Sam Houston Memorial Park, Part 4

Jonesboro Memorial - Author's Picture

Another feature of the park is a monument to the now non-existent town of Jonesboro. It's not even a ghost town. It's just gone, washed away in a flood.

About half a mile NW was 19th century town of

Jonesboro

One of first ports of entry

into Texas for Anglo-Americans.

Opened early as 1814; heavily used by 1817. Named for 1819-21

ferry owner Henry Jones (1789-1861).

Claimed by both Mexico and the

United States, town was 1828-37

county seat of Miller County,

Ark. Community had 2,350 people

by 1834. At this crossing Sam

Houston (1832) and David Crockett

(1835) entered Texas. A well-known

road led southeastward to other

colonies by way of Nacodoches.

In 1836, Clarksville became Red

River District's capital. By 1840 Joneboro had lost its trade and

many settlers to other areas. (1973)

See more here and here.

Winchester 2007 Limited Edition

Winchester 2007 Limited Edition - Author's Collection

The image shows a Winchester 2007 limited edition wildlife series. It is described as an "Ersatz Scrimshaw Knife Set." Three small knives are included, and all have artwork pertaining to wildlife. Each knife measures, overall, 5 3/4". It's hard to describe the wildlife because I don't take items out of the package (and my eyesight is poor). Therefore, I don't get a clear view. The set that I saw on eBay was selling for $35. The knives come with a presentation box.

Small Antique Bottle

Antique Bottle - Author's Collection

The pictured item is 2 and 3/8" tall. It could be a medicine bottle. It could also be a perfume sample bottle. It is an antique. I found this one in a long abandoned trash dump. I believe it was in a rusty can when I found it. The can was pretty much rotten, but the bottle was okay. I found several items that day under the same conditions.

Egyptian Themed Kriss

Kriss - Author's Collection

13.5" male Egyptian knife kriss dagger. Blade length: 8". Handle length: 4.5". Sheath length: 9". It has a very detailed sheath and handle. It's only a collector's item. No sharpened edge. 11 dollars.

Warlock and the Infinity Watch Comics

Warlock and the Infinity Watch - Author's Collection

Everyone probably knows Thanos from the movies, but before that, we only knew him from the comics. The pictured comic is Warlock and the Infinity Watch #8 Reunion With Thanos. (Sep 1992, Marvel). Price: $125 to less than $5. I have several comic books pertaining to Warlock and the Infinity Watch.

World Bipolar Day 2026

World Bipolar Day - Author's Picture

I want to call attention to world bipolar day, March 30, 2026. I may call attention to this at several points during the year, because it's important to me. March 30th of every year is World Bipolar Day. It doesn't seem like it's a very well-known day, but bipolar is very real and comes with its own unique circumstances. For me, every day is bipolar day. The picture shows the 11 pills I take every night, from quetiapine to I don't know what. It doesn't show the other 7 that I take during the day. My wife or daughter fills my pill box up every week, because I don't know what I'm supposed to take. My wife deals with my psychiatrist about as much as I do, or more. I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, elements of psychosis, and PTSD. It all can be traced back to people and circumstances that I've had to deal with in my life.

Old Timer 2012

Old Timer Schrade - Author's Collection

Schrade Old Timer 2012 Limited Edition gift set. Includes a 1080T Junior; 120T PAL; and 720T Dog Leg Jack. Comes with a collector's tin. The price is in the area of $50.

Even More Dagon Vibes

Even More Dagon Vibes

The picture shown above once again gives me Dagon vibes. Not the biblical Dagon, but the Lovecraftian creature. The picture source is Meta. The artist is not known to me, but I have traced it back to user StevetheHunterofTri on DeviantArt. Another place identifies the artist as Layrensij Ursa. It appears in several places online, and some entitle it "Dagon."

Buck Special Edition Knife Set

Buck Special Edition Knife Set - Author's Collection

The picture shows a Buck Special Edition Knife Set. It includes two knives. One is a 389 Canoe, and the other is a 385 Toothpick. They cost roughly 23 dollars.

Vintage Candy Dish

Ruby Red - Author's Collection

"The object in the image is a vintage Indiana Glass Ruby Red Tall Footed Compote Dish with a Diamond Point Lid. This piece features a clear glass pedestal base and a lidded compote bowl with a distinctive ruby red band or rim, accented by a diamond point pattern. It was manufactured by the Indiana Glass Company in their 'Diamond Point' pattern, also known as 'King's Crown'. This pattern was produced from 1965 through the 1980s. It is commonly used as a candy dish, for displaying nuts, or as a decorative centerpiece. Hand washing is recommended for cleaning this type of glassware." Source: Google Image Search and AI. Price: from $40 to $20 or less. Mine is in perfect condition.

Grand Admiral Thrawn's Chimaera

Chimaera Unpackaging - Author's Picture

I have a number of Star Wars and Star Trek models. The pictures on this page show the latest piece in the collection, the Chimaera.

Chimaera - Author's Collection

"The Chimaera was a modified Imperial I-class Star Destroyer captained by Imperial officer Thrawn during the Galactic Civil War. It served as his flagship following his promotions to commodore and later admiral of the 96th Task Force and transferred commands with him from the task force to flagship of the Seventh Fleet upon his promotion to Grand Admiral." Description via Star Wars fandom.

Dagon Vibes

Dagon Vibes

The picture shown above gives me "Dagon vibes." Not the biblical Dagon, but the Lovecraftian creature. The picture source is Meta. The artist is not known to me.

"Then suddenly I saw it. With only a slight churning to mark its rise to the surface, the thing slid into view above the dark waters. Vast, Polyphemus-like, and loathsome, it darted like a stupendous monster of nightmares to the monolith, about which it flung its gigantic scaly arms, the while it bowed its hideous head and gave vent to certain measured sounds. I think I went mad then."

Dagon at the H.P. Lovecraft Archive.

Spring Ahead

Recipe Book - Author's Picture

I will be spending some of my time updating and catching up on posting my knife collection onto the blog. Speaking of the Spring season, two things come to mind. First, at least in Texas, snakes will start to become active. Yes, I've seen snakes out and about in March.

Second, in March, the hummingbirds (at least in Texas) will start to return, and they will want to be treated to your feeder's sugary, good water. It's time to get the feeders out (unless you leave them up year-round) and it's time to clean them. Then, it's time to make what the birds want: a sugar and water mixture. Here's how to make it:

Hummingbird Food

• 4 parts water (4 cups)
• 1 part sugar (1 cup)
• Mix until the sugar is dissolved.

It is not necessary to boil the water or add food coloring to it. Adding dye is generally not recommended. No evidence suggests that it is safe.

Note: Hummingbirds (in Texas, anyway) generally begin to return in March. They start to leave near the end of September.

Dale Earnhardt Playing Cards

Dale Earnhardt Playing Cards - Author's Picture

Dale Earnhardt Playing Cards. 2 Decks of cards. Sealed; 2001 cards. 12 dollars. Collector's tin included.

Grapette Jar

Grapette Jar - Author's Picture

"The object in the image is a vintage Grapette Clown Bank, originally a syrup bottle that could be repurposed as a coin bank. These glass bottles were produced by Grapette Products Co. in Camden, Arkansas. They initially contained Grapette syrup, a concentrate for making non-carbonated soft drinks at home by mixing with water. The bottles feature a figural design in the shape of a clown and come with a metal screw-on cap that has a slot for inserting coins, allowing them to function as a bank after the syrup was consumed. These Grapette Clown Banks are now considered collectible items, particularly by those interested in vintage advertising, bottles, or character-themed memorabilia." Source: Google Image Search and AI.

This jar was recovered from an old neighbor's home (really a shack) that we were given permission to go into and take what we wanted. My daughter actually found the bottle, and it had about 50 cents' worth of wheat leaf pennies in it. The coin-insertion lid is not on the jar. I don't know if the screw-on lid in the picture was stock or if it was a lid that someone found. I found one of these online for about 14 dollars.

Heard in Texas 17

Heard in Texas #17

"People will be more than happy to watch you do all the work. Don't let them."

Smith & Wesson CKSUR2

Smith & Wesson CKSUR2 - Author's Collection

Smith & Wesson CKSUR2 10.5" high carbon stainless steel. Fixed blade knife with 6" Bowie blade and rubberized aluminum handle. Full tang, lanyard hole, and sharpening stone included. $30. It seems sturdy; the package is heavy.

Sarcophagus

Sarcophagus - Author's Collection

The picture shows a reproduction Egyptian sarcophagus. The lid comes off and there is a representation of a mummy inside (not shown). I don't remember how much the price was for this piece. I think I bought it from Hobby Lobby.

Robert Shiflett 2003 Double Dragon Talon

Robert Shiflett Blade - Author's Collection

The picture shows a Robert Shiflett RSI 2003 Double Dragon Talon. It's billed as a "Custom Design." The price is about $30. It's a very sharp conversation piece, and it's easy to accidentally cut yourself with it. It has 4" curved blades. Overall length is 12". It's very Klingon-esque in appearance. I can find pictures online, but I couldn't find anyone selling one.

Renegade Tactical Steel Flipper

Author's Picture

"Renegade Tactical Steel Fast Clip Assisted Flipper 1.4" Black Blade, Money Clip, Green Aluminum Handles, Frame Lock - RT130."

3.75" overall. Maybe it could be a good letter opener, but that's about it. Please excuse the cat's hair that appears in the picture. This knife has been discontinued, and no price is available.

Complete description:

"The Fast Clip by Renegade Tactical Steel comes with a black spear point blade. It features an ultra-wide pocket/money clip. This assisted open knife is sleek, fast and easily concealed. The 420 stainless steel blade measures 1.4" long and 0.07" wide. Green Aluminum handles are strong and also lightweight to ensure the Fast Clip remains unobtrusive."

Specifications

Blade Length: 1.4"

Handle Length: 2.25"

Overall Length: 3.75"

Blade Steel: 420 Stainless Steel

Blade Thickness: 0.07"

Handle Material: Aluminum

Handle Thickness: 0.49"

Weight: 1.8 oz.