LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE PARK

For many years, this pretty lake, near Wichita Falls, TX, has offered an annual fishing tournament, an 18-hole disc golf course, an equestrian campground and a fully populated prairie dog town.

I last visited Lake Arrowhead in June, 2013. At that time, the crappie, catfish and white bass were plentiful. Many anglers were fishing from the pier which is lighted the year wound. Many brought their own gear but some were using fishing poles and tackle furnished by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Youngsters could learn how to fish through the angler education programs.

The golf course, strategically situated in the mesquite plains of the park, offered challenges to the novice and advanced disc golfer. A championship tournament was sponsored annually.

Horseback enthusiasts could saddle up for a mounted exploration of the Texas Rolling Plains on 5.5 miles of equestrian trails. A special equestrian campground featured campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a corral with covered stalls and hitching posts. Onion Creek Trail offered true Texas experiences such as prickly pear and armadillos.

Lake Arrowhead State Park is one of the few places where you can see an active prairie dog town. Towns of these lively "barking dogs" of the prairies and plains covered much of West Texas and the Panhandle before the l900s. You can find a viewing spot and watch as the prairie dogs pop in and out of their mounds., Scientists have found that prairie dogs use at least 12 distinctive calls to communicate with each other . You'll be able to locate the sentry that calls out danger alerts if you get too close. You may see one of the little "dogs" do a "jump-up", launching straight into the air and making a "wee-oh" sound. Hours of entertainment can be spent watching these smart, resourceful animals.

Today after two years of devastating drought, Lake Arrowhead is quiet and almost deserted. It is a mud puddle, and the prairie dogs have a hard time finding water. But in the fullness of time, as the world turns and the rains come, this park will again beckon to people who want to get outdoors and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.

GENEALOGIST

Definition according to Webster: student of the history of the descent of a person or family.
Definition according to everyone else: Fanatic

It is true that genealogists are dedicated, determined and driven. No courthouse basement is too dusty; no abandoned cemetery is too overgrown or snake-infested; no vague clue is too nebulous - a genealogist on the trail of a six-times great-grandfather is too focused to eat, sleep or change clothes. Even though we often believe a sense of humor has no place in family research, I do try from time to time to lighten the mood, to ease the strain and to elicit a brief smile. The following poem is dedicated to all genealogists everywhere.

 

A Genealogy Poem

By Grandpa Tucker

 

I saw a duck the other day,

It had the feet of my Aunt Faye.

Then it walked, was headed south,

It waddled like my Uncle Ralph.

And when it turned, I must propose,

Its bill was formed like Aunt Jane's nose.

 

I thought, Oh no! It's just my luck.

Someday I'll look just like a duck.

I sobbed to Mom about my fears,

And she said, "Honey, dry your tears,

You look like me, so walk with pride.

Those folk are all from Daddy's side!"

 

Respectfully submitted by a genealogist with over 3,000 names in my Family Tree Maker file.

 



 

 

THE KOI POND

Nothing is more soothing or fascinating that a koi pond. With its colorful varieties of Japanese carp darting among rocks and plants, this touch of nature transforms any backyard into an oasis.

Our neighbors built a koi pond, and we watched with attention and interest. We assumed they would purchase a ready-made pond and water kit. Instead they chose a local specialist in the construction of water gardens. He was experienced in addressing building ordinances as well as the proper maintenance of the pond, its plants and fish. In this time of drastic water conservation, he also had to know the rate of evaporation and details of recycling water.

First they chose the site, hoping to reduce maintenance while providing maximum safety and enjoyment. A location fully exposed to the sun will create overheating and algae accumulation. Full shade will prevent plant life from prospering.

With every detail settled and all items installed, it was time to select the fish. Koi are distinguished by brilliant colors and patterns. Our friends chose the popular white-skinned, red-marked Kohaku, the Asagi with light blue and red markings and the yellow-skinned with black spots Bekko. Koi are hardy, resisting most parasites, and can live for 50 years. They are omnivorous, eating peas, watermelon and lettuce. But a special commercial food is recommended. It is nutritionally balanced and made to float, bringing the fish to the surface.

Koi will become accustomed to feeding times and the feeder and can be trained to eat from the feeder's hand. Feeding is not recommended when the water temperature falls below 50F.

Steps must be taken to protect the fish. The bright colors draw predators like cats, raccoons and birds. Ponds need a section deep enough for the Koi to hide in as well as underwater ledges to prevent animals from attacking.

A Koi pond adds a decorative element to any yard or garden and will enhance one's love of nature, aid the environment and provide family fun for generations. We never pass up any invitation to visit the fish we have chosen as our favorites, and we delight in offering them their evening dinner.

DOOMED TO REPEAT?

During this midterm election year, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested in the election scheduled for November 4, 2014. That's 535 people who'll be elected to govern us and determine the course of our lives. Each of us has the American privilege and constitutional right to make our choice and express our opinion by going to the polls and voting. This action is doubly important in the presidential election in 2016. The decisions and actions of these politicians will determine laws regarding our health, our monthly income, the goods and services that will be available to us, and whether or not our young men will go to war.

I just finished reading In the President's Secret Service by Ronald Kessler. This book provides insights into the innermost character of our elected presidents and their families, the vice presidents and their families, and all other government officials guarded and protected 24/7 by the members of the Secret Service.

Kessler takes us back to the assignation of Abraham Lincoln forward through other successful assignations and those that failed, to the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama. Through historical data and many years of personal job experience, Kessler proves that voters must learn as much as possible about each candidate, their track record and their qualifications, prior to casing a vote. If a person exhibits hypocrisy and lack of good judgment before being elected, he will maintain those traits after he's elected.  The voting public needs to be aware of evidence pointing to arrogance and deceit.

Over the years, the White House has been plagued by theft from departing officials. Historic items have disappeared from the Lincoln Room and other exhibits - a bed from Walter Reid Hospital left with one ex-president.  Some of the items have been returned but not all.

Kessler's book educates us to the serious flaws in some of the people elected in the past. At times we have chosen some dangerously unprepared, unqualified people. If we don't learn from these mistakes, we are destined to repeat them.

Vote with your head, vote with your heart, vote as if your life depended on the outcome. Get out and vote!