One of the things I like to read are the blogs on blogger. com. But for some reason, few people are updating regularly. Can't say any good reason for that. It's free after all.
So I've taken the lead in blog posts. I'll keep the fire burning.
Today, I thought I might get the Christmas decorations down, but I only got a few of them done. I did take several loads to Goodwill. I washed 2 of the cars. Guess whose?
Oh, and I did get a 12 mile training run it today. I saw a friend of mine Chris yesterday and asked "Did you run today?" He said he was going to do 12 miles today and I volunteered to go with him - meet outside his house at 0700. Needless to say, he didn't make it :) But I did.
He'll be sorry he missed this golden opportunity .
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday after Thanksgiving
We had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday, driving to grandmother's house in the morning. After a little time getting the food together, we all (5) sat down to Thanksgiving dinner. Lots to be thankful for. That afternoon, we took it easy in the evening, we watched the UT/A&M game. The Horns lost but you can't begrudge the Aggies anything. If anyone had to send us to a losing season, it might as well be them.
Today was a fun one. Sarah and I drove back for the Memorial/Cibolo Steele H.S. playoff game. On the way home my friend John S. called about going to the game together. So we rode over there and watched Steele win 48-31. It was not even that close, with Steele leading 42-0 at one point. But it was a good season and I enjoyed all the game.
Hard to believe next year is Sarah's senior year. Just a handful of games left. I'm glad I saw as many as I did this year.
Today was a fun one. Sarah and I drove back for the Memorial/Cibolo Steele H.S. playoff game. On the way home my friend John S. called about going to the game together. So we rode over there and watched Steele win 48-31. It was not even that close, with Steele leading 42-0 at one point. But it was a good season and I enjoyed all the game.
Hard to believe next year is Sarah's senior year. Just a handful of games left. I'm glad I saw as many as I did this year.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Favorite Thanksgiving Memory
My parents like to say that when I went to college, that I drove out of the driveway in August 1983 and they didn't hear from me for 2 weeks. I think that's an exaggeration: I must have called from the road or when I got there.
But it's true that once I was there, I was like Cortez in Mexico, no turning back. They did come to visit for Parent's Weekend. But there were no visits home.
By Thanksgiving we had a week off and I was ready to get back to Austin. I had arranged to ride with a group of friends - the prospect of the group must have been appealing. So 5 of us were in a '72 Buick and headed south. 8 hours later, with me in the middle of the back seat, we were in Nashville, TN for the night.
Now I had tickets to see the Police in concert on Saturday night in Austin. That night I got a call (I was staying with my friend Richard) that the car was broken and would likely not be fixed until noon.
Wait until noon to leave? Miss the concert? Ride 14 more hours in the middle?
I called American Airlines that night and booked a reasonable priced flight for Saturday. Nashville to DFW to Austin. Richard took me to the airport. Home that afternoon. Well worth it!
I was obviously ready to get home and made it happen. One friend Jeff later recalled "We weren't going to get home fast enough for Greg, so he flew". So true.
It was the longest I'd been away at that time. It made it all the special to be home. I guess we would have gone to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving Day. We did that mostly, if we didn't go to my Uncle Vernon's and Aunt Sharon's in those years. I recall those dinners as particularly large and lots of family there since we were all in Austin.
But it's true that once I was there, I was like Cortez in Mexico, no turning back. They did come to visit for Parent's Weekend. But there were no visits home.
By Thanksgiving we had a week off and I was ready to get back to Austin. I had arranged to ride with a group of friends - the prospect of the group must have been appealing. So 5 of us were in a '72 Buick and headed south. 8 hours later, with me in the middle of the back seat, we were in Nashville, TN for the night.
Now I had tickets to see the Police in concert on Saturday night in Austin. That night I got a call (I was staying with my friend Richard) that the car was broken and would likely not be fixed until noon.
Wait until noon to leave? Miss the concert? Ride 14 more hours in the middle?
I called American Airlines that night and booked a reasonable priced flight for Saturday. Nashville to DFW to Austin. Richard took me to the airport. Home that afternoon. Well worth it!
I was obviously ready to get home and made it happen. One friend Jeff later recalled "We weren't going to get home fast enough for Greg, so he flew". So true.
It was the longest I'd been away at that time. It made it all the special to be home. I guess we would have gone to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving Day. We did that mostly, if we didn't go to my Uncle Vernon's and Aunt Sharon's in those years. I recall those dinners as particularly large and lots of family there since we were all in Austin.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Car talk
I went to a meeting with another car guy today. Fortunately I'd gotten my car back from the shop - all cleaned up. I got my baby back/baby back/baby back...
"How much horsepower does that have?"
[pause... confirming if he was worthy of the specific answer...]
"604"
[no topping that :)]
So he was telling me about trading the Nissan GT-R for a Dodge Viper and getting an offer to trade the Viper for a Corvette ZR-1.
So it was cool to say, "I've driven a ZR-1. That's an awesome car".
If any women want to find out what is going on in a man's head... as they said on Top Gear:
"Not much"
"How much horsepower does that have?"
[pause... confirming if he was worthy of the specific answer...]
"604"
[no topping that :)]
So he was telling me about trading the Nissan GT-R for a Dodge Viper and getting an offer to trade the Viper for a Corvette ZR-1.
So it was cool to say, "I've driven a ZR-1. That's an awesome car".
If any women want to find out what is going on in a man's head... as they said on Top Gear:
"Not much"
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sittin on a Bar Stool
Actually, I'm sitting in the Austin Java coffee shop. That old Charlie Daniels song "Drinkin My Baby Goodbye" was on the radio on the way up and it was in my head. It'd be a good one to learn to play - Pour me another one/I'm finished with the other one/I'm drinkin my baby goodbye.
There was a lot of drinking going on this weekend for the Gonzalez Palacios TMLT golf tournament that I came here for. I got here Friday and played golf in the afternoon. The guy I played with Vinny took advantage of the Buy 5 beers Get 1 Free offer on the course - twice. He had some help with them from the other 2 players. Then Friday night they had a nice dinner and the bar was open late. I enjoyed the dinner but snuck out at 11 to get back to the hotel.
The tournament was a lot of fun. I really like the course - reminded me of my old home courses here in Austin, Lions Municipal and Riverside. I played pretty good but there were a lot of good players here. Afterwards we had a mid day lunch - a la Thanksgiving. It broke up about 3:30. I was ready to play golf again (nothing else to do) so I went and got my putter and wedge to go to the practice green about 4:30.
I took a wrong turn and was on the golf course. The green was open so I hit a few shots into it. Looked different. Then there was a trail that led to the tee box through the bottom of a creek bed. Amazing what you find exploring. Then I was on a tee box. Looked different. Hit a shot. Still different.
I realized I was on the other course. And since it was so late, I was the ONLY one out there. So... I proceed to play the other course with a wedge and putter. Stayed out til it was dark. A lot of fun!
REminded me of another song "Sign Says - you ain't supposed to be here!" But I was a resort guest and dressed for the occasion so nobody noticed. :)
I went to see the movie 127 Hours and really liked it. It's probably an Austin thing but check it out if it comes to your town.
There was a lot of drinking going on this weekend for the Gonzalez Palacios TMLT golf tournament that I came here for. I got here Friday and played golf in the afternoon. The guy I played with Vinny took advantage of the Buy 5 beers Get 1 Free offer on the course - twice. He had some help with them from the other 2 players. Then Friday night they had a nice dinner and the bar was open late. I enjoyed the dinner but snuck out at 11 to get back to the hotel.
The tournament was a lot of fun. I really like the course - reminded me of my old home courses here in Austin, Lions Municipal and Riverside. I played pretty good but there were a lot of good players here. Afterwards we had a mid day lunch - a la Thanksgiving. It broke up about 3:30. I was ready to play golf again (nothing else to do) so I went and got my putter and wedge to go to the practice green about 4:30.
I took a wrong turn and was on the golf course. The green was open so I hit a few shots into it. Looked different. Then there was a trail that led to the tee box through the bottom of a creek bed. Amazing what you find exploring. Then I was on a tee box. Looked different. Hit a shot. Still different.
I realized I was on the other course. And since it was so late, I was the ONLY one out there. So... I proceed to play the other course with a wedge and putter. Stayed out til it was dark. A lot of fun!
REminded me of another song "Sign Says - you ain't supposed to be here!" But I was a resort guest and dressed for the occasion so nobody noticed. :)
I went to see the movie 127 Hours and really liked it. It's probably an Austin thing but check it out if it comes to your town.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Week before Thanksgiving
I'm trying to get as much work done this week before people (such as myself) start holiday mode and will not be around for work. Today, I made a bit of progress. I'll be in Austin Friday so I've only got 2 more days to work with.
My car is in the shop so I've got a rental for the week. A Toyota Corolla which is a midsize car if you can believe that. But most cars are tending to get larger over the years. This one should be a very economical ride up to Austin Friday and back Sunday.
In my spare time today I did get to review my Twitter posts for the past year. They're pretty interesting to me at least. Like a journal. It was interesting that some were pretty wise while others were little sayings that pop into my head e.g. Better to light one single candle than to curse the darkness.
Tomorrow I've got to go to Bankruptcy Court and then I have a 3:00 appointment at the office.
I'm hoping to get a bit of golf practice in before rounds on Friday and Sat. in Austin, but that didn't happen today. Tomorrow doesn't look so good either. Oh well, I'll probably just rely on my 10,000 hours of experience.
My car is in the shop so I've got a rental for the week. A Toyota Corolla which is a midsize car if you can believe that. But most cars are tending to get larger over the years. This one should be a very economical ride up to Austin Friday and back Sunday.
In my spare time today I did get to review my Twitter posts for the past year. They're pretty interesting to me at least. Like a journal. It was interesting that some were pretty wise while others were little sayings that pop into my head e.g. Better to light one single candle than to curse the darkness.
Tomorrow I've got to go to Bankruptcy Court and then I have a 3:00 appointment at the office.
I'm hoping to get a bit of golf practice in before rounds on Friday and Sat. in Austin, but that didn't happen today. Tomorrow doesn't look so good either. Oh well, I'll probably just rely on my 10,000 hours of experience.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Go Mustangs!
I went to Laredo yesterday on the football booster club charter bus to watch Memorial play Eagle Pass in the first round of the 5A Division 2 high school football playoffs. I'm glad I went to cheer them on: it was a great game and Memorial won 28-20.
We left about noon and its a 3 hour drive there. Once we got there, we set up a tailgate party and stayed there until about 4:30 and went over to the game starting at 5:00. I got to see Sarah before and they seemed happy to see me.
The game was pretty exciting. We got off to a 28-7 lead but pourous defense allowed 2 TDs. Eagle Pass missed the extra point to make it 28-20 and then we were able to make a long drive on the ground to run out the clock. Good offense won the game for us.
Afterwards, we rode the bus home and it was great to sleep most of the way.
Today there is a car show at Palmer Pavillion which I am planning to go to. May also see the movie Due Date
We left about noon and its a 3 hour drive there. Once we got there, we set up a tailgate party and stayed there until about 4:30 and went over to the game starting at 5:00. I got to see Sarah before and they seemed happy to see me.
The game was pretty exciting. We got off to a 28-7 lead but pourous defense allowed 2 TDs. Eagle Pass missed the extra point to make it 28-20 and then we were able to make a long drive on the ground to run out the clock. Good offense won the game for us.
Afterwards, we rode the bus home and it was great to sleep most of the way.
Today there is a car show at Palmer Pavillion which I am planning to go to. May also see the movie Due Date
Friday, November 5, 2010
Great Friends
Today was a special day. I got an unexpected call from one of my oldest friends Erich who was in McAllen today. That necessitated a clearing of schedule! You'll recall that I visited him in Germany in 2006.
He was in town for a Weslaco H.S. band reunion. They were going to set some record for the largest band marching. So he brought out his old trombone and along with the other 75 :) would be leading "the big parade".
It was great to catch up. He's doing great in his career as a Navy Officer. In fact he recent got a Command - in Hawaii. So he's here tonight and going to Hawaii tomorrow. Another step to O-6 Captain which is very difficult to achieve. But he's on track. So it was wonderful to hear how he was making it happen. I told him about cousin Charlie and he was pretty familiar with that aspect of the US Navy, being a pilot himself.
We've sure come a long way from Kindergarten at Briargrove Elementary, walking to school together, and playing with GI Joes in his front yard. Lots of memories! He was talking about his mother and stepfather Herman and it really brought back a lot of thoughts. I knew both of them pretty well. Now Beverly is deceased and Herman has Alzheimer's. Both very fine people.
I couldn't help but smile hearing him tell about what he was doing. It really made me proud.
I've got the best friends!
He was in town for a Weslaco H.S. band reunion. They were going to set some record for the largest band marching. So he brought out his old trombone and along with the other 75 :) would be leading "the big parade".
It was great to catch up. He's doing great in his career as a Navy Officer. In fact he recent got a Command - in Hawaii. So he's here tonight and going to Hawaii tomorrow. Another step to O-6 Captain which is very difficult to achieve. But he's on track. So it was wonderful to hear how he was making it happen. I told him about cousin Charlie and he was pretty familiar with that aspect of the US Navy, being a pilot himself.
We've sure come a long way from Kindergarten at Briargrove Elementary, walking to school together, and playing with GI Joes in his front yard. Lots of memories! He was talking about his mother and stepfather Herman and it really brought back a lot of thoughts. I knew both of them pretty well. Now Beverly is deceased and Herman has Alzheimer's. Both very fine people.
I couldn't help but smile hearing him tell about what he was doing. It really made me proud.
I've got the best friends!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Race Across the Sky 2010
I went with my friend Frank to see the movie Race Across the Sky 2010 about the Leadville Trail 100... Mountain Bike Ride.
We were expecting the movie to be about the 100 mile RUN not the ride. Frank has attempted the run twice, getting cut off at 50 miles in 2009 and at 60 miles in 2010. You see, its not enough to run 100 miles, at 12,000 feet altitude, you've got to do it fast enought to avoid the cut off times.
Nonetheless we really enjoyed the movie. Much like the marathon experience, it's all about the journey. You never know what will happen when you line up. A very emotional experience to push physical limits.
Very cool to see an extended interview with "Award Winning Blogger" Elden Nelson - aka Fat Cyclist. I'm a fan of his blog. It was also cool to come home and read his pleasant surprise of finding out that he had a prominent part in the movie.
While Frank (and I) did want to see more of the running, we thought it was great and afterwards, he said "I'm definitely going to do it again" and I agreed that I'd plan to go out there with him. After all, how many people get to do something like that.
So mark your calendar for me to be in Leadville Colorado in August 2011!
We were expecting the movie to be about the 100 mile RUN not the ride. Frank has attempted the run twice, getting cut off at 50 miles in 2009 and at 60 miles in 2010. You see, its not enough to run 100 miles, at 12,000 feet altitude, you've got to do it fast enought to avoid the cut off times.
Nonetheless we really enjoyed the movie. Much like the marathon experience, it's all about the journey. You never know what will happen when you line up. A very emotional experience to push physical limits.
Very cool to see an extended interview with "Award Winning Blogger" Elden Nelson - aka Fat Cyclist. I'm a fan of his blog. It was also cool to come home and read his pleasant surprise of finding out that he had a prominent part in the movie.
While Frank (and I) did want to see more of the running, we thought it was great and afterwards, he said "I'm definitely going to do it again" and I agreed that I'd plan to go out there with him. After all, how many people get to do something like that.
So mark your calendar for me to be in Leadville Colorado in August 2011!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday
It was a nice day. I went to court and then back to the office. I worked there in the afternoon and then headed home at 4:00 to work on my Mayor Prayer Committee work. We've got a big meeting next Wednesday and for some reason, they seemed to expect me as Treasurer to come up with the entire budget, sponsorship profile, ticket prices, menu and everything. So needless to say it required some project time. Which is now underway.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
November 2 - Election Day
Fortunately I did not have to brave any crowds for the election day - early voted. Its a good thing today as it was a slow day (for me). Couldn't seem to get going until the afternoon, and that always flys by.
My new assistant Anna was at work today so she got a lot done. I'm looking forward to catching up a bit this week. She'll be back at work Thursday and Friday.
We received two big checks today for settlement of a case, so she seemed impressed at the amounts.
This evening Susan and I met Sam and Lori (yesterday was her birthday) for some Starbucks and it was a nice evening. We had a cool fall wind come in this morning so a very nice evening.
Tomorrow is truancy court, so I'm planning to get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
My new assistant Anna was at work today so she got a lot done. I'm looking forward to catching up a bit this week. She'll be back at work Thursday and Friday.
We received two big checks today for settlement of a case, so she seemed impressed at the amounts.
This evening Susan and I met Sam and Lori (yesterday was her birthday) for some Starbucks and it was a nice evening. We had a cool fall wind come in this morning so a very nice evening.
Tomorrow is truancy court, so I'm planning to get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Great baseball season
Congrats to the S.F. Giants for the 2010 World Series win. I enjoyed watching all the games and will miss baseball on TV each night. I though the Giants/Braves series was a good one and followed the Giants thereafter. Gotta love the N.L. team!
I found a new web site www.puregolf2010.com about 2 New Zealanders who have been playing a round of golf everyday this year, worldwide. Very interesting and I"ve been reading the blog until late at night. Reminds me of the blog about the guy running across Europe.
Another Monday meant another late start for me but I got the full day in.
I found a new web site www.puregolf2010.com about 2 New Zealanders who have been playing a round of golf everyday this year, worldwide. Very interesting and I"ve been reading the blog until late at night. Reminds me of the blog about the guy running across Europe.
Another Monday meant another late start for me but I got the full day in.
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