A Year End Review and Plans for the One to Come: Gun Barrel City

Although the name sounds exciting and intriguing, possibly eluding to a mysterious old war town, Gun Barrel City holds little of the presumed energy and excitement that it's name suggests.  Over the last two weeks my siblings and I have tried to explain this to family and friends. However, it is best understood on a personal level. Regardless of its name, Gun Barrel City is a slow moving town, inhabited mostly by senior citizens and those desiring a break from the fast-pace of life. There individuals can purchase a lake house and slow down for an indefinite amount of time. In our case though, it makes for a great weekend escape.

Almost two years ago our family took a short vacation and stayed in Gun Barrel City at an A-Frame home, affectionately known as the "Hide-Out". Our original trip was specifically timed during a transition in our life. However, this one came as a much needed break from the fast lane of our current life-style, giving us a chance to reflect on the last year. 

During 2011 our family encountered many changes and challenges, both good and bad. These have included: Morelle's graduation from Mountain View Community College with an Associates Degree, Dad's participation in Family Music Theater's production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as Adam Pontipee, the release of our debut CD album, Living Commitment and our CD Release Party, the 'purchase' of a 'new' 15 passenger van, our summer trip to Alaska to visit family and friends, Elsie's college enrollment at Mountain View with Cora, Morelle's 'move' to Denton to attend Texas Woman's University, the passing of our Great-Grandmas Margarete West and Connie Andrew, and our attendence of the US tour of Les Misérables on January, first 2012!

Les Misérables

My Mom, her Sisters and Mother

At the Grave-Side Service for my Grandma Andrew

Therefore, after a long and challenging year of hurdles, our family greatly appreciated the opportunity to escape from our 'life' for a few days and enjoy the slow pace of Gun Barrel City. As an additional blessing, our cousin, Cody Cummins, flew down on January 4th to spend 12 days with us.  While in Gun Barrel we enjoyed running as a family, visiting stores and yard sales, watching movies, and playing at the lake. After three days at the "Hide-Out" our family ventured back out into society to tackle the new year. Although it will have its own challenges and struggles, I am sure that it will be just as exciting as the previous year!!