Thursday, March 20, 2008

World of Water

The Edwards Aquifer is a very unique way in which the people of San Antonio and surrounding areas get their drinking water. The most interesting feature I notice about the aquifer as a whole are the areas in which the water actually enters the aquifer itself. Near Canyon Lake lies an amazing gorge, where a large sink hole lies as well. The water in this sink hole looks so pure that one can see straight through the water to all the rocks lining the sides of the hole. This particular place remains the most amazing part of the Edwards Aquifer, to me. Though this is not the only interesting part of the aquifer. There are many small openings in the rock that were presented very clearly in the Water Works exhibit that were very interesting and very hands on. These openings vary in size some being larger then others, yet each has fresh water running in most of the time. These openings play a huge roll in how the water is transported into the aquifer each day. The walls of the aquifer are also very amazing. The walls are made of limestone making it a very unique aquifer compared to all. Yet is may be a bad thing at times, it is also very useful being that the limestone makes it very easy for water to come and go with ease.





There are many unusual creatures that acutally live in the aquifer itself some being the Blind Cave Fish, and the Blind Salamander these creatures are presented in the exhibit and are very interesting to see, being that they are not animals one comes across everyday. The exhibit presents the water flow and the way it runs just as the article "Running Dry" by Chad Miller, the way the water runs and always will is down therefore causing flooding and alowing many unwanted trash into the aquifer. This run off is helpful at times keeping out aquifer full but at the same time much waste is brought into our drinking water as well. The way this is presented gives one a very well view at how the water transportation works, it also is presented very well for childern to understand without any questions. The most important things I noticed that were very specificly dissused was the way the water is transported and the different ways it ends up in the aquifer. This exhibit over all was very informing and was an interesting way for all ages to explore the Edwards Aquifer in which we all rely.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

More Then Just a Home

Home is where the heart is, my home and heart is located on Kiltey road off Blanco between 1604 and 410. This is the place I call home, being on the North side of San Antonio there is much construction and infrastructure going on here. My house is located at 13310 Kiltey in Church Hill Forest, part of Castle Hills, right off Longfield and Blanco road. My home is slightly closer to 1604, yet I tend to use 410 much more often than I do 1604. The neighborhood is rather small and usually very quiet. The majority of the homes are two story, with a lush green yard and a nicely paved driveway. Most homes have underground pools and a fence distinguishing each persons property from the next.
For the most part my neighbors are all of upper- middle class and there are very few young adults that live here. This neighborhood holds more families of business and upper class status it seems. The neighborhood itself is very well maintained, there is a pool and tennis court/ basket ball court open to neighborhood members that are year around and are kept looking very clean. When walking through my neighborhood you will see many couples walking and just enjoying the relaxing comfort of the place we all call home. My neighborhood is very safe, the crime is very low to none, there has never been any crime that I know of.
I have only lived in my home for 3 years, I am originally from Devine TX., where I was raised and graduated high school. Comparing my neighborhood in Devine to my new neighborhood I would have to say they are very similar therefore this is defenitely a place I see myself still living in the future. Though I have noticed that in Devine I knew each and every neighbor and every person in the town, unlike Devine I do not even know my next door neighbors name here in San Antonio. This is a very big change but being that everyone is welcoming made my move years ago a very smooth one.
As far as racial status goes, my neighbors are mostly white and some are of Mexican decent. Everyone in my Neighborhood is friendly and very up beat making it very comfortable to live. The biggest attraction in my neighborhood is our pool and courts, though at the entrance of my neighborhood was a restaurant that was a big attraction until it closed down a year ago. Though Blanco is a very busy road as soon as one turns off onto Longfield you can feel the calmness of the peaceful neighborhood. As far as construction goes there is not much on Blanco itself and absolutely none in Church Hill Forest.
The things I love most about the place I call home is the calmness and how very safe and peaceful it is. The pool and tennis courts are one of the most attractive things about this place. Being that tennis was my main sport in high school I got very lucky to end up in a place that provided such close playing courts. There is really nothing in my neighborhood that I do not like I love the place I call home and everything about.
The place where I study is Palo Alto college which is rather far from where I reside though the drive is long it is well worth it to live in such a safe area and not have to worry about walking out my door. It takes me about 35 to 40 minutes to get to school each day. I do not currently work being that my place of employment was the restaurant that closed down at the entrance of my neighborhood.
Being located near two major high ways is very convenient and makes for very easy access to places for fun. I love to shop and that is the first place I would consider a place of play located near me, North Star Mall. I spend much time here, at least one day of each week I walk the halls of this mall located just at the end of Blanco on San Pedro. It takes me only 5 minutes to reach the mall which leaves much time for shopping!!!!
Along with the mall I love to be outside, I take my dog to a very close park located on West Ave. which is only 3 minutes from my home. I also love the pool and the tennis courts that are within walking distance of my front porch. These two places are very convenient and have much to offer someone who loves to be active and spend much of her time in the sun.
I also enjoy movies, Regal Cinema located right across from Ingram mall off 410 is where I spend some nights. From home it will take me maybe 15 to 20 minutes to reach the theater in time to watch the desired flick. These are the major interests of mine. Due to the fact that my neighborhood is so central to much of San Antonio’s action I do not waste much time or gas to get to where I want to go.
Over all after taking a long hard look at my neighborhood, I realize there is no where on earth I would rather be. This is definitely not just my transition place this is my home this is where my heart is. I spend most time here and that is the way it will remain, as long as this place stays as well kept and peaceful as it is today. This is the most central place I have lived and it is a very convenient location therefore I do not plan on changing my location anytime soon, maybe even never. Home is where the heart is and this is where my heart is and will remain.