Back on the Hill

Finally! I have been on the road for eight days. That is about five days too long for me. I was working the booth at both of our largest conferences for the year, which were, unfortunately, back to back this year. Tracy house sat for me, so at least my cats were in good hands. It was comforting to finally drive up 2012 and see the lights on in the distance and know all was well.

Apparently it rained the whole time I was gone. It is raining now. Even the plants that really needed rain seem to be begging for a break. The bluebonnets popped up a month early, confused by the weather and water. If they can make it through the winter, it looks like we'll have a banner bloom next season.

Most of the electronics are up and running after the big lightning storm. I am only waiting for the sound system guys to look into the lost zones. What a mess all that was. I am still waiting to see if the tree lives. I don't have a lot of experience dealing with trees hit by lightning.

I got to visit my nephew Coy this week while I was in Baltimore. I drove down to Annapolis to deliver McDonald's to him and his roommate. They were most appreciative. Coy took me on a tour of the splendid campus. The architecture is ornate and substantial and the trees enormous.

Last weekend I got to visit with Coy's parents, my sister Mary and her husband, Barry. We all watched the Paluxy peddlers climb "The Wall", which is my hill. The riders who make it to the top get a patch for their efforts that reads "I Climbed the Wall". I keep saying I will earn one for myself one day. We'll see! We went to the A&M verses Arkansas game later that day to watch A&M get romped. At least I got to see the new Cowboys stadium. I am getting all kinds of flack for not being overwhelmed by the size and awesomeness of It. What can I say? It is a very large stadium. With a really big TV hanging over the field.

Tracy and I started two good fires today. It was the first time I really warmed up since I got back to Texas. The cold rain is permeating.

I hope all of you who read this blog can make my housewarming celebration on November 7 from noon to midnight. Tracy's brother is smoking brisket, sausage and chicken. If you remember, bring a side dish and something to sit on, as there remains a dearth of chairs here on the hill. Also, I am having a book exchange, so feel free to bring or take a book for or from the library. Until next week, peace from the hill.