National Parks Week


April 15th to April 23rd is National Parks Week, and I couldn't be more excited about the commemoration.  As an avid camper, even though I haven't been in a while, I absolutely love the outdoors.  Almighty God created this vast Earth for our stewardship and care, and it is the responsibility of humanity to pass this treasure on to the next generation.  Thankfully I have been to quite a few State Parks and National Forests over the years.  A few of my favorites include: Mission Tejas (East Texas), Lake Mineral Wells (D/FW), Blue Water Canyon (Grants, New Mexico), and Bryce Canyon (Utah).  Naturally there are those I like more than others, but every state park is a gold mine of experience waiting to happen.  Whether you are a novice or seasoned traveller, I highly recommend subscribing to two periodicals: Texas Highways and Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Both will provide greater insight in to what Texas has in store for your enjoyment.  In addition to National Parks Week, today is Bicycle Day.  Recent events have re-acquainted me with the bicycle locked up on the front porch.  (The truck was at the mechanic for a week and a half.)  Yes, there was a re-kindling of the freedom that comes from roaming the outdoors on two wheels.  Someday I hope to get a road bicycle so I can leave my mountain bicycle for the trails of the campground.  So far that is still an unrealized dream.  Bicycling is a great form of exercise and fellowship, providing an awesome cohesiveness for family and friends.  For extra fun, marry the two activities by taking your bicycle to the campground.  The thrill is unparalleled.  Enjoy these two holidays by participating in or the other, or possibly both at the same time.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nightmare is Over

A little over a week ago, I finished working at Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco Shop for a second tour of duty.  Once again, I found this particular place of employment extremely toxic and dysfunctional.  With the exception of one other staff member, the crew at the shop were too chummy with one another in very unhealthy ways.  Similar to the first experience, I was micro-managed and isolated from feeling a part of the "family", as the manager liked to call the company.  I never felt included...only taken advantage of and then made to feel inferior and worthless.  The customer base wasn't too much better than the work environment.  In some ways, the customers were worse...a bunch of entitled, rich people who wanted their way while everyone else be damned.  Spoiled-rotten brats!  The manager summarily decided, without even consulting me, that I would be moved to an "on call" position.  Since I'm not naive, I realize this means I'll never wor...
Read more

Seeking Closure!

Last week I was able to get away from the land of exile in order to visit and spend time with family.  Even though part of our plans for a trip to East Texas fell apart, I very much enjoyed spending three wonderful days with my mother in Yoakum.  During this time, as she still had to work her shifts at the church, I was able to scratch off quite a few items from the bucket list.  Many of these items have been on there for several years awaiting much-needed closure.  On top of the list, but really in no particular order, was to visit the Alchoholics Anonymous group in Victoria where I tried to get sober in 2004.  Even though I didn't recognize anyone in attendance, I did enjoy the time spent in fellowship.  Then a visit was made to Memory Gardens Cemetery where three acquaintances are interred.  One in particular, my friend Amy, was buried there in 2021.  Regretting not being able to attend her funeral services, I made every effort to locate her gr...
Read more

New Beginnings!

Today I began working a secondary form employment with Cartan's.  It is a shoe store selling men's and women's footwear located on Magnolia in the Near Southside of Fort Worth.  Ever since I moved here I have tried to get hired on with this place of business.  I formerly worked for the owner at the Rockport Shops in Houston.  Figured I was a "shoe" in with the amount of experience yours truly offered.  Finally, I was hired on and began by working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I dove right in and tried my best.  Slowly but surely, all of my skills and abilities will come back.  The manager seemed pleased and thought I really didn't need much help.  I shadowed him and a few other employees while they waited on customers.  In addition, I helped to put away drags, which are leftover shoes from the sale.  The store hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.  Woohoo!  Think I have found my home....
Read more