Blackeyed Peas, Cornbread and Tamales

The Mexican made the traditional tamales to start off the New Year.. In
keeping with the traditional black eyed peas and cornbread which brings in
our own good luck for the New Year, the meal has already been prepared and
set up to welcome any and all guests who drop by..

I always enjoy the relaxed visits and the optimistic predictions that
accompany the friends and well wishers .. Enthusiastic consumers of the
dinnerfare easily overwhelm all the pessimistic, doom and gloom .. Everybody
feels just a bit more uplifted after sharing a steaming bowl of peas,
cornbread and the homemade tamales that the wife has prepared..

The friends came and the highlight of my day was when that special friend
rode up and we concocted a little ride on our motorcycles.. The Green Vulcan
sure was running rough, from sitting up so long.. A couple of gallons of
fresh Premium and it smoothed out and we were on our way to Grapevine Lake..
While we cruised across the Dam, the wind was whipping up pretty good and
you couldn't help but notice how low the lake level has fallen during the
long period with no rainfall.

The lakeside parks were all full of people who were out enjoying the balmy
temperatures for this time of year .. And we parked for a time just to enjoy
the day out ..

The ride back to Meadow Oaks was uneventful and as we cruised around the
west side of DFW airport, couldn't help but watch a few of the big birds
that were taking off and landing . It's funny how the sight of one of those
monsters lifting off or settling down is just a bit awe inspiring..

To bring our perfect day of celebration for the New Year, we finished it off
with a glass of excellent champaign that someone came up with.. That little
gathering of such fine friends, on the famous front porch .. while we made
toasts to declare our optimism for the upcoming year, was a warm feeling of
the blessings that we are privileged to live in America, and be free..
Regards to All and wish everyone a Happy New Year, again..

Bill Walker
Irving