Heat and wind

The wind here in the Texas Panhandle has been EXTREME this spring and so far this summer. Even the locals are in awe, it's been so bad.

Now, add to that, extreme heat...OMG it's absolutely CRAZY!

Right now, at 4:30pm, it's 103 degrees, 7% humidity and sustained winds in the upper 30 mph range, with gusts around 50mph.

EXTREME WEATHER, I tell you. EXTREME WEATHER.

WHEN WILL IT END!!!???

Grand Canyon of Texas

Today, since Mike was off from work, we decided to do something fun! We took a trip to Palo Duro Canyon. It is only about a 30 minute drive from our house, so was something nice to do for the afternoon.

Palo Duro Canyon is called the "Grand Canyon of Texas" and rightfully so. It's gorgeous! We visited 2 years ago when we first moved here, but it was late in the summer, (a very hot, dry summer) and everything in the canyon was brown. We've had a few rainy days lately, so things are "greening up" nicely lately.

The kids were glad to get out for the day. Gregory just loves to "go"!

Margo, my poodle, we adopted through rescue nearly two years ago. She's very scared of men, but put her in a car, and you'd never know it! She spends most of her time riding nuzzled up next to Mike!

Felicity doesn't remember our trip to the Canyon two years ago, so it was a new adventure for her today.

More gorgeous rock formations while in the bottom of the canyon.

This formation is called the Lighthouse and there is a hiking trail up to it. The trail is over 5 miles round trip, so needless to say, we haven't been up to the Lighthouse yet.

Wild Turkey! After this guy saw me attempting to take his mug shot, he started running away and I just knew I missed the shot! To my surprise, I didn't!

Prickly Pear Cactus are EVERYWHERE!

This handsome fellow was hanging out in the rocks outside of the gift shop. He's a lizard, but I've never seen a lizard like him before.

After we returned from our drive, we all decided to just relax and take it easy for the rest of the evening. We actually watched TV!! We never have time to sit and watch TV, much less for 3 hours!!

Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend!

Exciting day for Felicity

Felicity loves reading the book series by John R. Erickson,
The Original Adventures #1 (Hank the Cowdog) She started the series about a year ago.

Last night, Mr. Erickson was at our Barnes and Noble store signing his newest release, #52! It was the first day it was on sale, and only at OUR Barnes and Noble. It was also his first signing for that volume.

We waited in line 1 hour, and as we left, I noticed the line behind us was still another hour or so long! We had a great time!

Louder than words

I've had several people, especially family members, ask me about books to read to help understand our son's autism.

A dear friend of mine had this book sent to Mike & I because we had not read it.

Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism

This book is fantastic! It's a pretty quick read, as well. Mike and I both read it through the course of one day.

Jenny went through some of the same things we have with Gregory, so this book was an absolute page turner for us.

Jenny McCarthy is a super advocate of autism! I thoroughly enjoy listening to her TV interviews.

I'll post more recommended reads on autism in the future.

Living without a refrigerator

Can you even imagine it? Yes, it can be done, and easier than you think! A member over at www.HomesteadingToday.com tells how she does it.

It can be done...read about it here!

I could do what she does. Could you?