Day 36- Shepherd, Texas

 I’m writing this entry backwards in time, from night to morning, because where we are staying is so remarkable. It’s called the Shepherd Sanctuary and it is aptly named. 

It’s a house…And an art exhibit... And a slice of culture all wrapped up in a warm welcoming place to gather and stay. 

I’m writing on an outside patio, looking at the lights hanging overhead and marveling at the individual rooms across the way that are each decorated in a different style and built as if each one was added on as needed. A fire pit Sits at the center and that’s where we sat and roasted marshmallows and left after dinner.

The sanctuary is owned by Peach and her wife. They built it after they lost their house in a hurricane, living first in just two rooms built as bungalows. When they built the main house their kids were growing and leaving home. As kids often do, they tried to come back. So Peach and her wife built the outbuilding so the kids would have someplace to stay outside of the house. Peach’s wife is an artist and they’ve spent most of their lives collecting all of the memorabilia and odd pieces that are so beautifully displayed all around the property.

I arrived here around 12:30 today. Jill Huffman was here already and we had a great visit catching up. She and her family grew up across the street from us and she babysit it for us early on. Her brother Tommy was in my class. She lives about 45 minutes away. We FaceTimed with Tommy who lives in Maryland and tried to chat with Beth Azzatelli (a friend of hers I met when I moved into military housing I. Bangor)but Beth didn’t answer. We figured it had been 45 years since we’ve seen each other. She has not changed a bit

Dinner was on Matt and I. He made corn pudding, I baked some chicken, Peach made beans and then we had salad. The cats in residence worked hard to get some chicken but we were hungrier and faster.

 

The ride here today was relatively short, about 50 miles. When did 50 miles become a short ride? Not much new to see, except some large ant hills and some very tall Piney type of trees. Oh, and a giant cow advertising a farm. And cows running along side us in a field.

 For some reason, I felt the need to go fast today. Matt and I were first out of camp. If he was behind me I felt like I should go quick — and when he was in front, I had no trouble keeping up. I think I’ve turned another corner fitness wise. Sometimes I even wake up in the night and feel as though I am still on the bike. It’s a cool gliding feeling.

Things I learned today:

• Nothing opens in Texas until after church on Sunday. Get your coffee at home.