Virtual Crops

Despite several less than successful attempts, I have always loved gardening. Discovery of a new type of "farming" has me quite enthralled. Who would have guessed that a virtual farm that runs as an application on Face Book would become my newest addition? Not such a surprise, actually. Gratification from seed planting to harvest in as little as four hours is so satisfying. Ability to hire others to help with the work and realizing increased profits is an entrepreneural experience, a perfect example of capitalism at work. Moreover the rewards of teamwork generate increased success. This silly little game is quite addicting...but somehow I find a bit of a lesson here. One must be responsible and careful to return to harvest crops before they go to waste. Planting frequently earns coins and allows for expansion of the farm, addition of buildings, animals and trees. Intermittent goals can be reached, then extended. Oh if only the reality version were as easy as the virtual.

Celebrations

Our travels last month included two birthday celebrations. Son aged into his third decade and middle grandchild is just one year away from being a "teen". Each celebration was unique and appropriate for the celebrant.

As a member of a family motorcycle club, Son was surprised by a party during a weekend charity event on the banks of a river in Texas. While he was busy serving crawfish to the multitudes, friends and family decorated his area of the campsite, complete with balloons to fill his tent long before sleep time. Balloons and streamers hung from trees and goody bags included toy dump trucks, mini candy bars and of course...water guns. A toy hardhat was later autographed by all present, thanks to a friend with a pink permanant marker. On a 90 plus degree day, the water gun fight as we dug into the loot bags was welcomed by adults and continued by the children, until all were wet and cool. A couple of days later, most of those same friends joined in to wish him well on his actual day of birth. Mexican food is a Texas staple and his favorite local cocina seated the large group and fed us well, then finished with the complimentary sopapillas, accompanied by singing waiters. Well it was fun anyway,and he knew it was coming.

Middle grandchild lamented that we had missed several of her preceding birthdays and she was correct. For the last three years trips to the north of the metroplex seemed to flank her birthday, but not include it. Birthday wishes were sent from afar, and she was feeling a bit slighted. Recognizing that remedy was required, we made plans many months ago to be in her hometown on her birthday. Simple plan, but somehow the trip kept expanding until it was a ten day mission. The trip ended with a birthday dinner of her choosing on the night before the big day. She loves an oversized burger joint a little too far from home for a daily visit. Grandad happens to love the food there too, so her choice was no surprise. On the day of her birth, school attendance was required (cannot understand why this wasn't at least a state holiday). She is at the age where $$ are the most welcome gift. Her birthday wish list includes items of a quality that make them beyond the means of one set of grandparents. She was allowed to open her family cards in advance of the arrival of her friends, and I won't discuss the "time cram" that followed. Her friends arrived right on time, a cake was cut and served with requisite ice cream, required gang photos taken in and around the ever larger crepe myrtle in the front yard. Siblings were picked up and delivered and Middle Grandchild was off to the ice rink for skating with her friends.

We left at dawn the following morning, ever anxious to see the homeplace in the hills. It's fun to watch the young ones age and celebrate their milestones, but home is definitely where the heart remains.