Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 217, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 30, 2009 Page: 5 of 10
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Life
Sweetwater Reporter
Thursday, July 30, 2009 ■ Page 5
Summer’s Not Over Yet
Take a Staycation: Experience Sweetwater
Summer is already half-
way over, and even though
the kids aren’t ready to go
back to school, they are
running out of things to
do. Even if the family has
already taken a vacation,
there are plenty of things
to do around town, alone
or with the family.
If you want to stay in
Sweetwater, here are a few
ideas;
t. Visit the City Pool:
With temperatures reach-
ing the triple digits,
spending time outside can
be something dreaded.
Cooling off in the pool can
make being outside a little
more enjoyable. The entire
family can go, a group of
friends can get together, or
even a trip alone would be
great. The city pool has a
kiddy pool area so that the
little ones can play safely,
in the water, while mom
and dad read or just enjoy
watching their kids play.
The pool is open Tuesday
through Sunday from 1-6
p.m.
2. Visit the Parks:
Newman park is the cen-
tral park in Sweetwater.
Even if there isn’t an event
taking place at the coli-
seum, there is still plenty
to do. They have pavilions
so that you can cookout,
take a walk on the walking
trail or play on the play-
ground. It could possibly
turn into an all day event.
There is also Fraley Park,
which allows for cookouts,
a playground and sports.
Jones Park has basketball
courts and baseball fields.
Any of the locations would
be good for taking a walk,
having a picnic or just sit-
ting and reading a good
book.
3. Visit a museum: The
WASP museum, which
is located on the edge
of Sweetwater, contains
many years of history con-
cerning the first women
to fly for the military. The
Pioneer Museum contains
historical artifacts from
Nolan County. Either
location would be a great
way to spend time with
the family and experience
a little
4- Ta
piece of history,
ike a trip: (through
Experience
Texas
Taking a vacation is still possible. If you want to
venture outside of Sweetwater, here are some loca-
tions if you want to stay in Texas:
1. San Antonio: This is a historic town that is full of
entertainment for the whole family. There is plenty of
nightlife to be found on and off the Riverwalk. There
is the Alamo, the Riverwalk and the shops located
on it. Staying in that same area is a wax museum,
and the Buckhorn Museum. Downtown simply has
something for everyone. Sea World, Splashtown,
and Fiesta Texas are not far off. San Marcos is only a
short distance away if you are looking for some good
outlet shopping. No matter your interest, there is
plenty for all in San Antonio.
2. South Padre: If you are looking to get away and
head to the beach, what better place to be than an
island. A visit to South Padre gives you access to
the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay. If truly
getting away is the goal, this might be the trip for
you. To reach the mainland, visitors must travel
the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, which is two
and a half miles. This is also a good time to get rid
and ‘'forget" at least for the extent of your stay, the
business attire. South Padre Island actually has been
declared a no tie zone. If caught breaking this "law"
you will be given a South Padre Island t-shirt and if
you still don’t listen, the tie will be taken. Your trip
can include laving on the sand, playing in the water,
eating at the fine restaurants and shopping. A few
other options include, tours, horseback riding, mov-
ies and even an adventure park.
3. Austin: Take a trip to our state capital. The town
is constantly moving, and is packed with history.
There are plenty of educational and historical places
to visit while at the capital. If you are into shopping
and letting loose, there are plenty of places for that
too. Some of that history might even come back to
haunt you if you take one of Austin’s Ghost Tours.
Besides being the capital of Texas, it is also the Live
Music Capital of the World. If music is your scene,
Austin is the place to be.
4. Dallas: Take a trip to the metroplex, yet another
family destination. If shopping is your thing, there
are plenty of malls, including the Galleria. Three
floors of food, clothes, toys and fun. There is liter-
ally something for everyone located under this roof.
The third floor is said to be the least expensive. It’s
packed with McDonald’s, $1.00 shop and much more
to occupy mom and kids. The family can spend time
together, seeing different animals at the Dallas Zoo.
If you are looking for some outdoor fun, there are
plenty of parks, flea markets and events. If the family
is having to budget their money and still wants to get
away, Dallas is a good destination because there are
numerous free events throughout the city. There are
free admission museums, even some free tours, and
even a Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive. Dallas is also home
to the big State Fair of Texas.
5. Houston: It doesn’t matter if your interest is
in space or Earth, there is plenty to do in Houston.
Take a visit to the space center or visit the aquarium.
Memorial Park is a great way to spend time outdoors.
‘Oiey have trails for hiking, walking and biking, and
it’s even possible to get in a game of golf. The Houston
Zoo is fifty-five acres packed with over 500 different
species of animals. As with most Texas towns, there
is history packed in as well. 19th Century architecture
can be experienced in the Market Square Historic
District.
Not really sure what to do or where to go? Jump in
the car and take a road trip through Texas. There are
plenty of sights to see along the way. Just three and
a half hours away is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. If
the family is strapped for time or money don’t travel
to Arizona just to see the Grand Canyon, take a short
trip and experience all that Palo Duro Canyon has
to offer. Another exciting destination, for all those
sport fans, is the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. New and
old, history is being made. San Fernando Cathedral
la a great place to visit and embrace the culture of
Catholicism. There are plenty of beaches along the
way. The possibilities are endless, after all, Texas ia
the biggest state, why travel anywhere else.
town); Throughout town
and the surrounding areas
a person can find historic
places of history. A visit to
the Chamber of Commerce
office could point you in
the right direction as to
the locations. While driv-
ing around, it could lead
you to parts of town that
you have never visited and
be an eye-opening experi-
ence. It's an easy way to
learn about the city that
you live in, and it gets you
out of the house.
5. Visit the Lake(s):
bike Sweetwater and bike
Trammell are just a few
minutes away from town.
Summer time is a great
time to take out the boat or
jetski. It’s also a great time
for fishing, and wading in
the water. Of course, when
visiting the lake make sure
that you obey all signs and
restrictions.
For more information
on Sweetwater or to bet-
ter associate yourself
with Sweetwater, visit the
Chamber of Commerce.
git':
Wstt-
Urn
Sweetwater is packed full of fun and excitement. There are numerous way to pass
the time, whether it be with friends, family, or by yourself. Venture around town
and see what it has to offer.
1C
BY KATHY MITC HELL ANI) MARCY SI OAR
Dear Annie: My
brother's wife died two
years ago while giving
birth to her youngest
' daughter. She was a ter-
rific woman and a great
mother. She left behind two other
daughters, ages 8 and 4.
My brother, "Alex," is now
engaged to "Elizabeth," a 24-year-
old woman. Annie, when I first met
Elizabeth, I thought she was a won-
derful person who truly connected
with the girls. I later found out
from my oldest niece that Elizabeth
bits and screams at them and says
terrible things about their mother
when Alex isn't around. When my
brother is present, Elizabeth kisses
and hugs the girls, and calls them
"sweethearts" and "angels." When
the girls try to tell their father how
mean his girlfriend is, he says they
are making it up because they don't
want him to replace their mother.
Annie, it's obvious Alex doesn't
believe his daughters, but I have
never known them to lie. I also
doubt my brother will believe me
because he is blinded by Elizabeth's
beauty and the act she puts on. Now
mv niece tells me Elizabeth is preg-
nant. I can't imagine how she will
treat the new baby.
1 want to protect my nieces. Can
you tell me how to make sure these
kids are loved and safe? -- Worried
Aunt
Dear Aunt: Please urge your
brother to get family counsel-
ing before making Elizabeth
a stepmother to these girls.
Whether or not your nieces
are being honest, there is obvi-
ous hostility, and the sooner it
is dealt with the better. Once
Elizabeth has a child of her
own, there is a great possibil-
ity that the situation will dete-
riorate for your nieces. Make
sure to stay in close touch with
them, and if you see evidence
of abuse, report il immediate-
ly.
Dear Annie: A year ago, I met
my soul mate, and we were soon
engaged. Everything is wonderful
between us, but our families are
another story. My grandmother
doesn't much care for "Pete," and
his mother feels the same about me.
My grandmother is still close to my
violent and abusive ex and is con-
stantly pushing for me to get back
together with him.
Because of this, we are planning
to many in secret, but I am not
happy about giving up things I real-
ly wanted (the big wedding, family
dinners on the holidays, etc.). Am 1
doing the right thing, or am I being
selfish to discard my family for him
and ask him to do the same? — I.ost
in California
Dear Lost: Not selfish, hut
perhaps a little premature. It is
rarely a good idea to marry in
secret, especially if il requires
such a major sacrifice. If
you've known this man only a
year and are already engaged,
your families may not have
had enough time In adjust. You
must he willing to stand up for
your relationship and let them
see how happy you are. First
consider their objections and
address their concerns. Then
let everyone get to know both
of you better. Spend more time
with the families. Eventually,
they will get used to the idea
and he more accepting.
Dear Annie: I would like to
send a message to "Emotional
Roommate": In many ways you
have described my marriage, and
i understand the frustration and
sense of abandonment. I agree with
the recommendation about counsel-
ing, but I have another suggestion:
Build your life. Find emotional sup-
port and friendships outside your
home. Meet girlfriends for lunch.
Volunteer. Mentor children. Visit
women in prison. Work in a home-
less shelter one day a week and
become involved in your church.
Train for a marathon, learn bridge,
take French classes.
1 discovered the only person t can
change is myself. It was fruitless to
wait for my husband to fulfill me.
And this actually works well for
both of us. - San Marino, Calif.
Dear San Marino: Thanks
for the good adv ice for anyone
who spends a great deal of time
alone, married or not.
Annie's Mailbox is written by
Kathy Mitchell ami Marry Sugar,
longtime editors of the Ann Landers
column. Please e-mail your ques-
tions to anniesmailhox(ii Comcast,
net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox,
P.O, Box tiHigo, Chicago, IL 60611.
To find out more about Annie's
Mailbox, and read features by
other Creators Syndicate writers
and cartoonists, visit the Creators
Syndicate Web page at www.cre-
ators. com.
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Rodriguez, Tatiana. Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 217, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 30, 2009, newspaper, July 30, 2009; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth560411/m1/5/?q=%22~1~1%22~1&rotate=90: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.