive to the w-mart and begin my day of key pounding.
With the use of multiple templates, I am making great progress on the new web site format. I have just today and tomorrow to work on the web site as I will be going to the assembly all day Saturday. Immediately after the assembly, I will begin my drive north again but I am not sure of my route as yet.
Yes, it is nice to be retired and not required to live a dictated routine every day.
Still, as that time draws closer, I will most likely have made the decision as to which route I will follow. Methinks that should be one where my steps have not yet been.
(Day 86 TB) 63°F, 6:22am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake after dayspring, drive to the f-mart for coffee and begin my last day of key pounding here in Weslasco. Tomorrow morning, upon arising, I will drive to La Feria, Texas.
At eight this evening, I drive the one mile between the two marts, eat supper and play solitaire until I am ready to sleep. I am reading in the book of Ester about the time when the Jews were exiled from their homeland. Before beginning reading in this book, I watched the video of introduction to Ester. I really enjoy the many videos that the organization has created, watching some more than once.
(Day 87 TB) 66°F, 6:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up before dayspring, drive to the nearby f-mart for coffee and then east to La Feria arriving by seven this morning, just moments before the suntouch and even before the parking attendants have taken their positions. I begin dressing for the assembly, donning my new shirt and tie and sit in the pilots seat awaiting the spiritual feast to begin. By seven-forty am, the parking attendants are directing the now slowly incoming traffic. At eight am, the traffic increases and I make my way into the hall.
At noon, I return to the jammer to eat my daystart, which by the way is constantly changing as I become more aware of nutrition and what are really living food. Before the music began this morning, while at my seat, I talk with Rigo and Angelica, who like myself only eat healthy food. However, they have done so all their lives and both are very slim and healthy looking.
The spiritual feast inside the assembly hall, has as it′s subject, Imitate Jehovah, and is wonderful. The only thing I dislike about this program is that in will only last for one day; I could sit at this banquet for days and not get bored. My battery is getting low, so I must turn off the computer, so I walk back inside to visit with the friends. The afternoon session is nice, I especially enjoy the new format for the Watchtower study in that it is now actually a study with questions and answers with different friends coming onto the stage to give an answer to an assigned paragraph.
After the assembly is finished, I walk to the jammer, climb in and drive north on IH 69E which also is US 77 and drive about a hundred miles, as far as Robstown, Texas. I pull into a d-mart and park for the evening.
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The Spring Sojourn in the
Galveston Bay Area
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The Spring Sojourn in the Galveston Bay Area
After a quick drive up from the valley to Galveston Bay, I park under the Oak Tree for three weeks before I am ready to begin my drive west to southern California.
(Day 88 TB) 65°F, 6:30 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
This day by driving north on US 77 north to Odem, Texas where I stop at a f-mart for a cup of hot and to check my com. Once my Yeti cup is full, I continue driving north on US 77 to Victoria, Texas and then take US 59 north to Sugarland, Texas where I stop at the hg-mart neat SH 6 to purchase food supplies. Driving south about seven miles on US 59, I turn left under the highway and follow SH 762 south to Brazos Bend state park for a shower. Finally, I then take SH 762 a short distance further south to SH 1462, turn east and continue to League City on SH 1462, 35, 517, and 646, arriving at the w-mart near exit 20 on IH 45. It is about four in the afternoon when I arrive and go in, have a cup of coffee and then update my journal entry, after which I upload it to the web site.
Methinks that upon arriving, there is a feeling of warm familiarity and attachment which makes me want to call this locale home, however, I no longer feel that anchor to this area of the earth. Although it is the vicinage of my rearing and that of my early schooling, where I first studied the Bible, where many friends live and where most of my family abide, I have separated myself from any such heartstrings. Nevertheless, upon my return here, there remains that warm feeling which continues unbroken from my inner persona. Oddly, this same feeling strikes me whenever my steps take me back to the rock, this being what I call the island whereupon is Oak Harbor, Washington.
The sense of familiarity leaves me upon entering the w-mart, which has been remodeled, has new faces and now serves alcohol, yes, this world is in constant change. What has not changed is the availability of internet access and a receptacle to plug in to. Thus, I resume my key pounding.
(Day 89 TB) 66°F, 6:01 am.
Snow Full Moon.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up to a humid and overcast morning which conceals any disclosure of the moon. The drive to the w-mart is about three hundred yards, just through the parking lot and across the street where I acquire my morning ceramic cup of hot and resume the work in progress.
It rains on and off all day and then I go out to the jammer for a supper of grapes and peanut butter crackers and play solitaire while eating. Afterwards, I read the remaining three chapters of Ester.
(Day 90 TB) 65°F, 6:00 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The rain resumes during the early morning and is coming down full force when I arise. I drive to the w-mart, purchase a tall blond and ask for a for here cup, then I sit down to resume my work for another day. During the day, the rain stops, the wind picks up and the temperature begins to drop. It is cool again outside, much to my liking.
At six-thirty this evening, I pack out and go to a Mexican restaurant for supper. After eating a very filling meal, I return to the d-mart for the evening. Along the way, I see that the standard price for gasoline is $1.359 per gallon. Almost all gas stations are selling regular for under $1.50 per gallon. On the way up from the valley, just after I filled up at $1.35, I saw a station selling for $1.199 per gallon. Methinks that here in Texas, the price may even bottom out under a dollar. Again, I say, Only in Texas!
(Day 91 TB) 48°F, 6:01 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon arising, I see the waning gibbous moon two hands in the sky with a planet in conjunction. Due to the long standing overcast sky that has been the status, I did not know at first which planet it was but of the three that shine as bright, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter, I guessed Venus and the most likely. Then, upon arriving at the w-mart, acquiring my cup of blond and tuning on the computer, I checked online and found it to me Jupiter. Further, I learn that Mars, Saturn and Venus are also overhead to the south.
Next, I resume my work on the web site and do not stop until well after sunset, drive to the d-mart and climb into the back of the jammer.
(Day 92 TB) 41°F, 6:02 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
After awaking first at five this morning and then returning to sleep, I arise at six, dress and then drive to the w-mart for coffee and to resume my work. During the drive, I see that the moon is two hands from Jupiter which is two hands above the horizon.
At five-thirty this afternoon, I leave the w-mart and head for the hall in Webster, Texas, the one just across Clear Creek, a waterway marking the outer edge of Harris County. I tell some of the friends, that this is the closest that I ever get to Houston. I go to this congregation because it is the one which I have spent the most time when here and too, the friends all know me by name. During the meeting, it is announced that their assembly is on the sixth of March, the Imitate Jehovah assembly which I attended in La Feria a week earlier on the twentieth. Also, the Memorial campaign begins this Saturday so before leaving, I obtain twenty tracts for the ministry.
It is close to ten this evening upon leaving the hall and I drive back out of Harris County to the d-mart, park and then search online at jw.org for the memorial video clip. Once I find it and download the video, I then get horizon and close my eyes; it is after eleven pm.
(Day 93 TB) 49°F, 7:51.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I awake at five-fifty this morning but decide to sleep more and close my eyes. The at almost eight o′clock, with the sun more than a hand above the horizon, I rise and begin my morning routine.
Long after dark, I retreat to the jammer, drive to the d-mart and after watching a video, I retire for the night.
(Day 94 TB) 46°F, 6:41 am.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon my rising, I see that the dayspring has already begun and that there is a slight layer of dew on the jammer. I climb out of the sleeping birth, step outside, grab my hand towel and wipe down the wet surface. Then, I drive to Bay Area Blvd and stop at the w-mart for a cup of coffee and sit in the jammer to write my journal entry while the batteries are being charged.
At eight this morning, I drive to the hall in Webster, get dressed and wait for the ministry meeting to commence. Thursday evening, I made arrangements to work with Carl, so today, I get in Alfonso′s van with Carl, Barbara, Joe and Lenda and the six of us work door to door in University villiage, a subdivision not far from Clear Lake. Later, we stop at a w-mart for coffee and at noon, we go to a f-mart for Mexican food, and then return into the ministry until one this afternoon.
When I am dropped off at the hall, I return to the jammer, change back into my blues and drive to a w-mart, the one on SH 3 in League City, Texas where I continue my web site work. Long after the sun sets, I drive my sister′s home and park on the street, climb into the back and close my eyes.
(Day 95 TB) 48°F, 4:41 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
I have been awake for about an hour, trying to return to sleep but finally, I give in to my body′s refusal for repose, rise and continue working on my on today′s study. After finishing the study, I drive to the w-mart on SH FM2094, which is the closest to Susan′s home, the oak tree house but need to wait until it opens. When the door becomes unlocked, I walk inside and take my place in the corner next to the wall plug and begin pounding keys.
At eight this morning, I leave the w-mart, drive to the hall to join the ministry, get dressed, and wait for some from the Bay Area Congregation to show up but never see any. Methinks they congregation has another location for their ministry meeting because the hall is abuzz with activity from three other congregations, even one beginning their weekend meeting. Without changing out of my meeting clothes, I choose to go to nearby w-mart and work on my computer until time to go to the meeting which begins at twelve-thirty.
Finally, at twelve fifteen, I am walking into the hall for the public meeting, greet the friends, many of whom I am able to call by name, nearly all of whom call me by my name and this causes me to recall to mind my thoughts on Day
88 TB, when I was thinking about calling this place home. This one group of friends do so make this a welcome place to me, one in which I do have the inclination to refer to as a home of sorts. However, there are many similar locations that I have come to in my travels, places, or rather congregations, whereupon the friends therein have become close friends. But that is the nature of a brotherhood, ones of the feather, those walking towards the rainbow, footstep followers of Jesus, fellow servants of Jehovah, call it what you may, but a rose by any other name is still a home place for a wayfarer. So, yes, this is home for me, just like many others where I have fiends as these.
After the meeting, I return the FM2094 w-mart and resume working on my new website. At about five pm, Jeff sits in the seat next to me, greets me and begins work on his computer. I see that he has a large book of calculus and make the statement "That′s a hard subject!" which begins a conversation between us. Later, I ask the question, "Do you read the Bible?" to which he hesitantly answers, no. A discussion about why he should read the Bible ensues and I show him the video Why study the Bible and then give him the What does the Bible Teach? Bible study aid. An hour later, when he says he needs to leave, he thanks me for our discussion and tells me that he would like to keep in touch with me. I give him my email address and tell him that I would like to know what he thinks about the book.
Then at seven this evening, I call Susan, ask if she is home and she invites me to her home. I tell her that I am at the FM2094 coffee mart and that I should be there in five minutes. Upon arriving and knocking on the door, the dogs bark and Susan comes to the door to give me a hug. When I walk in, Chad gets up and gives me a hug also. We sit and talk to so as to get caught up and Chad tells me about his new business, a mobile barbecue restaurant trailer. There is some barbecue ribs in the kitchen and I am offered some, which are absolutely the best meat and not only is the taste superb, but falls away from the bone. I have always felt that he would do good if he started a restaurant and hope that he will succeed in this business. At eleven pm, I excuse myself and head out to the jammer to sleep.
(Day 96 TB) 60°F, 6:50 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Last night′s late ending causes me to sleep past the dayspring, but then get up and drive to the w-mart for coffee. Later, I return to the oak tree house and begin washing the jammer after which I help Chad and his dad to get a stainless steel refrigerator working again. We found some burnt wires in an electrical box and after replacing the wires, turned on the motor and waited for the inside to became cold, which it did. The refrigerator is going into a food prep trailer that Chad is outfitting to cook barbecue.
After we finish this, Chad′s dad leaves and I begin working on the sliding door on the jammer. I am able to open it and then begin to remove and clean parts so that I can reinstall the door in an effort to get it to open and close. It has been closed since day
56 TB, when I hit the guard rail. It takes several hours but I am finally able to get it to open, shut and locked albeit not like I had it before, but at least it is usable now.
At six-thirty, I go inside for some chicken soup with Chad and Susan and then leave to return to the jammer at eight-thirty and finish putting away all my things. I write in my journal for a while and then get horizontal for the evening by nine-thirty.
(Day 97 TB) 65°F, 6:55 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
I awake once before the dayspring but return to sleep and arise much later. The dew from the humidity has saturated the jammer so I get out grab my hand towel and wipe down the outside. I think again how glad I am to have the sliding door available again. Then, I drive to the w-mart on FM2098, park and walk inside to get my morning dose of coffee, WiFi and key pounding until ten this morning, at which time, pack out of the w-mart, drive back to the oak tree house and continue work on the jammer and my burden.
With the sliding door available for use, I spend the entire day cleaning the jammer, inside and out, sweeping the carpet of all crumbs and debris. As my leaning arrives at the rear and I remove the tool box and cooler, I think again how I have long desired to have a spare auto battery that can be used when the engine is not running for lighting and drawing power to charge other batteries. I get out my paper drawing tablet and begin designing something that I think will work. Later, when Susan comes out to visit, I show her the design and she asks me what an isolator is. I tell her that it is necessary to allow charging of both batteries but when I use the deep cell battery, it isolates it from the starting battery and prevents it from being drawn on.
After dark, I go inside and sit with Susan and Chad while they watch their shows on the television, but soon leave to retire and go out to the jammer.
(Day 98 TB) 59°F, 6:01.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Up before the dayspring, but it is still two hours away so I return to sleep and do not arise until near the suntouch. I drive to the w-mart but do not stay long, instead, begin looking for a deep cell battery that will fit into the space that I have available. Three stores have the battery, all the same model number, selling for 159, 148, and 135 dollars, the lowest price also having a one year warranty. This means that for less than two hundred dollars, I will have a charging station in the jammer which does not require the engine to be running.
I also find an isolator for thirty dollars but have to come back later to pick it up. Then, at shortly after noon, I return to under the oak tree and begin installing the new circuit in the jammer. Chad′s new barbecue trailer arrives this afternoon and he begins to outfit it with some of the equipment he already has. He asks me for help to carry the larger items. I am able to install the inverter but only after changing the design I had on paper to leave the inverter outside of the under-floor box because it needs to have air circulating to keep it cool. Then, I begin to remove the electrical cords I had previously placed and set then up according to my new layout. Somewhat later, Susan arrives from work and comes out to sit with me to talk and I show her the progress that I have made, during which time, the sun sets and it is too dark to continue. Methinks, once this deep cell circuit is complete, I will have 12 volt led lights in the rear of the jammer and should be able to continue even when the sun sets.
Then, I leave to pick up the isolator at the ap-mart and some wire terminals at the hw-mart. I also stop at the d-mart for some chocolate covered almonds and then return to the oak tree and share my chocolate with Chad and Susan. Then, at nine pm, I go out to the jammer, read in the book of Job and then close my eyes.
(Day 99 TB) 70°F, 6:49 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
This waking up real early and going back to sleep has become a routine for me as I did it again today. Waking up first at four this morning, and knowing that the w-mart is not open until five, I go back to sleep but sleep longer than I want to, even to a point that when I awake, my back is aching. This makes me want to buy an alarm clock so that I will not over sleep, however, I have not used an alarm for some twenty years now, why add one to what I must needs carry; besides, this is most likely just a phase brought on by my being in this high humidity. Actually, after a cool front blew in Tuesday evening, the humidity has dropped to below seventy percent and has been hovering there without the thick dew each morning.
I drive to the w-mart and pound on the keys for several hours before I return to the oak tree and continue on my electrical work on the jammer. I remove the starter relay, move it forward on the left wall inside the engine compartment and make room for the new isolator that I have purchased. Then, I try to reinstall the starter relay but can not get the wires correct and the engine running. With the jammer sitting in front of the oak tree house, I have WiFi access to the internet so I go on line, search for "Aerostar starter relay" and find a photo showing the exact positioning of all the wires that attach to the starter relay. After I connect the wires correctly and try the ignition, the engine starts and runs smoothly. Methinks, what a grand tool this internet is.
With the sun now setting, I stop, go inside for a shower and afterwards, drive to the hall for the midweek meeting. The Bay Area congregation has an assembly this weekend, and when this occurs, a congregation does not have a mid week meeting. So, I drive to the hall south of the oak tree house and attend the Dickinson Congregation where I only know a few of the friends. Still, the meeting is enjoyable and after, I drive back to park under the oak tree and due to the tree being a live oak, it drops leaves onto the jammer throughout the night.
(Day 100 TB) 56°F, 6:40 am.
Parking at Oak Tree House
Awake just before the suntouch, drive to the w-mart and have need to don my jeans because the temperature is brisk. I pound the keys for a time before I drive across the creek to the hw-mart to purchase wire and terminals for completing the charging circuit, but find what I need at the hw-mart after returning back across the creek.
The rest of the day is taken up putting the two lengths of wire into a wire tube protector, then wrapping the protector with electrical tape, and finally stringing the assembly from the engine compartment under the jammer along the frame, over other components and attaching it with tie wraps. Once the length of wire is spanning from the engine to the rear jack compartment and secure along it′s length, I then begin to install each end. First, I make the connections to the isolator and ground on the main battery. Next, I walk to the rear of the jammer and install the battery through the rubber stopper in the bottom of the jack compartment, turned battery box. Finally, I install ends on the wire and connected it to the deep cell battery.
After taking a shower, I ask Susan if she wants to go to a Mexican restaurant for supper and then we leave right away to drive to the corner of SH 3 and SH 518 in League City for our meal. Afterwards, we return to the oak tree and I retire to the jammer.
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This Page Last Updated: 31 May 2026
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