Stand by for Breaking News

 

If my calculations were correct, the Winter Solstice for our part of the world happened at 6:12 AM this morning.  There have been many articles printed, and stories on television and the web, about the end of the Mayan calendar and the end of the world.  We put the information in the file for kooks and hoax’s.  My favorite cartoonist, Jimmy Johnson, the creator of Arlo & Janis, did an entire series of strips on the subject last week.

The days arrival does bring to mind the guy we met in Arkansas last year.  If you weren’t a follower back in September of 2011, you may want to go and read my post from that day.  I understand the highlighted text didn’t show up well in Google Reader, so you may have to read it on Blogger.

I’m sure that shortly after the first of the year, there will be big news out of Little Rock.  Scientist’s will announce finding evidence of the missing link that has eluded them for centuries.  Hidden in the wilds of Arkansas.  As I mentioned then, you meet all kinds of “interesting” people on the road.

The cold front blew its way through our part of the Country around 5 yesterday morning and the sun was out again by 9 or so.  Temperatures fell throughout the day and strong winds brought down more leaves, dead limbs, and pine straw.

It didn’t make the predicted 28 degrees this morning. Only 34, and the sun is shining again with a high forecast for the mid fifties. I think I’ll do a little loading of the Casita and truck later today.  Only five more days until the egg is rolling, again.  Looking forward to getting together with some folks at Fort Pickens, a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, for a week or so of fun and fellowship.

We had friends over early for a pancake breakfast, and really enjoyed visiting with them. It seems more difficult to find time to visit during this period of the year.

For those hitting the road in the next few days, Safe travels, and Merry Christmas…..jc

Almost Christmas

 

Yep.  Those are Christmas wreaths hanging on the porch posts.  I took these pictures earlier today while wearing a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.  There just may be something to that global warming.  Not really sure there is anything we can do about it, though.

Those are begonias still blooming in the old whiskey barrels and the elephant ears haven’t even been touched by frost or freezing temperatures.

We have lots of this stuff covering the ground this time of year.  We use quite a bit in our flower beds, and around the trees and shrubs in the yard; and also give trailer loads away.   I usually still have to burn some to get all of it off the grassy areas of our yard. 

 

A storm is scheduled to blow through early tomorrow morning, and is forecast to bring our first below freezing temperatures of the season tomorrow night. A frosty dawn Friday, on the first day of the new Mayan Calendar.

, and Model Trains!

When thinking about putting together yesterdays post, I didn’t plan to end it as I did.  It was to be a post about a lazy day in which we attended the parade and visited an old landmark in our little town.  The title was “A Country Christmas Parade, and Model Trains”.  It just didn’t go as planned.

So, back to the trains.  A few years ago it was discovered that an old depot from the town of Summit was rotting away on property way out in the country.  It had been hauled there years ago and used as a hunting camp before being abandoned.  This wasn’t a depot building from the big Illinois Central that ran through town, but of the little Liberty-White railroad.  A small line started by a local man that was one of the pioneers of the area.

The ladies garden club came up with the idea of having it moved back to near downtown and restored for use as a small community center.  It was in horrible condition and many, including myself, thought it was a waste of time and money.  We were wrong.  I should have known that a dedicated group of women can do anything.



The building has been fully restored inside and out.  Each year at Christmas local model train enthusiasts set up a few layouts.


 

I don’t suppose there will many electric trains sitting underneath the trees this Christmas.  I do remember the Christmas Santa left one for me.  After talking with the owners of these layouts, I sure wish I still had it.  They brought back some fond memories.


 


It wasn’t all about the boys, though.  There was also an old Victorian style doll house.



It was fun to visit with some folks we know, as we reminisced about days gone by.  It was good to see smiles on faces such as this.  Don’t think I’ve ever met a happier Conductor.

                             

It’s going to be a busy week around here.  There’s supposed to be a crew of about forty people; made up of siblings, kids, in-laws, and outlaws at our little place next Sunday.  Lots of house cleaning, yard clearing, and cooking to take place before then.  I may do some of it, myself….jc