Scattershooting / Counting The Blessings We Still Have

Hadn't done it in too long, but here I go again with some Scattershooting for the masses out there. Christmas time is upon us, so a hearty Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers out in the vast expanse of the internet. And y'all thought that West Texas was vast, right?

On we goeth!

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We've just gotten through with Thanksgiving, and every year, it's a time to simply pause and give thanks for so many things relative to our lives. As crazy as our society and our government have been in recent years, one thing never changes, and that is, God is in control. In an era where things and people are being taken away from us (particularly at the hands of our awful government), we still do have things that many of us are glad we have. A roof over my head. Clothes on my body. Shoes for my feet. A place to work. Some members of my immediate family. I've got a good church that I just joined and have a fine support group there. I'm also thankful that my home state is still one of the safer places to live in the United States despite the forced illegal alien invasion crisis going on at the southern border. So, with all the negatives that exist out in the public eye, we still have the positives to hold on to and embrace.

2024 will be an election year in the United States for a president. At least, that's what's supposed to happen, anyway. We'll be dealing with that issue on C-D in various places, including one forum which I do not hang out in anymore (P&OC), but no matter what I talk about here, I will not be in the business of making predictions or responding to polls. For right now, what we must do and what I must do is count our many blessings. Count them, folks. Name them one by one. Be glad you have the things you have. And this, too: Be strong and take courage. America's future may be at yet another crossroads, but I still believe that we're resilient enough to overcome the biggest hate against us.

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And here comes a pause of a different kind. For a cause. With paws! Gavin DeGraw visited some of our U.S. troops and showed a nice addition to our protection repertoire.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/si...war-initiative

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Funny thing I just looked at on Google Street View. The far east side of Amarillo has a point of stoppage called Cecil's Last Chance Bar & Grill. The reason for that name is that it's on U.S. Highway 287 just off of eastbound Interstate 40, and you're leaving the Amarillo metro area as you do. Ahead from there are a bunch of small towns, 218 miles to go to get to Wichita Falls, and 333 miles to go to get to Fort Worth. Last Chance, right?

Well, I peeked at a link to the Last Chance.............and they say it's closed today. They don't open again until Monday! If it sez Last Chance, then shouldn't it always be open?? Sorry, travelers. Too bad, so sad.

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Texas Longhorn football fans are just chomping at the bit right now in the College Football playoff. They get a chance to play two more games (provided, of course, they win), with the first one the Sugar Bowl on January the oneth. This is a must-win if they really want to make a statement to get to that all-important National Championship game on the 8th in Houston.

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So,..............which is better for you, butter or margarine? Here's a link with the great debate for you right here:

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/bu...-is-one-better

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Making some H-E-B expansion predictions for North Texas for the coming year. First, some word out of the MySanAntonio webpage saying that H-E-B will begin construction on January 15 on their new Melissa location. The grocery franchise is planning groundbreakings on stores in Melissa, as well as Prosper and Rockwall, right after we turn the calendar. The next one which will open will be the Fort Worth Alliance location, but no date is officially set yet. That one is the furthest along of the three under construction now, with Mansfield about a month or two behind it. Another location at U.S. 380 and F.M. 423 north of Frisco already has its walls going up (which is faster than I had anticipated). Add to that two discount-themed stores called Joe V's in Dallas. Still waiting, however, for Dallas to get an H-E-B flagship store, and so, with that said, Fort Worth will get the bragging rights. It is what it is.

Now, as for my predictions: H-E-B, I believe, will finally get to add Carrollton, Corinth, Euless, Murphy, DeSoto, Southwest Fort Worth, and Southwest Grand Prairie in the groundbreaking phase in the next several months. Just mark it down. In the meantime, I'm itching to see what additional land grabs the store chain will gain in the coming year. I think H-E-B will really get more aggressive with D/FW in the next three years.

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Evidently, we humans aren't the only ones trying to get our Christmas shopping done. In Florida, we found a big ol' alligator wanting to get in on the action.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/wa...-shopping-mall

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I hate to bring stories like the following one up, but the good news is, the victim is still alive. Always be careful and cautious before ever walking on a frozen body of water, regardless of what you do.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/maine-man...ckness-fishing

At least, he didn't have to deal with an alligator in his body of water.

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Less than two months away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training for Major League Baseball. To help (at least, in part) in getting us ready for the new season, baseball has decided on more new rules. Just dandy! Here's that link:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...d/72002590007/

This sport does not need any more messing with. I'm serious.

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Would you have ever believed that the writer of "Jingle Bells" was nothing more than a scandalous rebel? Some history for you as we learn more about the guy who wrote the classic that we still sing so often today.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/me...andalous-rebel

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Two road-related things I'll take an interest in this next year (among other happenings). Your writer is tentatively planning road trips back to San Antonio and Lubbock. U.S. 281's mainlanes are finally completed in San Antonio up to Borgfeld Road on the far north side. A freeway, if you can believe that! It's about time. It's done. This is a huge step for the area and for its mobility. I plan to go down in February and check out the newly-completed roadway.

The other thing is, State Loop 88 in Lubbock is further taking shape at the University, Indiana, and Quaker Avenue interchanges. Dirt had been turned, and already, people are seeing the formation of the future freeway's mainlanes. Farm Road 1585 is being heavily transitioned to a wider, larger freeway artery. Exciting stuff. If I get to do this trip, then I'll shoot once again for the Overton Hotel. Looooooove that place!

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That about does it for this chickenscratch. Have a blessed holiday season, and let's all have a very prosperous New Year!

And there you are.