I have moved to Lufkin, Texas, and I am new to the East Texas area altogether. Having spent most of my life on the very dry, windy, and treeless high plains of west Texas and southwestern Oklahoma, I have no experience living in these Piney Woods. Basically, this is my first rodeo with wet climates and greenery that portrays true Jack-in-the-Bean-Stalk magic bean traits. I know it sounds clique to admit that every tree looks the same to me, and that I foresee problems establishing landmarks and finding my way back to the particular set of trees in which I now live. And, of course, there is the weather. I wrestle daily with the humidity. Seriously, the effect it has on my clothing, hair style, glasses and even my camera lens is an ongoing science experiment. Conquering droopy, wiry bangs has moved up significantly on my to-do-list. There seems to be a learning curve to living here. But first impressions are lasting impressions, or so I have read. And my initial word for my new town is “welcoming” followed closely by “pleasant.” People here are just plain nice. Even when I was expecting less (Social Security, driver’s license bureau, County Clerk for mercy sake) I got good-natured and efficient service. I’ve made forays to the local restaurants, the grocery stores, stopped in for frozen yogurt, picked up a thingamabob at the antique store, attended church, and each time the friendly, genuine nature of the folks I encountered made me smile. The manner here is easy, comfortable. When someone inquired about my day, they actually appeared interested in the answer. I felt instantly at home. My frizzy hair and I are excited about exploring even more of what Lufkin has to offer. Obviously I have to get a different haircut. I need a book on plant identification so I can steer clear of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac (oh my) and begin to put names to the local flora. A trip to the farm store was in order for knee-high rubber boots decorated with pink horses-- so I can tramp along in the woods near the house with said book in hand. I’ve been given a list of strange products that will ultimately need to be purchased: Damp Rid and Technu—who knew? And I found someone who could identify those little, grey, concrete mounds of dirt that spring up overnight in the yards. I’ve got to Facebook pictures of those to my friends in Oklahoma. The adventure continues!
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 04:00:17 +0000
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