CINCO DE MAYO

Andy and Blake had a successful and safe trip to Hammond, Ohio and back in record time. They left Thursday morning and got back to Watonga on Saturday morning around 2:30 a.m. They went there to get an art deco door for the Liberty Theatre. I can't wait to see it installed. Then Andy can finish the tile work on the front of the building. It's going to look fabulous when the renovation is finished. The weather has been hot and windy for the last couple of days. Today may even get as warm as mid-90's. We had guests at the B&B early in the week but no reservations for this weekend. There has been lots of traffic into the Park on Thursday and Friday, so there is still a possibility that we could get a last minute referral from the Lodge. We're always ready for that. I went to Alva, OK this past week and visited an art gallery I'd heard about -- Graceful Arts. They have a nice location off the courthouse square, with a good size gallery in front and a workshop in the back. They offer classes for both children and adults. They also host an "art walk" once a month, where the gallery and few gift shops on the square stay open from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.This is definitely something we can do in Watonga. I've been home, off work, for a week and my blood pressure has gotten back down to normal. My hypertension is definitely the result of stress at work. Working in the garden and writing have been good therapy for me. Today is Cinco de Mayo. Few people actually know what the holiday signifies, but it is widely celebrated in the U.S. It isn't Mexican Independence Day as most people think. Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday celebrating the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. In 1861, France sent a massive army to invade Mexico, as they wanted to collect on some war debts. The French army was much larger, better trained and equipped than the Mexicans struggling to defend the road to Mexico City. The French rolled through Mexico until it reached Puebla, where the Mexicans made a valiant stand, and, against all logic, won a huge victory. Even though it was short-lived, as the French army regrouped and eventually took Mexico City, the euphoria of an unlikely victory against overwhelming odds is remembered every May fifth. THE UNDERDOG WINS! The holiday reminds us that a small group can win over a large enemy and gives people hope against all odds. Keep that in mind as you drink your margarita or mojito tonight!