Lupe Valdez

Spent yesterday evening with friends/former employees from the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. It was a great time!

Had to bring in the plants for the winter the other day. This is about half of them. Going to have to get a green house soon!

Tomorrow’s Election Day. These local races decide who speaks for our communities. Polls are open 7am to 7pm. Just be in line by seven.

On my afternoon walk at Twelve Hills Nature Center.

Early Voting Is Open, and runs from October 21st through November 1st. Most items on the ballot are statewide constitutional amendments, and some areas will also have local amendments.

To review your sample ballot and find your polling location, visit VoteTexas.gov

Here’s a photo from the Lulac fundraiser the other night.

Enjoyed good music at the Lulac fundraiser.

Enjoying a moment of peacefulness.

We’re not trying to pretend we’re flying. We’re in Cabo San Lucas on ATVS by the beach! ☀️🏖️

AGING WELL has its disadvantage, when people your age start passing away. A couple of years ago, my brother started gathering the children of our deceased siblings. But unfortunately, we lost one last month, Henrietta Valdez.

I now realize that aging well also includes learning to lose well.

My plants hanging all the way around the deck now have a water line, and are watered automatically. Yeah! 🌿

As the events of the Charlie Kirk shooting continue to unfold and with a suspect now in custody, it’s important to remember that no matter how deeply we disagree, violence is never the answer. Also remember, words matter. So let’s use them to build, not destroy.

I take pride in working across the aisle. But I never thought I’d have something in common with Marjorie Taylor Green. She’s one of the few Republicans asking for the truth and all of the Epstein files. Just goes to show you, people can surprise you, and there is always hope.

I’m honored to be among the people being celebrated within a museum exhibit in Irving.

DeSoto honors the part-time and night workers. That's an example of why the City of DeSoto is a great place to work!

In San Antonio, getting to know the now adult children of my deceased brothers and sister. They are wonderful, and loads of laughter!

Abbott’s message to Texas Democrats is clear: fall in line or face punishment. Each new power grab from Republican leadership only reveals more greed and pettiness.

Received an honor of community service, and met some new friends at an honorees reunion of Latino Leaders.

“Get a fake owl" they said. "It will keep the pigeons away" they said.

Well, as I took this picture, two other pigeons flew away. I guess the owl is good for catching the pigeon poop.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE.
As I prepared to leave, the river was calm and peaceful now. During my time in Kerrville, I made good friends, and the local community was very gracious and giving. Thank You!

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
A great working crew.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
Along some roads, there are clothes caught in the branches.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
From the right: Law enforcement, fire fighter, pilot, and forestry management. Hard working group!

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
About every 10ft, you’ll find a pile of debris ready to be disposed of. This goes on for miles!

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
In between the trees, you’ll be able to see three men picking up debris, sawing damaged trees and hauling stuff away.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
Continuing to clean debris, cut damaged trees, and search. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
We were working at a site, wishing we had some heavy equipment to move all the debris. And then serendipitously, these two guys showed up with some major heavy equipment. They couldn't speak a lot of English, but man could they work!

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
My truck, along with four other pickups, were full of the equipment and supplies provided by a local church. The inside of the truck was just as full.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE
The local generosity continues. A local dog groomer has a portable shower and cleans up the K-9's after the dogs have gone through mud, dirty waters, and loads of debris. I’m sure the hotels and the dog owners really appreciate that.

VOLUNTEERING IN KERRVILLE.
Yesterday’s findings: two pair of little girl shorts with camp insignia.