Not only would I visit here but I would probably camp on the site for a few days to get a feel for the land. Along with the 'feel' one also gets in touch with those who lived and thrived here for a time. Much like our native lands in South Dakota the time is always good when it is devoted to the ancestors and all who have walked before us. The photos(sad to say)are not mine, they were taken by a photographer by the name of Denzine, I believe, who lives down Texas way. Texon, Texas, " A Little Bit of History " Texon was a company owned town. It came to life on May 28, 1923 when oil was discovered on University of Texas lands by Big Lake Oil Company. The company built all the homes, all the stores, all everything. By 1930, there were a thousand residents in Texon, all employees or dependents. The town had everything and anything needed to support its population. Texon thrived from the 1920s through the 1940s but as oil production from the field diminished, the town began to fade. In 1962, the company sold its operations and most of the homes and other buildings were either moved or razed. What is left are the foundations of former homes and other debris to mark the site that is located about one-half mile south of U.S. Highway 67 on Farm to Market Road 1675. The lady who posted this on FB said she would live here and I echo that statement. Just looking at the pics conveys to me a certain presence of peace and that I look for everywhere I go.

This is the second litter of Chihuahuas this year from Snickers and Snooki. The first was on April 10th, the very worst blizzard of the spring and the second right after the biggest snow, wind and cold of the year. Could be a sign of something. This has nothing about why I am blogging this morning! Teddy was a cry baby puppy from Snooki's first litter. Frightened of everything. He was the first out of the womb April 10th and the least likely to be sold to anyone because as soon as there were strangers about he hid. So he became my puppy and received his name. I've raised 84 puppies and sold all but one. I kept this one and now share with you the experience of raising a dog from birth. April 10th 2013 I put my head over the side of the bed to see what the fuss was(last spring I had Snooki sleeping right next to the bed the last week of her pregnancy)and there was the first of the April litter. His name is now Teddy and 8 months later we have really(I do mean really bonded differently than any other animal I have ever been around or had the pleasure of sharing this life)he is amazing! The unique thing about having one from birth is that they know you as well as they know their own parents and they have only one person to relate to in everything. Yesterday Snooki added a little brother and 3 sisters to our family for the still growing everyday Teddy. Now I am blessed with another most amazing thing to witness as it occurs. Snickers(father)is not allowed near his babies for weeks(Snooki nips at him if he gets close)but Teddy can get right into bed with all of them and Snooki does not mind. He is still a cry baby, unique from each of the others. That is why I guess I had to keep him, or maybe I was just really curious now that I'm old enough to spend the time it takes to raise a dog from birth. These new four will all be sold. Snooki will be fixed so that we have no more pups. Snickers is getting old(past eight years now)and Snooki will as well(she has to be three)but Teddy and I will travel the road together. 40 years ago I had a pomeranian compadre that stayed with me 17 years through three wives hundreds of homes and thousands of miles. Maybe it is time for that type of relationship again(not the change in wives, that was crazy)just live each day as it comes and love one another unconditionally until we are no longer on this journey of life!

It was a journey of discovery, one that cannot be repeated every year, but only every half decade. I am still astounded by the miles covered, places visited, and people met. As our riding season winds down here on the "Great American Desert" I am remembering times a quarter century ago when doctors informed me that I might never walk again. All seems very far away and unreal today in light of the accomplishments and the ups and downs of life. I'm getting older. My favorite saying for a number of years has been "I may be old, but I'm slow." I said it in jest for years and now it is more truth than I'd care to truly admit some days. On another note - the five year plan that we set out on is nearing completion. Basement closets and bedrooms being finished and the last of the sorting from the old place is getting done. This takes me forever! I'd do a page just on how long it takes to settle in but that would get boring. Needless to say I am very thankful to be where I am today and know that I could have accomplished nothing without God's steady prompting of my spirit to stay on track with His plan and keep mine in the background.

Sitting at the Holiday Inn Express in Chippewa Falls, WI. Rita has broken on the return trip from Milwaukee. We went to celebrate the 110th B'dy/Anniversary of HD. I should be extremely depressed, but I'm not. It has been a beautiful journey thus far and I can't wait to see what happens next. My honey is a little worried but that is as it should be if the roles were reversed I would worry as well. It is enough to know that we are able to stay in touch and she loves me. Rita(My Ultra), on the other hand may have ditched me for good. A new one has been on my mind for a few years now and this may be the time to step up to something a little newer. Only time will tell. It is enough to know that God loves me sooo much that He gave His only Son that I might have life more abundant and to that end I am waaaay blessed. Thoughts and prayers go out for family and friends this day.

Sturgis was awesome this year! Aside from the usual festivities accompanying the rally there were the opportunities camping out offers veteran riders to talk about their 'rides.' The past few years I have listened to many HD fans bemoan the new 6-speed transmission. Although offering improved mileage(as if that is ever a factor in considering a two wheel steed)there is an annoying sound that comes with the get go. Yesterday I climbed aboard several Victories for my first test rides of these state of the art two wheeled suicide machines. The very first thing I noticed was the disconcerting sound the transmissions omitted when put in gear. It was a heavy metal 'clack' that assailed my ear. 1St & 2nd gears make this sound on every one of the bikes I rode. This is not to say I couldn't get used to it. Much to the contrary, by the time I was mounting the third in my tryout list it was noticeably less important than the overall performance versus comfort considerations. My very best ride of the day came aboard the Victory “Hammer 8-Ball” cruiser. I have never ridden the 250MM rear tire style. The handling in itself was quite impressive, but what really got my attention was the way the power to weight to center of gravity seemed perfect. Zero to 90 with ease, and cornering and “grip the road” with confidence cornering. Amazing experience and one that bears repeating often. Will I own one – probably not but one can always wish. The biggest of the lineup “Cross Country Tour” was the disappointment of the day. Great sound system and overall good to ride, but the heat issue needs resolving. My left leg from behind the knee nearly to my crotch was overly hot. Not a good thing when you're moving and considering traffic time of stop and go I believe it would have become unbearable in a short short. The inner thigh is not a place one desires a lot of heat while riding. Overall solid machines with some obvious needs that could be resolved tinkering around in the shop I'm sure. Stuff like handlebar length, height, width are all workable and can be defined in the garage by the owner to satisfy personal taste. The 'clacking' of gears would be an irritating thing forever. They have done a thing with their clutch pull that offers extreme ease, that was good. Shift and brake levers are okay but take some getting used to. On a scale of 1 – 10 I'd say 8 overall and 9 on the “8-Ball.”

A Dream Saga

I awoke the following morning in my drop dead gorgeous suite. Opening my eyes I lay there watching the fish swimming above me. What a novel idea, a fish tank surrounding the headboard of the bed, but then this is a dream and I can sleep anywhere I choose. Getting ready for the day took forever. I had brought what seemed to be a whole trunk of nothing but cameras. My 35mm Cannon 620 EOS was there, along with a pocket sized digital 14mp Sony, one single forlorn looking Brownie, and an antique accordian style piece that has been in the family for at least a hundred years. Much to my surprise I had brand new film to put on the old wooden rollers inside. Eos around the neck, digital in the pocket of my jeans and three more in a sizable briefcase(I have no clue where the Mavica came from but it was in there along with several brightly colored floppies)the cameras and I exited to the hall. The view from the hallway windows next to the elevator was astonishing so I snapped away as I awaited the arrival of my ride down. Downstairs I was greeted with the scent of baking bread and delightful pastries. The breakfast buffet, continental style, was awesome! Fresh fruit of every imaginable kind, and donuts(in a previous incarnation I'm certain I was an officer of the law), caramel rolls, and a tiny little corner niche with covered pans holding sausages, bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and an assortment of breads I could toast for myself. I grabbed two plates of food a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a tall glass of orange juice. It was time to feed the body and go over the details of the assignment in my mind. I usually take notes on whatever my plans are and what I think I may be doing just in case I forget. Enjoying my leisurely breakfast(most meals take me at least an hour to consume, but this may take longer)I munched and wandered through the corridors of my mind enjoying visions of other places I had enjoyed a breakfast much like this one. This was the dream. There is more to it but space and time do not allow right now. I am quite subject to "recurring" dreams so I have no doubt this one will begin again or continue another night as I slumber. Oh, by the way, it has led to the next book. I'm writing every day as I haven't done in a few years. God bless, Preacher.

Dreams Too Real

I awakened(I pray this is so)from a short slumber in which I was dreaming. I had been hired to do a photo essay on one of the oldest hotels in the state. No longer in service as a hotel but used for various purposes on different levels of the establishment. Not long after my arrival I met with the folks paying for my time and they gave me a brief explanation of what I was to do for them. The strangest request they made was one of my being able to utilize my collection of vintage cameras from pictorial history to do the shoot. I questioned why I needed the vast array of cameras for the story and the only explanation I was given was, "You will have to follow your instincts and take whatever pictures you take with what you believe will work best for the shot." Then they left me sitting in the newly renovated cafe on the street level. It was right next to what had been at one time the main desk of the grand hotel. The entry/registration area was vast and now was parent to a number of portals leading to a boutique, a computer/cell phone/gaming center, and what appeared to be an old men's haberdashery. Actually the general appearance was one of a collage. The nostalgic, modern, and vintage all separated by their period store fronts and the backdrop of the ancient hotel lobby. My first duty was to check on accommodations for my stay. I chose a nearby motel within walking distance and proceeded to unpack my things in the cheery suite which my employers so graciously had provided. I love being on the road and staying in a variety of places so this was perfect. A three day shoot, great digs, a wonderful stroll down the paths of time and every amenity available within walking distance. Street level, where I met with the vaguely familiar folks footing my bill, faced the motel. My third floor windows looked out on the everyday scene of mainstay America. Automobiles and trucks going every direction at the corners with people paying absolutely no attention to their driving. Ah, it was good to be home. What I believe is happening is the start of my next book. It was too strange to get any depth on this opening blog page. I will write every day until the tale is told to the best of my ability. God bless, Preacher.