Goodbye Aunt Annie aka Annalee Hailey

     The nieces and nephews amazing and loving Aunt Annie left this world June 24, 2016.  To say she will be remembered and missed is to put it mildly.  WE had her memorial this past week end, July 23rd.   My children were the only nieces and nephews able to attend, but I am sure their memories and shared stories would be very similar to others who could not attend.  Brother Gene was gracious in his words of love and hope, and the shared memories read allowed all to smile and remember the love and warmth they felt each time one or all visited their beloved Aunt Annie and Uncle Cliff.  Those two had more love in their little finger than most people have in their entire being.  One thing for sure, they knew how to have fun and make lasting memories. 
     We visited John and Booger's grave sides, and shared more memories and laughter before leaving Mont Meta.  Yes, there were tears, but we know that they have been relocated to heaven and probably had tricks to play on Aunt Annie when she arrived. 

     We ended up going to Longhorn Barbecue in San Benito where we continued the stories and laughter.  It was wonderful to see the kids all together again.  It has been quite awhile since we have all been together.  Katie and Andy were there as well and shared in the laughter.  Of course. Madison and Little Guy were there and added to the laughter.

     Later that evening we all went to Creasey's Bowling Alley in Harlingen and spent the remaining evening hours laughing at the joking and jesting.  I found it amusing that the picking on one another has not changed over the years.  Boys against girls and oldest picking on youngest...some things never change.

     The next morning, while the boys helped their dad clean up the last of Aunt Annie's home, the girls and I went to church in Rio Hondo.  It was wonderful seeing old friends, but sad to see some in ill health.  Time marches on.  Brother Gene's message of God's love and His willingness that none should parish was refreshing.  Little Guy wrote a note : I love you Jesus, Domenick.  He left it with Brother Gene.  Even the littlest know the love of our heavenly Father.

     We had lunch with the boys at La Playa in Harlingen.  The food was good, but the portions were too big.  There was more laughing and joking and, then, the embarrassing time arrived.  It was my birthday, so Jason had told the waiter, prior to our arriving, and the plot was set.  As we were finishing our meal, a group of waiters came up behind me and put a humongous sombrero on my head and sang a form of happy birthday.  I was totally embarrassed and my kids and grandkids were very amused.  One thing they may have forgotten is mom does not forget.  LOL

     We said goodbye to Jason, Andy, and Jamie, as they were heading home.  I truly hated to see them leave.  The rest of us went back to the hotel to change and head to the beach.  I could not get over how much traffic there was heading to Padre on a mid Sunday afternoon.  Once on the beach, the little ones, Uncle David and Aunt Claudette headed for the water.  Okay, the mom in me still worries about my kids in the water, and the grandma in me worries even more, and when my son takes my granddaughter out to the second or third sand bar, I really worry.  But, they had a blast.  I thank God they were safe and memories were made. 

     After an afternoon of fun, we stopped at Pirate's Landing for dinner.  Coconut shrimp how sweet the taste!!!!  A magician named Johnny stopped at our table and performed tricks with coins and small red sponge balls.  We were all amazed, but the little ones were mesmerized.  How did he get the coins into and out of their little hands?  How did he put the third ball in Madison's hands?  Now, that is something to ponder.  Even Uncle David was caught up in the feats.  Truly, another remarkable memory to be shared by all.

     Those of us still in the valley met one more time for lunch at Pepe's on Monday.  There is no finality to a trip to the valley without eating at Pepe's! Again there were memories shared and laughter, too.  I hated to see this trip end.  I know that Aunt Annie would have loved the way we laughed and joked around.  A very fitting farewell to a much loved family member.

     Chrys, her little ones and I set  out for home about 1:30p.m.  I was glad to see the green of the valley and the fields full of cotton.  I had hoped to stop and let the little ones pick a boll of cotton, but I would not allow it due to the defoliant.  The trip out of the valley was quiet, for the most part.  Chrys worked on her computer, the kids watched a movie on the ipad and I listened to music. We decided to take the long way home through Skidmore and Karnes City because I certainly did not want to go through San Antonio during rush hour.  I am glad we took that route.  I have never been that way, and the little communities and ranch lands reminded me of what Texas is all about. The cattle and goats on the rolling hills was relaxing for me.   We stopped several times and just enjoyed the trip.  We made it home around 8p.m.

     I hope to make another trip to the valley next month.  There are many people I did not see.  Valley is home. 

   

    

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     As we celebrate this fourth of July, I am amazed at how little most know about why we celebrate.  Today the television is filled with movies, interviews, and stories of bravery in the various wars and battles we have fought, and so it should be, but what about the Founding Fathers?  Much has been said about the negative aspects of these men over the years.  However, the real stories behind said aspects are not being told.  Why do we want to tear this country down, when it has meant so much to so many around the world?
     As I look back over those who founded this country, I find a group of men who were dedicated to freedom: freedom to live and worship God in their own manner,not  one forced on them by a government across the ocean.  I see a group of people tired of horrendous taxes put upon them by the very form of government they chose to leave.  I see a group of men ready to lay down their own lives to bring religious freedom, freedom from overbearing taxes, and  personal pursuit of happiness to this new found land.  Over the years, many have tried to tarnish these men.  Why?
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