July recap

In the Episcopal priesthood there is a tradition of a sabbatical, every 7 years, to get away from the daily pressure and to get in touch with more spiritual matters.  After 20 years of law practice and 18 years of child raising, I thought that this past month was a good time for a sabbatical.

So I have been gone more than I've been around these past few weeks.  My last post was from our California trip so I'll recap what's been going on (and why).

As my dear readers know, I'm a fan of the Life List or the bucket list.  So I've been hitting several of these list items to cross off

1.  Drive to California.  Done.  From McAllen TX to Las Vegas NV and then an extension to Death Valley, CA.  No one said I had to drive back.  It was a great trip with my friend Bennett.  He enjoyed getting away and the drive as well, and we had a good time doing some things differently.  He was a good sport and we agreed on lots of unusual Vegas things such as:

Carrot Top comedy show
Dinner Buffet at the Green Valley Resort
the trip to Death Valley and Pahrump, NV
Pole Position racing
Toyota Prius shopping
$7.77 Gamblers Special at Hard Rock Hotel
Steak and Eggs for every mean


2. Return to Southern California.  Done.  My last visit there was 1986 and I'm surprised it took so long to get back.  It was as good as remembered.  We did lots of fun things

Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel .  Per cousin Justin's recommendation it was a great classic hotel.
Visit to Rancho Park and Holmby Hills
Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive.  We liked the valet stand at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.  Full of Bentleys.
Century City Mall.
Disneyland Resort
Santa Monica and Muscle Beach
Cal Tech.

3.  Visit the Old Home Place of Muskogee, OK.  This was a highlight because Ed went with me.

Saw the family graves at the Greenhill Cemetery
Played golf at Muskogee CC
Had dinner on the Illinois River at the Sequoyah Club
Found the location of the old Pure Oil refinery
Went to 608 E. Okmulgee and looked all around inside
Drove by 1205 E. Chesnut St.
Learn a lot of family history

4.  Visited Dallas TX and old friend Jeff, Richard and Vic from Austin High.

Did 41 mile Goatneck ride on Saturday
Did sprint triathlon on Sunday

5.  Saw Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney in Houston in concert

the encore was great, best I've seen

Feel Like a Rock Star
She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy
Indian Outlaw
The Fireman
Runnin' on Empty