Thursday, October 16, 2014

Today's New Post Is MORE POST!

Post is an attractive little town and there is nothing weird or depressing about it. Since it is kind of on the edge of the Caprock, it is kind of scenic in a desert-like way. You've got a canyon and it's pretty down in the canyon when the cactus bloom. Post is enjoying oil prosperity. There are lots of pumpjacks around town, pumping oil, and the truck traffic through the heart of town is continuous. 









By truck traffic, I mean eighteen wheelers hauling oil field equipment and fracking fluid-- enormous loads.








My wife and I have decided that when Ebola reaches Lubbock it will most likely be riding with a returning missionary.  Many churches here are very big on missionary work, especially in Africa. We tend to feel that it is better to mind your own business. 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Post, Texas

Yes, this begins a series of pictures taken in Post, Texas, home of what was once a nice flea market: Post Old Mill Trade Days. The "old mill" is the mill built by the Post of Post cereal. That mill still stands, though it is in bad shape.





 We have, by the way, met a couple of AT&T retirees who are really struggling with the insurance switch. Premiums have to be paid for out of pocket. THEN, somehow, you will be reimbursed. But that extra monthly expense is going to kill a lot of people who simply can't afford it. There are many more retirees who are going to be hit hard by this change. In our case, having chosen our plans, AON has handed us off to Blue Cross of Texas. Someone is supposed to contact us. If they are unable to reach us, no insurance. We are in a holding pattern, waiting for that call. Who knows when? Healthcare in the USA is all messed up. It is too expensive. Insurance is hard to get and hard to hold onto. The insurance hassle would make you sick if you weren't already. The system is indefensible. It is STUPID. If you are poor you might as well live in Nigeria. That is why Ebola will spread in this country. Low paid workers have no sick days, so, they report to work half-dead and spread their disease. They go to an emergency room and spread whatever they have because there is no other option. Oh yes, our two tier, have vs have-not healthcare system guarantees that diseases like Ebola will be uncontrollable. We haven't even mentioned yet the problem of cost-- who foots the bill if you are kept under observation?


 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Roses

We grow roses, or, rather, my wife does. She is the expert. I can dig holes to plant them and apply water and fertilizer as directed. But I like roses too. We took pics of some of the really beautiful roses in Lubbock's municipal rose garden. The labor there is all volunteer. 






Saturday, October 4, 2014

Friday, October 3, 2014

Consumer Cellular Is GOOD!

It was very easy to pay my first bill online. Less than $20. When they tell you what you will pay per month, that's what you get. No surprise fees. The quote includes all the little line item stuff.
Their website is also very simple and very easy to navigate. You get great prices on the phones, too. This is a shameless and unapologetic plug for Consumer Cellular. They even offer a wireless home phone, and you can keep your existing number! I switched from AT&T wireless and kept my old number. No sweat. No hassle. And I didn't really even have to buy a new phone. I could have just asked for a new SIM card for the old phone I got from the AT&T phone store years ago. But I got a phone with better features and a better camera. Activation is free! NO CONTRACT! The last time I talked to an underpaid rep at the AT&T phone store, complaining about the cost of my cell service, the arrogant sh*t brushed me off-- too bad if you don't like it. Go elsewhere. I did, and I advise everyone else to do the same. Screw AT&T. You can get a much better deal from Consumer Cellular.