Spirits?

I found these postcards while pitching and tossing. They are of the Excelsior Hotel In Jefferson, Texas. Over the years we have gotten together, once a year, with my four sisters and their families for a weekend reunion. One year, we all met in the tiny east Texas town of Jefferson. Jefferson is full of old Victorian homes which have mostly been turned into Bed and Breakfasts. But, since we...all wanted to stay in the same place we chose this old hotel. Jefferson, by the way, is touted by many, to be the most haunted town in Texas....and this hotel is at the top of the list. More on that later.

When we made our reservations, my Tom announced that we wanted the presidential suite. No argument out of me. Yes, there is one. Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B, Hayes ( both US Presidents) .. have stayed in this suite which consists of this room with the canopy bed and the adjoining double suite. I tried to find a picture of the six foot long bathtub (that I took) to no avail. Was it me that said I had organized my photos?!

Anyway, our two youngest daughters were still at home and would be going with us.

When the weekend arrived, one of our daughters had a commitment and Tom a business obligation, so Katy (our youngest) and I trekked off alone to meet my family. Katy's cousins loved it...and I ended up with four little girls sharing the adjoining double suite and me in the big canopied bed alone. Well. I didn't sleep a wink...I don't believe in haunted houses. But, something kept me awake and feeling uneasy ALL night!

We took the hotel tour before checking in and were told several ghost stories. One in particular. Seems back in the early '70's prior to him filming Poltergeist. Steven Spielberg stayed in this hotel. He left in the middle of the night supposedly frightened by spirits.

If you are brave enough to venture there, a very southern breakfast is part of the deal and  is served in the hotel dining room .. Me I don't think I want to sleep there (alone) again!

Photographs

Along about 1980 I decided to take my loose photographs and get them all into albums. Which I did. It took a very long time . These are about half of them.

Tiring of that, I bought these photo storage boxes and put what was left into categories

Then in 1999 I went back to albums, and vowed to make only one album a year

Great idea, right? Well, if I live another thirty years I am going to run out of space! What is the answer? Do I make instead, these new photo books that are offered online, since they take up less room., or do I just keep my pictures on my computer. I guess I could always make a CD and file them by year? I am at a loss. Has anyone else figured out how to organize their photos? Just asking....

The Lonelist Spot in Town

All the fireworks are over, and it's on to a new year. Couldn't help but notice what a lonely place the fireworks stand is this week. Prior to New Year's Eve, these portable stands seem to pop up everywhere. Now they will be hauled away and not appear until the 4th of July is upon us.Setting off fireworks is against the law with the Houston City limits, so out where I live out in the county (and that's county, not to be confused with country) they pop up everywhere. I haven't bought any in years, but I figure with such a short season they surely must be expensive? Can you shoot fireworks where you live?

The Last Rose

They are predicting a freezing rain this morning. Winter has finally arrived in South Texas. This little guy was hanging on yesterday.....maybe the last rose of summer? How's your weather?

It's That Time of Year

Unlike other countries, France for example who has a once a year big sale, sales go on here all of the time. 

The biggest sales are at the end of a season, and especially the end of the year. I feel sure that the retailers are wanting to move stuff (sell) and increase their profit line for the year. I went out to the sales yesterday. But, for some reasons I always find myself looking at the new Spring things (not on sale) .
Have you found any great bargains out there?

It's 2013!

It's 2013! Gosh it's hard to believe?! Every year, I figure we all search for our new calendar? I was wondering what kind you prefer.? Are you one of these people that carry around a "planner". Or do you have a calendar on your I- phone, Blackberry or I-pad? I feel sure the next generation will laugh at the thought of a paper calendar! Sorry you could be" old school" and have one with a pretty picture at the top....hanging on the wall?

I guess I am taking for granted that you even operate from a calendar? I have to have one. I actually get up every Monday morning, and review my calendar with my first cup of coffee. It's not that it is so full, its  simply that I have missed occasions because I didn't open it! Notice the squares, large enough to list things!

I like this size. It's nice a flat and fits under my phone, so I can slip it out and say. So, sorry I have an event on that day! :). Things are changing so fast! When my youngest graduated from High School. I was so proud of myself. I found the perfect party favor for her graduation party. Travel alarm clocks!She laughed at me and said "Mom" kids don't use those. Well, how do they wake up? Guess they all have alarms on their phones...I was happy that I am one to save receipts. But, I guess they have their receipts, boarding passes, etc also on their phones?.....Ever feel like a dinosaur?....Janey

I have obviously been housebound (except for a trip to see family for Christmas) with this awful cold that has lasted two weeks. I hope to get out and about in this new year ..and take a photograph....I am coming down with cabin fever!

Happy New Year!

We are not really into staying up till midnight to welcome in the new year.
So we met our best friends for an early fish dinner.

I know we look like a wild group....but truth is it is 8pm and we are already at home snuggled up with our books. I can hear the firecrackers popping off in the distance . I hope you are having fun welcoming in the new year. Happy New Year!