How AI Data Centers are Pushing America’s Electric Grid to Its Limits ("Just the facts, mam.")

They say “ignorance is bliss”, but that's not really true. Everybody knows it's not a good thing to bury your head in the sand. No matter how uncomfortable or painful the truth is, IF you need to know THEN … YOU NEED TO KNOW!

When I was very young, my mother had a habit of answering my questions with “You'll understand it when you get older.” Her answer was frustrating, but guess what? When I got older, I did understand. 

A lot of tech talk goes straight over my head. While I may not understand what's being said, I don't ignore it and forget it. I usually file it away in memory banks because … one day I might understand.

I apply my mom's wise words to nebulous (might be "nefarious") tech talk that I hear or read. I sigh and think to myself: 'I'll understand later.'

💡💡💡

While casually perusing a newsletter I subscribe to, these statements caught my eye.

“AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt. Utilities are warning of shortages. Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits. Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.” (SOURCE: WealthDaily.com)

I immediately thought: 'Nah! That can't be right. (O.o) Is it?'

So I did a little research, and I have to say that … I'm a bit alarmed.

• BOTTOM LINE: The core claims in that statement are broadly supported by current reporting, though with important nuance. Here’s what the evidence shows, broken down by each part of the claim.

◆

1. “AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt.”

(Supported, with nuance.)

Multiple authoritative sources confirm that AI-driven data center growth is outpacing the speed at which utilities can expand generation and transmission:

• The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a Level 3 alert—its highest warning—citing “significant risks” to grid reliability from large data centers and AI loads.

• POWER Magazine reports that power availability has become the limiting factor for where and how fast hyperscale AI data centers can be built, because these facilities now require 300–600 MW each, comparable to a mid-sized city.

• Forbes notes that regions like Northern Virginia and Texas are hitting capacity limits, with utilities struggling to keep up with demand.

Conclusion: The grid is not literally being “drained,” but demand from AI data centers is growing faster than grid infrastructure can be expanded, creating real constraints*.

[*So?  They're NOT crying wolf?🐺]

◆

2. “Utilities are warning of shortages.”

(Supported.)

• Utility CEOs in Texas*, the Midwest, and Virginia have publicly warned that AI-related load growth is straining capacity.

• Grid operators in Texas, the Great Plains, and the mid-Atlantic region project major electricity demand spikes driven largely by data centers.

• NERC’s Level 3 alert itself is a formal warning of potential reliability shortfalls.

Conclusion: Yes — utilities and grid monitors are issuing explicit warnings.

[*Really? I live in Texas, and the ads I see on TV practically say data centers were sent from God! The Texas data centers offer high-paying jobs and are used to run systems that keep our schools and streets safe. Any idea how many mass shootings we've had at schools in Texas?]

◆

3. “Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits.”

(Partially supported.)

While the statement is directionally correct, the evidence is more nuanced:

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023, which streamlines interconnection processes and accelerates timelines for connecting new generation and large loads. This indirectly helps data centers by speeding up the clean energy projects they depend on.

• Grid operators and regulators have formed special task forces to accelerate large load interconnections.

Conclusion: Federal agencies are taking steps to accelerate permitting and interconnection, though the phrase “fast tracking permits” is a simplification.

[*Fast-tracking? Under the Trump administration? Why am I not surprised?]

◆

4. “Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.”

(Supported in spirit, though phrased dramatically.)

Evidence shows that major tech companies are aggressively securing dedicated power sources:

• Some developers are contracting directly with private power producers or installing on-site natural gas generators because grid capacity is insufficient.

• Utilities and developers are turning to natural gas and nuclear to provide 24/7 baseload power for AI data centers.

• Exxon and Chevron have announced plans to enter the power supply market specifically to serve data centers, including natural gas-powered generation.

Conclusion: Big Tech and energy companies are indeed racing to secure* reliable baseload power, though the imagery of “scrambling” is rhetorical.

[*Seems like Big Tech and energy companies are always racing to secure their “power”. What do they care? They're moving to Mars. Right?]

◆◆

Overall Assessment

The WD statement is directionally accurate and substantially supported by current reporting, though it uses dramatic language. Here is a summary of the VERIFIED FACTS:

• AI data center demand is growing extremely fast.

• Grid capacity is struggling to keep up.

• Utilities and regulators are issuing warnings and accelerating processes.

• Tech companies are securing dedicated energy sources, including gas and potentially nuclear.

The only part that is somewhat overstated is the implication* of a federal emergency–style “fast track,” but federal and regional regulators are accelerating interconnection and permitting reforms.

[*I used to work for the federal government. Based on my real work experience, I'm inclined to believe the “implication” is SPOT ON! When you're assessing anything being done by the federal government and the US military, ALWAYS IMAGINE THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO. If it turns out not to be how you imagined, you'll breathe a sigh of relief.]

***

SOURCES/REFERENCES:

►► AI Data Centers Straining the Grid

Baker, Mike. “Data Centers Are Gobbling Up America’s Electricity.” The New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024.
Nicas, Jack. “The A.I. Boom Could Use a Lot of Power. How Green Will It Be?” The New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024.

►► Utility Warnings and Grid Reliability Alerts

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). 2023–2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment. NERC, Dec. 2023.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC Issues Level 3 Alert on Large Load Interconnection. NERC, 2024.

►► Federal Agencies Accelerating Permitting / Interconnection

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Order No. 2023: Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements. FERC, 2023.
Eisen, Joel B., and Emily Hammond. “FERC’s New Interconnection Rules Aim to Speed Up Clean Energy Deployment.” Harvard Environmental Law Review, 2023.

► ► Big Tech Securing Turbines, Pipelines, and Baseload Power

Meyer, Robinson. “Big Tech’s Next Big Energy Play.” Heatmap News, 2024.
Sorkin, Andrew Ross. “Tech Giants Are Buying Up Power to Feed A.I.” The New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024.
DiChristopher, Tom. “Exxon and Chevron Plan to Supply Power to Data Centers.” CNBC, 22 Jan. 2024.

► ► Regional Grid Constraints (Virginia, Texas, Midwest)

Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. “Northern Virginia’s Data Center Boom Is Running Out of Power.” Data Center Knowledge, 2023.
Malik, Naureen. “Texas Grid Strains Under Data Center and Crypto Mining Demand.” Bloomberg, 2024.

It's not just Texas and Virginia.  Georgia and Nevada are also having problems.  There very likely will be more!  

***

NOTE:  As I stated earlier, a lot of tech talk goes over my head.  So the research was done, and this content was prepared using a free Microsoft AI tool. The notes marked [*...] are just ME (not AI), just babbling to myself. 😟

Japanese Tea Gardens in Texas: A Symbol Friendship

Would you like to visit a Japanese Tea Garden? Great!

Somehow, when I Googled “Japanese Garden,” I was not expecting the City of Houston to pop up on the first page of the results. 😊 It led me to Yelp.

• GO TO the Yelp website. In the search box, type in “Japanese Tea Garden” and for location type in “Houston, Texas”. You get a list of the Top 10 Japanese Tea Gardens or Japanese Gardens.

FUN FACT:

"The Japanese teahouse was built in Japan and reassembled by craftsmen here on location in Houston. It is a particular type of construction that uses no nails in holding the building together. Signifying mutual friendship, it was a gift from Japan."

~ SOURCE: Japanese Tea Garden in Houston, Texas 

(Note: Quote was from a HUBPages.com article, which has been unpublished.)

Japanese Garden Wall Art

Japanese gardens originated in Japan during the Asuka and Naraperiods, drawing early influence from Chinese landscape design and Buddhist aesthetics. Over centuries, they developed into distinct forms—such as strolling gardens, tea gardens, and dry rock gardens—each emphasizing harmony, symbolism, and a deep appreciation for natural scenery. These spaces were designed not merely for beauty but for contemplation, ritual, and the expression of cultural ideals.

Houston’s Japanese Garden in Hermann Park reflects this long tradition and the city’s ties with Japan. Although a Japanese garden was proposed in 1930, the idea did not materialize until 1988, when Japanese Consul General Yasuo Hori began discussions with Houston’s mayor and local Japanese organizations. Landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden, which opened in 1992. The project symbolized friendship between Japan and Houston and blended traditional Japanese design with Texas-adapted plantings.

REFERENCES:

Hermann Park Conservancy. Japanese Garden – Hermann Park Conservancy. Hermann Park Conservancy, n.d. Hermann Park Conservancy

“Japanese Garden (Houston).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Wikipedia

The Cultural Landscape Foundation. “Hermann Park Japanese Garden.” TCLF, n.d. TCLF

Japan-America Society of Houston. “Share Your Voice: The Future of the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park.” Japan-America Society of Houston, 24 Feb. 2026. Japan-America Society of Houston

KHOU 11. “Japanese Garden in Hermann Park Celebrates 30th Anniversary.” KHOU.com, 6 May 2022. KHOU.com

---

🌿 Most Common Plants & Flowers in Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens rely on plants that evoke tranquility, seasonality, and natural harmony. Many are chosen for their shape, symbolism, or subtle beauty rather than bright color.

🌸 Key Plants & Flowers

• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) — prized for delicate leaves and dramatic fall color. 
• Bamboo (various species, including Buddha Belly Bamboo) — symbolizes strength and flexibility; often used as screens or accents. 
• Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) — evergreen shrub used for structure and low hedging. 
• Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) — iconic spring bloom representing impermanence and beauty. 
• Mosses — essential for creating a soft, aged, serene atmosphere; used as groundcover.
• Ginkgo Trees — valued for fan‑shaped leaves and golden autumn color. 
• Azaleas & Rhododendrons — provide seasonal color and are often shaped into rounded forms.
• Pines (Matsu) — symbolize longevity; often pruned into sculptural forms. 

These plants work together to create the layered, contemplative feeling that defines Japanese garden design.

REFERENCES:

Bulla, Adriano. “12 Traditional Japanese Plants For Your Backyard Zen Garden.” Gardening Chores, 26 Jan. 2021, https://www.gardeningchores.com/japanese-garden-plants/.

Chandler, Glen. “18 Japanese Garden Plants You’ll Want To Grow Right Now.” Plant America, 27 Jul. 2025, https://plantamerica.com/japanese-garden-plants/.

Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer. “20 Japanese Garden Plants: Symbolic Perennials, Trees & Shrubs.” Garden Design Magazine, 17 Jun. 2025, https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/japanese-garden.html.

Haverford, Selina. “26 Japanese Garden Plants.” My Garden Inspo, 28 Jul. 2025, https://mygardeninspo.com/japanese-garden-plants/.  

Floral Diversity: Transplant Flowers to Cure Homesickness

Florida was discovered by an explorer named Ponce de Leon. He named the state “Florida,” which is the Spanish word for “flowers”, because, upon his arrival in this new land, he saw nothing but gorgeous flowers everywhere. I imagine one of the flowers must have been the hibiscus, a flower that grew in the front yard of my childhood home. In fact, as a kid, it seemed like this flower was everywhere!  

We had hibiscus that grew in the front yard of my childhood home. Many hardy hibiscus are native to Florida, but for obvious reasons, the orange blossom was chosen as the state flower. But that's OK because ... the hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. There are seven species of hibiscus native to this state. Also known as pua aloalo in Hawaiian, this flower represents royalty and communicates power and respect.

Image credit: glitter-graphics.com

When I moved from Florida to Texas, shortly after my arrival, I was in a store shopping for items for my new home. I overheard a lady talking to another lady. She said she had just returned to her home in Texas. She had been vacationing in Florida and she was so excited because she had found this wonderful flower! She said she just had to bring this gorgeous flower back home to Texas and plant it her garden.  Being from Florida, my curiosity was peaked. I wondered what Florida flower had impressed her so much. Turns out that it was the hibiscus.  Not surprised.

Links of Interest:

• Hibiscus Transplant Info - When And How To Transplant A Hibiscus
• Hibiscus Dying or Struggling? 7 Ways to Revive Your Plant
• Hibiscus Wilting After Transplant: What to Do - GFL Outdoors

The medicinal benefits of hibiscus tea are numerous; it can reduce the risk of cancer, help with weight loss and more.  However ... 

• CAUTION!  According to Medical News Today, hibiscus can interact with certain medications. For example, people who take chloroquine, a medication used to treat malaria, should not consume hibiscus because it may decrease how well the medicine works in the body.

I’ll never take the hibiscus flower from my childhood for granted ever again. In fact, if you ever relocate and feel a little homesick, try transplanting a flower that reminds you of the home you left behind.

If you have relocated to a new home, what are flowers that remind you of your childhood home?

♦

Original source

Floral Diversity: Sunflowers and Why I Don't Worry About a Thing

The late Bob Marley (1945 - 1981) used to sing a song called “Three Little Birds”. I love the beginning lyrics because they help me face the day.

"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 '𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 ...” 🎶🎵 

I thought 2020 would be the year I would never forget because that was the year the COVID pandemic was announced and everything went on lockdown. By the end of that year I was totally ready to kick 2020 to the curb! Grrrr … !!

But then … 2021 came and for the first time in history, the entire state of Texas was told to brace for a snow storm. WHAT??? From Grrr …!! TO Brrr...!! It was brutal!

I survived the Winter of 2021. I don't really remember the Spring of 2021. But the Summer of 2021 came and we were told to be brace for heat!

Guess what? The summer of 2021 was one of the mildest summers in Texas that I had ever experienced. It felt like spring. The best part? Sunflowers were blooming all over the place!

"𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬"

(Image credit: texastraveltalk.com)

I wonder if that was God's way of telling me:
"𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 '𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 ...” 🎶 🎵 🌻 😊 ❤️️

 

 * * *

Sunflower Fields in Texas To Visit. It's time to cut-your-own Sunflowers. Here's the list of farms that allow it!https://t.co/uWVA8KKRow pic.twitter.com/hRSX86y6Fd

— Texas Travel Talk (@TxTravelTalk) June 7, 2022

Floral Diversity: Did You Know the History of the Poinsettia Flowers has Texas Ties?

Poinsettias: Texas' Mark on the Festive Flower

‘Tis the season of anticipation, and all around us are signs of the upcoming celebration.  In church courtyards, three wise men eagerly look upon still-empty mangers. Elsewhere, some unsuspecting Texans have already seen their first snowfall of the season – or even the decade.  All across the state, Christmas lights twinkle at nightfall, while during the day, vibrant red poinsettias keep the mood merry and bright.

Image credit:  glitter-graphics.com

Poinsettias have become a staple of the season, but did you know the Christmas flower has ties to the Texas border?

Image credit

In 1825, President John Quincy Adams appointed the first U.S. Minister to Mexico: Joel Roberts Poinsett.  Poinsett traveled south to Mexico with the task of renegotiating the U.S.-Mexico border and bringing Texas into the U.S. once and for all.  At that time, the southern border of the U.S. sat at the Red River, north of modern-day Texas. President Adams dreamed of the United States extending all the way south to the Rio Grande River, and he was willing to pay one million dollars for that prize.

Of course, Mexico saw great value in Texas and did not budge.

Unfortunately for him, Poinsett never succeeded in his mission of purchasing Texas.  However, during his failed attempt in moving the U.S.-Mexico border, the amateur botanist discovered a plant near Taxco de Alarcón so beautiful that he cut its stems and had them sent back home to the United States.

He mailed the vibrant red blooms to friends, fellow botanists, and botanical gardens across the country, and by 1836 – the very same year Texas won its independence from Mexico – the flowers had become widely known across the country not by their scientific name (Euphorbia pulcherrima), but by the name of the diplomat who brought them here: poinsettias.

Today, Texas is a top poinsettia producer, although cultivating the red Christmas poinsettias is no easy feat. To grow the brightest blossoms, poinsettias require at least five consecutive twelve-hour nights and warm, bright sunny days.  These plants still grow best in the Taxco region of Mexico, where Joel Roberts Poinsett found them almost two centuries ago, and where they’re still known as Flores de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve flowers).  Texas’ own native poinsettia has a distinct splash of red-orange, and is therefore aptly called the “Painted” Poinsettia or the “Fire on the Mountain” Poinsettia.

During Christmastime in Texas, poinsettias of all kinds adorn town squares, gardens, and homes.  In Big Spring, Texas, the annual ‘Poinsettias in the Park’ attraction features multiple enormous metal poinsettias wrapped in Christmas lights.  The Concho Christmas Celebration is also known for its life-like poinsettia light exhibit.  And the winter wonderland display at the Gaylord Texan hotel in Garland, Texas boasts more than 2,000 live poinsettias in all.

As you see these famed poinsettia displays and others in Texas this season, I hope you’ll take a moment to remember their history.  To all Texans who produce, decorate with, and admire the beauty of poinsettias, I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

Original article published via The Lonestar Weekly rec'd via eMail

Senator John Cornyn info@cornyn.senate.gov

Instagram, Medium, Facebook, Flickr

glitter-graphics.com

Texas Cities Where I Have Lived: ElPaso, 22nd Largest City In The USA

El Paso is a thriving Texas city on the US-Mexico border. According to a 2018 US Census, it was the 22nd largest city in the USA. How did I first learn about this city? When I was a kid I watched a Clint Eastwood movie. The bad guys were going to rob a bank and it was located in El Paso. Never did I ever dream that one day I would move to that Texas city. But I did! Why El Paso? It was an official job transfer and I lived there from 1995 to 1998.

As soon as we relocated to the Maryland/DC area (another official job transfer) and I realized that I could not stand working in our nation’s capital, I started PRAYING!!! My goal was to find a job in Austin, Texas. Ended up working in DC for about 8 years (my original plan was no longer than 5 years). I lived and worked there longer than I expected, but finally managed to get a job transfer to Texas. However, it was in El Paso; not Austin.

Was I happy there? Uhh … let’s just say it served a temporary purpose. Since it was temporary (even though it was supposed to be permanent) it was tolerable. I wasn’t miserable there but at that point in my life … it really wasn’t where I wanted to live. However, it was better than living in Maryland and working in DC. I thought of my job transfer as an escape and also as a stop-off point until I reached my final destination, which was Austin, Texas.

Are there good things to say about living and working in El Paso? Yes!

The Bank of El Paso was mentioned in that Clint Eastwood movie, “For a Few Dollars More”. I count that as a good thing to say about El Paso.

But here are some more positives:

+ Cost of living? SUPER CHEAP! Groceries, utilities and housing.

We bought our first home there. You wouldn’t believe it! 4BR, Living room, Dining Room, large eat-in kitchen, huge family room w/ fireplace, etc. It even had a maid’s quarters. The house was priced at $108K. That wasn’t a bargain price. That was normal housing prices!

+ The church? Good edifying sermons from a sound preacher, with practical life applications; and a dedicated group of believers who walked the walk and didn’t just talk the talk.

+ My job? It was 15 minutes away from my house so I could go home for lunch if I wanted to. But I didn’t! I preferred to go across the street to the Barnes & Noble store instead.

Would I recommend others live and work in El Paso? Sure!

+ I also recommend it for real estate investing. Particularly for rental properties.

♦

Links of Interest:

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit El Paso Texas | Simply Wander

Things to do in El Paso Texas | The Traveling Fool

Original Source

Street art from El Paso, TX. #satwelpaso #satw #visitepaso #art #streetart #wallart #murals #travel #photography #streetphotography pic.twitter.com/brOyNZdpxJ

— Bruce N. Meyer (@BruceNMeyer) October 23, 2019

Living in the USA: Texas is Fascinating: Agree or Disagree

Texas is Fascinating: Agree or Disagree 

Vacation, Watch a Movie or Read About It.

For those of you who don't know this, when people joke about everything in Texas being big, they're joking and they're telling you the truth. Grew up in South Florida but developed a fascination with the 28^th state admitted to the Union when I watched the movie “Giant” starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.  So at the first opportunity, accepted a job transfer and relocated my family to Houston. We only lived there for a year (1987) but it was fun and very economical!

Also lived in El Paso for about two and a half years during the latter half of the 90s. Cheap to live, but right on the border and lots of problems with gangs in the schools. U. S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement definitely had their work cut out for them. Apologies if ELP residents are offended. Not trying to bad-mouth it, but that is how it was when I lived there.  Would be awesome if a current resident(s) could share a better report. Visited San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth; for business travel and for personal reasons. Been through a few other cities such as Abilene and Midland, on my way to somewhere else.  They were very nice places.  Former First Lady Laura Bush is from Midland.  The city gets two thumbs up from me just for that fact.  I have a lot of respect and admiration for Mrs. Bush.  The most recent news about Midland is that folks are moving there because of job opportunities.

Currently reside in Austin, Texas and living in the state's capital is marvelous; family-friendly and business-friendly.  Plus Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey both have homes here.  "Alright! Alright! Alright!"  Direct quote from Mr. McConaughey's acceptance speech at the 2014 Oscars ceremony.  He won Best Actor.  It's my exact description of daily life in Austin, Texas.  So if anybody asks me "What is the best U.S. city?", Austin, Texas is at the top of my list.

Many cities in Texas have a flavorful or interesting history. Did you know that the City of Grapevine, Texas was the last stop for the infamous criminal duo, Bonnie and Clyde?  If you wanted to take a vacation and decided to rent an RV and tour the entire state, you would probably have no regrets. Indeed if you ever wondered how James Michener could write an epic saga about Texas, when your vacation was over, you would have no more questions.

Title: Texas; Author: James Michener

Genre: Fiction; Publisher: Fawcett; Release Date: June 12, 1987

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 

Quick Posts About Texas Cities:

• Cedar Park, Texas – Small City-Town USA
• Small Town USA - Greenville, Texas
• Texas Real Estate: Corsicana, Texas

Visit the USA by Way of Texas

Image Credit:
Found on Flickr

Just survived the “historic” February 2021 winter storm of Texas.

 It's the first time the entire state was told to brace for the snow.  We were not ready for it!  My electricity was off for a week,  My water is still not turned on.  We have bottled water for drinking but we can't flush our toilets.  It's awful!  Because I had no electricity, I could not access the Internet.  I finally got access back on Saturday and signed in to sites I was using to make money online and earn cryptocurrencies.  One of my favorite sites is Noise.Cash. You earn Bitcoin Cash at that site. When I was finally able to sign in I shared a music video by Ed Sheeran (https://noise.cash/post/1nv8287k)  I guess because I had not signed in for a few days I did not get any Free Tips.  (Join the site and you'll figure out what the Free Tips are.)  Hope I can get ball rolling again!  

On the last day of the storm when the weather started warming up again, my daughter said she heard a bird singing.  It's what woke her up.  Peace and Love everybody!!

Winter storm in Texas: Here's how a week of frigid weather and catastrophe unfolded – CNN

 

Quick List of My October 2019 Articles at 100 Springs

Hello! If you are visiting this blog for the first time, I am happy you're here. I'm happy I'm here too! I have been busy with a new writing job. I was accepted as an article writer at a site called 100 Springs. 

The site's owner is also a friend and allowed me to express myself by writing on a variety of different topics. Oh yeah! He basically told me to go crazy! And I did! For the month of October, I published 10 articles. There is an alpha listing below. View my writer's profile. 

1.   Africa: Tales of Pirates and Fairies

2.   As a Tumblr Alternative, Try Over-Blog

3.   El Paso, Texas: 22nd Largest City in the USA

4.   Favorite Movie Stars and Favorite Movies

5.   Halloween: A Quick Study of the History and Superstitions

6.   October is the Month to Celebrate Apples

7.   The Adults at NASA Care About Climate Change

8.   US Presidential Election 2020: The Fighting Dozen (An Opinion Piece)

9.   Vacation Suggestions: South Florida and The Bahamas

10. Where to Find Reliable Healthcare Information

♦ Hope you enjoy reading all of the articles at 100Springs.com; not just mine. ☺ When you're done there, don't forget to visit Joie de Vivre on Tumblr where you will find lots of delightful content collected from around the web, which express the joy of living.  Joie de Vivre is French for "joy of living".

https://joiedevivre-magazine.tumblr.com/post/188454449311

Happy New Year From Weird Facts

I live in Austin, Texas and one of the city's advertising slogans is "Keep Austin Weird".  It's mainly to help promote small businesses.  Lived here since 1998 and maybe I'm just used to it, but the "weird" seems "normal" to me.

Anyway, this post isn't about Austin.  That was just a random side note inspired by the word "weird".  This post is about a cool Tumblr blog called Weird Facts (also called Mind Blowing Facts).  The archived posts date back to 2014.  In addition, they have over 200K followers and 1000 posts on Instagram.  Found this fact via their Instagram.  You may not think this fact is weird but now I wish I had never thrown away my old calendars.  Perhaps I'll start collecting calendars from 2018 forward.  

Looking ahead to 2018.  How about you?  ☺

A post shared by Weird Facts (@factsweird) on Dec 14, 2017 at 11:37am PST

365 Days of Amazing Trivia Desk Calendar
By Workman Publishing #PopCulture #Trivia #Calendars #whiteelephant #giftexchange #giftsunder20 #happynewyear #2018calendar https://t.co/1lw3wbBRn6

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 16, 2017

Happy New Year | Forward this Image