AS SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS - OR NOT!

Following an uninterrupted afternoon, I put down my book and headed back to reality.  Perhaps 'reality' is not the right word,
as we were going over to Samantha, and then to see the Christmas lights in Downtown Round Rock.  

We drove to the square, and parked outside the library, which donned a beautiful red bow, made of lights.  It made the building look like a giant package, and was, in my opinion, very tasteful.  There was a hint of elegance about the area, until there was not!

Walking along the road, seeing all the restaurants and bars lit up, and listening to the seasonal music, I mused at the fact that we were wearing jackets, as the temperature had dropped to what I was accustomed to at this time of year.  As we turned the corner to cross the main road, to walk through the arches and have pictures taken by the giant decorations, I heard some classical music being played.  Round Rock Donuts was lit up, and very busy.  (Round Rock Donuts has become world famous for their giant 'ring' and always appears to be busy!)  Across the road from the cake shop was a small church, with a small orchestra playing in the open air, and what appeared to be a nativity scene.  I veered off the beaten track and found myself lured to the presentation.  Suddenly, a larger male, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, ran in front of the band, and hurdled over the steps leading to the 'set up'.  He said something which included the word, "Baby", just as a woman, wearing a large tent like dress appeared in the 'manger' and lay down, legs akimbo, simulating, it appeared, to be giving birth.  It was all very modern, apart from the classical music!  However, someone was missing!  As we turned to go the other way from the 'play', standing at the front of the queue, at the Donut shop, was someone in full period costume!  They were missing a shepherd!  With long robes, a traditional headdress and belt, (I could not see his footwear, but hoped he had some form of sandal, rather than running shoes,) he waited patiently for his order, as the baby was about to appear!  I waited for the orchestra to play, "While Shepherds watched their flock by night"!  This is Texas, and don't I love it!  

The lights were beautiful, tasteful and elegant.  The nativity play, and all that accompanied it was an added treat!  We went to the pizza buffet where my grandson enjoyed a birthday dinner.  It was the perfect end to a holiday weekend!

Long sleeves came out of the cupboard and boots were looked at as a
source of footwear.  A coat was not quite needed at the beginning of the week, but the few days of autumn that we experienced, seemed to be heading to winter quite quickly.  However, this is Texas!

The exit of one tenant from our building, and the arrival of another, albeit in a different suite, was the highlight of our week!  "Are they going?" someone asked.  It was not unusual for them to cart things out on a regular basis.  Their company received samples from suppliers, and after displaying them for a while, (apparently,) donated them to charity.  However, the walls were stripped and the fixtures removed.  The office was empty!  The new company arrived in trucks!  We suddenly looked like the forecourt of a vehicle dealership!  I felt my nose twitching!  Who were these people?  What do they do?  I managed to catch a glimpse of their name which was beautifully etched down the wall inside their room, and looked it up on line.  "Wow!  He looks shorter in real life!" I said, not realising how loud I shouted!  As is normal for today's standard, I knew everything I needed to know at the click of a button!  Not satisfied with the extensive information on the page, I walked out of our side door, across the corridor, and knocked on the open door.  "Hello" I said to three women standing behind a table.  I introduced myself, welcomed them to the building and offered my help, should they need it.  They were most responsive, and thanked me.  However, I could not think of what they would need me to do, should the occasion arise!  

As we headed towards the weekend, I knew I would have no time to spare.  We had promised to look after one dog, as Samantha had a visitor to stay, and they thought that should the dogs get over excited, they may upset the little girl who was coming with her mum.  Oh the joy of night walking!  

I headed out on Saturday, with a list from my daughter, as she was not going to be able to go out.  I was out quite early, finished all the shopping, picked up coffee and was at her home ready to help with preparations for the birthday party in the afternoon.  I spent the next four hours doing what mums do best!  I washed up, dried up, unloaded the dishwasher, loaded the dishwasher, made sandwiches, creamed pavlovas, rolled out and filled pastry for sausage rolls, cleared tables, laid tables, and then went home to collect Dana!  

To say I was proud of my daughter would be an understatement.  The 'walking mums' group that she has created, (an off shoot from a well established group, who have acknowledged that her group has far more 'walkers' than any other,) is amazing.  Her house was full to the brim of kids, mums and dads, and all appeared to be enjoying themselves.  For someone who was painfully shy, and came out of her comfort zone to make an effort to find other mums with babies, she has created what is almost a legacy! The food was enjoyed, and the kids all played well together, and my grandson appeared to have a blast!  Everyone was delighted to see my husband, looking so good!  

My daughter introduced me to one of her friends, a lady from England.  Her husband had 'landed' a job in Austin, and they have been here for a year.  We discussed what it was like to leave 'home' and head to a new land.  Obviously, I was a lot older than her when I moved, and my kids (almost) grown.  She asked if I ever regretted the move.  I said I did not.  The more we talked, the more she realised that she really did like it here!  It appeared that they had been given the chance to stay longer, and perhaps be given permanent status.  My only advice was not to rush a decision.  She could always go 'home', but once they decided to leave, and restore their life in England, it would be unlikely they would get another opportunity to live here.  I definitely gave her food for thought!  There are always pros and cons, and I told her that it did take a long time before I called this place 'home'.  Of course, one of the big pros, is the weather!

We returned home, and I took the dog for his long evening walk, before have one more night hanging off the edge of the bed!  I got up early and went for a walk, alone!  It was wet and windy.  However, Tuesday is going to be hot!  I wondered if I would have a chance to wear any 'seasonal' clothes during the season!  

Samantha came to collect the quadruped after dropping her friend at the airport.  I was delighted to say goodbye, even though he really had not been any bother.  It was another damp, dreary day.  I thought of Samantha's friend.  She said she didn't like this weather.....any more!  However, she knew it would not last for too long.  I saw myself going to sit by the pool next weekend, even if I don't swim.  

Another week looms, and we are heading towards the end of another year.  Mortality is staring me in the face!  Whilst I hope to still see several more years, I thought of how many years I have been here, and what a difference it has made.  Last week UT lost their conference game.  How many years ago was it that I had no idea about American Football, and had never even heard of Austin!  This weekend, I sat shouting for Navy to beat Army in their grudge game!  I told my husband that I was keeping up the family rivalry, posthumously, for his brother, who was a Navy man.  I could go on, forever, or leave it for ..............another story!