I want to blog...

I have so many things I want to blog about... I have written at least a dozen posts in my head in the past few weeks! I have had no time to stop and put them down here. Even with this post I don't have the time I want, just wanted to let you all know that I will be posting and catching up as soon as I am able to. Keeping my fingers crossed that will be soon.

Thursday Thought - Birthday...

Birthdays are always a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and to look forward to the year ahead. Taking the time to stop and put everything in perspective helps to clear the mind of the daily jumble of things that tend to crowd out the bigger picture. Taking pause and considering all that is... helps.

As I stand at the threshold of this new year and consider where I am, I realize that I am beginning this new year with a challenge. Which is pretty normal. Ha! As I stand here and take account I realize I am starting this year with less the $5.00 in the bank, a month behind in bills and with utility disconnect notices. This is enough to get anyone down. But, I can't be down and out.

As I look forward I see a picture and a life where I am together with my family... all of us!! That gives me hope and the courage to forge ahead knowing that as a team we will make it no matter what life throws at me.

I am looking forward... with hope, excitement, maybe even a little apprehension at knowing this year is the year I am poised to conquer.

Supermoon...

A few hours ago saw the rise of this years "supermoon" or perigee moon. I am sure each of you saw it or read about it and I am posting about it just to remember it here on my blog.

The Moon's distance varies each month between approximately 357,000 kilometers (222,000 mi) and 406,000 km (252,000 mi) due to its elliptical orbit around the Earth (distances given are center-to-center). The size and brightness of an object follows an inverse-square law, which means that a full moon at perigee is 12% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. However, because the offset of the moon's orbit versus its phases is only two days, this change in appearance is gradual from month to month and therefore is not usually noticeable to a casual observer.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo from Wikipedia.

Click the link above to read the full article but to sum it up in my words:

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the battle of Puebla that was fought by the Mexicans against the French in Puebla Mexico on May 5th, 1862. Seems like Napoleon wanted to use Mexico as a base to help the Confederates fighting against the North in the Civil War. Well, that didn't happen.

Ironically most of Mexico doesn't even observe it as a big holiday. It has been celebrated in the US longer then in Mexico and has been popularized due to the rise of the "Chicano" heritage. With the onset of major endorsements and push of Mexican products, it has become one more reason to party and push beer and tequila drinking.

If you live in the US you know what Cinco de Mayo is, if you live in Mexico you might just hear how your neighbors to the North are partying for you.

Either way, have fun and don't drink and drive.

Cleaning...

Since arriving home four days ago we have had little time for anything other than cleaning, unpacking and rearranging. Although I have been living in this same house for nearly a year it was in dire need of a woman's touch. We are slowly getting everything re-set up and put away. Soon we will be able to relax. It will be nice.

Texas by Train...

I love to travel and seeing the land is always special for me, traveling with the family is even better. I have cris-crossed the States many times on buses, driving and flying. Each method has it's advantages and/or disadvantages. Some need the time savings that flying provides so they pay higher travel costs and endure all kinds of luggage and security restrictions. Some prefer the more scenic route with being able to travel on your own time so they drive. Some don't like to drive so they take the bus for the economy and regular schedules. Other's discover the train...

With visa's validated and all of us on the US side of the border we headed home via Amtrak... the US's passenger train line. While I have traveled via train many times before in multitudes of countries this was my first US train experience. I wasn't sure what to expect.

Tickets in hand and luggage checked... All Aboard!!!

We chose this method based on one decision alone... Luggage!!! When moving with your family and little kids you always have lots of stuff, and with 3 checked bags and 2 carry on permitted with each ticket, making this move was a no brainier. Then we discovered that for the trip across Texas we were making the train was cheaper than the bus. And the benefits just kept on going...

Alex and Julian comfy in their seats.

I was amazed at how big the seats were, the comfort was unparalleled. Being able to get up, walk through the cars, enjoy the dining car, the lounge car which had a snack bar and tons of activities to help pass the time really made the 12 hour trip very pleasant and enjoyable. I didn't feel like I was making a trip that I needed to... it felt like I was on vacation.

With power outlets at each seat gaming and video viewing was made easy.

If I have a choice in the future to a destination the train goes to, I will choose the train every time. The whole experience was great and the Amtrak personnel were kind and courteous. Five Star!!!!!  Enjoy the photos.

The Lounge Car was great for checking out the views and just hanging out when tired of your seats.

Us in the Dining Car for lunch... The boys had pizza and we had chicken soup with tortilla strips along with a nice garden salad.

 This railway bridge going over the Pecos river is one of the highest rail bridge in the US, with 322 feet of clearance from water level.

Desert Mountains.