Sunday – I viewed Mass on EWTN.com as Deacon Patrick was in Houston visiting his daughter and her family. There was a 9 AM Church Service here at WFV.
Monday – Doctor’s Apointments all day. A 1 PM Church Service. A Line Dance Class. National Park Tour.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. Rick Steve’s Europe. where we were treated to virtual tour of the Alps. The Elm Fork River Band entertained us with country, blue grass, and gospel music for over an hour.
There was a Book Club Meeting and The Sunshine Committee Meeting, where we learn about new residents moving in and current resident passing away or moving out. We also assembled Welcome Baskets.
Tuesday ended with the Hillsdale College Class on the Constitution.
Wednesday – Doctor’s appointments all day. Bible Study. Some or the residents went to El Fenix for lunch. The Classy Classical. Remember when…trivia A. Craft Class where they poured coasters. Bingo and a 6:30 PM Church Service.
THursday – The Partridege Family History. Drum Class, where we warmed to the very moving music of YMCA. There was a Mini Mall in the Living Room from 1 to 3 PM. The Birthday Social with Ice Cream and cake follow by The Residents Council, where our Director up dated us on the happings… and scams to be aware of.
Friday – The Latest Diabetic News. A Braums Outing. Food Demo for Key Lime Balls. Quite tasty. Can’t wait to get or find the recipe. The day ended with Movie Night.
Saturday – We posted the Weekly News Letter with all the events scheduled for next week on the doors of the apartments and cottages. The Rosary in the Chapel and the Hope Group which had a Pajama Party with dancing and food.
All in all, as you can see, another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. Truly a Place Where Seniors Thrive.
To learn more about WFV and to join our happy family, for you or a loved one, call 972-721-1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.
Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church in Irving, Texas. The Church Service at WFV was canceled.
Monday – We Celebrated Memorial Day. There were no Docgtor’s Appointments. There was a box lunch for dinner so the staff could get off early. There was a 1 PM Church Service.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. The Flags that lined the property were taken down. Some of us voted at the Irving City Hall. There was Tuesday Trivia. The Sunshine Committee Meeting and Open Pool Time at the Pool Table.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Bible Study. Some Residents went to Spring Creek for lunch. How is Your Health met. Crafts, Bingo, and a 6:30 PM Church Service.
Thursday – Musical Bingo. Happy Hour an Open Pool Time.
Friday – Bridge/Triominoes 2 Floor. Annex Meeting with Shayron. Movie Night.
Saturday – Rosary in the Chapel and Pool Tournament.
Thanks to our very dedicated staff we enjoyed all the above and three meals every day. It comes down to another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.
If you or a loved one would like to join our happy, active family please call 972-721-1500. We would love getting to know you.
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Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church I Irving. There was a Chirch Service here at WFV.
Monday – Doctor’s appointments all day. A 1 PM Church Service. Texas Winds Preformance. National Park tour.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Bible Study. Fast Food Outting. Crafts – Patrotic Wreathes. Bingo. Church ?Service.
Ken Myers is a good vocalist, singer, and story teller. With every song you get a brief history on how the song came about and something about the artist and the song writer.
Every Memorial Day Flags are displayed around boarders of the property next to the street. This year there are small and large flags. A great way celebrate Memorial Day
Thursday – Joe V’s outing. Drum Class. Ken Myers Program.
Friday – Flags Up. Dollar Tree Outing. Braums Outing. New Residents Orientation and Movie Night.
Saturday – Rosary and Hope Group Meeting.
Texas Winds came with a Brass ensomable. There was tuba, a buggle, a trombone and two instruments I did not recognize. They were great.
The National Park Tour was a viral tour we watched on the TV.
The Bible Study where we watch a video or a printout of something bibical and discuss it. The study ends with a prayer for all our loved ones and our needs. Please join us.Flags,
The Rosary is recited most every Saturday at 11 AM in the Chapel, where I pray the Rosary and The Chaplet of Divined Mercy for my family and the residents and staff of WFV. You are very welcome to join me.
As you can see we had another great week at West Fork Village. A Place where Seniors Thrive.
If you want to learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, cAll 972-721-1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.
Rick Herring thmjmj@thmjmj8875
To learn about the one-time investment that can save rural hospitals, small businesses, small towns an potentially increase your income Click Here.
Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church in Irving, Texas. There was a Church Service here at WFV.
Monday – There were Doctor’s Appointments all day and a virtual National Parks Tour. There was a 1 PM Church Service.
Tuesday – There were Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. Drum Class. Elm Fork River Band entertained us for 90 minute with a mix of country, bluegrass, and gospel music. There was a meeting of the Book Club and the Sunshine Committee.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Bible Study. Classy Classical. The Craft people were making Patriotic Wreaths. Bingo and the day ended with an evening Church Service.
Thursday – How Things are Made. Birthday Social. The Residences Council Meeting. We had box suppers as the Dance was from 5 to 7 PM.The theme was a Sock Hop, so we were treated to Go Go Boots, Poodle Skirts and hoop skirts. The music was basically from that era. There were snacks and beverages and popcorn.
Friday – The Puzzle Table was open. There was a Popcorn/Popsicle Social, a viewing of Ken Burns’ Art of the Revolutionary War, and Movie Night.
Saturday – End of the Week Quiz. The Rosary in the Chapel. Open Table Play and Open Pool Play. Many attended the funeral of one of our long-time resident.
At Saint Luke Catholic Church, 240 youngsters made their First Communion.
As you can well see, we had another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.
To learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, to join our happy, caring family, call 972-721-1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others,
For decades, Fort Worth has lived in the shadow of its louder neighbor, Dallas. But according to a recent YouTube breakdown of the Panther City, Fort Worth may be one of the most misunderstood major cities in America.
Is it a walkable urban paradise? A sprawling Texas giant? Or somehow both at the same time?
The answer may reveal why Fort Worth continues to quietly grow while holding tightly to its unique identity.
“Where the West Begins”
Fort Worth proudly embraces its nickname, “Where the West Begins.” Unlike many modern cities that abandoned their roots, Fort Worth has intentionally preserved its Western identity through places like the historic Stockyards, rodeos, cattle drives, and classic Texas architecture.
While Dallas often symbolizes modern business and flashy development, Fort Worth leans into authenticity, history, and culture.
Residents often describe the city as more relaxed, more neighborly, and less obsessed with image than other large metropolitan areas in Texas.
The Hidden Urban Success Story
One of the biggest surprises about Fort Worth is how livable its downtown actually feels.
The city has invested heavily in preserving a functional and attractive urban core. Areas like Sundance Square offer walkable streets, public gathering spaces, restaurants, entertainment, and residential growth that many sprawling cities struggle to create.
Local commenters praised the role of influential families and investors, especially the Bass brothers, in helping revitalize downtown Fort Worth into a destination rather than allowing it to decay.
Unlike many American cities that lost their historic downtown identity, Fort Worth managed to maintain a central business district that still feels alive.
A City of Contradictions
Yet despite its urban strengths, Fort Worth is also deeply tied to suburban expansion.
The city stretches across enormous distances with highways, subdivisions, and car-dependent development patterns common throughout Texas. In many ways, Fort Worth represents two cities at once:
A surprisingly walkable downtown
A massive suburban sprawl machine
This contradiction is what makes Fort Worth fascinating. It has managed to preserve pieces of traditional urbanism while still participating in the endless outward growth that defines much of modern Texas.
More Than Cowboys and Oil
Several longtime residents pointed out that Fort Worth’s cultural side is often overlooked.
The city is home to:
World-class museums
A nationally respected zoo
Beautiful parks and public spaces
Historic architecture
Military and aerospace industries
Locals noted that Fort Worth had many of these institutions long before Dallas was competing in the same areas.
The famous Water Gardens, museums, and arts district continue to attract visitors from around the country.
The Spirit of the Panther City
Fort Worth’s “Panther City” nickname comes from an old joke that the city was so quiet a panther could sleep undisturbed in the streets. Instead of rejecting the insult, Fort Worth embraced it.
Today, panther symbols appear throughout the city, including statues, public art, and even the police department badge.
That attitude perfectly reflects Fort Worth itself: confident, resilient, and comfortable being underestimated.
Final Thoughts
Fort Worth may never receive the same national attention as Dallas, Austin, or Houston, but that may be part of its appeal.
It is a city that balances:
Western heritage and modern growth
Urban living and suburban expansion
Cultural sophistication and Texas tradition
Whether you see it as an urban success story or a sprawling contradiction, one thing is clear:
Fort Worth is no longer just Dallas’ quieter neighbor. It has become one of the most unique and complex cities in Texas.
Click Here for an opportunity to increase your income and help others so the same.
Thank you for reading this article. Please share with others,
Rick Herring thmjmj@gmail.com
P.S. Fort Worth is now the tenth largest city in United States.
Across America and around the world, a quiet revolution is taking place beneath rows of solar panels. Instead of noisy gasoline-powered lawn mowers, many solar farms are turning to sheep and lambs to keep vegetation under control. The practice, known as “solar grazing,” combines agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship in one surprisingly simple idea: let sheep do the mowing.
The trend has been growing rapidly in Texas, California, Minnesota, and other states where large solar installations cover thousands of acres. In Texas alone, some solar companies now manage flocks numbering in the thousands. Ranchers who once struggled with declining agricultural markets are finding new income by leasing sheep to solar operators.
Why Sheep Instead of Machines?
Traditional mowing equipment can damage solar panels by throwing rocks or scraping metal supports. Mechanical mowing also requires fuel, maintenance, labor, and repeated trips across large sites. Sheep offer a gentler and more sustainable solution.
Lambs and sheep naturally fit between rows of panels, nibbling grass and weeds in places machinery cannot easily reach. Their grazing reduces vegetation growth that could shade solar panels and lower energy production.
Unlike gas-powered mowers, sheep produce no carbon emissions from fuel use. They fertilize the soil naturally, improve biodiversity, and often reduce the need for herbicides. Solar developers say maintenance costs can drop significantly when grazing replaces mechanical mowing.
A New Opportunity for Ranchers
For many ranchers, solar grazing has become an unexpected lifeline. Some former cotton farmers and struggling livestock operators now earn steady income by supplying sheep to solar farms. One Texas rancher reported earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually after switching from traditional farming to solar grazing contracts.
The arrangement benefits both sides:
Solar companies save on mowing costs.
Ranchers gain reliable grazing land and new revenue.
Sheep receive shelter beneath solar panels.
Communities benefit from cleaner energy and healthier land management.
The American sheep industry, which has declined for decades, is now seeing renewed interest because of solar grazing demand.
Environmental Benefits Beyond Mowing
Solar grazing is part of a larger movement called “agrivoltaics,” where farmland serves both agricultural and energy purposes. In many locations, solar farms now include pollinator-friendly plants that attract bees and butterflies while sheep maintain the vegetation.
Researchers and environmental groups say sheep grazing can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and support native plant growth. In Minnesota and other states, flocks rotate through solar fields to encourage healthier ecosystems under and around the panels.
Some sites have even added beekeeping operations alongside sheep grazing, turning solar farms into thriving ecological habitats rather than sterile industrial spaces.
The Future of “Lamb Mowers”
As solar energy expands across the United States, the demand for natural vegetation management is expected to grow. Industry experts say solar grazing is no longer a novelty — it is becoming standard practice at many large-scale solar facilities.
The image of lambs peacefully grazing beneath rows of gleaming solar panels captures something larger happening in modern agriculture and energy production. Sometimes innovation does not require more machines or more technology. Sometimes the best solution is one nature perfected long ago.
In an era searching for sustainable answers, the humble sheep may prove to be one of the green economy’s most unlikely heroes.
Please leave your comments. What do you think about lamb mowers?
Rick thmjmj@thmjmj8875
P.S. Click Here to learn how you can spread the Kind Virus and prosper.
Sunday – I was coming back from Lubbock, so I watched the Mass on EWTN.com.There was a Church Service here a t WFV.
Monday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. I received my first of three Iron Infusions. There was an outing to Saltgrass for lunch.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. Birthday Card signing for those with June Birthdays. At lunch we were served Margaritas in honor of Cinco de May.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Open Pool Time in the living room.
Thursday – A lady came with her clothes, jewelry, ect. and displayed them in the living room. Mark Dunn entertained with his keyboard and singing for a good hour. We watched the History of Country Music.
Friday – Breakfast at IHOP. Coke Floats. Monthly Newsletter Planning. Jewelry class. Movie Night.
Saturday – The Rosary in the Chapel. There was a Fashion Show featuring some of our ladies showing off some great apparel and talent. One of our ladies won Miss Mature Beauty some years ago and she modeled her attire for that occasion, complete with her Shoulder to waist sash. Another showed off her ability to still twirl the baton.
The day ended with the Hope Group Meeting which featured a dynamic speaker.
As you can see, another great week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.
The Hope Group Speaker asked what was the best thing that happened to you and all those that spoke said moving to West Fork Village.
If you wish to check out WFV for you or a loved one, call 972 721 1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.
Rising like a quiet sentinel across the Texas Panhandle, the Texas Caprock is one of the most striking natural features in the Lone Star State. More than just a geographic boundary, it is a place where history, culture, and rugged beauty come together. For Texans and travelers alike, the Caprock offers a glimpse into a land shaped by time, wind, and resilience.
A Land Divided: What Is the Caprock?
The Caprock Escarpment forms a natural dividing line between two distinct regions: the High Plains (Llano Estacado) to the west and the rolling plains to the east. Stretching roughly 200 miles from the Texas Panhandle down toward Central Texas, this dramatic rise in elevation creates breathtaking views and unique ecosystems.
Standing atop the Caprock, you can look out across vast open spaces that seem to stretch forever. It’s a reminder of how big—and how beautiful—Texas truly is.
Nature’s Masterpiece
The Caprock is home to diverse plant and animal life adapted to its sometimes harsh conditions. Mesquite trees, prickly pear cactus, and hardy grasses dominate the landscape, while wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys roam freely.
One of the best places to experience this environment is Caprock Canyons State Park, where red rock formations and deep canyons create a stunning contrast against the wide blue sky.
The park is also home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, a living symbol of the American West and a powerful reminder of the region’s natural heritage.
A Rich Cultural History
Long before modern roads and towns, Native American tribes such as the Comanche and Apache called this region home. They followed buffalo herds across the plains and used the escarpment as a natural landmark.
Later, during the era of westward expansion, the Caprock became part of the frontier experience. Ranchers, settlers, and cowboys carved out lives in this rugged land, contributing to the enduring spirit of independence associated with Texas.
Why the Caprock Still Matters Today
Today, the Caprock is more than a scenic destination—it’s a place of reflection and renewal. Whether you’re hiking its trails, watching a sunset paint the cliffs in shades of gold and red, or simply standing in silence, the land invites you to slow down and take it in.
For photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking peace, the Caprock offers something rare: a connection to both the past and the present.
Conclusion
The Texas Caprock is not just a geographic feature—it’s a story written in stone, wind, and time. It speaks of endurance, beauty, and the deep roots of Texas history. Whether you visit for a day or simply learn about it from afar, the Caprock leaves an impression that stays with you.
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Sunday – I attended Mass at Saint Luke Catholic Church. There was a Church Service here at WFV.
Monday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. A Menu Planning Meeting with our Director and the Manager of the kitchen. We view the Kris Kristofferson Story. There was a 1 PM Church service.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. Sunshine Committee Meeting.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Bible Study. Half Day Trip to learn and see more of Irving, Texas ending with lunch at Joe’s Coffee Shop. The Volunteers for the Friends of Irving Library pick out 250 books for the 2 to 5 year olds at the Irving Public School across the street. This was followed by Crafts and Bingo.
Thursday – Texas Winds entertained for a musical hour. Drum Class. Wine and Cheese Social.
Friday – Movie Night.
Saturday – I was out of town so no Rosary in the Chapel.
My family gathered in Lubbock, Texas for a memorial for my brother-in-law that recently passed away. The gathering lasted into the late hours of the day. We spent the night. Came back Sunday to Forney for a piano recital that my grand-niece was in. It was very good. There were also students doing vocals. Quite a Treat.
So as you can see, we had another great week at West Fork Village. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.
To learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, call 972-721-1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.
Sunday – There was a Church Service here at WFV. I watch Mass on EWTN.com. I went to Mass on Saturday at Saint Luke Catholic Church.
Monday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. I visited a Specialist at the Irving Baylor facilaty. There was a midday Church Service here at WFV.
Tuesday – Errands at 9 AM and 1 PM. A Dirt Cake Social. Very good. Consist of small chunks of chocolate cake on top of a tasty chocolate cream. There was also a second Blue bonnet Drive.
Wednesday – Doctor’s Appointments all day. Bible Study consisted of a video on the Passover.
Bird’s nest cookies which was a bit delayed we waited on ingredients to finish… While we were waiting we were blessed to stuff plastic Easter Eggs with candy for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt. Bingo and an evening Church Service.
Thursday – Mark Dunn came and played and sang for us for a very good hour.. There was an outing to the 635 Stores up in North Irving.
Friday – Started with a Breakfast outing at Toast and Jam and an Easter Egg Hunt. There was also a very good Good Friday Service spear headed by our Activity Manager. The service included songs, Scripture readings, and video depicting the various characters active in the Crucifixion.
Saturday – Easter Bunny and Eggs in the Living Room. Reciting the Rosary in the Chapel. Also, there was a delivery of Easter Gifts by the Woodhaven Presby Church.
As you can see another fun filled week at West Fork Village in Irving, Texas. A Place Where Seniors Thrive.
I also delivered blogs on the Five Sorrowful Mysteries. There were other blogs. One on how we serve at the Discretion of the Good Lord as Jesus did. If you would like to receive these blogs. please email me your email address.
To learn more about WFV, for you or a loved one, please call 971-721-1500.
Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others and please pray for my brother-in-law, Glen Martin, who has been in a coma for two weeks due to a seazure. There is talk of pulling the plug tomorrow and he may leave us.
