A Texas Size Mystery - Mass Flying Dinosaur Sightings In 1976 - AKA "The Big Bird"

It’s interesting how certain experiences from childhood can stick with you and shape who you become. One memory that stands out for me happened fifty years ago, in 1976, which was our nation’s Bicentennial year. Back then, I was just a young boy living in Texas when reports started to come in about strange 'flying monsters.' These stories both fascinated and frightened me.

During that year, it seemed like every day, the news would share new sightings of this creature. I remember in the summer, I was so scared to go outside and play, worried that the monster might swoop down to get me or carry me off somewhere. Although my online searches now reveal that most of the sightings were reported near the Texas-Mexico border, I recall hearing stories from all over the state. People described the creature in many different ways—from something that looked like a flying dinosaur to something resembling a dragon with bat-like features or even a gorilla. Those memories still linger with me today.

Unlock the Secrets of the Universe: Experience Magic Under the Stars at the Gordon D. Crowell Observatory in Whittier, California!

 Explore the Cosmos: Join the Public Night Program at Gordon D. Crowell Observatory

If you've ever gazed up at the stars and wondered about the secrets of the universe, the Gordon D. Crowell Observatory at Rio Hondo College is an exciting destination for you. Located at 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA, this hidden gem has been welcoming stargazers since 1972, providing an opportunity to explore the night sky through one of Southern California's largest public telescopes.

Elevate Your New Mexico Experience: Discover the Stunning Beauty of Sandia Peak Tramway!

It might seem unbelievable, but the breathtaking Sandia Mountains just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, can whisk you away to a landscape reminiscent of the Swiss Alps! Our family's journey began in 1978 when we traded our flat, small farming town in northern Texas (Vernon) for the awe-inspiring beauty of this mountainous terrain. From the very first moment I laid eyes on those towering peaks, I was captivated. Each day, stepping outside and soaking in those majestic mountains filled my heart with a longing for the rugged beauty of the West and Southwest. The gentle rustle of the wind weaving through the pine trees is a melody unlike any other. 

Bring It into the Light | Just a Though | Pastor Steve Smothermon

Victory can make us loud, but compromise always grows quiet. Joshua 6 is walls falling and people shouting. Joshua 7 is funerals and fear. Nothing changed on the outside. The army was still strong. The promise was still true. The problem was buried under a tent. What we hide has a way of affecting more than just us. Hidden sin never stays hidden. It either comes out through confession or it comes out through exposure.

Today In California History | 1885: When California Took the Lead in Forest Conservation for Future Generations!

 The Birth of Forest Conservation in California: The First Forest Commission of 1885

In the heart of the late 19th century, a pivotal change was brewing in the United States—the realization that forest conservation was not merely an option, but a necessity. California led the way by becoming the first state in the nation to establish a permanent forest commission in 1885. This groundbreaking initiative marked a turning point in the approach toward natural resource management and conservation, setting a precedent that would influence environmental policies across the country.

Revving Up Lunchtime: Discover the Retro Vibes of Spoonbill Watering Hole in Lafayette! | Ken Hulsey

What could be a cooler place for lunch than a restaurant located in a vintage Conoco gas station? 

The Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, situated in the downtown district of Lafayette, Louisiana, immediately catches the eye of passersby. The building was once a gas station, and the owners made a smart decision to maintain as much of the vintage aesthetic as possible. Although the gas pumps are gone—replaced by outdoor dining—it’s easy to imagine a classic Thunderbird pulling up for a tank of gas.

My wife and I knew nothing about Spoonbill, but it looked so cool that we had to eat there.

Why My Inner Grandma Insists on Waking Up at the Crack of Dawn (And How Ibuprofen Became My Best Friend!) | Random Ramblings By Tina Martin

 Hey there, beautiful souls! You know, I used to get really puzzled by my grandparents. They would rise long before they needed to, and I’d just sit there thinking, “What’s the deal with that?” Well, folks, I have officially reached the wise age where I can answer that mystery with complete certainty! Every part of this aging body wakes up and starts loosening up at its own pace. Some days, I feel like I need to stretch, take a little stroll, or maybe just lounge on a heating pad, depending on what’s giving me trouble that day! And then, there’s a trusty dose of Ibuprofen before I finally hop into a hot shower to melt away any stiffness!

Sun, Sand, and Adventure: Your Ultimate Spring Guide to San Diego!

 Come Over to the Bright Side in San Diego This Spring!

Spring break is just around the corner, and there's no better place to soak up the sun than sunny San Diego! This vibrant coastal city is a must-visit destination for young travelers looking to balance adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From sandy beaches to thrilling attractions, San Diego truly comes alive in the spring. Get ready to explore everything this remarkable city has to offer!

Unearthing History: The Remarkable Journey of Locomotive #202 from Logging Workhorse to Hidden Treasure

 The Legacy of Locomotive #202: A Snapshot of Railroad History in Louisiana

For railroad history enthusiasts, few stories encapsulate the rich tapestry of early 20th-century logging operations in the United States like that of Locomotive #202. This venerable machine, with its beginnings dating back to 1913, provides a fascinating glimpse into the timber industry’s reliance on rail transport and the technological evolution of locomotives during that era.

Locomotive #202 was part of an ambitious order by the Crowell Interests, consisting of twelve distinct locomotives, each crafted to meet the burgeoning needs of the Meridian Lumber Company in Meridian, Louisiana. Designed primarily as a woods engine, #202 was instrumental in transporting timber from the expansive forests to the mill, symbolizing the industrial energy that characterized the American landscape in the early 1900s.

Judgment vs. Understanding: A Transformative Conversation on Compassion and Faith | Ken Hulsey

Written By Ken Hulsey

Over the years, I’ve come to understand a profound truth echoed in the saying, “you can never judge a book by its cover.” This insight holds particularly true when it comes to our fellow human beings. Each person is a tapestry of experiences, weaving together a unique journey that shapes who they are. It is important to remember that we cannot fully grasp where someone is in their life’s path just by a fleeting encounter.