On Saturday Jeanene and I took the three sisters to the Corn Maze in Hondo, Texas. It is just one example of the apparently burgeoning corn maze industry. These mazes are generally located in out-of-the way rural places like Lingle Wyoming, Chickasha Oklahoma, and Hondo.

I like small-town events like corn mazes and such things. I'm amazed at what we humans will do if we become bored. I'll admit that when I was younger I might have made fun of a corn maze. But now I've entered a season of life where I enjoy simple things. These mazes are wonderful examples of rural life. And now that Reiley is almost 20, if I can get away with all three girls and Jeanene, I'll go to a corn maze or a possum festival or even a moonshine shindig. I'm not particular.

Hondo is about an hour west of San Antonio. It's an interesting town if only for the sign that warns out-of-town motorists to respect the speed limit.

Located at the Graff family farm, the Hondo corn maze has developed into quite a little enterprise. There are games and activities for everyone. Most of the activities are rather simple and precious in their own way. It's amazing how much fun people have jumping, sliding, or just rolling around in hay.

Buying tickets

Rubber duck races with a cow trough, old pumps, and rain gutters

Jumping on hay: fun for all ages

A slide made out of what looks like culvert pipe

But the highlight of the afternoon was the corn maze itself. It's surprisingly complex. During the day you can kind of see over the corn and keep your bearings, but at night, well, that's another matter. They say there's a one-eyed crazy man who's been wandering the Hondo maze since aught 2.

This sign made me so happy. I'm still smiling about it

Lillian in the maze

We all ran into the maze and wandered around looking for each other. After dark we had flashlights and popped out from behind cornstalks trying to scare each other. I always seemed to know where I was, which was highly suspicious considering I have a terrible sense of direction. I got lost the other day driving to our local grocery store. (Absolutely a true story). My secret? Before we went into the maze I snapped a picture of the Hondo maze postcard and carried it around in my digital camera. Heh.

So that's what we did on Saturday. Drove to Hondo. Laughed at the goofy corn stuff. Ate some of the goofy corn stuff. Ran around in the maze. Drove home. And all three sisters were with us, which makes me very happy.

I am aware of time these days. Most notably, it's quick passing. Time with the three sisters is growing short. Reiley is still at home only because she is going to a local college. She could fly the coop at any time. And on that day, the season with the three sisters will be over. Oh, we'll get together all of our lives, I'm sure. But it won't be the same after they leave.

So I'm incredibly thankful for the Hondo corn maze. Anything that gets me together with my girls is very a good thing.

rlp