Down Home for Thanksgiving

A Feast For Thanksgiving

Before

After

There were 39 at the Thanksgiving gathering down home in East Texas. 

Big Mama (pictured above back in the 70's) had 7 children.  Her oldest child was my grandfather, Odis Helms.  Big Mama passed away in 1986 when we were living in Bolivia.  Her last child died just a few years ago.  Our Thanksgiving gatherings are all related to her descendants.  There were several relatives that we met for the first time.

I took a peak in Nelda's pantry. 

 Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmmmmm!

I am thankful for my family.  For the different ones who were there and for those who could not attend.

Christmas Cards

It's neat to see my personalized, hand made cards come to L.I.F.E.

After stamping the original image and then brushing the side of the card with some ink to give it the old and antique look, next it is time to paint the flowers, holly berries, leaves and blue bird.

After painting (water-coloring) the stamped image, I would glue the card to the color card stock.

Next, to embellish the card with 1 small diamond/pearl to go on the center of the branch.

Then a bow to tie on the top.

Then brads to hold the bow down.  I used the traditional colors of

 red and green

  ribbons, accented with some brads.

In total, I made several hundred of these decorated Christmas cards.  It is very therapeutic for me to stamp.  It allows me to concentrate and be creative and escape from my busy schedule and life.  

I would average about 6-8 cards per hour.

I feel good that all my Christmas cards have been made.  Now to dwell on and think about the 'reason for the season'

Only in Texas

 

You haven't lived until you have eaten Texas-shaped chips!

 I'm in H E A V E N!

Exploring Surfside and the Beach

Sunrise in Surfside

Exploring Quintana State Park

During WWII, the gun mounds at the base of the shipping canal, which are now within the County Park, were erected to protect Dow's Magnesium plant.  Guns were placed atop the mounds to protect the defense plant from aircraft, warships and submarines.

Then we enjoyed an afternoon of bicycling along the Oyster Creek Trail in Lake Jackson.

Good thing I downloaded my photos onto my computer, because the next day while we were out cycling, I misplaced my camera.  We went back to our picnic area to see if it was still there.  It was nowhere to be found.  I have my phone number on the camera, so hopefully someone will call us, otherwise I hope the camera is a blessing to someone else just as much as it has been for me.

White Rock Lake

I did it.  

Glenn purchased a new bicycle for me at a garage sale the day before, so to "break it in", Glenn and I rode our bikes around White Rock Lake.

As a teenager, I would ride around the lake with Prissy, Lisa, Donna and Pat.

  I think we'll do it again!  

Thanks Glenn for the nice Sunday afternoon bike ride.

Happy 125th Birthday!!

Over the weekend, Glenn and I celebrated the  
125th Birthday of Camino Global,
 formerly CAM International and Central American Mission.

 It was cool to see old photos from "way back" and to think what a
 great heritage 
 that Camino Global (Central America Mission / CAM International) has.

We enjoyed dinner with Phil and Bobbie, plus my parents along with Gary and Julie.

 It was fun reconnecting with old friends from Bolivia - Natalie and Linda!

 Steve Green was the special music.  Loved it.

Mom and Dad meeting the current president of Camino Global, Douglas Livingston.

For God So Loved the World

 Her name is Juana.

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Bicimetro - Brand New Service

We tell folks that it is unsafe to ride the public transportation here.  

It just is. 

 You could get robbed, your phone stolen, or even the bus drivers have been killed.  
It is just that simple.

However, Glenn and I purposely rode the Guatemala City bus on Sunday afternoon.  This is a brand new bus service designed to pick up passengers with their bikes. There is an armed guard riding on the bus.  The route goes from the upscale community off Las Americas (Zone 13/14) to Zone 1 and back.  

The buses are colorful!

The bikes are stored inside of the bus compared to being strapped on the front.

The route goes by a local market.

Glenn, BUSted!