terrell tigers vs dallas conrad

Tonight i went down to the high school to get in some more practice with my action photography. I'm still playing around with the automatic settings, but it seems like the lighting in the Rockwall-Heath gym last week was a little better.

prayers to Segura and Roa families

I'd like to send my thoughts and prayers to the families of sisters Ana and Jacqueline Segura and their friend Viridiana Roa. These three young girls were struck and killed by a car while trying to cross hwy 34 in Terrell last Friday evening.

Additional information can be found here at The Terrell Tribune.

For those who are looking for a way to help, the American National Bank has set up a donation fund that will assist the families with burial expenses. Donations can be taken directly to the bank or to any school campus c/o TISD Fine Arts Director Dana Skelton.

The photo today is the teddy bear memorial that has been left by well-wishers on the corner of State Street and Hwy 34.

Santa is a Cowboy?

That's what they believe at Risinger's Country Store, at least! Tonight's first photo is the window display at Risinger's. The last 2 photos shows the view east and southwest from the front of the store window....

This coming Saturday at 10am, December 12th, is the Terrell Christmas Parade! click the link for additional info from the Tribune...

Terrell Christmas Tour of Homes

The Neel Home (c. 1893)

The Arthur Home (c. 1900)

The Voight Home (c. 2002)

The Simpson Home (cool 'Coca-Cola' Kitchen =))

The Wharton Home (c. 1959)

The Social Science Club of Terrell held its 13th annual 'Christmas Tour of Homes' on Saturday. The annual tradition started in 1997, the same year I moved to Terrell, and this was the first time I've attended... =)

The club formed way back in 1894, and in its current objective works on the "intellectual development of their members through interesting programs, but, foremost has been their projects to raise money for worthwhile community causes."

Being the owner of an old Craftsman home in various stages of remodel, I really enjoyed seeing the older homes on the tour the most. I like getting ideas for things I can do to fix things around my home - and looking through the historic homes gives me a peak into the yesteryear of Terrell and seeing how 'the other half' lived way back when.

I was also reminded to never judge a book by its cover! One of the homes in particular, the Arthur home, looks deceivingly small from the outside! And the original heart pine floors inside were impressive!

Its less than 3 weeks until Christmas, and only 25 days until the new year 2010! Here's hoping for a good ending to the year!

Flag Football - Fire vs Police 2!

Ok, just a few more shots from the fire vs police football game today!

Check Jim's site on facebook and Don Johnson's pics over at The Terrell Tribune for some cool shots too!

Flag Football - Fire vs Police!

This morning I went down to the football stadium in Ben Gill Park to watch the Terrell Fire Department whoop up on the Terrell Police Service. I predicted the outcome last night, but didn't expect the final score to be so lop-sided. At the end of the game the Fire Department had 36 points vs the Police total of Zero. =)

Like last year, the weather was frigid and my glove/mittens couldn't keep my fingers warm enough! next year i'll have to find a hand heat pack to put inside my gloves =)

I have a few more photos posted on my Facebook page here, click through and take a look! I'm still getting the hang of the new camera, but liked the way a few of these turned out!

Christmas Wrapping

Certain things about Christmas have always been magical to me, and bring back happy childhood memories. I always loved green grassy garland decked out with shiny decorations and placed around normally overlooked everyday things. A mantle, a support rail, or whatever. This one in particular adorns the railway leading into the First Baptist Church. Another magical place at Christmas =)

Happy Friday and weekend to all! If you're in Terrell tomorrow morning, Dec 5, don't forget about the flag football game pitting the Firemen vs. the Policemen!! The game begins at 10am tomorrow at the stadium in Ben Gill Park - entrance fee will be an unwrapped child's toy. C'mon out and watch the Firemen beat up on the Police (sorry, i may have revealed my bias), and help out with the local toy drive for Christmas!!

tree of giving

The Terrell Tribune ran a story last weekend about a Christmas donation program organized through the Kaufman County Clerk's office that will benefit several local organizations; including the Kaufman County Children's Shelter, Child Advocacy Center, Healing Hearts Ministry as well as the Genesis Center.

With the current state of the economy, some of these organizations are running low on everyday items they need to assist local families. The 'Tree of Giving' ornaments request things such as cleaning supplies, shampoo, lotions, paper products, and cologne. There are a few higher ticket items listed, but for the most part it's basic necessities that are needed.

According to the Tribune, the ladies working in the clerk's office, "would like to reinvent the holiday as one that celebrates our ability to give." And that's really what the season is all about. Giving. And what better thing to do than give back and help out a neighbor in our community!

Additional info can be found by clicking on the link above to the story in the Tribune. Otherwise, just stop in the Kaufman County Courthouse anytime before 5pm weekdays and pick out an ornament/gift item, and help out however you can!

Iris Theater at Night

Tonight's photo is the Iris Theater, taken last night during the rain that's been drenching the area! If you click the photo for a larger view, you'll see that the bookstore is giving away a free Nobel Peace Prize with ANY purchase!! Take that, Obama! =) [insert sarcasm]

basketball?

Tonight I attended the Terrell vs Rockwall Heath basketball game, which was held in the Rockwall/Heath area.. =)

It may seem strange to find the sports photos on my blog instead of Jim's over at Terrell Daily Photo, but I'm still trying to get some practice in with my new camera - and have actually enjoyed tagging along to the last couple games, believe it or not!

I'm not sure if the lighting was better in this gym, or if I've improved in some small way - but I had several shots that I actually liked this time =) I have a long way to go, but was excited to have a few more in focus this time...

Also, I had a comment/question regarding my post yesterday that I'd like to clear up. I was in a hurry when I posted, and should have given a little more explanation regarding the Patriot Guard riders and their mission. From their site:

"Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors"

I first remember hearing about the Patriot Guard when the Westboro Baptist Church, based out of Kansas, was traveling the country and protesting the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (I'm fairly certain they still do). The Patriot Guard attends the funerals for the fallen soldiers, and shields the family from any hateful rhetoric during a difficult time in their lives. I recall seeing video of the riders revving their engines louder and louder to drown out the shouts from the protest groups.