Christmas Eve

Its a quiet eve before we have dinner and open presents.   It is still light outside so you can expect that the day has gone slow - that's a good thing.

The tree is nicely lit and the outside lights are about to be turned on - the inflatable penguin is coming to life.

No one is saying it out loud, but we do miss David this first Christmas.  He's with us in spirit.

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas coming soon

"The year has gone fast" we always say - this one is no exception.  Sarah is home from school with Travis so that means that we are all together again.  Pretty nice.  Today we all had lunch at Koko's - still full.

I'm thankful for the many blessings of the season.  The work is gearing down and that is OK since it has been a productive year.  I'm glad that I've got some good people working with me.  And of course Anna has gone on to bigger better things in Law School.  That was a highlight as well.

Check my movie blog at Southlandview.blogspot.com for update this season.  I counted over 35 movies reviewed this year and hope to keep it up.  Most of those were seen in the theaters including some classics:  Rocky Horror, Lawrence of Arabia, Back to the Future.  And some good ones that I saw myself:  Some Like It Hot, Searching for Sugar Man.

Here's to a great time the last days of 2013.  You'll find me right here.

A Distant Memory: Auburn beats Alabama 34-28

Back in the 2010's, in the Era when the college football game was an unpaid farm system to the NFL, the college game was a direct version of the worst of the NFL, with prevent defenses, safe screen passes in the flats, with the occasional "Take A Shot", as well as clock management ad naseum.   No one knew this NFL/college pattern than the washed up NFL coach/successful college coach, Alabama's Nick Saban.

In 2013, Alabama was going for its 3rd BCS Title.  Never mind what BCS stands for.  What you call the In N Out NCAA Playoff Champion.  That's right, the 32 game bracket winner.

It was the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Bama was undefeated.  That meant something then.  They had to win.  It was all tied 28-28.  Alabama got the ball back with about a minute left on the clock, and it was just a matter of marching down the field.  That's what Nick Saban does.  The score was tied, so nothing really had to happen in regulation.

First of all, in an effort to preserve the time, Bama ran out of bounds as the clock timed out.   Was there still time left?  Saban lobbied hard for adding time.  The refs agreed, and there was 0:01 left.  What could possibly happen in one second?

The Bama kicker, Cade Foster, has missed, not one, not 2 but 3 field goals. And he was presumably a blue chipper kicker.  A Texan even, from perennial Texas state champs Southlake Carroll.  But all confidence was gone.

With only a second  left, Bama lined up for a field goal to win.  Their hope, the back up kicker, Adam Griffith.  And a 57 yarder.  Give it a try kid, what's the worst that could happen?

Miss it?  Of course he missed it.  Not much hope for that.  But wait... who's that back in the end zone?  Didn't see him there.  Why its Chris Davis.  Cornerback turned returner.

Davis fielded the ball at the 109 yard line.  He took off, ran left, got some blocks, turned the corner and was gone.  No one would have a chance to catch him.  As Kirk Herbstreit said, "There's only fat guys on the field".   With no time left, there was still time to score a TD - 6 points.  Game Over.

It all came down to bad coaching.  Don't blame the backup kicker, don't blame the fat guys, don't blame the refs.   Blame Nick Saban.   The coaches then were paid to take the heat, they were paid $5 million a year while the players got to go to college classes and live in the athletic dorm as long as they were keeping the money maching going.   Completely the opposite of now since the  recruits are getting paid by the NFL under four year contracts.

That's a game from the Era that we remember.  That was just before Nick Saban bailed and went back to the NFL where after another forgettable turn with the Oakland Raiders, he accepted the next highest bid to go to Auburn where he continues as Athletic Director.  After all, he's the best friend a Tiger could have.

my dad is sitting on the couch going " ha ha nick saban you suck ha ha"
— sarah turley (@sarahjoanne520) December 1, 2013

Week 1 - Half Ironman training

This weekend was a breakthrough in how to complete the training - prioritize.

There were 3 workouts to do:

2 500 meter timed swims:  12:14 and 12:36 at Banworth Natatorium

40 minute run:  new Bicentennial trail

75 min. bike ride

Especially with the cold weather it was a good time.

Millennium Cup

One of the benefit of staying home is being available when a good local offer comes up - like to play in a golf tournament.

The Millennium Cup is a Ryder Cup, 24 players per team/ Red v. Blue golf tournament.  When I asked about it 2 years ago, I received a pleasant but firm "invitation only" response.

This year I got the invite - and I was ready.

Yesterday I played with Paul - we're on the blue team.  We play out own ball, pick the better score and play match play against the other red team. I shot 85 by myself - pretty good.  We lost the front 9, tied the back 9 and lost the 18 hole match.  So we scored a 1/2 point to their 2 1/2.  Not bad.  But Blue is in the lead.  We'll see how it turns out today.

Did That Happen?

With my 30th Austin High School reunion (Class of 1983) coming up, I was trying to remember so of the highlights and lowlights of that time.  As it was so long ago, I got to thinking - if I can barely remember some of these things, would anybody else remember?  And if no one remembers, did it really happen?

Going over the activities that come to mind, the big ones stand out.  I played the tuba in the Marching Band for 2 years.  That was a lot of fun to go to all of the football games, both home and away, riding the buses and marching in.  Some of my classmates that were in the tuba section were Lance Lively and David Jobe.  Lance went on to be Drum Major senior year.

By that time I was gone, having left for the greener pastures of the varsity golf team.  The team had good success senior year when we were regional qualifers and district runner-ups.  I considered myself the senior co-captain with Jeff Seekatz.  Jeff usually played #1 and me #2.  Jeff also was the individual regional qualifer in our junior year.  The level of competition in Austin was pretty high and two of our fellow competitors from Crockett H.S. at that time went on to both play the PGA Tour.

Junior year, I was elected as student council representative.  Actually I came in second to Bryan Jamail, but later Bryan was elected as a school level student council officer so the spot for the class representative went to me.  Bryan is probably in politics now - he was a natural.

I did make a good effort to be a good student and was a member of the Honor Roll - technically the Third  Honor Roll mostly.  You had to have a 92 average for the second honor roll and 95 for the first honor.  I made the second one once or twice.  The top dogs, Dudley McClellan and Bradley McClellan were always on the first honor roll and as a result were valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.

Some of the best memories of that time were not from school but the family that was near.  My grandmother Pearl lived in the neighborhood the whole 4 years and so did my uncle Vernon.  It was nice to be able to see them when I wanted.  Sure wish I could still do that, but they are both gone.  They are probably my favorite high school memory.

October 1

Susan's birthday was another hit this year.  One thing I'v learned with my years of experience, is that there are a few days of the year that are very important.  This day is one of them.  I planned ahead for the gifts which were a hit. I planned ahead for the free time for the lunch and dinner.  That was good too.  I planned the trip afterwards which was awesome.

But I still got a call from Sarah that morning - couldn't get the flowers ordered online.   Could you do that please Dad?

Dad to Jac-Lin Florist to Susan - done!  Like Tinker to Evers to Chance.

Happy Birthday Dearest!

Rosh Hashanah

Today is Rosh Hashanah, the new year of the Jewish calendar.  I just found that out today, somewhat by accident.

It reminded me of when I was in Junior High.  There was a Big Man on Campus, named  "Stolaroff".   Captain of the football team, dating in junior high, good looking, and a pretty nice guy to me overall.  A real winner in life.

Occasionally Stolaroff was not at school.  When we inquired where he might be, the typical answer might be that it was a Jewish holiday that day.  That seemed very interesting.

I'm sure he was not the only Jewish person in that school, but he was probably one of the more noteworthy ones.  I also expect that he was as devout in his 7th grade way as any Christian might have been.  After all, we took the holidays too.

Fast forward to 2013.  I'd like to think I know a lot more about Judaism now, am more open minded, and do consider myself a friend of the Jewish community here in McAllen.  Positive growth.

Happy Rosh Hashanah Stolaroff!   You're still remembered these many years later.

The Witching Day

There are some days of the year you remember more than others.  For me, the Friday before Labor Day is one of them.  It sometimes seems like an unlucky day.

I think that is because since Monday is a holiday that whatever needs to be done is always in a rush.  And you know what happens when you rush:  stress, tempers, mistakes.   I've tried to fight back by not scheduling much on this day.  And when things come up, realize that it can wait until next month, Tuesday.

It's also an anniversary of sorts.  Back in 2004, I had a matter come in.  This must be done today!  So I did it.  9 years later I'm still working on the same client matter!

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

It's the final weekend of a week's vacation this summer.  Writing on the blog is always fun, even on vacation.  We're here at South Padre Island TX for the Fishing for Hope tournament.  Fortunately for me, I am not fishing this year and that is OK.  No getting up early, hot sun, clueless about the competition.  The party is this afternoon - I'll see the sunburned and tired come in.

Working backwards I was in Houston on Thursday after flying home from Rapid City SD.  I stayed at Ed and Kate's that Thursday night.  Vivian came over and she was a lot different when it was just her.  A middle child syndrome I guess.  Friday I drove back to McAllen.  After my last drive, I tried to get here faster and made it in 5:45.  Still made 4 stops :)  - Wharton, Victoria rest area, Refugio, Brooks rest area.  That's what those rest areas are for - right?

We left for Rapid City on Saturday from IAH to RAP, nonstop on United.  Arriving, we got our rental Subaru and headed to check in at the Hotel Alex Johnson, a historic hotel downtown.  They directed us across the street to our first find, Tally Silver Spoon Cafe.  Guy Fieri couldn't have picked a better place.  I had the Buffalo hangar steak and eggs - worth skipping breakfast in Houston over.  We liked it so much that we went back each day we were in Rapid City.

That afternoon we drove to Crazy Horse, the Native American answer to Mt. Rushmore.  Bigger,rawer, unfinished.  All good things.  This one is definitely about the journey.  We could see the monument from the visitor's center, but paid another $4 to take a bus to the base.  Well worth it.  Closer views and it was nice to be closer to the mountain away from the hustle and bustle.

The Black Hills is the Augusta of motorcycling and I understand why.  Rolling but not difficult hills and great scenery.  It reminded me more of the NC/VA/TN area.  A great place for driving.

Sunday we left early (my suggestion) for Mt. Rushmore as I did not want to get into a weekend traffic jam like we did at Hoover Dam.  That made it so we could drive Iron Mountain Road up there which was created as the entranance from Custer State Park when Mt. Rushmore was being built.  That was a great road with 3 tunnels and what they call the pigtail bridges which were architecturally very interesting (descending, swirling, with natural materials)

Mt. Rushmore did not disappoint and we like it.  Ed had been there before and said it had not changed.  A very uniquely American place.  God Bless America!

That afternoon we went to Hot Springs SD in the southern part of the Black Hills to play 9 holes of golf.   At Southern Hills.   It was a nice round and I liked the course.

That Sunday night was dinner at Botecelli's in Rapid City - very tasty Italian.

Monday we drove south to Mullen NE for our golf destination.  Sand Hills is in the Sandhills region of Nebraska, which as I discovered is a very large and rural state, even by Texas standards.  Mullen is a town of 500 people and that is not very small for this region.  The course was 12 miles south.

The club was like going to a hunting club in the country.  Once you were there you felt very nice and apart. No cell phones or internet.  As they say, leave your business at home.  I could tell it would take a few days to achieve that Nirvanic state.

When we got there we went out for our first 18.  As it turned out it was rush hour as the morning groups were all at Ben's Porch.  So it was a bit hectic for the staff of 2 but we got through and the starter Mike nicely paired us with another father/son who were just arriving as well.  Arnie and Jason made for good companions and we played golf together that day and the next and had dinner together Mon. night as well.

I played 4 rounds at Sand Hills - Mon afternoon, Tuesday 36 holes and Wed. morning.  The scores declined as expected from 96 to 85.  The course is very rural and runs thorugh the hills.  It is hard to see another hole from where you are unless you are atop a hill.  Pictures dont' tell the story of the expansive view, the myriad of sunflowers (we must have caught the season just right) and the natural feel of the course.

To make such a course in this location was really an original idea.  I did meet the inventor, who is Dick Youngscap and hats off to him.  Part of the allure is the location which is not only of great natural beauty but is removed enough that you can't help but pay attention to nature.  Another great idea was the artists/architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw who made this a fine example of their minimalist, naturalist design philosophy.  This course made them a club-household name.  But as they say, overnight success takes about 15 years.  Not their first rodeo.

After 1 round, I was asked what were the best hole and what was the hardest hole.  After 4 rounds the answers remain:

Best:  8 - short par 4, in the amphitheather, surrounded by bunkers.  Even with a little wedge into it, still a tough par.  I did birdie it twice though.

Hardest:  11 - another short par 4 (from the middle tees).  Don't miss the green left (lost ball) or back, right or front (will roll off leaving a tough chip, which might roll off back, right or front again).

Typical of the course, the hole bends right to left with your iron shot having to come in with trouble left, making the drive placement that much more important.  See #4, #7, #10, #14, #15, #16 and #18 as well).

The last day, it was just Ed and I and we were the last group off as desired.  So as not to press the group in front we dropped back and played some holes twice, # 12 and #15.  At # 12 we also moved to the forward tees and it was a different but still tough course from there.  At this point, we had the place all to ourselves.  It was that Nirvanic state I'd been seeking.

While the golf crowed talks of Ben's Porch, my recommendation is Chef Jake and Co. in the clubhouse.   This is beef country and the bone-in steak looked good but the Tuscan strip steak Tuesday was one of the best I've had.    Plus the homemade ice cream.   Worth going just for the food.

Wed. afternoon it was back to Rapid City via Valentine, NE and US 83.  We visited with the pro at the Prairie Club and he was familiar with South Texas as he said that is where the Nebraskans go for work in the winter.  He pointed out that US 83 is the same highway and it was true!  That was cool to know.  Also on the map were US 77 and US 281.  I felt right at home.

Thursday it was back to Houston.  It seemed a whole different pace.  You've got to keep the wheel spinning to maintain the growth and size of Houston.  The people in Nebraska obviously know there is a different way to go.

Two Ways to Travel by Car

The Jeff Way

500 mile trip

Gas up the night before, hit the highway at 7:30 a.m. to beat morning traffic, average 80 mph, 1 quick stop for gas ¾ of the way there, texting and emailing and calling while driving.  Arrive at 4:00 p.m.

The Greg Way

500 mile trip from Plano to McAllen

Go to QT in Plano for gas, coffee and a blueberry muffin that morning

Stop in Waxahachie for a bathroom break (1 hour in).  Note that it is a Greyhound bus stop and notice the  interesting travelling people waiting at some tables out from for the bus.  Wonder where they are going.

1.5 hours later – Stop at Bell County Rest Area

1 hour later – stop in New Braunfels for lunch at Mama Fu’s Asian House.  Get the lunch special chicken bowl with the edamame side.  45 min stop.

1 hour later – after going the long way through San Antonio.  Stop for gas and then for  an iced café mocha at Starbucks.  Check email and return calls.  1 hour layover.

1 hour later – stop at Live Oak County Rest Area

1.5 hours later – stop at Falfurrias Dairy Queen for an ice cream break.  15 minute stop.  Check Twitter feed.

Home 6:30 p.m.

 http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6033057

Last night on Avenue I

When Susan and I were dating, I remember the first time we came down to Kingsville to visit her parents.  It was in August 1989 as I recall.  I had met them in July in Houston briefly so this was the first time to their home.  I recall seeing the house for the first time and of course struck that is was a small home.  At that time there were 3 people living there because David's mother Lois was in the front bedroom.

I can't say I remember a lot of that weekend.  I have a picture of us from then, and it looks like we probably drove over to Corpus Christi to meet some of her friends ( maybe that was the incentive to come visit).

Over the years, there have been a lot of memories at this house.  Many meals there, stops made on drives after we moved to McAllen in 2002.  In fact, one memory stands out:  I was vistiting there before we moved and was worried that I had not found an office in McAllen.  That Sunday night, I decided I would drive to McAllen that night instead of to Houston and then look for an office.  I was in McAllen all day Monday and had a productive visit.

I'll remember mostly the restfullness from here.  Never with much to do in the evenings, we usually always stayed home:  to eat, to watch TV, to visit, to sleep.  A trip to Kingsville always felt like a vacation.

Now of course, Lois and David are both gone and JoAnn is moving to McAllen too.  As the old Peanuts cartoon said while Snoopy was hugging his doghouse, "You've been a good house!"

Summer work

For what is supposed to be an easy month, I've been putting in some holiday hours.  Here at work on Saturday.  Worked on Thursday July 4.  But its been a good productive month so far - figures

Scattering of the Ashes

Saturday we went to the Kaufer-Hebert Memorial Park in Loyola Beach, TX to scatter the ashes of David Sales (Susan's Dad or Dad to me).  I had not done that for anyone before.  It was a nice gathering of the 8 of us.  Janet took the lead with a poem and a prayer, and then we took turns scattering the ashes into the Baffin Bay, a place Dad enjoyed a lot.  It was a nice way to do it.

Astros game

One of the summer joys is a good baseball game.  Last year, I didn't get to see a MLB game so I have remedied that this year.  Last night I saw the Astros v. Chi White Sox.  CWS won 4-2.   There were not too many people there for a  Monday night but it was a good game with hard hitting.  Lots of deep drives including a triple that scored two of the Astro's runs.  Alas, those were the only 2 there were.

This year you can bring in food so John brought some Lenny's subs.  We had plenty to eat, that's for sure.   This morning we ran off some of the calories before starting the day.

Happy Father's Day

Today was an extra good Father's Day.  I felt very blessed to be a father and thankful for my wife and daughter who made that happen for me.  It was great to all be together.  Very memorable all day long.

Back in Kingsville

After Mom was in McAllen looking at apartments this weekend, I brought her back home this afternoon.  After dinner we watched the NBA Finals, Spurs v. Heat.  Heat won Game 2 on a big performance by LeBron James.  This block will probably be on the highlights for a long time...



Tomorrow we are set to get an IRA form in the mail after it is notarized and then also we have to go by the credit union.  Should be a profitable day.

A real holiday

We are fortunate to have a holiday like Memorial Day in honor of those who serve our country.  We as a country probably don't do enough for our veterans but I'd like to think we are getting better and better.

Today was a holiday in every sense of the word.  While I got up for a bike ride, that was really the only thing on the schedule today.  We met some people afterwards and they invited us to a little breakfast joint in Pharr so of course we said yes.  It was called Fernando's and it was notable for the excellent and large flour tortillas served.  It was busy since lots of others were off today but it was no big deal since I had no plans.

In the afternoon, I was around the house.  Everyone was gone so I washed Sarah's car, swam, read, napped, walked to the store and made dinner.   It was quite a day and my mind was very clear.

Memorial Day Weekend

Its been a quiet weekend at home this Saturday and Sunday.  The triathlon team has gone to Austin for the Cap Tex Triathlon so with everyone out of town, there is less going on.  Sarah has gone to South Padre Island and left the parents at home.  I have gone cycling the past two days and am going to ride the Mission trails tomorrow morning which is a new experience.

In another highlight, I went to have a peanut butter and BACON shake at Sonic tonight.  Yes, it had a strip of bacon in it.  Remarkable, it all came together well.

A Musical Sunday

This afternoon, my friends David and Chris were performing their classical Chamber Music and I attended.  A highlight was the duet of two violins as well as the Mezzo Soprano opera singing (in Italian) by Maria Avalos.  She was quite the star.  Afterwards, she said her goal was to sing for the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

I'll look forward to seeing her in Carnegie Hall some time soon.

Texas Tour

Here's a list of the towns I was in today:  McAllen, Raymondville, Kingsville, Alice, San Antonio, Austin.  That's a lot of stops!  A highlight was in San Antonio.  I filed a new case in the Bexar County District Clerk's office and then went to the Deed Records and got some good research done.

Afterwards, I decided to have an early dinner to wait out the traffic at 5 to Austin.  I went to The Cove which my friend Johnny recommended.  Great idea.  I had the Texas Burger which was a classic San Antonio bean burger.  Nowhere else but San Antone.  Refried beans, cheese, chips and avocado.  Delish!  The beans went well with the good grass-fed beef.

Working this weekend

Spring has sprung... beautiful weather... just the thing for working on the weekend.  Can't feel too sorry as it did allow for some extra sleep.  No need to jump up in the morning on the weekend to come to work.  But it was productive as it always is.  I should be ready for a 4 day work week and then I'll be off for a few days for family matters.

A Lot of Nice People In Kingsville

Today, we set out to handle a number of matter's for David's estate here in Kingsville.  First stop was the Veteran's Service Office.  As expected, it was straight out of a movie.  Mr. Pecos was very talkative and we spent a good time in his office which was decorated with all sorts of militaria.  He filled out all the paperwork and gave us plenty of time and attention.  He's also a City Commissioner here in Kingsville so a good person to know.

Later we had a locksmith come.  Eugene was not only skilled with locks but also everything else.  So he'll be a good person to fix anything that comes up.  He used to live in Garland and so he had a North Texas accent.  What is that, you ask?  Think East Texas that has come to the city and thinned out a bit.

Then for dinner we went to Yen Ching.  Surprisingly good Chinese food in Kingsville.  When we checked out Danny who said he had worked there 22 years told Mom "You always look so thin!"  He said he recognized her from her periodic trips.

So everyone we met today was very nice.  It sure made an day we thought might have its challenges to be very smooth.

Kingsville

I'm here in Kingsville with Mom and we are settling back in and going over some papers in preparation for our day tomorrow:

First order:  Breakfast at Lydia's

Then to the Party Barn Drive Thru - to get...beer? ...cigs?....no, money orders!  The best place in town

Then to the VA Office

Then to the credit union

Then it should be time to make phone calls and write letters.  We're in good shape so far.

Same Time Next Year - MS 150

There was a movie in the late 70s about a man and woman having an affair.  They were each married to someone else so they decided to meet for a weekend once a year.  The movie Same Time Next Year ran the course of their growing and aging together.

The 2013 MS 150 reminded me of that as I got together with some friends that we usually just see each other this one weekend a year.  There was me and Sam and John and Brad and Paul.

Friday night we were all scattered at different places and started the ride at various locations.  Some went 85 miles, some 75 miles.  But we all met in La Grange.  Weather was cold to start but I dressed in layers per Coach Sandy.  We made pretty good time and finished riding about 2:30 on Saturday.  We made our way to Brad's house where we spent the night in fine luxury.  Meanwhile the other saps were back camping out.  Ha!  Since we burned a lot of calories we just had to eat two dinners.  Another highlight of the ride was the donut shop stop in Bellville.  Much better than the "prison sandwiches" offered for free.  We had a local refer us to Snowflake Donuts and it was worth the trip as he promised.

Sunday it was warmer and we left about 7:00 a.m.   Some of our group decided they must ride straight through.  I on the other hand felt it my duty to stop at each rest stop.  I was moving  a bit slower Sunday than Saturday but made it in Austin at 2:00 p.m.  We were on the road back from Austin at 4:00.  Check out our circuitous route....

Austin to La Grange to Waller to Katy to Clear Lake = home at 11:30 p.m. Of course we did have a nice stop at the 59 Diner for a 24 hour dinner.  Steak and Eggs never tasted so good.

When I got home today, for some reason, my wife and mother in law said I looked tired.  Showing my age I guess.  I must have earned than Veteran Rider status after 11 times.  Funny how just like being a kid.  You want to grow up- then you want to go back in time.

These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty

I had a famous reading in church yesterday.  It inspired me so, that I wrote the sermon to go with it.  Maybe someone will want me to preach it sometime.

These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty

By Greg Turley

You remember the line from the 90s TV show Seinfeld…. Kramer gets a line in a Woody Allen film ….These Pretzels…. are making me thirsty. 

The gang spends a bit of time trying to capture the essence of this.  No context is given for the line.  At one point George takes a try, and Kramer says  “No, no, you don’t know how to act.”

We can’t agree on how to say a funny line from a TV show, so how are we to determine how to say perhaps the most famous line in the Bible. 

Now it’s not “In the beginning” or “God so loved the world”.  This famous phrase is one spoken directly from above.  It is one directed at one person, who appears to be the only person directly affected by it.  It was said to one of the most influential persons in our Christian heritage. 

Without it, we might not be here today.  It changed the world.

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

The great conversion of the Apostle Paul on the Road to Damascus.  Acts 9: 1-20.  One of those pivotal points in our church history.  But what did it really sounds like?

Remember, Saul was “breathing threats and murder”, wanting to tie up and haul in to Jerusalem those belonging to the Way.  He was not just doing this for meanness, he desired to get the letter of the law on his side, and had the authority from the chief priests to prove it.

But imagine Jesus looking down at this unlikely target.  Like a high tech camera, the cross-hairs came into focus.  But instead of zapping Saul, Jesus calls out to him. 

Was it a threatening call?  Maybe.  It caused Saul to fall to the ground.  It blinded him for three days and caused him not to eat or drink during that time.  Imagine the sickness it would take you to not eat or drink for three days.

Saul did not know Jesus before this time.  Or did he?  He must have recognized the voice, because he answered “Who are you Lord?” What does the voice of the Lord sounds like?

“I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.  But get up and enter the city , and you will be told what you are to do”.

Contrary to popular thoughts about a deep-voiced, lightning-hurling giant, I imagine that this voice that Saul heard would be one that might be all too familiar to him.  Someone who knew him by name.  Someone who knew just what to say to generate a response.  Someone who just might not be so unexpected after all.

You might think of how you might react to hearing from a parent, from a friend, from someone in your past.  A person who knows you well.

In short, someone who might see something in us that we don’t even see in ourselves.  The Lord said of Paul “He is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel”.  We say all the time that God sees everything and has a plan for us.   When this voice comes out of the sky,  or like to Ananias, in a dream or a vision, is it really that unfamiliar of a voice that we will hear?

“Saul, Saul”.  That’s my name!  “Why do you persecute me?”  The classic leading question.  When did you stop breaking the law?  It gives the answer before there is a chance to respond.  I know who you are and I saw what you did.

You’ve heard the expression , could have knocked me over with a feather.  In fact this did knock Saul over.   Nowhere to hide.

“But Get Up” – “You will be told what to do”. 

God speaks to us so be ready to listen.    When the Lord chooses to speak to us, he will call us by name.  He will know what he is talking about and so will you.  There will be no doubt as to what is to be done. 

Get Up.

Regain your sight.  Be filled with the Holy Spirit.  And Proclaim Jesus as the Son of God.  

Don’t say no one ever told you so.

My old hometown of Austin TX

Talking with my friend Casey today we discussed whether anyone in my family was still in Austin. I said we had all moved from there after 1990 and he said "right about the time it changed".

True words were never spoken.  Many of the things we associate with Austin now just didn't exist then:

South by Southwest
ACL Music Festival
The Food Scene/ Whole Foods
Dell Computer
Keep Austin Weird
Live Music Capital of the World

Of course, like Silicon Valley, many of the seeds  and building blocks were already there with the country music scene of the 70s, the University and the chip makers (IBM, Samsung).  Pretty cool to think how it just popped.

Stanley's Triathlon

Today was the Stanley's Triathlon, named after a guide dog named Stanley.  The event was to benefit a guide dog charity.  So it was an early start leaving the house at 0600.

The event was a 300 M swim, then a 14 mile bike, then a 2 mile run.  I thought I performed well on all three legs particularly the swim and the run.  But my cycling is just not as fast as some.  My time was 1:20 which I thought was good.  But I was still 5 of 5 in the age group.

Several of the others in the group got 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.  So many of them that I felt like the time when I was at a Boy Scout awards ceremony and it seemed like everyone got something but me.

But I didn't start the day looking for an award.  I participate for the company, the fitness and the fun.  And I think that I am a good positive influence to everyone else.  So that's my true purpose!

We'll Always Have Paris

Seeing that the famous bar in Houston, Marfrelee's is closing at the end of this week after a 40 year run makes me think of my one and only experience there.

Marfrelee's is a speakeasy type of place, no windows, no sign on the outside, and a place you think of yourself as in-the-know to go to.  In the 80s when I was much younger, it had a mythical reputation behind it of a dreamlike place a la Blue Velvet.  Few of my generation had much experience there, and we knew of it only by hearsay.  It was rumoured to be a dark place and upstairs there were couches and room partitions where you might take your date for a private tete-a-tete and, ...   We thought it would be A Sure Thing.

Now because, or maybe in spite of this perception, not many people I knew would frequent Marfrelee's.  Perhaps the suggestion of even going there was too forward, too bold.  But it was there beckoning, in fact right next to two others places regularly frequented by the 20-something crowd of the day, XIT and Birraporetti's.  There might as well have been a red light outside of Marfrelee's, right next to the "safe" places and yet so far away.

So one fall week, I happened to be out during the week and ran into some friends I knew pretty well, and they were a group of young women.  One of them I didn't know but of course I realized that she was quite pretty.  When we were introduced, I had to nearly bite my lip - she was "Abby" - a cheerleader from our days in middle school, one of the "finest" girls of that class.   Now of course, she didn't know me then, had not idea that we had gone to middle school together years ago, and I was happy not to remind her of those days.  It was a fresh start for me and for us!

Thereafter from that night, I got her number from our mutual friend and called to ask her out, and she accepted.  We went for dinner and then a drink or two at XIT.  As things progressed during the night, she must have gently inquired, what next?  With the courage of a soldier, I suggested "Why don't we go next door to Marfrelee's?   Good idea she said.  [cue the music]

We went next door and the hostess escorted us upstairs to the couches.  It wasn't quite as tawdry as I expected, more like going into a room in a home where no one else was.  I think there were curtains but there was a hallway of sorts where the waitresses were going in and out.  Lights were low but not completely dark.

In this hallway as we were going to our private sitting area, Abby and I were somewhat surprised to see.... someone we had both gone to middle school with.  In fact he was "Jeff" who was Abby's boyfriend in middle school.   They were the classic football/cheerleader All American Couple that Everybody Loved back then.  They were the popular ones.

And here, at Marfrelees', 10 years later, in the inner sanctum, was I, out on a date going great with Abby, and Jeff was simply an onlooker.  I felt I had struck a blow for all Late Bloomers in Middle School.  Anthony Michael Hall would have been proud.  I know I was.

I never let on to Abby that we had all gone to school together, or how that moment made me feel.  Needless to say, that was the high point of the night.  We had a nice drink and conversation upstairs in Marfrelee's and it was a most pleasant time.  That's it.  Afterwards I took her home and we said goodbye with a handshake.  We never went out again, and I think she might have moved to make it big in New York City.  It wouldn't surprise me if she is still there.

Twenty five years later, I'll remember that evening for a long, long time.  I'm sorry to see Marfrelee's close, as it did live up to its lofty reputation as a magical place.  I guess that makes me a real sentimentalist.

The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship
Casablanca — MOVIECLIPS.com

USA Citizenship Ceremony

Today was the day:  I've always wanted to go to a US Citizenship ceremony and today I saw Claudio Kogen sworn in to the USA and out of Argentina.

The ceremony was done by Chief Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, US District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  It occurred at the Temple Emanuel in McAllen TX since Claudio is also a Rabbi and the head of that congregation.

As expected it was both a solemn and happy occasion, like a wedding.  Family and friends were there.  He said a few words, and a few tears fell at the thought of this long journey.

And a long journey it is:  US law provides that a person must live in the US (legally under various visa/permanent resident) for 14 years.  So no one does this on a whim.  The ceremony underscored the important decision by the oath taken:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

My friend Larry noted the word "potentate" and questioned what one was.  So... challenge 
accepted...

Part of 8 US Code  section 448   specifically states that the oath must contain a renunciation of any  

"foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereign".  

Apparently, that language has been part of the oath since the original Naturalization Act of 1790.  It has not changed substantially since then.

Interestingly, one part that is not normally included, but is a part of the oath, is to renounce any title of nobility that you might have from that foreign country.  So if you were a Knight, you're are one no more.

Webster's simply defines potentate as:  : ruler, sovereign; broadly : one who wields great power or sway

Potentate appears in the New Testament (King James Version) 1 Timothy 6:15

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Roots are from the middle ages and Latin:  potent:  power, dominion

Rather than suggesting a negative, it appears to simply be a synonym for leader or power, both of which much be renounced in favor of US leaders and allegiance.

I had expected an allegiance to the Constitution, like the Presidential Oath.  Note that the Presidential oath does not contain a "defend from all enemies, foreign and domestic" like the US Military Oath or the US Citizenship Oath.   But it was interesting to see the similarities and differences.

Congratulations to Rabbi Kogen!  We're glad to have you in our American Family!

Spring Break

This spring break week has gone fast with Sarah being home.  When we went to orientation, we received a book on parent adjustment to having a college student.  One of the chapters was called "Just when you get used to them being gone, they're BACK".  That has been prescient.  Not a bad thing,   But there has been a schedule adjustment.  For example, at 10:45pm when I'm thinking of getting ready for bed, she's going over to Danielle's house for a few hours !

Anyway today is Saturday and I decided to catch up on some sleep.  It's been great weather this week.  I got new tires put on Sarah's car so she's ready for the highway tomorrow.  Already planning on helping her move out on my birthday May 11.  I remember moving out of my freshman dorm very well - that must have been around June 1 or 2 of 1984.  I recall it as a nice sunny day and that I saw the movie Footloose that night before.  It was definitely a nice sign of relief for freshman year to be done with.

I suppose she is feeling the same now.

Thursday March 7

A nice day today.  Yesterday was a "blue" day - just couldn't get too excited about anything (except the Wed. night church).  So I intended to get a good start today and did just that.

My car is still in the shop and its been so nice driving a nice new loaner that I decided it might be time to look and see what else is out there.  So I sent an email to my friend Larry.  We'll let him run with that ball.

Tomorrow is Friday and spring break starts so Sarah will be home next week.  That will be nice to catch up.  Of course, I'm sure she's planning to see friends, sleep late, go out, so I might not do as much catching up as expected.

Looking forward to March Madness starting Thursday March 21.

Also Daylight Savings starts this Sunday.  Last year I was in San Francisco for that.  Sure wish I was back there at the Olympic Club playing golf! :)

Busy Weekend

Susan went to Austin this weekend so it was just me.  Good news is that I stayed home Friday night.  But Saturday, I went to the Smokin on the Rio BBQ cookoff early.  That was a good call, as all the teams were there but few other people.  It was like a camping trip.  We sampled the early fajita entry and then had a tasty breakfast.

Sat afternoon I played in the Member/member golf tournament.  It was not easy to find a partner who would play both days but my friend Brad came through.  We had a good time and played much better the second day after being used to playing.  I was pretty tired this morning as a result.

Sat. night I went to a nice place the El Rocio Retreat which is a bed & breakfast on the outskirts.  There was a celebration honoring my friend Anthony and his daughter Gracie and it was nice to be a part of that.  Afterwards we went to celebrate Gracie's birthday with some cake at her home and I didn't get home until 1 a.m.~!

Cool Bowling Info

My friend Glenn is an accomplished bowler.  He has rolled 2 perfect games.  Recently he rolled a 278.

To get to 278:  Strikes in the first 9 frames, then 8 / X

Other good scores he knew about:

289:  Strikes in the first 9 frames, then X 8 /

290:  Spare in the first frame, then 11 consecutive strikes

280:  Strike in first, Spare in second, then 10 consecutive strikes

I know Dad had a very high game once.  I'll look forward to hearing how that happened.

February 3

The 2012-13 NFL season is done:  Ravens beat 49ers in the Super Bowl (47) in what was called the longest final 2 minutes ever.  Seemed that every game this season came down to the final seconds and this one was no different.

Saturday was a nice day outside.  I started it with what was to be a 2 hour run.  It turned into 13 miles and tool 3 hours with a nice "coffee break" in the middle when I saw my friends Julie and Jennifer.  We checked out the new Town Lake and farmer's market at Fireman's Park.  Then I saw my friend Frank and got to run with him and catch up.  Always good to see him.

In the afternoon I played 17 holes of golf.  Playing with Larry and Barry, they like to skip around.  After they played 8 holes I caught up with Oscar and Co. and played the last nine.  Couldn't get the chips close or the putts to fall and shot what would have likely been a 97.  Pretty high but still a fun day.  Weather was just too good to be anywhere but outside.  When I got home I cooked outside of course.

Sarah was home this weekend and we watched Return of the King which was a good finale to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Racing in the Street

Racing in the Street used to be the subject of song, of freedom.  Now it's a crime.

As I was getting ready for court, for the crime of Racing on Highway, Class B misdemeanor, I was reminded of this Springsteen classic (with inspiration by Martha and the Vandellas).  From Darkness on the Edge of Town.

The good news is that we've got a good defense and that we are hoping for the proverbial slap on the wrist.  Get back on the street!

Back in Action

I've been away from the blog this month so I'm due a post.  Welcome to New Follower Zach R.  That's a 33% increase in 2013!  from 3 to 4.

My Southlandview.blogspot.com movie review site is booming.  I've got over 1,500 page views since I started last August.  Even 2 from Australia.  Next review is likely Zero Dark Thirty or Les Miserables.   Sarah is coming home this weekend so we may not see a movie then.  Plus the Super Bowl is Sunday night.  My prediction is the Ravens + 1.5.  My imaginary $10 on that.

Work has been going well with a few new big cases.  One of them involves a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware as well as a lawsuit locally.  The lawyer from Chicago on the bankruptcy charges $760/hour and he's not the highest paid lawyer on the case.  Different world.

Susan is in Scottsdale AZ this week on business so it's quiet at home.

New Year's Day 2013

Today was a fine day to start the year off to a good start.  A late start actually, not getting up until 8:30.  My plan was to do a 5 mile run for my half marathon training.  Felt so good I did 6 miles.  Came home and made brunch.  I did some shopping in the afternoon and got some snappy new kicks.

I had someone who wanted to  come in the office and he wanted to come in today.  I told him 4:00.  I went there, he did not show.  No surprise really.   But I got some good thinking for 2013 planning done.