On April 13, my oldest sister, Nell, came over and spent some time with Terry and myself. She's been staying with her daughter out in Plano while she recovers from knee surgery. She is getting ready to return to California on April 25 and we wanted to get a good visit in before she leaves. Even though she has been here since before Thanksgiving, we haven't had much time to spend together. I drove out to Plano Saturday afternoon to pick her up and took her back home Sunday afternoon. We had a great time surfing the NET and looking up all sorts of things. She hadn't had BBQ'd chicken in a while so that is what we fixed along with beans and potato salad. The meal was enjoyed by all and I'm glad we had the time together. When she gets back to California, she will be signing up with a local ISP and we'll be able to send email's back and forth. Who knows, I may be able to talk her into getting hooked up with I-Phone or something like that.

Terry's quilt is coming along very nicely. Her last class is on April 27. She has the top completely sewn together and is now working on the edges. They will be starting the quilting process this Saturday. She has really been rushing to get everything finished by class time and is getting tired so after the last class is over, she has decided to lay the project aside for a bit and work on some other crafts. She doesn't want to get burned out on the quilting when she is just getting started on it.

At work, Zap Copy Center in Arlington, we got our approved domain registration back from Internic, so we'll be getting that activated very soon. I was very surprised at how fast it went through the system, less than two weeks from the time it was sent in. We'll have to get started on our business home page very soon. I envision the page for more informational purposes than a place to take orders. We'd be able to tell our customers about new services we are offering as well as be able to introduce ourselves to potential new customers. I'd also like to get an FTP site set up for uploading and downloading files from our customers. Attaching files to emails is not a very efficient way to transfer data. Many of our customers are starting to realize the convenience and speed of electronic file transfer versus physically bringing in their work. Transferring files electronically results in time savings for them and us.

The "Settlements" area is linked to the "Neighborhood" section of StarText. To check out the areas that are available for settlement, go to:

http://www.startext.net/comm/homes/index.htm

You say you don't know HTML, (HyperText Markup Language), the language of the Web? Don't fret, the thoughtful staff has come up with a nifty "home page generator" program that will let you fix up your home page just how you want it. I haven't gotten to the best part yet. Unlike regular land, these plots on StarText are FREE if you are a subscriber to StarText.NET. Just another one of those neat benefits that the folks down at StarText are providing us.

Speaking of FREE stuff. Don't forget about the two wonderful get togethers that Gerry has for us in May. The first is Thursday, May 9. We will all be getting together down at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History for a showing of "The Living Sea." This is a "freebie" saving you all sorts of money. To check out details, go to "The Living Sea Party" announcement page and let Gerry know that you want to be included. I've talked to some friends who have already seen the film and they've told me it's really worth the admission price and you're getting to see it for free thanks to StarText.

The next event on the Interact agenda is set for Tuesday, May 21. StarText is getting together at the historic Thistle Hill for an old fashion Ice Cream Social. You have to provide your own favorite ice cream. While we are there, we have been invited to tour this beautiful home. You will be amazed at this home. I can speak from experience since I've shot many bridal portraits at Thistle Hill. The home was the former "city" residence of A.B. and Electra Waggoner Wharton. This was the home that they stayed in when they came in from the ranch and what a home it was and is! To check out the details, visit the "Thistle Hill Ice Cream Social" page and RSVP Gerry with your reservation. Terry and I'll be at both events and we hope to see all of you there as well.

We love Tyler State Park for several reasons. First it is only about a two hour drive from our home. Second, we really love the camp sites that are in the piney woods of East Texas. And third, we aren't in some isolated area cut off from everything. Tyler is only around 20 minutes from the park so if there is something we really need in town we don't have to drive forever. Normally we go camping in May and October right before it gets too hot or too cold. We always try to go around the time of our anniversary in May. On our anniversary night, we get a bit dressed up and go into town for a nice dinner and a show.

In the process of my searches on the Web for camping and outdoor related sites, I found the official "Parks and Historic Sites" page for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Here you'll find everything and anything you'd want to know concerning State Parks and Historic Sites within the state of Texas. You can find descriptions of all of the state parks, activities offered, fee schedules, rules and regulations and even make online reservations. What more could you ask? To access that wonderful site, point your browser to:

http://tpwd.state.tx.us/park/