My Sister-in-Law

My oldest brother's wife passed away last Saturday at the hospital in Liberal, Kansas. She was 77 years old and has had serious health problems the last two years. My wife and I drove from Brenham to Liberal to be there with my brother and his family. Its sad that it is only at times like a passing of a family member that so many of the family gathers. It was good to see them though under such sad circumstances. My brother is 80 years old. I hope and pray he will be strong and find his way through these troubling times.

We drove from Brenham to Abilene and them to Shamrock where we spent the night. We drove to Liberal the next day. Thursday we came home through Woodward and Clinton, Oklahoma, to Cisco, Texas (30 miles east of Abilene) where we stayed the night. Met a Professor Hale who teaches American History at Cisco Junior College. He is very interested in the American westward expansion during the 1800's and Indian history as am I. We had a two hour conversation at dinner. We came home the next day.

It was 664 miles from Brenham to Liberal through Abilene, and 686 miles from Liberal through Woodward and Clinton, Oklahoma. We wanted to come back a different way just to see different countryside. Most of the countryside in the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma is green from the recent rains. It was only around Hamilton, Texas, that it looked dry. Our pastures have greened up a little since we had the rain over a week ago. We need another good 3 or 4 inch rain. Still have to fed hay to the cows.

Another of my truisms came true. While we were gone a large limb (8 inch diameter) fell near the fence and brick entrance at the west gate. Yes, it not only fell on the fence but also hit the brick pedestal knocking off and breaking a few bricks, but fortunately missed the coach light on top of the pedestal.