Thankful for what is

It’s Tuesday the 25th of November and I just got out of a Commissioners Court meeting at the Annex in Presidio. There were several items on the agenda that looked a little weird to me, and for that I’ll reserve judgment until they are addressed at the next meeting (Dec 10th) as both were postponed until that meeting for various reasons.

But as I sit here in the Presidio public library enjoying this delightfully clean and peaceful public space, I am grateful to be able to attend and still participate in public discourse and camaraderie. I am grateful the the County still has meetings where Zoom is an option for folks to attend and speak. I am thankful that most of the time all the members of Commissioners Court are present, as are most elected other County officials (or their executive assistants in their stead).

I am thankful for the dedicated County employees who keep the County running and, day in day out, go to work with the public. They represent our County government, and although they are underpaid, they work beyond the expectations of the job descriptions.

I am grateful to live in Presidio County; we have one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. We have people from many different backgrounds, yet the culture of Texas and the border is pervasive. For me it makes living here a privilege and a journey that continues to reward me, the more people I meet.

This Thanksgiving I’m happy to be staying at home in Marfa with my family. We’ll assist in the community dinner put on by our church, St. Paul’s Episcopal, at the Chinati Arena on Thursday. We’re cooking side dishes over the next two days , as are many others. Attendance is open to all and it’s free. The main courses are provided by Mark Scott, Kaki Aufdengarten and Marc DeClercq. It’s a great time and exemplifies the kind of events that happen here in Presidio County, whether in Marfa, Presidio or in the further outposts such as Shafter, Ruidosa or Candelaria.

I’m grateful for so much more than all this, but this is what’s on my mind right now as my brain unwinds from another episode in my journey of learning more about local government and its importance.

Thank you!