There were 7 of us from W'minster Pres. church who drove to the Tarrant County Area Food Bank this morning.
This time we weren't relegated to the organizing room (which is really boring), but we were ushered into the kitchen. I'm not sure who eventually enjoys these meals, but they were interesting to "prepare". Our assignment was to parcel out 238 individual spaghetti and meat sauce servings in "paper" containers, seal them w/ the hot cellophane equipment and label each one before storing in the freezer. This gave me the opportunity (with food handler's gloves) "play" in cold spaghetti and to flatten the also cold sauce down with gloved hands. An interesting sensation. That done, we labeled another group of already prepared (and frozen) entrees and repacked them in boxes. Labels won't stick very well on frozen cellophane, so we warmed it up slightly with our hands before sticking the labels on. The label gives content information as well as when it was packed. Interesting.
Our final project was to sort and clean beans. Several pounds of dry beans were sorted through for rocks, corn, and wizened beans. This wasn't the most exciting activity of the day, but it is interesting how differently 7 people sort through beans. A few folks sorted out all broken beans, all "half" beans, along with wizened and strange looking beans. The rest of us just culled out the rocks and (of all things) kernals of corn. Different strokes.......
The Food bank also has culinary classes (another story in itself) who this morning were preparing "grains". We were invited to sample their class products and they were excellent.
I'll miss the October opportunity because I'll be in Switzerland.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
The long road
I walked around downtown, noticed the glorious sunrise, and went back to the room before the sprinkles got too hard.
Enjoyed worship at the church where I grew up. Before worship, I slipped out and took a look at the sunday school area, which has not greatly changed in the last 60 years. New paint and curtains, but other than that it's all pretty much the same.
Met Jo Beth McCloud, the minister. Very few people that I know, but the congregation was not as tiny and elderly as it was when I was here 5 yrs ago. One friend mentioned that there were probably more Alpine High School graduates in the sanctuary than had been there in many years. Seems a strange thing to say, but AHS graduates generally don't stay after graduation and the new congregation members usually come from somewhere else. There were three AHS graduates from the reunion there, the gentleman who said that and his wife, and three others who live there, so that made 8 in a congregation of about 40 or so.
After worship, I showed off my Smart Car to several interested folks. And then I headed out................ I finished listening to the story on tape (actually on CD) by Dan Brown and then sang along with Elvis, the Kingston Trio, Hits from 1961, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Chicago, Seussical and Big River. I love driving down the freeway with the top down on my little car, it is so airy and cool.
Filled up with gas and stretched my legs at Odessa and Abilene.
Am soooo glad I took the hospital detour to see my friends. It was good for me to walk around and also to see them--and they were surprised to see me.
The drive from Abilene to Arlington was difficult in that the road was FILLED with 18 wheelers. I was surprised that the freeway was so crowded with traffic on Sunday evening. I left the hospital about 6:45 or so and the freeway was packed with trucks and cars. And I'm guessing that 60% of all the vehicles on the road were large truck.s I didn't have any trouble with the trucks, but they do take up lots of room and they were going faster than I do. I go the speed limit, or just a hair below, and they don't.
I got to Arlington at 9:30, having left Alpine at 12:30 I'm glad I went, but boy is my body stiff from all the sitting.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday and the trip home
Have loaded my car and have been walking around. The air is cool and every now and then I feel sprinkles on my face.--I'm taking home more than I brought because Brother Bill brought me a packet of brochures about our upcoming Switzerland trip and Marion brought me some (personal) items for the trip.
Plan to attend First Presbyterian Church this morning and then head out for my 8 or so hour drive back. Since a friend is in the Abilene hospital awaiting heart surgery tomorrow, I thought I'd break up my trip by stopping by and saying hello. Should get back home between 9:30 and 10 pm
Plan to attend First Presbyterian Church this morning and then head out for my 8 or so hour drive back. Since a friend is in the Abilene hospital awaiting heart surgery tomorrow, I thought I'd break up my trip by stopping by and saying hello. Should get back home between 9:30 and 10 pm
Alpine, day 2
The hotel is right on the main street and mere yards from the railroad tracks. I expected to hear the trains at various times during the night, but nope. I slept hard and never heard the train noises--altho some people who were a bit farther from the tracks said they heard them at various times during the night.
I forced myself to stay in bed til 6am- I'm usually up at home by 5, sometimes earlier. Went down to breakfast in the lobby at 7 and chatted with some other early risers
Went back upstairs to organize my stuff, and do some writing and went back down for more tea about 8:30.
Little brother and several others were there, then and we talked awhile. Plans were made for the Anderaus to go see the SR museum and to drive around and check out the town.
We got to the museum at 9:05 and they weren't open (information said 9-5), but when we went back in an hour, we discovered that the person who was slated to open up, didn't and the girl manning the desk had just been called in to cover for her. During our wait we walked around the campus, showing B's wife Marion where things had been (and not been) when we attended in the 60's. I wandered into the Fine Arts Bldg, which has a new name/dedication. I walked up to MY little theatre and was surprised to find it open. We went in and commented on the changes --door in different place, removal of some seats to create a light/sound booth, etc. Felt good to be there again. After that I looked thru the door of the "shop" where I made costumes in the early 60's. Then the room did not have any electrical outlets, so I made costumes with a treadle machine. Much improved today, I saw three sewing machines (electric) and even a refrigerator. Wow! things got modern.
Meanwhile, back at the museum, nothing from the earlier place was in evidence (I'm hoping it is stored somewhere, cuz it was cool old stuff) but the place had a very interesting layout. Several video kiosks showed clips of what was being shown in artifacts. The Rock art was interesting (and really tall) and no the original rock art was not in the museum, but a very realistic representation was there.
Saw a clip abut the battle of Ojinaga (Pancho Villa) and another of the use of the Big Bend Area in movies.
When we left, walking through the gift shop, I almost bought Lillian a toy until my brother pointed out that they said "San Diego Zoo" on them. She didn't need that.
We drove, and looked and drove. We saw the new hospital (old one looks so sad and deserted), saw the new library building, which has not been opened yet. Saw places where friends and relatives had lived, asked each other questions about "Wonder what happened to .....?
After our drive around we had lunch at the Bread and Breakfast. Salad, soup, and sandwich. Then we walked up and down Holland Avenue going into almost every store. And yes, I did buy a couple of things. Found a "resale" shop with children's clothes and toys, where I got a fleece sleeper with feet, for Lily at a great price. BTW- for fans of Alpine, this shop is housed in the old JC Penny store.
Walked down the street, and Quetzal is the shop where I found an embroidered Mexican style blouse.
I don't think B or M bought anything but a book.
Back to the room to chill and nap (had to turn the A/C off--too cold) and get ready for the evening "DO".
Walked to the site of the evening gathering which was 2 1/2 blocks from the hotel. It is the Granada Event Center. The Granada theatre is etched in my mind as where kids went every Saturday afternoon, to see the latest western movie and several cartoons. Later I remember it as the place where I saw "West Side Story" at least 5 times in one week. Do I need to mention that I love that music? The Granada is no longer a theatre but some forward thinking person has turned it into a celebration venue. It is a large open space with black ceiling and the largest ceiling fan (one) I ever saw. The place was decorated with balloons and lit -up stars. The meal was excellent-- prime rib with veggies and various desserts to choose from. The meal was followed with an assortment of door prizes (which we had all brought) and entertainment. The troupe of 7 belly dancers entertained for over 30 minutes (which I thought was a little long--but they were quite good, and they travel to various Texas cities to entertain) After the entertainment, class pictures were taken and then a deejay was on hand to provide music for dancing. Earlier I said that only 3 of my class was here, turns out 7 of us showed up. And it was really good to see everyone. It seems that since next year is the 50th anniv for the class of 61, we are expected to organize and host a similar event. We did talk about it some and first need to choose a date, then determine a "style"--casual (Legion Hall venue), dressy (Granada venue), a combination or something else--I hope if this happens, we can get permission to have an event in the building where we attended High School---It is now a Jr. High.
Anyway, those are decisions for another day. The event was a success and seemingly enjoyed by all. I wonder how the committee did all this for $45 per person.
I heard later, that a large group stayed until the wee hours reminiscing
I forced myself to stay in bed til 6am- I'm usually up at home by 5, sometimes earlier. Went down to breakfast in the lobby at 7 and chatted with some other early risers
Went back upstairs to organize my stuff, and do some writing and went back down for more tea about 8:30.
Little brother and several others were there, then and we talked awhile. Plans were made for the Anderaus to go see the SR museum and to drive around and check out the town.
We got to the museum at 9:05 and they weren't open (information said 9-5), but when we went back in an hour, we discovered that the person who was slated to open up, didn't and the girl manning the desk had just been called in to cover for her. During our wait we walked around the campus, showing B's wife Marion where things had been (and not been) when we attended in the 60's. I wandered into the Fine Arts Bldg, which has a new name/dedication. I walked up to MY little theatre and was surprised to find it open. We went in and commented on the changes --door in different place, removal of some seats to create a light/sound booth, etc. Felt good to be there again. After that I looked thru the door of the "shop" where I made costumes in the early 60's. Then the room did not have any electrical outlets, so I made costumes with a treadle machine. Much improved today, I saw three sewing machines (electric) and even a refrigerator. Wow! things got modern.
Meanwhile, back at the museum, nothing from the earlier place was in evidence (I'm hoping it is stored somewhere, cuz it was cool old stuff) but the place had a very interesting layout. Several video kiosks showed clips of what was being shown in artifacts. The Rock art was interesting (and really tall) and no the original rock art was not in the museum, but a very realistic representation was there.
Saw a clip abut the battle of Ojinaga (Pancho Villa) and another of the use of the Big Bend Area in movies.
When we left, walking through the gift shop, I almost bought Lillian a toy until my brother pointed out that they said "San Diego Zoo" on them. She didn't need that.
We drove, and looked and drove. We saw the new hospital (old one looks so sad and deserted), saw the new library building, which has not been opened yet. Saw places where friends and relatives had lived, asked each other questions about "Wonder what happened to .....?
After our drive around we had lunch at the Bread and Breakfast. Salad, soup, and sandwich. Then we walked up and down Holland Avenue going into almost every store. And yes, I did buy a couple of things. Found a "resale" shop with children's clothes and toys, where I got a fleece sleeper with feet, for Lily at a great price. BTW- for fans of Alpine, this shop is housed in the old JC Penny store.
Walked down the street, and Quetzal is the shop where I found an embroidered Mexican style blouse.
I don't think B or M bought anything but a book.
Back to the room to chill and nap (had to turn the A/C off--too cold) and get ready for the evening "DO".
Walked to the site of the evening gathering which was 2 1/2 blocks from the hotel. It is the Granada Event Center. The Granada theatre is etched in my mind as where kids went every Saturday afternoon, to see the latest western movie and several cartoons. Later I remember it as the place where I saw "West Side Story" at least 5 times in one week. Do I need to mention that I love that music? The Granada is no longer a theatre but some forward thinking person has turned it into a celebration venue. It is a large open space with black ceiling and the largest ceiling fan (one) I ever saw. The place was decorated with balloons and lit -up stars. The meal was excellent-- prime rib with veggies and various desserts to choose from. The meal was followed with an assortment of door prizes (which we had all brought) and entertainment. The troupe of 7 belly dancers entertained for over 30 minutes (which I thought was a little long--but they were quite good, and they travel to various Texas cities to entertain) After the entertainment, class pictures were taken and then a deejay was on hand to provide music for dancing. Earlier I said that only 3 of my class was here, turns out 7 of us showed up. And it was really good to see everyone. It seems that since next year is the 50th anniv for the class of 61, we are expected to organize and host a similar event. We did talk about it some and first need to choose a date, then determine a "style"--casual (Legion Hall venue), dressy (Granada venue), a combination or something else--I hope if this happens, we can get permission to have an event in the building where we attended High School---It is now a Jr. High.
Anyway, those are decisions for another day. The event was a success and seemingly enjoyed by all. I wonder how the committee did all this for $45 per person.
I heard later, that a large group stayed until the wee hours reminiscing
Friday, September 17, 2010
Alpine, finally
I hit the road in my little blue Smart Car ( Oliver) this morning at 7 am heading west on I-20. I stopped for fuel and to walk around 3 times, other than that, I drove and drove and drove.
I was impressed with the amount of traffic ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FREEWAY and the lack of traffic on my side. I was concerned that 7am might be a bad time to try to navigate, but not so.
The travel was uneventful, thankfully. I was able to get phone signal every place I stopped. The rest area west of Weatherford, Abilene service station, rest area out of Colorado City and a Love's near Odessa all were good places to stretch my legs and to top off my tank. I knew once I got off I-20 gas stations would be few and far between. I could have found one in Ft. Stockton, but I would have had to back track some. Not much else to say about the trip, except that I am incredibly stiff. Guess I'm not used to sitting that long. I got into Alpine about 3:30 this afternoon.
When I made the arrangements for the trip, I decided to stay at the "Holland Hotel" which has been here FOREVER. It was really fancy when first built (I'm guessing turn of the century, but I'll do some research--Oops, I was wrong- 1928- and it's an official historic landmark) It was rather seedy during my high school days and after, but now it is spiffed up beautifully.
Two floors of guest rooms is not a huge hotel but it is rather charming. My room is freshly painted, and simply decorated and looks out onto the main street--for those who know Alpine, that is Holland Avenue, of course. I was interested to see a small bottle in the bathroom with the label "rain kissed leaves" body lotion. I'll let you know if it really smells like wet leaves.
The bed has a European style duvet and was VERY comfy. The bedside clock has an iPod/iPhone dock for charging your equipment. Way cool and really more techno than I expected.
Not sure how many folks are here for the reunion, but my class is really lacking. The class celebrating their 50th anniversary has the most--there may be 3 from my class (61), the class just younger (62) has several and there are several from classes who have already celebrated 50 years. But in a town the size of Alpine, that really doesn't matter, we knew most everyone or if we didn't know them, we knew their parents, or little brothers/sisters. One gentleman at supper tonight whom I vaguely know-- when he found out my name, said "I loved your Dad" to me. Then he began to regale the table with Earl Anderau stories, of which there are MANY.
The college (Sul Ross) cafeteria folks catered the supper and it was very Italian with shrimp fettuccine, lasagna, chicken Parmesan, veggies, salad and cake. A very good meal. Breakfast is provided by the hotel and I expect pastries, sausage, biscuits and eggs.
I sat and listened to my brother's class talk awhile and they too were playing the "now, who is she?" game and the "what was the name of the people who lived in that house?" quiz. Most of us have moved on and rarely get back to the town where we grew up, although there are a few who came back to retire or to care for elderly parents, or who established careers here and never left.
More about Alpine tomorrow. Buenas noches a todos
I was impressed with the amount of traffic ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FREEWAY and the lack of traffic on my side. I was concerned that 7am might be a bad time to try to navigate, but not so.
The travel was uneventful, thankfully. I was able to get phone signal every place I stopped. The rest area west of Weatherford, Abilene service station, rest area out of Colorado City and a Love's near Odessa all were good places to stretch my legs and to top off my tank. I knew once I got off I-20 gas stations would be few and far between. I could have found one in Ft. Stockton, but I would have had to back track some. Not much else to say about the trip, except that I am incredibly stiff. Guess I'm not used to sitting that long. I got into Alpine about 3:30 this afternoon.
When I made the arrangements for the trip, I decided to stay at the "Holland Hotel" which has been here FOREVER. It was really fancy when first built (I'm guessing turn of the century, but I'll do some research--Oops, I was wrong- 1928- and it's an official historic landmark) It was rather seedy during my high school days and after, but now it is spiffed up beautifully.
Two floors of guest rooms is not a huge hotel but it is rather charming. My room is freshly painted, and simply decorated and looks out onto the main street--for those who know Alpine, that is Holland Avenue, of course. I was interested to see a small bottle in the bathroom with the label "rain kissed leaves" body lotion. I'll let you know if it really smells like wet leaves.
The bed has a European style duvet and was VERY comfy. The bedside clock has an iPod/iPhone dock for charging your equipment. Way cool and really more techno than I expected.
Not sure how many folks are here for the reunion, but my class is really lacking. The class celebrating their 50th anniversary has the most--there may be 3 from my class (61), the class just younger (62) has several and there are several from classes who have already celebrated 50 years. But in a town the size of Alpine, that really doesn't matter, we knew most everyone or if we didn't know them, we knew their parents, or little brothers/sisters. One gentleman at supper tonight whom I vaguely know-- when he found out my name, said "I loved your Dad" to me. Then he began to regale the table with Earl Anderau stories, of which there are MANY.
The college (Sul Ross) cafeteria folks catered the supper and it was very Italian with shrimp fettuccine, lasagna, chicken Parmesan, veggies, salad and cake. A very good meal. Breakfast is provided by the hotel and I expect pastries, sausage, biscuits and eggs.
I sat and listened to my brother's class talk awhile and they too were playing the "now, who is she?" game and the "what was the name of the people who lived in that house?" quiz. Most of us have moved on and rarely get back to the town where we grew up, although there are a few who came back to retire or to care for elderly parents, or who established careers here and never left.
More about Alpine tomorrow. Buenas noches a todos
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Reunion
I'm up early this morning cuz I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I need to pack and get myself organized today for my LONG trip to Alpine tomorrow. Yahoo maps says the distance is 480+ miles, most of it on the freeway (I-20) Will be a long drive, but I'm anxious to see old friends (if any of them show up). This reunion is the class of 1960's 50th reunion and my class (61) and others were invited to join them.
I'll be staying at the historic, but newly renovated, Holland Hotel which should be an experience in itself. I plan to take the laptop, so I can write about my adventures and have a record of what and whom I saw.
I'll be staying at the historic, but newly renovated, Holland Hotel which should be an experience in itself. I plan to take the laptop, so I can write about my adventures and have a record of what and whom I saw.
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