New Feature on The Lower 48 (Plus 2 )! The Fruited Plain in Pictures!

I added a new page to The Lower 48 (Plus 2 ) ! It will be a work in progress as there literally millions of photos of beautiful places within the borders of our Country. I think we got off to a pretty good start with this collection.

Read more here...

An Ordinary American, An Extraordinary Man

Armed w/ a Canon

Part of the stated mission of this blog is to highlight Americans who bring a lot to the table. Many times these great Americans are the guy or lady next door. They are ordinary folks who would go unnoticed other than when you see them loading up to go shopping or strolling out to the curb to get their daily mail. You might see them a thousand times, greet them on occasion and even have a conversation with them from time to time. Still, you don't really know them. This is so because these people don't call unnecessary attention to themselves or let on that they are indeed forged of a hotter fire. On the outside you recognize these folks as your neighbors or fellow church goers, but hiding inside them is a person you should know about.

Read the rest here...

A Homesick Texan - Visual Healing Included

The images you will see below represent a piece of who I am.

I am a Texan. A died-in-the-wool, 100%, I'll Brag About the Lady That is Texas Till My Last Breath Texan. Texas is my home. She is the Damnedest Lady You Ever Saw that welcomes me with open arms every time I go back and caresses me with a kind of comfort only she can give. An inexplicable peace of mind that reassures me that I am an Eternal Piece of Something Blessed by God.

I have not been Home in almost eight years, but She is in my heart every waking minute of every waking day. My wife thinks I'm nuts. Maybe I am. One thing is certain, however. I am a Texan.

By the Grace of God I am a Texan.

And I am homesick.  

Be wowed by the beauty of Texas here....

Escape the Heat! Visit Michigan or North Dakota!

Michigan

North Dakota

With record setting heat engulfing much of the country, I thought today we'd take a look at places in the USA that would be a welcomed vacation from the oppressive heat.

Sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade and grab a pen and paper so you can take some notes on some outstanding vacation spot that are sure to make you forget about the oven you just escaped from.

Read about all the great fun awaiting you!

July 4, 2012

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary...

Thus begins the Declaration of Independence, (full text at link) a document so powerful that it would change the course of World History. This amazing manuscript was adopted by representatives of the Original 13 Colonies on July 4,1776 and concluded with these stirring words, "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." 

More on the Declaration here...

Operation Neptune: D-Day

Image from Library of Congress

Today is D-Day. In memory of what has been called the single most important military engagement in the history of Man, today we'll explore a little bit about D-Day, its history and significance. I will provide you with links to materials from those far more knowledgeable on the subject than I. 

Library of Congress

As with any story about American History, the Library of Congress is the ultimate resource. The link I provided will take you a page that is the beginning of a boat load of contemporary news stories on D-Day. You'll feel as the Americans of 1944 felt as the events of this brutal battle unfolded.

Get more History of D-Day here...

New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

Land of Enchantment

New Mexico is celebrating its Centennial this year! Scenic and historic, the Land of Enchantment is throwing a party all summer long with festivals and events that will surely be second to none.

 The actual date of New Mexico's Centennial is June 16, so for those of you in the West and Southwest United States, you still have time to plan a trip to what will I'm sure be something that will leave you with memories that will last you for the rest of your life.

New Mexico at Night

From its magnificent scenery to its incredible history...(cont)