The Unknown Tourist

I promise to explain the meaning of my blog name and photo in a future post.  But not today...too hot for deep thoughts and complicated explanations...but just the right temperature for whining. 
It's the 63rd day over 100 degrees here in North Texas, and to say we're all getting a little stir-crazy in these parts would be an understatement.  I've lived in this part of Texas all of my life, and for most months of the year it has much to offer; mild winters, friendly (for the most part) people, a low cost of living, and the comfort of familiarity.  But along about June of every year, I start dreaming of being "Somewhere Else".

I have to say that "Somewhere Else" is somewhat loosely defined, and primarily offers cool days, beautiful scenery, minimal traffic, and friendly people with time to visit and interesting stories to tell. More importantly, people who think my stories are interesting, or are at least are polite enough to act interested.  "She Who Must Be Obeyed" (also known by the acronym SWMBO, or her given name, Terri),  and I are looking at retirement in four years, and starting to make plans for the next phase of our lives.  We both enjoy motorcycling, travel, the outdoors (but not "roughing it"), photography (me), cooking (Terri), Tennis (me) and gardening (Terri).

Our plans are fluid, but at present we're thinking of buying a much smaller home with a much bigger garage; one which perhaps holds an RV to get the heck out of Dodge during the summer months.  Just thinking about heading to the Northwest makes me feel cooler.  That is until I notice the poor mockingbird at my bird-bath outside my study with his beak open in full pant mode.  Thank God for air-conditioning!