GOOD OLE’ WEST TEXAS

By Marion Kelley Bullock

I just read my critique partner’s blog comments about summer being over, shrouding the patio furniture, and storing the fountain in the basement. She mentioned not being able to sit in the back yard and sip iced tea or drink morning coffee while listening to birdsong.

But that’s Colorado. West Texas weather has changed only to the point that it’s not too hot to enjoy the outdoors. Some days, we still drink tea in our backyard under the spreading pecan tree. Other times, we take our morning coffee out to the patio and listen to the doves coo. Our patio furniture, being of the webbed, folding kind, doesn't need to be shrouded. If it disappears during one of our famous windstorms, we can probably find it down the block in a neighbor’s yard. Or not. We have no fountain, which is a good thing, since we have no basement to store it in.

My hubby and I picnicked at the lake today. After we ate, we stared out across the vast expanse of water, storing up the tranquility for other days when the weather is not so pleasant. Because our skies are not always blue and serene. Our trees are not always ruffled by a light breeze. Our weather is not always mild.

But right now it is. We are truly blessed to be able to enjoy being outside. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

DiAnn Mills’ A TEXAS LEGACY CHRISTMAS
Review by Marion Kelley Bullock

Zack Kahler is ready to leave New York and return to his hometown, Kahlerville, Texas, where he has bought the local newspaper. He slips on the ice and six-year-old twin waifs swoop down and help him up. In the process, they relieve him of his wallet. He goes to the orphanage where they live, to leave money for their care, and ends up adopting them.

So Zack, along with Curly and his sister, Charley, arrive in Kahlerville by rail. They settle in the local boarding house, where Zack stays busy taking over the newspaper and keeping the twins out of trouble. Zack renews his friendship with Chloe Weaver, who works at the boarding house. Back in their school days, when she often had no food, Zack brought her a sandwich for lunch every day. This she remembers, as well as her feelings for him. She has loved him ever since.

The children are endearing and they interact with Zack and Chloe, as well as others, including Mrs. Scott, schoolteacher, and Simeon, the cook. The owner of the boarding house plies Chloe with unwanted attention, and she begins to wonder if romance with him is all she can expect. But she hopes for the love of her heart.

A Christmas miracle is what they all need. And that’s what this story is all about.