Blessed day, as it is, the Easter memory that I always enjoy recalling involves a special Easter egg hunt at Bastrop State Park.
Mom asked if we wanted to go on an Easter egg hunt. What kid says “no” to that? Even though we fully expected that a hunt would be in our plans that Sunday, we were jumping for joy, as if it were a surprise. I was already imagining (and salivating over) the kind of treats we’d find hidden inside the eggs. Mom is very creative!
As we rode along –– empty baskets guarded carefully on our laps –– time passed and eventually we started chiming in with “Are we there yet?” We were still clinging to our excitement of the hunt, but a little put out that we still hadn’t reached our destination.

It turns out Mom thought it’d be nice to do the Easter egg hunt at Bastrop State Park. Did I mention we were living in Houston?

What a blast we had, though, and what a great idea Mom had!  After nabbing the hidden eggs, we just enjoyed the park, and the picnic mom had prepared for us. I absorbed, as much as I could, this rare sight of fresh air and greenery in such a vast amount of space. This atmosphere was as much a treat to me as the one time I had seen snow (at the time). I remember how beautiful this was to me and the sound of pine needles crunching underfoot. I remember the CCC cabin, too.

Ever the rockhound, I found a rock that I thought was utterly fabulous and brought it home. I have it still. It’s special because it reminds me of that perfect day. Anytime I visit or drive past Bastrop State Park, that memory resurfaces.

As an adult, I still appreciate Bastrop State Park and its beautiful trails. I also now better appreciate that my widowed mom made time –– though I can’t imagine how she found it (or the energy) –– to do this for us four kids.
The deep-seeded pleasure and the lasting fond memory of this road trip is true testament that one can never forget the value of a simple road trip and quality family time.

I’m terrified of heights, so naturally, I wanted to go on an adventure that would challenge that fear. Yes, I’m a little insane. But isn’t that the way to conquer fears? Well, I suppose a healthy fear is good for survival, but I found what I thought would be a safe way to face that fear head-on – ziplining. I highly recommend the experience.

After revisiting an article that we ran in Texas Highways last August, I decided that this was the year I would brave it. Luckily, one of my best friends in Houston had the same idea (always on the same wavelength … that’s why we’re buds). Within a week’s time, we drummed up a group of 10 friends (me in Austin, the rest from Houston) to visit the Cypress Valley Canopy Tours in Spicewood. What fun!

I put on my brave hat while shaking inside, but after the first leap, I was having a blast. You’re so securely harnessed in and connected to the zip line that it’s hard to truly feel vulnerable. Plus, our trusted guides, Lindsey and Andi, used their expertise and a bit of humor to take the edge off and make it fun.  Granted, this probably isn’t as high or as long as zipling down a mountain in Costa Rica, but it’s a fun adventure just the same. And it was just my speed, so to speak.

I didn’t even mind the three rope sky bridges we had to traverse (and I’ve never gotten on them, even at amusement parks, because I’m even more terrified of them!), but the harness helped quell that fear, too. We zipped along six lines from one tree platform to another (up to 40 feet high), passing up Lofthaven, the furnished tree house that you can zip to and rent for the night.

Thanks to the drought, there was little water running through the property, but I’m sure it adds an extra dimension of excitement and natural wonder, so, I definitely hope there will be water on my next visit.

When I go again – and I will – I will try the more challenging tour, which has longer zip lines, and challenges that they say ranges from “moderate to difficult.” I’m up for it!

If you’ve ever had a curiosity about ziplining, but are being held back by fear, I say DO it! If I can, you can.

If you’ve been, what was your experience like and where did you go?

May the luck of the Irish fall upon you this March. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get a chance to experience the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin, the Irish Capital of Texas. But, finding a St. Patrick’s Day celebration anywhere in the state won’t be difficult at all. Texans love to celebrate. Search our Events Calendar to see what’s going on.
For me, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration begins with this story that I tell to at least one person every year out of respect, and in honor, of a gentle Irish man named Bob Chase of Baytown.
Many, many years ago, I had just started working as a reporter for the Baytown Sun, when this petite ball of energy popped into the newsroom dressed in green from head to toe! He started dancing around like a leprechaun and singing Irish ditties. He even had a bit of a real Irish accent. I was dumbfounded. What was going on? Is this man sane? But everyone was enjoying it and, frankly, I was quite entertained, too.
When he left, I found out that it was a local named Bob Chase. Every year, he goes out to some places and does this just to bring a little joy to people.  I was a new fan.

During the year, I’d see him every once in a while, in his regular attire, usually doing some volunteer effort for his church. But when St. Patrick’s Day rolled around again, there he was with his joyful routine – peppered with Irish blessings. He always ended his 5- to 10-minute performance with a tip of his green hat and one particular Irish blessing that wished us all well.

March came around. A week before St. Patrick’s Day, his wife took the time to let people know that Bob was sick and in the hospital and wouldn’t be coming by this year. But when the day came, in popped Mr. Chase – this time with his wife, helping his frail frame into the room and standing guard as her weak and sickly husband attempted his routine. Despite her efforts, she said he insisted. Sick or not, he would not skip this. His heart was in every move, even if his body – still dressed in green from head to toe – wasn’t. He had our undivided attention and respect. I felt a profound admiration for Mr. Chase and was moved by the genuine beauty of his message from the heart –– even this abbreviated version of his routine.

Before he left, he finished with the same Irish blessing he always left with us.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and, until we meet again,
may God keep you in the palm of His hand.

The next day, I purchased a book of Irish blessings and had everyone sign it for Mr. Chase. His wife called me to say he loved it and it brought him great joy and meant a lot to him. I was glad we could bring him joy when he had given so much to us.

A few days later, he was gone. His wife came in to tell us. I learned that Mr. Chase’s outreach didn’t begin and end with St. Patrick’s Day. Every Sunday, before going to church, himself, he would take his Bible and have fellowship with those in jail.

To this day, I find comfort when I remember Mr. Chase’s friendly voice saying: “… until we meet again, may God keep you in the palm of His hand,” and in the spirit of Mr. Chase, I have honored my vow to share that blessing and carry on the message of joy and fellowship that he felt was so important.

Valentine’s Day
Is on its way
And thus here goes
This poem

It’s silly, I’m aware,
But I’d love for you to share
Those romantic Texas spots
if you know ‘em.

Where, in Texas, would you find the most romantic setting for the perfect “I love you”? Remember, our diversity is what makes us special, so non-traditional settings are welcome, too!