It's time for a spring renewal for me. That means head for the heart of Texas, namely the Hill Country near Austin. Having spent 6 years there with Walt and created a wonderful life named Alan in l977, it has special meaning for me. They were good years spent at UT Austin. I talk about the times with my good gal friends at work and of course family. I almost left Baltimore in l993 and moved back there, but didn't and here I am, still in my birthplace, at least near there as Sparrows Point is only a steel mill or two. In it's time it was a giant of a steel town. So...central Texas, here I come. two weeks deep in the heart of Texas. Blue bonnets and other favorite wildflowers should be in full tilt boogey if I'm lucky. Got my new digital camera and plan on exercising a photographic eye on those lovely godsends.

My sister Margaret and I will go to Fredericksberg, near Luckenbock!!!! for two days, staying in a neat little cottage house called Blue Cottage for just $95 a night, whole house to ourselves. We will sightsee the area, take in a few restaurants of either Tex Mex, BBQ or German cuisine, and probably some Dos Exos ....however it's spelled. Then to Plano near Dallas to spend a few nights with my niece and family. Then back to Austin to visit Linda and Cindi, my two girlfriends from my days in Austin. Then back to ElCampo and then to Port Lavaca for some fishing and pigging out on fresh seafood. Please wish for warm sunny weather for me, that will really refresh me.

Next destination in May will be St Louis....looking forward, Alan & Stacie. Love you all. Peace.

St. Patrick's Day is coming. I'm proud to claim some Irish (on my father's side for sure, Grandma--Francis was the Irish lass, and on my Mother's side, my Grandma-- Nora was part Irish and part Cherokee Indian.

These came from a book I have on Irish blessings. toasts and curses.

May you have a full moon on a dark night and the road downhill to your door.

God between us and all harm.

Take the world free and easy and may it take you the same.

May God increase your neighbors--those of them that are useful to you.

God give me health, wealth and happiness but make sure they don't make me
sick, poor and miserable.

May the Lord keep you in his hand but never close his fist too tight on you.

If my neighbor has knowledge, let me not be too proud to
light my candle from it.

and a wish for peace...

God settle you and your troubles.