Sittin' right under the X in Texas

Here is Hank Wangford and the Hankerchiefs performing Under the X in Texas.



The X in Texas is in the center. The center of Texas is just north of Brady. Let's check it out.

Our first stop is the heart of Texas, the city of Brady. The most important and interesting building in any county is the courthouse. This one proves to be no exception.



We have a few minutes to kill, just let's go check out the furniture store across the street.



Nice.

North on US 377 about 20 miles will take you to the Heart of Texas Park.



This is the ceremonial Geographic Center of Texas. The actual center is about 5 miles away, but who's counting?

The park has picnic tables like any roadside park, but also includes this tower.



Now, I'm not really sure why there is an observation tower here, but I guess it seemed appropriate for the center of Texas. So let's check it out!

The view from the top.





The graffiti on the tower.



This one is interesting. He scraped the paint off so it rusted and stands out quite well.



Robert W wrote his name on every step.



Jordan wrote his name in gum. Impressive!

That's it. The center of Texas, under the X, smack dab in the heart of Texas, thank you Ma'am.

Conspiracy in the sky

Saturday as I was driving down the highway, I noticed these clouds.



Now, one might assess that they are contrails from aircraft as I was near the busiest airport in the world. But who are we kidding, we all know they are chemtrails.

[cue coast to coast intro]

Song of the week

I love this song.

Guy Forsyth's If I was sick

A day in West Virginia

This past Sunday I was traveling back from Ohio with my girlfriend. Our travel took us through West Virginia. Not being in a rush, we spent a few additional hours exploring the state. Our first stop, Charleston to see the Capitol.

We parked to the east of the capitol and both my companion and I needed to use the facilities. A public building like the capitol seemed as good as any place to find a restroom.

Parking on the side of the building, we came first to the side entrance.



The side entrance to the capitol was locked.

We followed the sidewalk around to the front. We found a statue of General Stonewall Jackson along the way.



At last we came to the front of the building and the statue, Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight.



All the doors to the capitol were secured and we had to go to the Exxon nearby to find a restroom.

Our next stop was the New River Gorge Bridge. We took US 60 and WV 16 to get there. It was a beautiful drive.

Arriving at US 19, we turned north to cross the gorge.

The bridge doesn't seem too exciting from the car.



You would have no idea you are driving over this.



We pulled into the Visitor Center and checked out the exhibits, as well as the observation decks. They have one by the Center for looking down the gorge, as well as a walkway leading to great views of the bridge.





The bridge replaced the Fayette Station Bridge which is visible down in the gorge.



Speaking of Fayette, did you know Fayetteville, WV is the coolest small town? It says so on the sign!



Of course driving through West Virginia, we sang some John Denver!

I forgive you

It is rare that we say the words, "I forgive you." We are certainly familiar with the words, but how often do we use them? When someone wrongs us, sometimes they apologize for their actions. Our usual response is "it's OK." No it isn't! It isn't OK! If it was OK there would have been no need for them to apologize! They are apologizing because they wronged us and when we says "it's OK," or "no worries," we are acting as if they never wronged us in the first place.

Try to say "I forgive you" the next time someone apologizes. The meaning behind it is much different. We aren't excusing the actions, we are acknowledging the actions, accepting the offender's apology, and no longer holding the action against them. We are forgiving, not excusing.

Try it!