The sculpture, Broken Obelisk by Barnett Newman, is dedicated to the life of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The Broken Obelisk faces the Rothko Chapel, a spiritual interfaith sacred space in Houston. There are two other Broken Obelisks sculptures. One is located at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the other resides on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.

To see the location of the Broken Obelisk located in Houston, please click this link for a map. The sculptures serve as sentinels for civil rights and as a reminder of what American lost on April 4, 1968.

From Paul’s Letter to American Christians

I still believe that LOVE is the most durable power in the world.
Over the centuries men have sought to discover the highest good.

Flash Floods

On Monday, January 9, black clouds loaded with rain and wind moved across Houston from southeast to southwest. These same clouds had flooded Katy and Richmond, Texas.  In Westbury, 5-1/2 inches of rain fell in less than 4 hours.  At the medical centers, staff rushed to shut the flood doors in the basements.  Streets, garages and parking lots in the area were flooded.  In Montrose, stranded motorists stood on the median in the rain, waiting for the water to recede. Flash flood warnings were issued for several counties.

The City of Houston conducted 20 to 30 high-water rescues, including sending dump trucks to evacuate two elementary schools that were cut off due to flood waters.  In the afternoon, South Loop 610 between Beechnut and Bellaire flooded as storm drains, blocked by fallen leaves, were unable to drain into Braes Bayou.  Braes Bayou came close to leaving its banks.  Meyerland flooded and several residents had to be evacuated.  Most vehicles were in the water until it receded and tow trucks could haul them off. Over 20,o00 homes were without power until the waters went down and repairs could be made.

Turn Around . . . Don’t Drown

At Highway 288 and the South Loop, traffic was stalled by rising flood waters. Drivers who braved the water found their cars, trucks and 18-wheelers almost completely submerged.  The video below shows why Texans always say, “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.”

Bobbing for Cars

If you cannot see the roadway for the water, turn around!  Two feet of water will float most cars. However, a car can be washed away in less, depending on the speed of the current, the design of the car, whether the car is sideways or end-on to the current, and the type of bottom. ]]

Where the current is swift and the bottom hard and smooth (like concrete roadway) and the car sits low to the ground, as little as one foot of water with a speed of 6 mph will move most cars. If the car is heavy and has plenty of clearance, the bottom is sand or gravel (like riverbed) and the current slow, it may take deeper water to move the car. (cfspress.com/carwater.htm).

Cars and trucks are not waterproof. A car or truck will quickly fill with floodwater.  How quick?  After Hurricane Alicia, they found cars in underpasses. The occupants were still in seatbelts, the keys were in the ignitions and the cars were in gear. There was no time to even attempt to flee.

Tornadoes

A tornado touched down along Highway 6 in Sugarland, southwest of Houston, damaging several businesses and flipping four mobile homes. Meanwhile, in Texas City, roughly 40 miles southeast of Houston, a tornado damaged the roof and wall of the Mall of the Mainland.  Several reports of tornadoes were made, but these two incidents were verified.

Could be Worse

No lives were lost on Monday, which is a miracle. The scenario could have been much worse. The front causing this weather dumped nearly 11 inches of snow on Midland in West Texas!  Is this Texas?  Sure!  Never be surprised by the weather.  Be prepared.

I am writing about ways families may celebrate Christmas in a less commercial way. The State Parks (SP) and State Historic Sites (SHS) are made to order for authentic Christmas experiences.

First Stop : Wyler Tramway SP

Wyler Tramway Gondola

Holidays at the Wyler Tramway State Park

1700 McKinley El Paso, Texas 79930
(915) 562-9899
December 16–18, Noon–5 pm

Ride to the top of Ranger Peak  in a gondola, where Santa Claus awaits your visit. After chatting with Santa and having pictures of the children taken with Santa, do not rush off.  Take time to view the Christmas decorations and to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, apple cider or coffee at the  gift shop. Make sure you look through the gift shop, where you will find  candles, books, apparel, toys and other one-of-a-kind items.

You may notice you are viewing sequential rock layers ranging from ancient volcanic granite to more recently-deposited limestone. The view encompasses 7,000 square miles, 2 countries and 3 states.  If you feel like hiking, follow a two-mile round-trip trail that curls its way around Ranger Peak from the observation deck.  If not, there are accessible ramps and paved grounds leading into an observation deck with an unobstructed view. Try the pay per view high power telescopes.  You are sure to spot birds and wildlife. You are one mile high and the view is fantastic. In the distance, you can see parts of Mexico and New Mexico. The City of El Paso lies at your feet.

Photograph at of El Paso at Dusk by Christopher Rose, The Texas Tribune

Note: You are a mile high, so make sure everyone has jackets and, perhaps, a Santa hat?  Call ahead of time in case of weather or check the NOAA weather site before you set out.

Fees:
$7 for each person 13+ years
$4 for each person 12 years and under

Schedule:
Friday and Saturday: 12-8 pm
Sunday: 10 am-6 pm
Tram closed Monday-Thursday.
Ticket sales end and last gondola starts up one hour before closing.

 Second Stop : Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS

Barrington Living History Farm

Barrington Farm Holidays

(at Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS)

21300 Park Rd. 12
Washington TX 77880
936/878-2214
December 17, 10 am-430 pm

Step back in time and into the lives of the original residents of Barrington Farm. The scene is complete with heritage breeds of livestock.  Interpreters, dressed in period style clothing, help visitors understand what life was like 150 years ago.  Make decorations to decorate your home or toys to give as gifts. Explore and enjoy the simplicity of farm life. Listen to popular music of that time.  Learn  the meaning of “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all Men.” This is a wonderful trip for youngsters.

Fees:
$5 for adults
$3 for students 7 years and over.

Third Stop : Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery SHS

Kreische House Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009

Trail of Lights

414 State Loop 92
La Grange, TX 78945-5733
(979) 968-5658
December 16 and 17,  6–8 pm

I know that Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites do not sound like somewhere you would celebrate Christmas. Take a chance. I know you will enjoy Christmas in early Texas-German style! Enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, sponsors of the event.

Stroll along a ¼-mile trail and thrill to the thousands of lights decorating Monument Hill and the H.L. Kreische House, which is decorated in the style of Texas-German 1850s-era Christmas. Bring your children; they will want to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! View the town of La Grange from the trail’s hillside overlook. From the hilltop, you have a beautiful view of the Colorado River. Picnic sites, rest rooms, playgrounds, trail exhibits and scenic overlooks are found in this flat, bluff-top area. The trail is handicapped accessible and provides access to the Kreische House, Monument and Tomb.

Angel Statute on Monument photograph by Texas Escapes

The monument holds the remains of the fallen from two incidents in the Texas War for Independence, the Dawson Massacre and the Black Bean Death Lottery. The remains of the house and brewery are monuments to a German immigrant Heinrich Kreische. He purchased 172 acres on a hilltop, including the tomb. Kreische married and had six children. Built in two stages, the three-story Kreische house commemorates both the growth of the Kreische business and his family. The remains of the brewery remain as a monument to what one man can do with nothing but limestone, knowledge and hard work.

Fees:
$4 for adults
$1 for children 3-12 years ol

Fourth Stop :  Lyndon B. Johnson SP and HS

Interpreter at The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead. Photo by Jessica Schneider

42nd Annual LBJ Tree Lighting

Stonewall, Texas (from Fredericksburg go east on Highway 290 for 16 miles)
(830) 644-2252
December 18, 6–9 pm

Join in this Texas Hill Country tradition started 42 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy the tree lighting and an evening of family fun. Step back in time at the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead, where visitors experience a German Texan farm in the early part of the 20th century. Snack on cookies under glowing lanterns and view the traditional candlelit German Christmas tree.  A night to remember for the entire family, sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

This park on the banks of the Pedernales River is directly across from the LBJ Ranch. This site, and the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National

Fifth Stop : Longhorn Cavern SP

Longhorn Caverns

Caroling in the Cave

6211 Park Road 4 S.
Burnet, TX 78611 (access PR 4 off HWY 281 between Burnet and Marble Falls or off HWY 29 between Llano and Burnet)
830-598-CAVE
December 17, 5–8 pm

You know how good you sound in the shower?  Image your voice, with others, singing Christmas carols that echo in Longhorn Cavern. There are food and games in the administration building. Different musical artist play each week. Reservations highly recommended. Ask about fees.

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Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish visitors and subscribers to this blog the best in 2012. My health has taken a turn for the worse, so I do not know if I will be able to update this blog as often as I would like. It has been big fun sharing Texas with you and your families. I hope to see you in 2012!

Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

CyberCelt