Well its July 2nd, I haven't updated in awhile. I went to a funeral in Joplin, MO. last week. My brother in law Ron, (60), whom I did not know well. My two half sisters with whom I was separated from in the early 60's had come to my mother's funeral in south Oklahoma many years ago, so of course I was obligated to go. My sister and her husband had just bought a house. They survived the tornado as it turned slightly and took down their big trees but only punched a hole in the roof and damaged the cars. Ron had health issues prior to the storm.
I wasn't really prepared to see what I saw when I arrived in Joplin. I drove to my wife's old house where her parents used to live on 26th, they moved to Texas 14 years ago when my son was born. It was only foundation left. Driving east down 20th I began to feel an unsettling feeling in my gut. The damage was unbelievable. After which I began to notice new growth on the stripped trees. Everywhere 6 to 12 inches of leaves. I saw heavy equipment all over the place working moving and dumptrucks galore. The word hope was spray painted a lot. I saw a heart with FEMA in it and God bless Everyone painted. There were resource and supply tents all over Joplin not just the damaged areas.
I should mention that my sisters son and his wife lost their house and both vehicles in the storm and were living on the floor of my sisters house. His wife was pregnant past due with their 3rd child, and was actually looking forward to being in a hospital bed to be induced on the 30th. She had a 6 and half pound girl.
I'm sorry that this is so sobering and not really a growing forum update. I will do that tomorrow. July 4th is my 24th anniversary, 26th together. Round Rock has posted no fireworks this year because of the drought and heat. Not even the big displays. Pics of plants and peppers tomorrow.
Thanks Mike
Go pick that fatalii and have it with dinner will ya?
