The week started with my feet running as they touched the ground! Emails were relentless, and time was not my friend! However, it was warm enough to walk, and the 'animals' were finally venturing out to see if spring had, indeed, sprung. As I headed up the hill, I noticed an arachnid, that with the 'bad rap', beginning with 'T', ending in 'A', with 'arantul' in the middle! (My daughter would never forgive me for writing the full name!) I sent a picture to my grandson. Interestingly enough, I sent a picture to my grandson, which meant that I had to stop, get within inches of the said 'arantul' and not only take a picture, but 'hang about' long enough to take a video. Since living in Texas, despite not wanting to spend the night with such creature, or being within their presence without having them in sight, I have learned of their (apparent) kind nature! Just because they make 'great pets', I am not about to test the rumour! However, I digress! My grandson replied with "Wow". We chatted back and forth for a while and I explained the bit about it not being 'highly' dangerous, and he responded again with "Wow!"
"You are used to this weather", said one of our office neighbours, as we walked up the ramp. It is amazing how many people think that it is always raining in England. I simply smiled, and asked if he managed to take his trip, which had been planned sometime ago. to the motherland. He said that he had, and he and his family had enjoyed it very much. "You must miss it!" he said. "Not the weather!" I responded, a little tongue in cheek.
It is hardly surprising that, after the cold snap, where no one can communicate anything but the weather, everyone goes back to normal! However, there is, as expected, a heightened degree of discussion around the current political climate. I make no comment about my own preference, other than I am on the side of common sense! I would like nothing more than to 'head' the 'common sense' party! (Well maybe I would campaign for someone, rather than actually run.) My perpensity for knowing about all things 'American' are so that I can 'hold my own'. It is easy to sound like an expert, just with an English accent. (As mentioned many times before!) It is not that people necessarily agree, as most of the time no one has a clue as to what I am saying, but whether or not I feel it, there is an element of 'confidence'. I mean no offence to my 'new home' residents, as my husband speaks with authority and confidence. (Am I digging a deeper hole here?) One reason I like to know, and 'hold my own', is because eventually, I could be 'called out' or simply ignored, thus smashing the myth that I know all, just because I can speak like the Queen! Another is simply because I want to know! "You know more than me!" I am often told by citizens. My response is that I can also name all fifty states, but do not know all the counties in England! Those who are native do not necessarily need to know! I have studied (to a degree) the Constitution, and amendments, both of the US of A and of Texas, and am pretty au fait with their objectives. To me, it is common sense to want to know the Constitution, and laws of the country where you reside! Obviously, I do not discuss my opinions with everyone, but there are those on both sides of the fence, with whom I can have a lively debate, and there are those that sit open mouthed at what I know! However, I digress! (Would that make me a good politician?) Suffice it to say, there has been a heightened degree of discussion, and I am, once again, enjoying myself watching the Texas Legislature in session, and seeing what how I can contribute! I am by no means an 'activist', but there are fewer hoops to jump through to get to speak to those in power! Obviously, being a possibly founding member of the possible 'common sense' party, (a back bencher at best) I am often very quiet and say not a word! (I know, unbelievable to consider - not a word!)
Rain poured on Thursday, and then the sun came out and dried up all the rain! I was sure that not-so incy wincy spider, had made it back to its lair, even with the torrential storm. I am not sure there will be an end to the other storm, this side of the pond, or the other! The rain was very heavy, and even with my trusted umbrella, I found it hard to stay dry just walking too and from the car!
A couple of deer frolicked along the path as I took my morning constitutional, and although the buck and two fawns were a little jumpy, the doe was just skeptical. She looked at me, took up the 'ready to bolt' stance, but did not move. I simply walked past, bid her a 'good morning' (obviously she understands me, as I talk like the Queen) and watched my every move. It was a beautiful morning on Friday, and I was looking forward to the weekend. We had been particularly busy. I had been discussing the various attributes of the 'rules of civil procedure' with a server from San Antonio, and was quite delighted at his response. I was thanked by an attorney who had sought my advice! Sometimes, just sometimes, they do understand me!
Another beautiful Saturday came to an end. I had made my way around the pool with a chair, as the sun went from one part to the next, and read. Sunday morning started a bit chilly, but the promise of a sunny afternoon was much appreciated. I spoke to my sister, and to my son. My eldest grandson told me where I should have checked for the woodpecker, and was highly delighted with the 'arantul' video! My middle grandson chimed in for a while before going back to watching the football game that was (of course) far more interesting than Grandma's antics!
A fairly even week is predicted on the temperature front next week, but everything else appears to be pretty tumultuous. I shall just saunter into the coming week like the arachnid sauntered across the road, hoping to make it to the other side without incident. What will the first full week of February bring? Perhaps ......... another story!
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