§ He's Got a List...and Checking It Twice!!

At sunrise, I was getting prepared to go to town along the seawall; a car trip over Ocean Drive, parallel to the coastline.  The Rotary Club and several other institutions recognize veterans in a special way. It's quite impressive to see. The first time, years past, I went to view the tribute, there were maybe 50-75 flags in one park only, unfurled with each flag dedicated to a certain veteran of wars/peace time. I try to go each year. This year, a couple days ago, I drove there with intentions of taking photos as I walked. But, to my surprise, the flags display started at ONE park and continued through 4 more seaside parks....my estimation is 1000s of flags! Each separate flag dedicated to an individual. The flags are purchased for $50 to raise money and help those who served our country. I was in awe. I took a few photos, but this is just a minimal effort....

At the first park I pulled off and didn't park, I just sat in my car and viewed a bit. I was a bit speechless. I knew there'd be more further down the street, closer to town. I left shortly and followed the traffic flow to another...surprised at how many I'm seeing! Then, another park! Still more flags. The scene was a spectacle and humbling! Finally I stopped at the 'main' coastline park and got out and walked along the trail.

Leaving from my morning walk, it was becoming overcast, and I had other stops to make before heading home. Before I reached the car the sky was painted gray yet the sun persisted...

I stopped at the nearest Dollar Tree, but didn't find much. Across the street, there is a Walmart. I still had to get some bananas for lunch [my potassium supplement]. Once in the parking lot I noticed a LOT of police vehicles up front. My first thought was a shoplifter caught. Then, what with things going on these days I thought "Should I go in or stop somewhere else". There was no commotion or lights flashing. Nothing roped off, no stand off scene, and other shoppers were coming out and going in. Okay. Safe! I bagged my bananas and then, just 'cause I'm a fanatic, I headed to the holiday shopping area. As I walked through the aisles, I notice the cops!!!! They were everywhere. Each had a cart and a list. Their carts were filled. Aha! This too is a tradition here in Corpus. The police department play holiday angels to those in need....children [poor, orphans, foster homes]. I stopped and asked the one in my aisle if I could take his photo for my blog. He permitted me to snap a photo. I asked how many he is shopping for and he said three. "All girls". Later as I walked further, I spied another officer...she was talking to herself. I had to laugh inwardly. Then I saw some holiday leggins and first blogger I thought of was Sandra. She shops frequently at Walmart and wears those comfortable leggins with ease and style. I thought these would be perfect with a long plain red top. With her complexion and fun demeanor, these would be great. Even if she wouldn't wear them anywhere, they'd make a wonderful set of lounging pjs or part of Christmas Eve wardrobe!! She'd look mahvelous, don't you think?!

When I got back home, Isaiah was happy to see me.

§ Tumultuous...Disorderly...and a Bit Confusing

This past week has been a turmoil in our quiet neighborhood. From across the street, to down the street, to ON the street!!

First, across the street. I don't know what it was all about, and I don't WANNA KNOW what it was all about, but around 2:30 one morning, I was awakened by my bedroom lighted up and walls flashing red, blue, and white. I knew something was up. ...the 1st amendment of the constitution tells us we're okay with our stand to protect ourselves.  Some day it may be a necessity, so you may understand where I'm going with that statement.  Or should I take cover on the floor? It seemed very quiet out there beyond our exterior walls. So, instead, I grabbed my cellphone and switched on the flashlight software to guide me thru the darkened house, thru the kitchen and into the garage. There I shut off the phone's flashlight and crept to the garage door, hoping to not trip over anything and make noise... and I peeked through the window. The street light on the corner illuminated the house across the street....5 cop cars!! Cops in uniform everywhere. Some in the neighbor's driveway [which by the way, the patrol units were blocking his vehicle]. All remained quiet and eerie. I watched. I took a few photos [in case of police brutality...you wonder just where I got that idea?!!] and then watched the neighbor, handcuffed and placed in the back of the SUV...shoes off so he wouldn't run. About an hour later, they all left...taking the 'prisoner' away. I went back to bed. Bud, literally, slept through it all.  Corpus Christi has high crime in some areas, but for our residential area, not so much...a very safe one.  And quiet.  Usually; up until this week.

Now, on the street [and in the yard, driveway, on the sidewalks]. Two days in a row we had heavy temporary flooding! Heavy rainfall. Storms with high, tropical force winds at times. All I could do was sit inside, dry, watching the water build up and hoping the sewer system along our street could withstand the amount falling...enough so the houses wouldn't get flooded inside. Once, from the front porch,  I watched the water accumulate on the street, making it a river. I watched as the continual rain fell and it started to cover the street's gutters, rushing to the drainage openings like a tempestuous brook. Then, the water crept up to the sidewalks, covering them, making them invisible.  As the walk up to our porch and front door began to disappear under the deluge. The storm passed to the north, but the thunder rumbled most all of the remaining day and into the night...only to have another swell move in the next day. Same thing!!  After  those two days, the Texas Gulf Coast was hit by the large dust storm carried across from the Saharan Desert.  Sky was a bit muddy looking far north of us and warnings of hazardous conditions for those with breathing illnesses. 

these last two photos are from the cellphone at 8x magnification through the hurricane shutters and screens - water on the glass/screen

And last, down the street.  I was busy, doing laundry, when a lot of commotion outdoors called me once again to go and inspect what's going on this time!  As I looked out the window, with dryer lint still in my hand from cleaning the filter...billowing smoke was coming from the peak of a house just two houses away from the police raid the other night!!  I don't know how they 'rate' fire alarm calls, but if it's by the fire trucks showing up...it was a 4 alarm fire!  Two ambulances, and many many firefighters.  The largest of the trucks, hooked up the hose at the hydrant and all work began.  Soon, the smoke was gone, but naturally, they all stayed...probably putting out embers and then sticking around to make sure no other hotspots existed.  Now, I do know that a nice, and very courteous to me, young man and others live in this house [one of my favorite houses in the neighborhood by the way...almost castle like with turrets and stone, and arches...tall, pointed roof-tops].  Anyway, I must apologize, but I sound like the Trumpster right now....I saw no Hazmat Suits anywhere, so no meth lab gone awry. Sorry, but it did cross my mind.  I want to blame my sinister thoughts on the media!  That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Later that afternoon, I walked around the block and did a bit of reference work only to see what looked like a chimney fire - or damaged, torn chimney parts?!!! In June? With temps at 7:30 in the morning in the 80s?!! Also, one front window was torn out...maybe a cigarette on the couch or in the bedroom?  The lady across the street from this house told me no injuries or fatalities. Honestly, it really is a quiet neighborhood.

Then, turning the corner, I snapped a photo of OUR house. And, I thanked my lucky stars it wasn't ours in dire straits. And one reason I took a photo of the ambulance is that it and I are quite an intimate pair. This is the one that has taken me to the ER with heart attack and SVT...both times! M6 [we're good buddies!!]

_ _ _

One more thing then, I'll let you go...

BREAKING NEWS:  The World Health Organization has announced that dogs cannot contract COVID-19.  Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released.  To be clear...WHO let the dogs out.

I lied...NOW it's one more thing...

Bud hung up a huge world map in the kitchen and gave me ONE dart and said:  "Throw this and wherever it lands, that's where I'm taking you when this pandemic ends."  Turns out, we'll be spending two weeks behind the refrigerator!!

§ More Babbling....

Just what home would you choose if you had to? Out of 50 most expensive homes for sale [1 from each state in the union], it was difficult. But I narrowed my choices to two. My ultimate dream home has always been on the Pacific Ocean. Ocean views with all glass walls...high on a bluff, with so many acres called mine, my nearest neighbor would be MILES away!!  Anyway, just for fun one morning while perusing the web so as not to wake up Bud in the quiet hours, I scanned the most expensive homes up for grabs.  I was astonished that the 'expensive homes' were so LESS expensive in some states...location, location, location!!  And I definitely wasn't impressed with the one in Texas - of all places, Dallas?  No way.  I'd prefer the Texas HILL Country!   Note to self: "I must start playing the lottery; and win!!!"

Here is my top choice: Michigan

[19.5 million]

Known as Granot Loma, this 26,000-square-foot log cabin comes with an enormous hot tub, a private harbor, an apple orchard - and of course, a private island.

The fact it's on a private island appeals to me greatly. Besides I like the rustic home AND its wooded surroundings.

Here is my runner-up: New Mexico

[13.65 million]

Nestled in the foothills of Santa Fe, this manor offers phenomenal views of the Sangre de Cristos from many of its rooms, which include a formal living room, a grand dining room, and a library.

Oh, oh...did someone say a library? Of my own? Yep, that would be a selling point for me.

So, if you have about 10 minutes of spare time, try and pick YOUR ideal dream home from the most expensive homes for sale by state.  Awwww, come on, dream a little.  It's cheap entertainment!!  Check 'em out by using the arrows at the top of the listed pages!!  HERE  I'd be most interested in your choice[s].

no copyright infringement intended

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I did a little bit of holiday decorating again. This time I strung the lights on the sleigh and reindeer garland. I was hoping it resemble the reins from the hands of Santa, but it didn't.  They're up and lighted!!

When that was done I finished with the fireplace. Of course, living here in South Texas it rarely gets below 40 degrees at night, so there really isn't any need for a fire in the fireplace [we do have some firewood, only for cold nights/mornings when the power is out for some reason]. Anyway, I decided to add some candle glow...

- - -

Reading our local news online via my phone, I was all smiles when I read this report!! I'm gonna share the photo that was linked from Facebook...

It made me feel good to read something positive, and the patrolman also felt the need to show that there ARE good people out there!! Someone wrote on his patrol car "Thank You"! In lieu of all the negative cop stories etc. these days...well, did I say I liked reading this?!!

- - -


One more thing; I have a question: In all my years, I have NEVER eaten a scone. I found a holiday recipe for cranberry scones with maple butter. Erik, our son, LOVES cranberries!!! Now my question is...are scones tasty? Your input is invaluable to me.

§ A Funny Thing Happened in Search for a Booby!!

Christmas is now just a memory.

Christmas Day,  2006, Hootin' Anni's became a reality...starting my 8th year blogging here.

Many times, I've mentioned that where I live our winters are more like everyone's autumn. Rarely does it get below 35°. But, the last couple of weeks, the temps have been considerably cold and the deciduous trees are giving us a display of color change...if you know where to look. And in the last couple of weeks, when we hopped in the car to chase birds, we came upon some rich autumnal colors!! From along the Nueces River in Bazemore Park near Calallen, Texas, to Paradise Pond in Port Aransas, Texas and Indian Point/Sunset Lake Park in Corpus Christi/Portland Texas area....

Our bird count is growing. A few more different species have been added, like the Reddish Egret [both in non-breeding colors to their white morph winter garb] to a hefty flock of Bufflehead Ducks at Indian Point Park near the North Bay area. But, I gotta add this little ditty ...I frequent the Texas Bird Sighting site to see what birds have been seen in our area [actually I only pay attention to the coastal area, but the site shows ALL of Texas' sightings]. Anyway, for the past month, there have been rumors/postings of a non-land bird [Brown Booby which Bud and I figured was a ship's stowaway and ended up inland] seen along the ship channel near the turn-around for the big oil tankers and cargo ships. Well, Bud and I have driven out there a couple of times, and yesterday morning, early, we drove out there again since we figured the shipping channel and oil tanker trucks would be very limited on the highways since it was Christmas!! For that, we were correct. VERY LITTLE semi-truck/transporting going on. But, the area the bird has been spotted several times, there is now a HUGE oil tanker docked along the channel and parking area for cars ---thus, blocking the view of the abandoned barge where the bird has been seen perching!!! So, we decided to hop back in the car and drive around the long way to the BACK side of the channel!!! This is where we usually run into an overload of semi truck traffic!!! As I said very little [just two semi-truck tankers on the highway yesterday] ---but to make a long story short -- we pulled off on to the shoulder of the highway to get the back view of the barge...we were standing on the side of the road, viewing the birds perched on the barge and flying around it through our binoculars...when Bud said to me: "We've got company!". I dropped my binoculars and looked over behind the car...there were Christmas lights flashing!!! A city cop had pulled behind us. I guess the ship channel tower thought we were terrorists...'cause we had been stopping and looking through our binoculars for some time here and there. They called the cops on us!! After he saw us and my camera and bird book in my back pocket he assumed we were looking for birds. I chatted with him for a while and after a "Merry Christmas" exchange of wording,....he went on his merry way!!  We left a short while later and ended up near Portland, Texas at Indian Point Park and the tidal basins looking for special feathered friends.

We never did see the Booby! And I doubt we'll go back. We'll just take the others' words it was/is there.


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