There's nothing more American than the Old West, and Fort Worth is "where the West begins."
We took a little trip to the Stockyards to see the cattle drive.
After the Stockyards, we went to the Water Garden downtown. It looks cool here, but it was actually very, very hot in the sun.
Rachel and I went to see Letters to Juliet. We liked it a lot. I think Amanda Seyfried is my most favorite romantic comedy actress since Meg Ryan.
End of the year wrapping up. Both Stephanie and Rachel brought home yearbooks this week. A far cry from the yearbooks I had in Junior High (not to mention, none in Elementary!). Rachel also got her TAKS scores -- she got commended performance on both Reading and Math.
Yanni has been my hand therapist for the past four weeks. Her contract has ended and she is moving to Austin for her next position.
Rachel made some end of the year notes for her teachers, Mrs. Childress and Mrs. Buck.
A follow up visit for my wrist surgery today with Dr. John Falaice at Scott & White/Hillcrest Hospital. Xrays show lots of metal in my arm but doing well enough to stop wearing my brace.
We watched the two-hour recap and two and a half hour finale of LOST tonight. After six years, many questions remain but it was a great show.
The bill for my one day stay at the hospital for surgery on my arm was $25,465 -- insurance paid less than $5,000, our portion is about $1200. So, a fourth. Why don't they just charge that instead of this big write off thing? Another reason to have universal health care.
Paul's great-great-great-great grandmother, Mary
Paul's great-great-great-great grandfather, Joseph James Stringer
One marker for Joseph John Stringer and his wife, Mary Geneva Brian Stringer. The front of the marker has STRINGER at the base (very worn) and above the family name is written:
Marker for infant son of Preston Pond Stringer and Virginia Mitchell Stringer. No mention of this child anywhere.
Rachel is reading about a girl named Eva who was taken away by the Nazis and adopted into a German family. It's bringing up a lot of questions about WWII.
We started the day by seeking out Balch Cemetery in Alvarado, where Paul's great-great grandfather's first wife, Isabella J. Mitchell Stringer, is buried along with their infant son. She was only 18 when she died.
We wandered all over the beautiful gardens.
We had a late lunch at Babe's in Burleson -- long wait but great food and a fun atmosphere.
Amber showing off her sopapilla cheesecake.
Christie brought enchiladas.
Donna brought Mexican Chef Salad.
Cristina brought traditional Mexican bread pudding.
