Wednesday, August 2, 2017

FINAL FAREWELL FROM LOUISIANA TOWN

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!!

This is the final post to the Louisiana Town blog.  It has been a very interesting eight years living in the town where I grew up.

There were frustrations and rewards during our tenure there.  I won't elaborate... but the frustrations were eased by a few wonderful rewards.  All-in-all, it was not really as bad as I feared.

However, a new day has dawned.  We have relocated back to Texas permanently!  This, too, has caused some frustrations (and I'm sure there will be more!), but the rewards have already begun to flow, as well.  It was definitely the right decision for us.

I truly hope you will join me at my new blog, Wandering Waco!  While initial posts are likely to be sporadic, due to trying to unbox our world and settle in (!), I hope to explore Waco (and Woodway!) along with you.  I have already made visits to a few local attractions that are definitely blog-worthy!  Plus... there is the (painful) renovation of the house here that took place while we were still in Louisiana.  I do NOT recommend remote renovations!  You will suffer through the insanity of that... but I will include pictures!

When you arrive at the new blog, I will have posted instructions on subscribing by email to receive the posts in your inbox when they are published.  Or, you can set up to follow the blog via your preferred reader.  Your choice!

But for now... farewell the last time from the world of Louisiana Town.  Thank you all so much for sticking with me!!

Sunday, March 26, 2017

AUNT BUBBA HAS LEFT THE PLANET

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.

I am so sorry you have not heard from me in nearly three months.  Things became a little intense in late January and escalated from there.

Some of you know about my "Aunt Bubba."  I posted about her back in 2008 and the link will take you to that very short post.  She is the reason we relocated from Austin, Texas to DeRidder, Louisiana, my hometown.

After a very long period of mobility challenges beginning in 2008, she became bedridden in April of 2012.  While that does not appeal to any of us, the blessing was her slight level of dementia that apparently allowed her to think she had actually been up and about!  After sending her flowers for some occasion, I walked into her bedroom.  I saw the flowers and commented on how lovely they were.  She immediately responded, "Yes. Aren't they? I cut them this morning in the garden."  Okay.  LOL!  If that's what she thought, so be it.  It was now true!!  I was happy to discover she did not have real grasp of her situation.  Perfect!

Things remained at that level for nearly five years.  The caregivers, who all have an incredibly special place in Heaven, took such excellent care of her.  They all became her friends and she enjoyed each and every one of them.  Two of them were with her from the beginning in late 2008 until the end.

And that's why I titled this "Aunt Bubba Has Left The Planet."  She turned age 92 on February 1st.  That gave her the longevity title in the family!  Unfortunately, the week prior to that, she began experiencing some major challenges.  Blessedly and peacefully, she passed away on February 20th.  While loss is always difficult, it is made so much less so when one has lived a good, long life and enjoyed so much of it.  She was a very fortunate lady for the most part.  There were losses of her own... but she was definitely a Steel Magnolia!!  She pushed through the difficulties and continued on.  A sweet Southern Belle... with the heart of a lion!!  :)  She (and my mother) graduated from college when not so many women were doing so.  She held positions of importance in her career.  She traveled extensively.  She lived her life to the fullest.  We should all be so lucky!!

With all of that said, it is now we must begin the new chapters of our lives.  The past 8+ years have been focused on managing her care and business affairs.  That will end soon when the final bills are paid and there is nothing left to manage.  Stay tuned for more on the new chapters.  Right now, just look up and say, "Good Job, Aunt Bubba!"

Until next post...

Sunday, January 1, 2017

GLOBAL WILDLIFE CENTER PART 3

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals.  I believe this will be the final installment of the Global Wildlife Center adventure.  I saved the best (for me) for last.

While we had been informed the animals were VERY comfortable with people and would easily eat from our hands, I could not have imagined how truly comfortable was an accurate description.


The reason the Giraffe family statue is so appropriate at the Center is due to the actual Giraffe family residing there!  Yes.  There are two "baby" Giraffes along with multiple adults.  You can only tell when you see them all together and notice the difference in height.  There is one "baby" to the left of the tall, center Giraffe, and one off to the right.



So... as we approached and rolled to a stop, the Giraffes slowly came toward our vehicle.  They are absolutely gorgeous, gentle, giants.  Maybe that's why their name begins with a "G."  :)  They clearly knew the drill and slowly stuck those long necks into the openings around our Pinz... and helped themselves to the treats.  I didn't care.  I just could not believe I was this close to a Giraffe.




We let them eat right out of the bucket for a while.  I was terrified I would spook them if I made a move... but I finally couldn't stand it any longer.  Could I get closer?  Not really!  I was already having to lean back to catch the pictures you see.  Could I pet a Giraffe?


Yes!!!  This sweet creature didn't even blink when I reached out and began petting its head while it ate.  I honestly did not want this time to end.

A bit further along, we encountered the "babies."  They were just as friendly as the adults and approached us the same way.  The two of them apparently hang out together and remained close together as they "invaded" our vehicle.  We let them feed on their own for a bit... and then I tried feeding them from my hand.  No problem.  One softly "Hoovered" the treats from my open palm while the other remained head-in-bucket.  What wonderful animals.




I reiterate.  Go to this facility.  Take the Private Pinz Tour with your family or a few friends.  Buy the big bucket of treats.  Believe me... this is not an experience you are likely to have elsewhere in the State of Louisiana.  For those of you in other states, check for this type of center in your area.  You may be surprised, as was I, to discover this marvelous experience so nearby.

That ends our tour.  I hope you enjoyed it.  I know it's not the same as being there.  Treat yourself to this kind of experience when you can.


Until next post...