In the fall of 2002, we left our Park Hosting duties at Brazos Bend SP and began what felt like entirely new lives.

Due to the failed economy, our usual software design positions were not to be found. Anywhere. So, in financial desperation, we decided to try our luck at the George Ranch Historical Park in nearby Richmond, TX.

Byron started out as an interpreter. At 1/10th the hourly pay. Yikes!

GRHP (see www.georgeranch.com) strives to tell the story of four generations of families who began farming/ranching in the 1800s. Indeed, the park portrays life in the 1830s, the 1890s, and the 1930s. Byron began his new interpretive career by dressing up as an 1896 Blacksmith. Can you believe it? No, well, neither could he...

The job itself proved to be FAR less stressful than I.T. work, the variety was wonderful (Byron now works as not only a Blacksmith, but also an 1895 Sharecropping farmer, an 1830 farmer, and even a 2003 tram driver) and the opportunity to demonstrate 1800s life to several hundred youngsters a day, in addition to numerous walk-in members of the "general population". Neat!

Here's some photos of the Blacksmith Shop, and even a few of you-know-who, masquerading as you-know-what!

And here's some shots of the Sharecropper's Farm. You can bet your bib overalls that Byron's favorite spot -- at least in the warm Texas weather -- is right on that rocking chair on the front porch

And what about Leigh? Well, she's working at "The Ranch" as well. In Leigh's case, she's working both the Visitors' Center and the gift shop. Sometimes (like when Byron's driving the tram), she gets to tell him what to do, which of course pleases her no end! :) Here's some shots of the Visitors' Center -- inside and out -- as well as other places of interest around The Ranch.