It seems everybody knows about Vermont in the Fall. Having been raised in "The North" I am somewhat aware of what color in the fall is all about. However Sandy and I and Carroll and Marilyn Lenz went to New England several years ago - about 10 - and were literally dazzled by the color. That white church steeple sticking up over the trees in Stowe, Vermont is a memorable sight. Add to that, that one would need sun glasses to ward off the brilliance (only a slight exaggeration) was something I had never experienced even in Ohio or Pennsylvania. Probably the most glamorous display of natural color I had ever seen - no video enhancement required.
So to think that Texas has anything to rival that is, well, a stretch; or at least that would be the expectation. And not to appear to be one given to hyperbole, Vermont in the fall is still the most stupendous place to visit ever. However, Texas does have it's Fall Color Moment. And from the way the weather changes around here, moment may be the most apt description.
My good buddy Brabbinger (if you don't know who that is, it's the dog in the picture with the family on Facebook...) and I took a day trip to Texas Lost Maples Natural Area yesterday. Texas Natives; Quiz -- where is Lost Maples? I didn't think you would know that... For those of you who failed the quiz - Lost Maples is in the Texas Hill Country between Vanderpool and nowhere. Heading south on Texas Highway 16 after you leave Fredericksburg and Kerrville, you hit about 30 miles of bad road till you reach Vanderpool. Don't blink or you will miss it. Not that the road isn't well maintained, but there isn't a straight place over 100 yards long on Highway 16 in that 30 mile stretch. Up and down the Texas Hill Country at a blazing 35 MPH. And if you decide to go back to Fredericksburg via Highway 178 and 39 - well, it's the same situation. But at least Ranch Road 39 parallels the Guadeloupe River and has some real scenic spots. Probably another good road tiip but that will be another story. However, curves notwithstanding we got there safe and sound, so back to Texas Color.
Now lets see - what words did I use about Vermont - stupendous, glamorous, brilliance, dazzling - yes those words are appropriate in Texas but only in as applies to a very limited statistical sampling. The big difference is that in Texas there is a tree here and there of brilliant reds and yellows, punctuated by occasional cacti or cedar breaks. If you are observant of little things, you will find beds of leaves strewn on the ground among the rocks of vibrant hues of yellow, red, purple and of course green and brown. It's a beautiful sight and makes for some really great pictures. But in Vermont there will be literally acres and acres - dare I say square miles of sugar maples in their full array of fall brilliance. The hillsides are covered from top to bottom. Add to that the classic fleecy white clouds or an occasional dusting of white snow and there is a picture suitable for framing. Here in Texas there are some major differences. Our Texas Maples are very selective where they will choose to be born and live. (And they don't give out with the sweet sap for maple syrup - I wonder if they would?) Only one or two here and there or a small grove of the really old trees. Those spots are really peaceful and beautiful. A tree here and there but still truly an outstanding example of Fall's Colors.
And then there is the weather. Whereas here you may need to shed several layers of clothing as the day progresses, in New England just the opposite is true. On a subsequent New England visit in March, a "Spring Trip", the temperature dipped to minus 10 so there is a noted difference.
The point I wish to make is that most people would not even think of finding Fall Color in Texas but that would be a major error of judgment. We have color! Some years are better than others just as in New England, and this year was one of the best in recent memory but there is always some color... So if you go for the color you will not be disappointed. And while this article does not speak officially for the Texas Department of Tourism, at least that is my opinion.
There are also other benefits of such a trip. Although one cannot "drive to the color" here, (like you can in New England) even though there are several beautiful trees in the picnic area adjacent to the East Trail Parking, the major color must be hiked-in to see. But Brabby and I didn't get to the end of the East Trail/Maples Trail trail. That is due to poor planning for the trip itself. If you go camping, take some food - DUH!
As for the hike, take plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes it is real rocky and has (I am told) some fairly adventuresome hills to climb on the trails, maybe a day pack and some snacks would be a good idea. In fact, if you are into camping, a couple of days set aside to go for multiple hikes since there are several trails would probably be a really great family outing. And for the record, I don't know of any hotels, motels B&B, etc in the area so camping is probably the only option. That is unless you were to stay in Kerrville - that would be an option and then drive to the park -- but I digress...
So what is the point of all this? The color was wonderful as was the exhilaration of the great outdoors. I love being out where I can see for more than the 40 feet from my back porch to the privacy fence. And even with the crowds - this was on a non-holiday Monday - the parking lot was full - a line of cars to get in - lines at the restrooms at the entrance - it is worth the hike and the drive to get there.
So here is the commercial - if any of those of you reading this (lets see - three people) have never visited Lost Maples, it would be a great weekend or mid-week two or three day trip. Check the Star-Telegram or Texas Parks and Wildlife Web Site to find out when the best color is showing. You and the family would enjoy it and who knows, you may get some good pix out of it too. Brabby is planning a Photo Essay of his trip as soon as he recuperates from the long drive. He put about 650 miles on the Van Monday. He told me he will post it on Facebook. Thanks for reading... Terry
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Greatness
There are several things rolling around in my mind right now, but I believe I should concentrate on one central thought. Greatness and How to Achieve it...
When my daughter or Brother-In-Law wind up with a couple of extra tickets I get to go to a truck or Indy Car Race. Last night was the truck race at TMS. Sandy and I got tickets (not free mind you) and were in attendance at the race. Now anyone other than North Texans may not recognize what TMS is, but the Texas Motor Sport Raceway pretty much covers the topic. Really a big place with several tens of thousands of fans (plus my wife and me) watching the trucks scream around the track. (It was less than half full for this race, but will be SRO for the NASCAR race Sunday. But on the positive side, all the attendees will at least get to hear a Prayernouncement that day. Probably upwards of 120,000 people there. That is a mega church for sure - but I digress...) A pickup truck modified for speeds of upwards of 200 mph will make a lot of noise. Add up 31 of those trucks and you have a whole lot of noise. A headset is a necessity. One with broadcasting capability is a plus. You get to hear the race chatter, FM Stations, etc. But that is an extra too... A really interesting or funny part of this whole thing is that people will spend $100's to see a race like that and watch the huge TV screens in the infield. I must confess, the head set I had on was tuned to 100.1 KERA Classic radio, but that's another story. But that isn't the gist of this blog either. I read an article or two in the morning Star-Telegram about the drivers. The thing that sticks out in my mind is the single-mindedness they demonstrate in the conversations and actions the articles described. For instance, Kyle Bush - a 23 year old baby (sorry anyone who is under 30 reading this - but at my age - and I'm not quite to the Geezer stage yet, but you all are really young...!) is going to race all three races this weekend. He came in second in the truck race last night, will race in the Busch Series (not named for him but the beer...) today and the NASCAR Chase for the Cup race tomorrow. That has to be grueling! Given that he is young, healthy, strong and dedicated has, no doubt, an impact on his ability to compete that often. But he must be a pooped puppy come Monday morning! It was said of him in this article that he would race 365 days a year if there was some place to race. Now that is dedication.
Then there was the article about Jimmy Johnson. The general trend of the article is that it is difficult to "hate" someone as "nice" as JJ. (I just made up that nickname...) But it seems that although he is the points leader (again) in this year's Chase, (he won the last two Chases) he is respected and admired by everybody, including his rivals. The writer of the article cited "The Intimidator" (Dale Earnheart Sr.) as being only one of those things. You can figure out which one. But the real point of the article was the segment where the interviewer was talking to Jimmy about his sleep habits. He sleeps like a baby. He didn't always but is gaining on it. One comment Jimmy made was "I don't need that stuff rolling around in my head" meaning that the extraneous stuff of life. Petty grievances, TV news (same category as petty grievances) etc. only serve to distract him from the task at hand -- Winning Races!
That got me thinking about what it is that makes for "Greatness". What is it anyway? Could be several things like Opportunity, Personality, Energy Level, Talent and Intelligence, Dedication to a Task - what was that - dedication to a task? I often think that Christians - Believers - Born Againers - whatever you choose to call them/us - are seldom dedicated to a task. Any task. Especially the Living the Life task. That that task takes dedication is something many seem to think is not a requirement. The idea that once you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, everything becomes easy. Such things as making "Christian Decisions" and "Living the Life" are slam dunks. After all, isn't Christ living in us? Some will walk around thinking they have a halo over their head and living a positive christian life is what they are doing. Not necessarily so. In order to develop a Spiritual mind set or Christian World View one must set aside time for reading, introspection, Prayer, Bible Study (yes, study) and so on if the "benefits" of spirituality are to be realized. We are admonished to eschew sinning and cling to goodness. How does one do that? By energizing and disciplining yourself to doing those sorts of things. Now I don't expect every Christian to be categorized as being "Great". Indeed we are not to strive for greatness in itself. But some in the Christian experience have achieved greatness. Some historic preachers, reformers, politicians, sports figures are well known to the general public. It seems that they were able to put dedication to a "worldly" task in proper juxtaposition with Living the Christian Life. But the things that make people great in only the World's view of things like NASCAR Racing, are those who dedicate themselves entirely to the pursuit of greatness. Greatness in a very narrow context - that thing in which they excell.
Why don't we Christians seem to do that very much? Dedicate ourselves to a task that is. Maybe we do but I don't recognize it. Maybe after all is said and done, we are great. The smallest child or least of "The Kingdom" may consider us great in their eyes. After all, greatness is in the eye of the beholder. Anything someone can do better than I can qualifies that person for a degree of greatness in my eyes. Whether it be NASCAR Racing, Radio Preaching, Mega Church Pastor, whatever it is, the person who does something better than I can do, qulaifies said person for a degree of greatness in my eyes. Still, there is the fact of dedication. I believe many if not all of us who name the name of Jesus could do with a small to extra large helping of dedication. What do you think?
When my daughter or Brother-In-Law wind up with a couple of extra tickets I get to go to a truck or Indy Car Race. Last night was the truck race at TMS. Sandy and I got tickets (not free mind you) and were in attendance at the race. Now anyone other than North Texans may not recognize what TMS is, but the Texas Motor Sport Raceway pretty much covers the topic. Really a big place with several tens of thousands of fans (plus my wife and me) watching the trucks scream around the track. (It was less than half full for this race, but will be SRO for the NASCAR race Sunday. But on the positive side, all the attendees will at least get to hear a Prayernouncement that day. Probably upwards of 120,000 people there. That is a mega church for sure - but I digress...) A pickup truck modified for speeds of upwards of 200 mph will make a lot of noise. Add up 31 of those trucks and you have a whole lot of noise. A headset is a necessity. One with broadcasting capability is a plus. You get to hear the race chatter, FM Stations, etc. But that is an extra too... A really interesting or funny part of this whole thing is that people will spend $100's to see a race like that and watch the huge TV screens in the infield. I must confess, the head set I had on was tuned to 100.1 KERA Classic radio, but that's another story. But that isn't the gist of this blog either. I read an article or two in the morning Star-Telegram about the drivers. The thing that sticks out in my mind is the single-mindedness they demonstrate in the conversations and actions the articles described. For instance, Kyle Bush - a 23 year old baby (sorry anyone who is under 30 reading this - but at my age - and I'm not quite to the Geezer stage yet, but you all are really young...!) is going to race all three races this weekend. He came in second in the truck race last night, will race in the Busch Series (not named for him but the beer...) today and the NASCAR Chase for the Cup race tomorrow. That has to be grueling! Given that he is young, healthy, strong and dedicated has, no doubt, an impact on his ability to compete that often. But he must be a pooped puppy come Monday morning! It was said of him in this article that he would race 365 days a year if there was some place to race. Now that is dedication.
Then there was the article about Jimmy Johnson. The general trend of the article is that it is difficult to "hate" someone as "nice" as JJ. (I just made up that nickname...) But it seems that although he is the points leader (again) in this year's Chase, (he won the last two Chases) he is respected and admired by everybody, including his rivals. The writer of the article cited "The Intimidator" (Dale Earnheart Sr.) as being only one of those things. You can figure out which one. But the real point of the article was the segment where the interviewer was talking to Jimmy about his sleep habits. He sleeps like a baby. He didn't always but is gaining on it. One comment Jimmy made was "I don't need that stuff rolling around in my head" meaning that the extraneous stuff of life. Petty grievances, TV news (same category as petty grievances) etc. only serve to distract him from the task at hand -- Winning Races!
That got me thinking about what it is that makes for "Greatness". What is it anyway? Could be several things like Opportunity, Personality, Energy Level, Talent and Intelligence, Dedication to a Task - what was that - dedication to a task? I often think that Christians - Believers - Born Againers - whatever you choose to call them/us - are seldom dedicated to a task. Any task. Especially the Living the Life task. That that task takes dedication is something many seem to think is not a requirement. The idea that once you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, everything becomes easy. Such things as making "Christian Decisions" and "Living the Life" are slam dunks. After all, isn't Christ living in us? Some will walk around thinking they have a halo over their head and living a positive christian life is what they are doing. Not necessarily so. In order to develop a Spiritual mind set or Christian World View one must set aside time for reading, introspection, Prayer, Bible Study (yes, study) and so on if the "benefits" of spirituality are to be realized. We are admonished to eschew sinning and cling to goodness. How does one do that? By energizing and disciplining yourself to doing those sorts of things. Now I don't expect every Christian to be categorized as being "Great". Indeed we are not to strive for greatness in itself. But some in the Christian experience have achieved greatness. Some historic preachers, reformers, politicians, sports figures are well known to the general public. It seems that they were able to put dedication to a "worldly" task in proper juxtaposition with Living the Christian Life. But the things that make people great in only the World's view of things like NASCAR Racing, are those who dedicate themselves entirely to the pursuit of greatness. Greatness in a very narrow context - that thing in which they excell.
Why don't we Christians seem to do that very much? Dedicate ourselves to a task that is. Maybe we do but I don't recognize it. Maybe after all is said and done, we are great. The smallest child or least of "The Kingdom" may consider us great in their eyes. After all, greatness is in the eye of the beholder. Anything someone can do better than I can qualifies that person for a degree of greatness in my eyes. Whether it be NASCAR Racing, Radio Preaching, Mega Church Pastor, whatever it is, the person who does something better than I can do, qulaifies said person for a degree of greatness in my eyes. Still, there is the fact of dedication. I believe many if not all of us who name the name of Jesus could do with a small to extra large helping of dedication. What do you think?
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