Laura's Site

Author: Laura

  • Closer and closer

    In just 18 short days, I will be on my way Salt Lake City to see my best friend. She and her family (husband and two daughters) moved from Texas to Utah a couple of years ago. Mary came to Texas last summer, and we spent a ton of time together, it was nice to see her and catch up. I miss her and her family so much. When they were living in Texas, I spent quite a bit of time in Fort Worth visiting them. I was at the hospital (not in the delivery room) when their first daughter was born. I was there when her water broke when she went into labor with her second daughter. (more…)

  • Paid Torture

    HA! Maybe not! Today I go Diesel Fitness here in Denton to pay the final payment of my personal training, which is scheduled to start Monday morning. I say, “paid torture” because my last personal trainer told me she was going to kill my legs on the first work out…and well, she did. It took a day for the effect to set it, but I couldn’t walk nearly 24 hours later.

    I am hoping that this trainer doesn’t go to that extreme. I’m only paying for 12 sessions to start with. But we’ll see how it goes.

    Starting Monday no more Dr Pepper. I’ll have to find a less sugar filled drink, more water, and healthier eating. I am game for any advice you can throw at me. Let me have it.

     

  • 2010 Denton Air Fair

    The air show in Denton, Texas on Saturday, June 19, 2010 was a great show. The history you get to see is just amazing! One excellent piece of history was on static display, the DC-3, known as the Flagship Detroit (more…)

  • Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center

    I don’t know how many people know that the City of Denton has a park where you can hike, fish, interact with nature, and explore. I had a chance to meet up with a group of fellow Denton Area Photographers at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. (more…)

  • 2010 Butterfly Exhibit

    I went to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens last Friday to see the Butterfly Exhibit. I saw some very unique butterflies from all over the world. A friend went with me and we both took photos.

    Butterflies are amazing creatures, they are graceful in their movements (more…)

  • Manners, where have they gone?

    I am often saddened at the sight of people too busy to hold a door open for someone. Whether that person is older, a lady, someone with their hands full…

    I remember in First grade (I think) we were taught, a few basic manners, in class, with a very specific purpose. Hold doors, gentlemen pull out chairs and slide them in as you sit, say thank you and your welcome.

    I commented on Facebook about an incident that happened to me as I was on my way to work. I had stopped at a Subway on my way to work. After I got my sandwich and drink, I started out the door. As I opened the door, an older gentleman stepped up on the curb, I held the door for him. As he stepped to the door he said thank you, and I responded with “you’re welcome”. He then said that he thought those days were gone. My response was “No, sir not here. Have a good day”.

    His comment about those days being gone, made me a little sad, and made me think that it took maybe 30 extra seconds to hold the door and have that short conversation. How sad that more people don’t take the time to do something nice for someone.

    Have we forgotten our manners in the hustle and bustle of the day? Are we stuck in our cell phones and tablets, too busy to look up to see that we have lost sight of our manners?

    I looked up manners on Wikipedia (I know…not a credible research source). Manners are standards of conduct that show that a person is proper, caring, non-grouchy, polite, and refined. This definition when put in the negative can be said to describe a good portion of the world today.

    Everyone always seems to be in a hurry, too busy to stop and make someone smile, by doing something that seems to be lost. The unexpected comment, meant a lot to me, but more than that the smile and thank you made my day.

    Take the time over the next few days to do something unexpected. Small gestures often mean the most. You might just be surprised at the results. There’s a commercial for an insurance company, Liberty Mutual. It talks about doing the right thing, and shows how it can have an effect on people that you don’t see. Check out the commercial on YouTube.

  • Old Alton Bridge, Denton Texas

    These pictures were taken a few years ago, the post was written at about the same time.

    I finally got to go see Old Alton Bridge earlier this week. (more…)

  • West Nile Virus

    Here (and elsewhere, I might add) mosquitoes have become disease carrying little creatures. Namely West Nile Virus, which is a strain of encephalitis; a disease that can be deadly and is carried by some mosquitoes. People over 50, young children, and people with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of contracting this disease.

    If you were bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile, it can take up to 15 days to experience the symptoms, which include: severe headaches; fever;nausea and vomiting; disorientation; chills; muscle aches, pain, stiffness, or all three. If you have any of these symptoms after a mosquito bite, please seek immediate medical attention. Better safe than sorry.

    Take steps to keep from being bitten by mosquitoes. When outside, use insect repellent containing one of these EPA registered active ingredients.  Follow the directions on the packaging. Also stay covered up, I know…it’s HOT!!…but be sure to wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt when outside. Also be sure your window screens fit correctly and are in good shape.

    You may have places in your yard or on your house that make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty buckets, cans, and other receptacles to prevent water from collecting. Cover wading pools, but take care to drain water that may collect on pool covers. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. When they are not in use, keep pools empty and covered. Change water in bird baths every three or four days. Keep roof gutters clear and draining properly. Report standing water to your local health department.

    Most cities, counties, and health concerned entities are taking steps to monitor and prevent West Nile in their areas. Monitor the news for information about current insect conditions and community efforts to control insects. Be aware that increased sightings of dead birds in your area can be a sign that West Nile Virus might be present. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you cannot contract West Nile Virus from an intact dead bird.) If you see multiple dead birds in your area, you should immediately contact your local health department. (A comprehensive list of local health departments is available on the CDC’s Web site.)

    There have been, I believe 3 reports of West Nile human cases, in Denton County, Texas so far this year.

    The City of Denton has entered Level 5 of its Mosquito Plan. To see the news release click here.

    Denton County, Texas has a page that lists information about West Nile: facts, who to call, and other valuable information. You can visit the Denton County Health Emergency Alert Response Team (HEART) page on West Nile here.

    The CDC has West Nile Virus Fact Sheet. See it here.

  • Just saying hi

    I just wanted to take a minute to say hello to you all. I realized that it’s been quite sometime since I have posted anything for you. (more…)

  • In memory of

    In memory of

    My friend, Mary’s grandfather. I know she loves him very much. I made this photo as a gift for her. I know she will love it.