Ale for the Soul

Since leaving the Fort Worth area, I have been busy taking advantage of staying with my mother in Yoakum.  First on the agenda was a day spent in Victoria.  Among other things, and the cherry on the cake, so to speak, was a time of fellowship with my friend James.  We topped off our visit by smoking a cigar on his front porch.  I felt so free and unstressed by my time around the old stomping ground.  The next day, I headed to Palmetto State Park near Gonzales, Texas.  I hadn't been there since Cub Scouts well-over thirty years ago.  It was exactly as I remembered it, only better.  Overall, I only spent a few hours at the park, which included smoking a cigar, but I very much enjoyed the trip down memory lane.  If I could have foreseen how beautiful the weather would have turned out, I would have spent the first few days of my trip camping out under the stars.  Oh well, maybe next time!  Today I spent part of the morning in Cuero, Texas, cemetery-hunting.  In addition, I checked out

On Sunday morning, I packed up the truck in order to hit the road to parts hither and thither.  I really couldn't afford a week-long trip, but I felt compelled to escape exile from Fort Worth for mental health reasons.  In spite of my efforts to make the best out of my time living here, I instantly felt better as soon as the city limit signs were in my rearview mirror.  After making my usual stop at the Czech Bakery in West, I resumed driving in the direction of Cameron.  A friend pastors the Methodist Church, and I wanted to make a surprise visit.  I may have compromised my intentions when I sent a text message to my friend asking if he would be in town.  I still think he was surprised when I showed up.  The church's worship service and subsequent sermon by the pastor were both enjoyable.  After a three-hour delay, including lunch with his family, I was back on the road toward Yoakum.  I did make a few more stops in both Giddings and Schulenburg to check out and photograph a f

Once again, I find myself out of gainful employment.  At a little after Noon, the district manager showed up in order to terminate yours truly.  The reason was bogus, but to refute the charges would have been futile.  To be honest, I was relieved as I no longer had to put up with the panic attacks I would experience prior to working a scheduled shift.  The job was stressing me out with all the petty behavior.  It was obvious the store manager would either control me or push me out.  Unfortunately, I was pushed out.  I have nine more months before my legal obligation ends, and I was hoping to ride that out where I was in spite of the health and emotional costs associated.  The plan of action is to not begin looking for employment till the first of December.  In the meantime, I will enjoy my newfound freedom.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I desire to spend the time with family and friends.  Another aspect of this termination I'm thankful for is the avoidance of experi