IN YOUR OWN WORDS - PART II

At the current time, we are not subject to the hardest part of the Coronavirus outbreak. (I have resisted calling it a "Pandemic", but have heard it is now official.) None of us has been forced to self-quarantine - at least none I've heard from. And thankfully, no one has had to be admitted to the hospital having contracted the virus. I know the news is overwhelmed with articles and TV spots that try to cover all that is happening. However, I've always felt that any hardship one is going through is made easier if we can talk about it and share our feelings with someone who cares.

(I just learned that my grandson Tanner has been exposed by someone who was exposed by a member or guest of the UT president's family, who has someone who tested positive. Tanner is self-quarantining until he gets an all-clear. His dad took groceries to him. They both have been attending UT.)

The coming days we - due to our age and regardless of our good health - may be isolated or even quarantined. The upside of this is there can be lots of positive things we can do while at home. All of you reading this have internet access. Hopefully, most of us have things like cable TV, cord-cutting services like ROKU, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Pandora music, and more things for the television viewers to binge on. Many of these can be watched on the internet on our computers as well. Of course, we are too old for video games (smile), but those who have iPhones can enjoy Words With Friends. Some may have Kindle or android devices to download and read books.. local libraries rent them for free. 

I have toyed with the idea of getting back to my artwork in the form of pastels. DOTTIE BISHOP may end up very wealthy with the extra time for adding to her paintings that she sells. I am still waiting for her to send some photos of her favorites. PATI COCKRELL is excited about her new quilting hobby, and JUNE CURRY crochets some of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen.. and now she can do more to pass the time. 

This also might be the time to write that book you've been planning to write for years. JAMES HAYS will certainly have time to continue his writing about the Runnels County history. And of course, all of you who are Facebook fans can stay in touch with one another and share your frustrations.

From ROSALYN URBANTKE:

"Hello Marilyn, we here in San Antonio, Texas are doing OK. I personally am staying at home - I do not want to get that virus. I was too sick last year and knocked on the death door twice. So I am really being careful. I do have lots of toilet paper which is a big joke here. I would love to hear from some of the classmates on how they are all doing. Thank you for keeping up on all the news and sending it to all of us. I hope you are well."

ROSALYN, I am so glad you survived the terrible health issues you suffered last year. Means you are a really tough gal! 

"Responding on behalf of my mom, JERRYE JACKSON...she is a resident at Manor Park in Midland, Texas where the facilities are under quarantine. I usually see her every day so this is an adjustment for both of us. But we both understand the reason for it. She is being well taken care of. Midland schools have closed for two weeks and grocery store shelves are empty. No cases of the virus have been confirmed in our area and the craziness seems overkill to me. I blame the media for the panic and hope I don’t have to eat my words. Mom sends her thoughts and prayers for everyone’s safety."

JERRYE, yes, for those in care facilities or even those of us who live alone, it is really quite an adjustment. Thankfully, you have caregivers who are dedicated to seeing you are protected and well taken care of during this critical period. And thank you, Benita, for informing me of JERRYE's situation from time to time. Maybe she has a window in her room? You could visit her that way, and even take a little chalkboard to send her your love while there.

From JAMES HAYS (Brownwood, Texas):

"I have kept busy keeping up with Texas Dept. of Health, Texas Med Assn, etc. as I am the Brown County Health Authority. County health doc. That and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee. Mostly, I have had to deal with false rumors. Everybody should know what to do by now. The overall plan is to delay infection to buy time for development of a vaccine which is a time consuming thing. Ordinary coronavirus shares billing with adenoviruses as the cause of common colds, but this one has altered its DNA in China and is a real problem for old folks like us now, like it or not. Just follow the advice on hand washing, social distancing, etc.

"Tentatively, I am scheduled to give a paper/talk in Lubbock Friday, May 3rd for the West Texas Historical Society on mail delivery by stagecoach and other means. This may change on short notice due to the health situation. We had the Runnels County Historical Commission meeting today, and we are writing a book on various aspects of local history which should be out as early as mid-summer. I will have four chapters in it."

Yes, JAMES, it sounds like you have been busy. What have you and Kay been doing to prevent bringing the virus home? With the traveling you are doing, it seems you might be exposed at some point. You (like I and many others in our class) have had health problems that make us "vulnerable". Please take care.

CHARLES FIKES (Hearne, Texas): Haven't been affected. People have gone crazy buying all the toilet paper. I don't understand that. Schools are closing including A&M. Playing hell with our 401K. But God is in control so we don't have anything to worry about. Hope all is well with everyone else. Be safe." 

BOB BURTON (Flower Mound, Texas) and his wife Ann had to cancel their trip to Galveston this week for spring break with our daughter Carajean, some of the grandchildren, and other family members. They didn't decide to cancel until last night. I am pretty certain BOB is sorry he's not getting to go fishing. My son Matthew and his family were also planning to go. Yesterday he texted me, "I'm going to catch the biggest shark I've ever caught!" (He loves to scare me.) Last year he got stung by a jellyfish! Personally, I'm relieved that they aren't going. Other than the disappointment of not going fishing, I'm not sure what BOB and Ann are experiencing due to the outbreak.

This an extremely long post, but before I end it I will post something that just popped up in my inbox:

From DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS (Pearce-Sunsites, Arizona):

"Hi, and how are you? I have missed your personal touch to all of us. I sincerely hope the present state of affairs has not put you in danger. As for me, all is okay. In this little village of oldsters, we are always prepared and have a good supply of everything since we have no grocery, gas or convenience store anymore. Most of us make periodic runs to Sam's or Costco. Many are being sensible and staying indoors. As for me...not so much. I am going on as usual and my calendar is full. I have paintings in two shows this month and another the first weekend of April. Our church is depending on God to help and we are proceeding as usual as well. In fact, I must hurry on or be late to our Women's Bible Study this morn. I send wishes and prayers to all our '57 survivors. You take care, sweet lady, and let those kids take care of you! Love to all."

Oh, if all of us had her spirit! You go, girl! 

One of us does. Not a girl, but BOB BURTON. On his recent 81st birthday he made the comment, "81 is not old anymore."

Over and out,

Marilyn

IN YOUR OWN WORDS

From PATI PRITCHARD, Red Oak, TX:

"Hello! Nothing different. Went to Big Bend last week and had fantastic time. Home now and amazed at the toilet paper craze. Don’t get that 'fea'. If you were exposed, diarrhea isn’t part of the process.  We already had hand soap in the house so really just sitting back and watching. Finally retired after 80th birthday and daughter and I are learning to quilt. I have enough projects to occupy me for a looong time. Hope all out there are doing well."

I know we all remember Johnny Carson. Do any of you remember this from his show in 1973? The Great Toilet Paper Scare of 1973

From JUNE CURRY, Edmond, OK: 

"We have bought a few extra supplies at the grocery store. At the requests of all four of my children I am now staying home for the near future. I repeatedly have said I am not afraid of my mortality from this virus, but neither do I want to kill someone else by getting and passing it on. So for now I am doing as they have asked and sheltering at home. Martha (daughter) with her severe asthma is doing the same. (Son) Chris is diabetic but practices constant washing of hands and disinfecting surfaces at his work. (Son) Scott is being proactive as well in his job and at home. I know that our future is totally in God’s hands, but we are expected to do what the authorities have asked of us in order to try slowing this monster down."

Just last week I got this good news from JUNE: "My implant is working so beautifully that I joined my church choir last week and was able to stand and sing with them last Sunday. This is so wonderful to be able to participate again. I have about three more weeks to completely heal from the surgery with the wires being cemented into place through scar tissue forming. But I am already getting such pain relief that it is actually a joy to get up in the morning. I thank God every day for this device and the relief from pain it brings."

As you may know, JUNE has suffered for years with back pain -- she has had several surgeries trying to alleviate it. She was prevented from attending our 50th Class Reunion due to a surgery. Our medical technology is wonderful and her recent surgery of a new type of implant was an answer to her prayers. I'm sure the current virus outbreak is even more of an imposition on her as she can now navigate with no pain. JUNE, hopefully the same technology will come up with something that will shorten our isolation!

From TRUMAN CONNER, San Antonio, TX: 

"I asked an HEB supervisor two days ago about the raid on toilet paper, and he had no idea. Told me warehouses were full so I googled it. Herd mentality in US deemed caused by shortage in Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea furthered by media frenzy. Just got home from HEB, and all the beef inventory was gone from refrigerated bins. Checker told me HEB closed a store today on the Southside because the store was being raided by customers. Ignorance and survivor mentality is in full bloom. Social media is proving to be the bane of the world. All of this is so unnecessary. Could cyber terrorism play a part? I mean, really, We have so many enemies in other parts of the world who would, maybe could, sow discord and chaos to the USA."

From NANCY BAKER, Ballinger, TX:
"Our grocery store was out of toilet paper this morning. I bought two packs yesterday. One guy was buying 5-packs of water."

From NEIL BROUSSARD, San Marcos, TX:

"Seemed to be shutting down most everything here in San Marcos and Wimberley. Went to H-E-B a couple days ago and didn’t see any shortages. Volunteer at library and Lions...both shut down until further notice. Neighbor is a teacher and she was told not to stay at home."

DENNY HILL, Port Jefferson, NY, planned to be in Warsaw for the summer, as he usually is. Today he wrote the following: 

"In Poland everything is closed except for food stores and pharmacies, e.g., restraurants, bars, clubs, cafes, etc. - areas all closed. This is for 10-days, but might be extended. The border has been closed since Friday (13th).

"The (COVID-19) outbreak is still small, but they are not stupid, and can calculate what is going to occur.

"My Polish friend Pawel says it is too late there; that they should have done it 3-weeks ago, then there might have been a chance."

We should have done it weeks ago, too, Denny! Sorry you have to sit at home like the rest of us.

Since my last post, I ordered groceries online for my son Craig to pick up Friday night. He stayed a good ten feet away from me after bringing the sacks in, and wouldn't stay more than a few minutes. I was surprised to see that HEB could only fill one-half of my order. They were out of stock on the rest.

Today, my daughter Carajean picked up some of those missing items at another store and brought them to place on my front porch. She had a can of Lysol and sprayed the packages, then spoke to me from the front yard. Oh yes, she brought me two rolls of toilet paper from her home.

Dear God -- is this what life will be like for weeks or months to come??

Peace (and don't touch your face!)
Marilyn

GOODBYE "MISTER T"

Sadly, I heard from NANCY THOMPSON BAKER this morning that her last living brother had passed away. If I remember correctly from our high school days, he was called Junior. I think the name his students gave him, "Mister T", shows not only was he thought of affectionately, but he was given the respect he was due. NANCY, please know we send our love and condolences to you and your family in this time of loss.

Claude Thompson, Jr.

Claude Thompson, Jr., also known as Mister T to many, passed away on March 1, 2020. Claude was born in Runnels County, Texas on October 19, 1925 to Claud Thompson and Verda Mae (Yancey) Thompson.

Claude grew up on the family ranch, where he, with his brother and sisters, helped the family deal with livestock, also running a farm on acreage nearby. Ranching at the convergence of the Concho and Colorado rivers afforded the sons a chance to fish, frequently “noodling” catfish in a favorite water hole.

Claude's mother was a school teacher, and educated the children, along with others from Ballinger, Bethel and Paint Rock Texas. At the age of 17, Claude hitchhiked to Texas A&M, where he enrolled in classes leading to an agriculture engineering degree.

As WWII raged, Claude took a deferral from his education and joined the US Army, serving with distinction in the European Theater as an infantryman. Claude earned 2 Bronze Stars during his military career. Following discharge, Claude returned to A&M, finishing his studies in 1946.

Immediately following his graduation, Claude went to work for the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, where he was assigned to Rotan Texas in Fisher County. While working in Rotan, Claude met Frances Sargent, and they were married. There, they raised son, Glenn Sargent Thompson.

Eventually, Claude transferred to Haskell Texas, where another son, Gregory Layne Thompson, was born. The Thompson family lived in Haskell Texas until late 1966, when Claude transferred to Uvalde Texas. There, Claude and Frances remained until Frances' passing in 2013, at which point Claude moved to Pflugerville, Texas, where Claude lived with Greg and Linda Thompson. Claude spent the last years of his life under the care of Sodalis Assisted Living, Memory Care unit.

Following Claude's retirement in 1996, he went back to work with the Uvalde Independent School District as a substitute teacher. While at UHS, Claude was affectionately referred to by students and staff as “Mister T”.

Claude was preceded in death by his son Glenn, brother Robert, and wife Frances. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Mohler and Nancy Baker and husband Jake, son Greg and wife Linda, grandchildren Taadamexa Thompson Smith and husband Travis, Tanya Lynn Thompson McGonagill and husband John (JP), Tulley Nolan Thompson and wife Jacqueline, Susan Bethany Thompson and husband Matt Brown, 8 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.

Services will be conducted by Chaplain Mike McClung of Hope Hospice at 11:30 March 7, 2020 at Rushing Estes Knowles Mortuary in Uvalde. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels 611 N. Walnut ave. New Braunfels, Tx. 78130, or at hopehospice.net/donations.

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Do any of you recognize these? One of them contains emergency food for one person for 30-days. I'm not sure what a bucket contains, but my younger son informed me I will be getting one delivered to me tomorrow. Why? At first I thought he was up to his old tricks. He's known in the family as a big practical joker. This time, he isn't joking. He has ordered enough of them for his family of four as well. The threat of a Coronavirus pandemic - and the fact that there is already a victim in San Antonio (75-miles from Austin) and a person being monitored here in Travis County leads one to believe it is here. 

Not only am I now 80 years old, but I have COPD and use oxygen. A friend sent me this recently: "A rather sad realization is that it is inevitable that I will eventually get this virus, as most people will, and then it has a good chance to kill me. (Being 80.) It p***** me off; I did not want to die that way." Nor do I, my friend!

Our classmate JUNE HASH CURRY told me that she is not worried about all the negative news about the virus as she is very strong in her belief that God is watching over her and her loved ones, and that she will only leave this earth when it is her time to go. 

Whatever your belief, please take any precautions necessary to prevent becoming a victim to this latest scourge on the planet. Things are bad enough in our government and all of the negative politics we are witnessing. Watch upbeat movies on TV, listen to your favorite music, and read The Good News Network to remind yourself that "this too, shall pass away."

Let me know how you are coping with the thought of the Coronavirus spreading as well as the dispressing political scene we have been witnessing. Share the "good stuff" happening in your life!

Peace and love,
Marilyn

P.S.
As I was writing this, my electricity went off twice today, knocking out my internet service as well. It took Spectrum four hours to get it up and running again. During that time I missed some important news. Son Craig texted me that the powers that be in Austin have canceled SXSW (South by Southwest - https://www.sxsw.com/) due to the spread of the Coronavirus. This is an annual event that brings hundreds of thousands of people from many parts of the world to Austin. Sadly, this will cause a huge revenue loss to many, but the danger inherent in the crowds that this festival and conference bring to our city is much too risky. I'm certain there are many such events (even Olympics in Japan) that will be affected before this year is over.

We say goodbye..

To Ann Keele Ellis:

Juliah Ann Keele Ellis

Juliah Ann Keele Ellis, 81, went to meet Jesus on Friday January 24, 2020 at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio , TX.

She was born February 6, 1938, in Ballinger, Tx to Audie Randle Keele and Ela Erma Wyche Keele. She moved to Bronte in 1978 and made this her home. She was a cosmetologist, stay at home mother and enjoyed sewing/quilting. She was a Baptist.

Survivors include her two daughters, Brenda Ellis of Bronte and Vicki Moore of Midland. Grandchildren: Skyler Ellis-York of Ft. Worth, Kaitlin Moore, Evan Ferguson and Kevin Parks all of Bronte. Great Grandchildren: Gracyn Nicole Bishop and Paige Riley Bishop of Bronte. Sisters Lola Jones of Bronte, Louise Newman of Kerville, and Sue Jones of Grosebeck. Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

She was loved and adored by many and everybody who crossed her path became family. She had a heart of gold and a smile that could brighten up any room. She was an amazing Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She may be gone, never forgotten and her spirit will live on through every heart she touched.

There will be visitation Wednesday, January 29, 2020, from 5 pm-7 pm at Shaffer Funeral Home in Bronte, Texas. Services will be Thursday January 30, 2020 at 10 am at First Baptist Church in Bronte. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home.She will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Bronte.

Online condolences can be made at www.shafferpioneer.com

Ann at the 50th BHS Class Reunion

RIP, Ann.

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

HOLIDAY NEWS AND UPDATES

I haven't written here in a long while. Mostly, due to the events happening in our country politically. They put a damper on my enthusiasm for the holidays, and for writing anything other than emails and Christmas cards.

Thanksgiving was held at my daughter Carajean's home on Lake Travis. Her daughter Ashlyn came from OKC with her cat, Olive. Olive had recently undergone surgery and needed medication a couple of times a day. Carajean's dad, BOB BURTON and his wife Ann were also there. Ann is highly allergic to cats, so I volunteered to keep Olive over here. I sent my sweet potato/apple casserole (which I'm now discovering very few in their family like sweet potatoes), was glad I didn't have to lug an oxygen tank over, and was delighted to get plates full of all the turkey and trimmings and desserts brought to me!  Meanwhile, Olive made herself at home.  She explored most everything she could jump on, and even slept on my bed briefly. I held my breath as she decided to check out my totem table (this is a little blurry). I really enjoyed this furry little companion! However I missed the domino games with the BURTONS.

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DENNY HILL usually spends the Christmas and New Year's holidays in Warsaw, so I asked if he planned to do so again this year. As usual, I got what I asked for -- interesting news from DENNY.

"Marilyn, you asked if I was spending Christmas with some Polish family?  

"Christmas in Poland lasts effectively for 3 days:
  24th is Vigilia
  25th is first day of Christmas
  26th is second day of Christmas

"So, for example, tonight, the 24th, I am invited to spend Vigilia with Aleksander Wysochi(*)...it will be the 3rd consecutive time I have spent Vigilia with him. He cooks a special dinner for us, which consists of a number of courses, starting with the mandatory shot of cold vodka, before the special marinated herring with his 7 spices which he has prepared 3-days before...then a soup most likely with mushrooms and small pierogi...likely a cup of borsch, then of course the carp, salad...and who knows what (there have to be 12 dishes...for the 12 disciples)...and one empty place setting for the unexpected guest...that is their tradition, even if you are an atheist.

(Me: I think most of us will agree that we prefer the traditional holiday dinner of turkey - or bird of some kind - and all the accompanying side dishes like dressing, mashed potatoes, and even green bean casserole! I freaked at the idea of carp!)

"Thankfully on the 25th I have a day to recover from the Vigilia. Then on the 26th it begins all over again, with a more or less normal Christmas feast, and I am invited to the Nurowski's along with the Trautmanns. Ewa and Kasia, Pawel's wife and daughter are already working on it. 

"There is a little interval to rest up to get ready to survive New Year's eve, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it. (Thankfully, if you recover from New Year's eve, then it sort of is over, January 6 being the next time to worry.)

"(*) He lives a few blocks down the street from me. Aleksander is a 67-year-old Polish actor, mostly on stage, but also in some movies. Now he is retired from acting, and makes his living by sometimes dubbing movies or computer games, but actually has his own business training people in the business environment who need to become better at presenting themselves or their products. He uses his stage acting skills to teach them how to get their message across. Interesting and nice guy, who helps me with my Polish by speaking very carefully and not too fast, so I can understand."

DENNY later told me he spent an enjoyable New Year's Day watching commercial-free concerts of classical music and operatic tributes to Pavaroti on Polish TV. He neglected to say how he survived New Year's Eve.

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JUNE HASH CURRY Family - Christmas '19

JUNE (the lovely silver-haired lady in the front row) celebrated Christmas with her family. Even sons Kevin and Michael, who have been living in Mexico for the past year. Kevin was kind enough to write an article last year about their experiences moving there for my other blog: "To Take or Not to Take". 

As some of you may know, JUNE has experienced back pain for many years, having surgery and many attempts by doctors to relieve the pain with no success. In December she wrote the following regarding a new device her doctor wanted to try:

"I have such good news concerning the device for my back. I am scheduled to have the wires inserted for the testing part of the procedure done on New Year's Eve. Then after 8-days of seeing and feeling whether or not this device will help my spine with the enormous pain relief I need from it, I will either go back for the full surgical procedure of installation, or we will know after the testing whether or not to take out the wires and call it a no-go. If this doesn’t work I will have to go back to the last surgeon and have more drastic surgery further up my spine, which he doesn’t want to do at my age and I really do not want to have." 

This past Saturday I asked her how it was working, and was delighted to get this: "I am nicely wired up and in the fifth day of testing the device. It is working beautifully and I cannot wait for the permanent surgical procedure."

Please keep JUNE in your thoughts and prayers that this is the relief she needs so badly. There might be some of you who experience back pain as well, and therefore, will benefit from knowing about JUNE's new device.

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Not everyone had the best of times during the recent holidays. A few days ago, NANCY THOMPSON BAKER called me and told me she had 14 family members for Christmas dinner. She then went on to tell me that since then, her and Jake's son Russ and his wife Kathy had a house fire that destroyed or damaged nearly all of their belongings. What a blessing no one was hurt. Thankfully, they had rental insurance. In the meantime, they are staying in a motel and wearing temporary clothing NANCY and daughter Phyllis picked up for them at Goodwill.

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While we all have counted our blessings in recent weeks, we must turn our attention and our prayers to the horrific wildfires going on in Australia. The devastation, loss of lives, homes, and wildlife should make us more and more aware of climate change; and urge our lawmakers to pay attention and do something in the way of laws or regulations to help the worldwide effort to curb it.

Our prayers must also be continuous for the thousands of U.S. military who are being sent to the Middle East to join others in protection against the terrorist organizations and the Iranian government's threats due to the recent attack carried out against their top General by our current president and his administration. 

May God bless us all in this new decade.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

WEATHER, ANTELOPE, ELK, AND GOOD ITALIAN FOOD AND WINE

Another "hodgepodge" of information from the BHS Class of '57.

To try to keep up with the weather across the U.S. lately is a big job (almost as hard as keeping up with politics!) I think of people - classmates, friends, and relatives who might be in the line of fire. (Pun intended.) Most of my family and friends on the West coast have moved East, but I remembered ROBERT HOLLIS and his family still live in California. Because of the deadly wildfires, I reached out to him, and received a welcome reply:

          "The closest wildfires to us (we live five miles from Disneyland) are about 75-miles away from us. We have only had hot winds and 95+ degree weather at our house. All is well with the Hollises. I am getting along walking more carefully with a cane, but the heart doctor says he will see me again in six months. [I wonder if he (Doctor) alerted the Lord that he expects me to live at least that long.] Take care. Enjoy your changing weather and thanks again for checking." BOB 

When I received that email, I asked BOB if I had missed something regarding his health. He responded thus:

"2002 heart problem. Three stents and a pacemaker. My second pacemaker was installed in 2009. I'm still upright and smiling...and riding a stationary bike 30-minutes a day--at least five days a week. Keep smiling, Marilyn. You are doing a good job with the class of '57 info."  I am happy that BOB is doing well healthwise, and that they are not near the terrible wildfires.

In regards to last month's post about the animals visiting DENNY's yard in Port Jefferson, NEIL BROUSSARD sent the following:

"Saw the pictures DENNY sent of his deer. Thought you might like to see what we have here in San Marcos. (Texas) These are more rare than albinos. They are not found in most places but we do have a few here. Haven’t gotten a picture of the Buck yet."

(This makes me wonder how on earth they see a "white tail".)

Then this morning, NEIL sent the following:

"I took it (the above photo) in my back yard. Wish I could get a picture of the Buck, but he’s too skittish. I have about fifteen or so show up in my yard. Here’s the only shot I got of the Buck. (Is this a black whitetail, too? He's a beauty.)  

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My son Matthew recently sent me news of antelopes (tan-and-white colored creatures with spiraling horns also known as blackbucks) spotted in the Austin area. This was taken in Lakeway, which also has deer roaming throughout the neighborhoods. They have become such a nuisance one can be fined a hefty amount for feeding them. It's not unusual to have a deer cross the highway in front of you. Officials believe the antelope (there are many) have escaped from a Hill Country exotic animal ranch.

(Blackbuck Antelope by David De Gendt for KXAN)

I found a cute blog written about the "wildlife" in this part of Texas. She has taken photos of the antelope as well. She is not a native Texan. A City Girl in Texas

And then there was this: "There is a large herd of wild elk in South Austin near Circle C Ranch. Yes, you heard correct: ELK. They have been out there for many years. They live in the Greenbelt near the golf course." A new toll road has gone in near there, and folks are warned -- even signs posted -- that elk may be on the road. I was surprised to hear that elk are native to Texas!

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I remarked in my last post that I hope DENNY HILL makes it back to the U.S. okay. Obviously, he did. And before he left Rome he sent me the following review of his week there.

"I was rather surprised when I realized that it has been 10 years since I was last in Rome! (On my last sabbatical in 2009.) Of course it is the "eternal city", so in some sense nothing has changed.

"On the other hand, I have noticed some significant changes: for example Termini (the main train station) has been modernized, and now there are many surveilance cameras, more police, and the pickpockets and scam artists, who were preying on tourists seem to have disappeared. Likewise those thieves who stole your luggage in the train from Leonardo da Vinci to Termini are gone...probably due to having cameras in the Leonardo Express, and now you have to pass a security check before getting on the train, and show your ticket.

"However, the strikes, general chaos, and struggle to live here remain in place.

"About food: as we know there are only two cities in all of Italy where you can pay high prices and get bad food...Rome and Venice. So since my hotel is only two short blocks from Termini, I was expecting to be ripped off by falling into tourist trap-type restaurants. But just around the corner from my hotel, only one and a half blocks from Termini, I found a small restaurant, claiming to serve 'local food', and went there almost every night. It is 'La Lvpa', Via Marghera 37/39. Very friendly atmosphere and Italians eating there. Really good food and wine at not so terrible prices.

"It made me wonder why it is that the exact same cannonical Italian dish is so much better here than the **** you get in the US, with the same name, passing as Italian food. Aside from the simplicity, which is the key to Italian food, my conclusion is that it is the liberal amount of good olive oil. For example a scalopine al limone which I just ate, after a primo of a true spaghetti alla carbonara was amazing.

"Hope to survive my Alitalia flight back."...Best, DENNY

Glad you did, DENNY. And thanks for the review for those who may be planning a trip to Rome!

Peace, love, and good eats,
Marilyn

HODGEPODGE

Fall has officially arrived, although until yesterday, here in Austin you would never believe it. This year was the hottest ever in the history of Austin.

"We average about 14 100-degree days per year (period of record dating back to 1898), but more recently, that number has been much higher. The average over the last 30 years (1989-2018) is 27 days of triple digit heat. The most ever (90) happened in 2011. Last year, we had 52." (CBS Austin)

I haven't found the total number of 100 degree days yet, but it is record-breaking. The month of October thus far:

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

9/29

Actual Temp

98°

77°

Hist. Avg.

87°/65°

9/30

Actual Temp

99°

80°

Hist. Avg.

86°/65°

1

Actual Temp

99°

78°

Hist. Avg.

86°/65°

2

Actual Temp

98°

77°

Hist. Avg.

86°/64°

3

Actual Temp

97°

75°

Hist. Avg.

86°/64°

4

Actual Temp

96°

75°

Hist. Avg.

85°/64°

5

Actual Temp

97°

72°

Hist. Avg.

85°/64°

6

Actual Temp

99°

72°

Hist. Avg.

85°/63°

7

Actual Temp

85°

68°

Hist. Avg.

84°/63°

8

Actual Temp

87°

63°

Hist. Avg.

84°/63°

9

Actual Temp

96°

69°

Hist. Avg.

84°/62°

10

Actual Temp

99°

78°

Hist. Avg.

84°/62°

11

Actual Temp

82°

47°

Hist. Avg.

83°/62°

12

Actual Temp

65°

54°

Hist. Avg.

83°/62°

13

Actual Temp

82°

56°

Hist. Avg.

83°/61°

14

Actual Temp

89°

71°

Hist. Avg.

82°/61°

15

Actual Temp

96°

74°

Hist. Avg.

82°/61°

16

Actual Temp

76°

56°

Hist. Avg.

82°/61°

17

Actual Temp

77°

54°

Hist. Avg.

82°/60°

18

Actual Temp

85°

51°

Hist. Avg.

81°/60°

19

Actual Temp

96°

66°

Hist. Avg.

81°/60°

20

Actual Temp

95°

65°

Hist. Avg.

81°/60°

21

Actual Temp

82°

63°

Hist. Avg.

80°/59°

22

Actual Temp

83°

50°

Hist. Avg.

80°/59°

23

Actual Temp

87°

54°

Hist. Avg.

80°/59°

24

Actual Temp

86°

49°

Hist. Avg.

80°/58°

25

Actual Temp

59°

44°

Hist. Avg.

79°/58°

Can you believe the heat? Although yesterday was so cool, I actually had to put the furnace on, today it will be 70 degrees and tomorrow 80. And they keep saying "there's no such thing as climate change". I thought Arizona was hot. I remember folks telling me, "at least it's a dry heat!" Unfortunately, we cannot say that about Austin.

I heard from GENE ROUTH. He sent the following message:

"Woke up this morning (Thursday) to 10 inches of snow. Fall/Winter is definitely here. Hope this finds everyone doing OK. See you next year, God willing."  GENE and Lenna

GENE also sent the following beautiful snow scenes at their home:

Beautiful to look at, but I'm glad you don't have to drive anywhere in all that snow. Bet the mountains of Colorado are treacherous as well.

The tornadoes that hit the Dallas/Ft Worth area and moved north into Oklahoma last week missed BOB BURTON's place in Flower Mound. JUNE HASH CURRY said the storm didn't do any damage to their home in Edmond, Oklahoma, but gave them much-needed rain. It also gave us two (2) inches of rain here in Austin. We've had such a drought of late, even the pounding on my metal roof was a welcome sound and I slept like a baby. 

Does anyone remember the snow days in Ballinger? NANCY THOMPSON BAKER said she didn't remember guys riding in a car down the park hill. They would pull an old car hood behind them with someone foolish enough to ride on it like a sled! I remember making them let me out of the car before they began that dangerous trek downhill. Also, does anyone remember riding on icy country roads on those snow days? At one time someone in the back seat had a rifle - probably a 22 caliber. The car slid off the road into a small ditch, and the rifle went off, tearing a hole in the back of a seat. It's a wonder no one was seriously injured or killed during those foolish rides. (I sure wish I still had that "pea coat".)

Nancy sent the following a couple of weeks back: "I haven't told you about our new dog named BOZO. She was found out on a country road starving.... you could count her ribs. She makes a good companion for BRANDY (another rescue dog) and our cat, BEARCAT - continuing the "B" names. BOZO escapes every chance she gets and we have chased her down MANY times. She's a Chiweenie, small and not well-behaved. She learned how to escape the yard gates quickly, and sneaks out every time I go outside."

I found this online and NANCY said "That's an exact picture of BOZO except she is dark brown and has a pink collar":

DENNY HILL has been in Rome the past week. I got a late answer to my email last night asking him what kind of plane he was flying on. (At one time he was going on one of the Boeing 737s that have been recalled. He didn't give me the type of plane, but the airline he's traveling on was on strike all day yesterday!): "Alitalia...direct flight from JFK to Rome. Meeting over today, gave my talk, and now have one day, Saturday, to walk around.  Fly back on Sunday, and teach two courses on Monday."   Busy guy!

As you can see, I took up a lot of space on some things (on weather) that may not be too interesting. I really would like to hear from more of you. The good, the bad, the stuff in need of prayer work! Unless some of us plan on living to the ripe old age of 100, we may not be around too many more years to share our news.

Peace, love, and good health,

Marilyn