Out & About

 

Went over to the lake after church to see what was up. The water was certainly up because all it does in Texas is rain, every day, and this fills the lake which was once a river and before that, a vast prehistoric inland sea. But were there any fish?

I saw a couple of predators break water around noon, not untypical at Soldiers Bluff, but the couple of stalwarts manning the banks weren't getting any business, oh well. That'll surely change as the season moves on, but for now? 

Don't waste time, instead head home and marvel at the fact of a small fayre concert on the Square, what's that about? Who knows, but I checked it out later in the day and the thing seemed like fun, all kinds of food trucks, kids and some sort of pop band. 

Nice. That in mind, it seemed right to take refuge in this town's improbable cigar bar, yes there is one, and smoke a cigar, which is something I hardly ever do. It was fun, in its way, under tumultuous Texan clouds. And what will tomorrow bring?

The holy sacrifice of the Mass, 

LSP

I Fought The Law

Just kidding. I didn't fight the Law at all but dutifully went to get the rig tested and registered. This meant driving to the "shop" and discovering you have to wear a weird mask, like a robber, to get in the door. So I did, being a law-abiding citizen of the great Republic of Texas.

The Shop

They're a good crew at the "shop" and only charged $7 for the inspection, it didn't even take long. Thanks, guys, appreciate it. Next stop? The Court House, because that's where you register your vehicle.

Fortress

In the old days, people were less lawful in this part of the world and the imposing edifice to Justice still has metal shutters in place for fear of banditry, mayhem and insurrection. Like a fort, which in a way it was and might be again if the going gets weird. See Portland.

All Hail Texas

Of course I'd be happier if it was a collegiate church in a pleasant plaza with fountains, cafes, statues of saints and Confederate generals but there it is. The place burned down a little while ago and Willie Nelson helped to rebuild it, before he degenerated into a completely useless old hippy.

Willie aside, the Courthouse has gone full COVID. A pleasant young policeman asked if I had any symptoms of the Red Death, then took my temperature with a handheld machine which was doubtless made in China. 

Huh

I wished him a muffled joy of the day through my annoying and stupid mask and offered an informal salute. Defend the Police, Thin Blue Line. 

And then it was wait in line because the Kung Flu says only two people at a time are allowed in the registration office. Still, it wasn't too bad. A couple of veterans noticed each others' hat insignia in the queue.

"You served with the...?!?"

"What?!?"

"You served with..."

"Jets. Jet engines all day every day!"

"Can't hear you. What!"

A Rig

Good men, respect, and all too soon the line was at an end and I was forking over $75 for the white privilege of being road legal. Where does this money go? To the police and army of Texas, I hope.

Remember the Alamo,

LSP

Willie Nelson Rebuilt This

I went downtown to register my truck. There isn't much downtown, but there is a courthouse, which burned down in the '90s (1990s). Willie Nelson helped to rebuild it.

There's also a Confederate War Memorial, and guess what, no one's tried to vandalize it. Weird, eh? Maybe that wouldn't go down too well around here.

And that's just the way it is.

LSP

Out and About

Drove out to one of the missions to help with a pre-Holy Week clean-up of building and grounds and found myself taking weeds out of flower beds with the Junior Warden; we talked about family, horses, and church. Pleasant; she was a barrel rider and runs riding clinics up and down the land. One day I'll have to pit myself against the barrels in her arena.

Then it was back to the parsonage via the Confederacy flag shop, the falsely named Good Stuff Store - there wasn't any - and the Court House.

The Court House is grand, a relic of the days when cotton was king and downtown LSPland waxed strong and prosperous. It burned not long ago and was well restored - thanks to Willy Nelson, among others. Who knows, perhaps the Town Square will revive itself, along with its temple to The Law; a good butcher, pub and sensibly priced gun shop would help things tremendously.

But in the meanwhile, roosters are kicking up a ruckus in the neighbour's back yard - dogs are mercifully silent.

Have a blessed Palm Sunday and Holy Week,

LSP