Funny how you remember the days off better than the days of work. Looking back this year (in reverse order) I did take today off - Tuesday December 27 - to go hunting at the El Cibolo Ranch. Very enjoyable and a super nice day. No deer on the ground but I am planning to return.
Earlier this year, I also went hunting on Presidents Day -a Monday in February. Another blue sky day.
And I did play golf in Laredo on Monday Columbus Day in October. Again a perfect day. Amazing how Mondays off are so good compared to Mondays otherwise. Of course Monday December 26 was a nice day off as well.
Monday in January I went to Chichen Itza in the Central Yucatan Mexico. Had I done that on the weekend or during the summer... how crowded and hot it would have been. But Monday in January was very mild and unhurried.
Monday November 14 was a sick day. While I was not well that day, it was an important day for healing.
Monday in August I travelled to Madison WI and had dinner that night with Sarah.
Monday in May I played golf with Clint after Sarah's graduation that weekend. Then I drove to Brenham TX and visited my family friends the Hart Family. Very enjoyable. I did get to walk around the town square during the afternoon - very uncrowded.
So I've made the most of Monday this year. And Monday Jan 2 is coming up!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Looking back over 2016
With only 13 days to go this year, I guess its not too early to go back over the year. Since I didn't do a Christmas family letter this year, you lucky blog readers get a special extra. Thanks for being here.
Family wise, it was a year of transition. Sarah graduated from UT Austin in May and so a lot of things revolved around that and her move to Madison WI. In January and then June when she had vacation time, we went on 2 family vacations, first to Cancun Mexico and then to Fort Lauderdale, FL.
We had a lot of family come to Austin for the graduation as well and we had a nice celebratory lunch with Travis's family and friends.
I made sure that I didn't have to be involved in any moving to Madison, but I did go visit twice, in August for a week and then October for a weekend.
Susan continues to work hard and getting away is sometimes the only way around work. Just the two of us, we went to Beaver Creek, CO, to South Padre Island in the summer weekends, and then to Las Vegas to see George Strait (her favorite).
Work for me continues to be of interest, and I'm getting better at it. As a result I want to be more selective with new cases in 2017. Larger, more complex matters are what I want to work on. Smaller fish can go elsewhere.
A highlight was resolving a large Chapter 11 bankruptcy creditor case out of Plano TX involving multiple liens claims and adversary proceedings in Pleasanton, Cotulla, Big Spring and Midland.
Also a large mediation involved a circumstance I had never experienced. A case that had a mediation agreement that was not followed.
And preparing for a contested arbitration case that is set for hearing in January had been a lot of work and preparation. No one but me in the office understands how to prepare a case for a trial. Like I said I've been at this for 24 years and am getting better at it. But it is still hard.
I took action to achieve progress toward my goal of visiting all 50 states. New states I went to this year are: Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
I also took action to play my 12 new golf courses. That will be the subject of another post. Good experiences in Austin, Laredo TX and Rochester MN
And 3 signficant actions happened:
My book Hideaway was published by me to good reviews. "Kindle It!"
My movie Transient played in Los Angeles, New York and McAllen. As executive producer, I was able to speak on stage after the McAllen premiere.
I have a professional golfer as a client and he has status on the Champions Tour PGA starting May 18, 2017. We are working on getting sponsor exemptions for 2017, hopefully in Madison WI in June.
* Merry Christmas!
Family wise, it was a year of transition. Sarah graduated from UT Austin in May and so a lot of things revolved around that and her move to Madison WI. In January and then June when she had vacation time, we went on 2 family vacations, first to Cancun Mexico and then to Fort Lauderdale, FL.
We had a lot of family come to Austin for the graduation as well and we had a nice celebratory lunch with Travis's family and friends.
I made sure that I didn't have to be involved in any moving to Madison, but I did go visit twice, in August for a week and then October for a weekend.
Susan continues to work hard and getting away is sometimes the only way around work. Just the two of us, we went to Beaver Creek, CO, to South Padre Island in the summer weekends, and then to Las Vegas to see George Strait (her favorite).
Work for me continues to be of interest, and I'm getting better at it. As a result I want to be more selective with new cases in 2017. Larger, more complex matters are what I want to work on. Smaller fish can go elsewhere.
A highlight was resolving a large Chapter 11 bankruptcy creditor case out of Plano TX involving multiple liens claims and adversary proceedings in Pleasanton, Cotulla, Big Spring and Midland.
Also a large mediation involved a circumstance I had never experienced. A case that had a mediation agreement that was not followed.
And preparing for a contested arbitration case that is set for hearing in January had been a lot of work and preparation. No one but me in the office understands how to prepare a case for a trial. Like I said I've been at this for 24 years and am getting better at it. But it is still hard.
I took action to achieve progress toward my goal of visiting all 50 states. New states I went to this year are: Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
I also took action to play my 12 new golf courses. That will be the subject of another post. Good experiences in Austin, Laredo TX and Rochester MN
And 3 signficant actions happened:
My book Hideaway was published by me to good reviews. "Kindle It!"
My movie Transient played in Los Angeles, New York and McAllen. As executive producer, I was able to speak on stage after the McAllen premiere.
I have a professional golfer as a client and he has status on the Champions Tour PGA starting May 18, 2017. We are working on getting sponsor exemptions for 2017, hopefully in Madison WI in June.
* Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Never too early?
I'm starting on some New Year 2017 resolutions now - why wait? I'll beat the rush and have a 30+ day head start.
I'm looking to get back into running - have been on hiatus for a long time (too long?). So signing up for the 2/19/2017 Austin Half Marathon is a good idea. Mr. John was pretty excited to hear about that one. Baby I'm Back! Anybody get the 70s sitcom reference?
I went to Lector training at church today and they fooled me - it was Lector AND Lay Eucharistic Minister training. So now I am trained. I'll give it a shot...
I'm planning to join the crowd for handgun shooting on Tuesday - hope they'll have me. Never easy to break into a new group but it should be something to try out one night a week.
More to come..
I'm looking to get back into running - have been on hiatus for a long time (too long?). So signing up for the 2/19/2017 Austin Half Marathon is a good idea. Mr. John was pretty excited to hear about that one. Baby I'm Back! Anybody get the 70s sitcom reference?
I went to Lector training at church today and they fooled me - it was Lector AND Lay Eucharistic Minister training. So now I am trained. I'll give it a shot...
I'm planning to join the crowd for handgun shooting on Tuesday - hope they'll have me. Never easy to break into a new group but it should be something to try out one night a week.
More to come..
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Car Under Repair
In for repairs from a rear end collision is my 2011 BMW 535i. I had told a friend that the repairs were being done by Keith. I told her that if you had a $200,000 car, he would be the one to do the repair. That went over her head, but when I was talking to Keith, he pointed out a $180K car, a $150K car, an $80K car and so on. "Occasionally we work on a boring car, like a BMW" he said.
Now then, I said, this 2011 model is the F10 body style of the 5 series, the first in the 2011-2016 run of that body style. The new body style, called G30 is out now for 2017.
The 2011 model came in 5 configurations. I would say the 535i with the 3.0 liter Inline 6 cylinder, twin turbo, giving 300 hp. is the most desirable overall. It has plenty of power, 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed of 140 mph/240 Km/pm. And 30-31 mpg on the Highway
The 528i has a 2.0 liter twin turbo engine. Better gas mileage but less power.
The 535i X Drive is all wheel driver, better for cold and snowy climates (which we don't have)
The larger engines are somewhat of overkill/upsell for those wanting more: 550i with a 4.4 L V-8 engine and the M5, with a V10 engine, 500 hp.
This 535i comes in a very desirable color combo, Black exterior and Cinnamon Dakota Leather interior ( a $1400 option)
The 2011 models didn't come standard equipped with Navigation, heated seats or satellite radio. Three less things to break. I like to think it is hot rodded in that respect to lessen the weight.
Very sophisticated crash system with multiple airbags. It even has a rear crash sensor which activated the headrests forward to reduce whiplash. I can attest that it worked great. So did the brakes which I had to put to the test. It stopped on a dime.
Now then, I said, this 2011 model is the F10 body style of the 5 series, the first in the 2011-2016 run of that body style. The new body style, called G30 is out now for 2017.
The 2011 model came in 5 configurations. I would say the 535i with the 3.0 liter Inline 6 cylinder, twin turbo, giving 300 hp. is the most desirable overall. It has plenty of power, 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed of 140 mph/240 Km/pm. And 30-31 mpg on the Highway
The 528i has a 2.0 liter twin turbo engine. Better gas mileage but less power.
The 535i X Drive is all wheel driver, better for cold and snowy climates (which we don't have)
The larger engines are somewhat of overkill/upsell for those wanting more: 550i with a 4.4 L V-8 engine and the M5, with a V10 engine, 500 hp.
This 535i comes in a very desirable color combo, Black exterior and Cinnamon Dakota Leather interior ( a $1400 option)
The 2011 models didn't come standard equipped with Navigation, heated seats or satellite radio. Three less things to break. I like to think it is hot rodded in that respect to lessen the weight.
Very sophisticated crash system with multiple airbags. It even has a rear crash sensor which activated the headrests forward to reduce whiplash. I can attest that it worked great. So did the brakes which I had to put to the test. It stopped on a dime.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
80s concerts
I recently saw Rush-Time Stand Still about the fandom of the Canadian trio. There were many fans who had seen many live shows. But I seemed to either have slept through those opportunities - or maybe I just didn't choose to spend the money. Of course, concerts were not as big of a business back in the 80s.
Here's the major concerts I did see in the 80s:
Van Halen - Austin - 1981 - my first time. Like many first times, it wasn't that great. David Lee Roth was so drunk...he forgot the words to "Running with the Devil"
The Police - Austin - 1983 - The Fixx opened. Outdoors at the Meadows. Synchronicity Tour. Who knew it would be the last for many years.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - 1984 - Austin. Great show. Southern Accents tour.
Dire Straits - Madrid, Spain, 1985 - right before they blew it up with Money for Nothing. That time it was me who was so drunk. Not the best way to enjoy a concert. I was truly on the front row - the show was outdoor and I was right up front.
Madonna - RFK Stadium 1987 - Level 42 opened. Washington DC - an early stadium show. Who knew she would still be filling stadiums in 2016? I had two women with me for that show - now that IS the best way to enjoy the show.
In college in Lexington VA in the 80s, we had a lot of music booked into our little town for entertainment. So I went to nearly all of those shows:
General Public
REM
The Romantics
The Temptations
The Spinners
George Throughgood and the Destroyers
Violet Femmes
Otis Day and the Knights
The Time
I even say the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the college pub. Can't remember much more specific than that.
I was not that much into Country music then, but I did see a memorable performance by George Strait in 1989 in the rodeo arena in Kingsville, Texas. Doesn't get much more Texas than that.
Here's the major concerts I did see in the 80s:
Van Halen - Austin - 1981 - my first time. Like many first times, it wasn't that great. David Lee Roth was so drunk...he forgot the words to "Running with the Devil"
The Police - Austin - 1983 - The Fixx opened. Outdoors at the Meadows. Synchronicity Tour. Who knew it would be the last for many years.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - 1984 - Austin. Great show. Southern Accents tour.
Dire Straits - Madrid, Spain, 1985 - right before they blew it up with Money for Nothing. That time it was me who was so drunk. Not the best way to enjoy a concert. I was truly on the front row - the show was outdoor and I was right up front.
Madonna - RFK Stadium 1987 - Level 42 opened. Washington DC - an early stadium show. Who knew she would still be filling stadiums in 2016? I had two women with me for that show - now that IS the best way to enjoy the show.
In college in Lexington VA in the 80s, we had a lot of music booked into our little town for entertainment. So I went to nearly all of those shows:
General Public
REM
The Romantics
The Temptations
The Spinners
George Throughgood and the Destroyers
Violet Femmes
Otis Day and the Knights
The Time
I even say the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the college pub. Can't remember much more specific than that.
I was not that much into Country music then, but I did see a memorable performance by George Strait in 1989 in the rodeo arena in Kingsville, Texas. Doesn't get much more Texas than that.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
An interesting dream
I remembered this dream so well that I decided to write it down:
In the dream, I am having brunch.. at Jason's Deli. There is a group of 8-10 people at a large table. I arrived later, after everyone has already started eating. At noon, on Sunday, the waiter brings alcoholic drinks to everyone since it is OK to serve alcohol then. This was unusual because Jason's does not have waiter service nor does it serve alcohol.
Since I have not ordered a drink, someone from the table gives me half a drink. I drink it (cranberry-ish?) without knowing if there is alcohol or not. I have now ordered but am waiting for my order. Everyone else is eating. I am getting a bit anxious.. waiting for the order.. somewhat impatiently... then I wake up. It is late - 8:25 a.m.
Expecting something to happen? Late to the party? Worried about drinking? Lots of interesting things could be happening!
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Haven't Got Time for the Pain
There's been so much good things going on these past few days that I couldn't bring myself to go to the funeral of a friend. I trust that everyone carried on without me. I felt that I had said my goodbyes earlier. I'm thankful for the time we had, and I'm sure he would carry on without me as he would expect me to do without him.
RIP Robert - the Jedi Knight
RIP Robert - the Jedi Knight
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Great hunting
Years ago in 2005, I was dove hunting with Dad Sales and his good friend T.J. The doves were flying like never before. I was loading, shooting, picking up birds with no break. As it was going on, I thought "This is going to be a day that we talk about for a long time". It was and still is.
Yesterday, I went dove hunting again. It was different, but still a day that we'll remember. There was a lot of shooting for sure, but not much killing. We certainly missed more than we hit. But there was plenty of ammo, no rush to leave, the Auburn v. LSU game on the radio, shade from the truck, some snacks and drinks to pass the time, the sun lowering, and good company with Jaboney and Eric.
I came home with all of our 23 birds, with the job to clean them all. I did that and when done, I was tired, dirty and dehydrated. That's usually the sign of a good day outside. This should be another good day of hunting to remember.
Yesterday, I went dove hunting again. It was different, but still a day that we'll remember. There was a lot of shooting for sure, but not much killing. We certainly missed more than we hit. But there was plenty of ammo, no rush to leave, the Auburn v. LSU game on the radio, shade from the truck, some snacks and drinks to pass the time, the sun lowering, and good company with Jaboney and Eric.
I came home with all of our 23 birds, with the job to clean them all. I did that and when done, I was tired, dirty and dehydrated. That's usually the sign of a good day outside. This should be another good day of hunting to remember.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
September 20 - a favorite day of mine
As you can expect, today is September 20. Why is that such a great day?
To start, its the equinox date from summer to fall (generally). Fall is coming. Now the weather does not change much in Texas now, but still.
My old friend from my first legal job who was Melinda her birthday is today. I recall her smile and she was always in a good mood for that special day. We both helped each other through a tough first job for both of us back in the 90s.
Today is also the opening day for the South Zone dove hunting season in Texas. Dad Sales introduced me to dove hunting and we looked forward to this date and usually got together about then. And then my friend Brent and I started hunting together. And we would usually meet up with our group for a weekend at this time.
And it just has a nice ring to it. Sarah and Joel's birthdays are on the 20th. A nice round number.
So... Have a great September 20! It only comes around once a year.
To start, its the equinox date from summer to fall (generally). Fall is coming. Now the weather does not change much in Texas now, but still.
My old friend from my first legal job who was Melinda her birthday is today. I recall her smile and she was always in a good mood for that special day. We both helped each other through a tough first job for both of us back in the 90s.
Today is also the opening day for the South Zone dove hunting season in Texas. Dad Sales introduced me to dove hunting and we looked forward to this date and usually got together about then. And then my friend Brent and I started hunting together. And we would usually meet up with our group for a weekend at this time.
And it just has a nice ring to it. Sarah and Joel's birthdays are on the 20th. A nice round number.
So... Have a great September 20! It only comes around once a year.
Monday, September 12, 2016
The Dunham Family
My friend Deanna was in the office today. She was telling me that when her son was born in the US Naval Base in Guam, her parents Glen and Marie Hill took "a trip of a lifetime" to Guam to see their grandson Bob in 1972.
On the way back to Kansas, they stopped by in Honolulu to see two old friends from Kansas. They visited Stanley and Madelyn Dunham when they were in Hawaii.
Little did they realize that Stanley and Madelyn were helping to raise their grandson, who would grow to be President Barack Obama.
Stanley Dunham on the left - Barack Obama on the right (Wikipedia)
They were also friends with Ralph Dunham, cousin to Stanley Dunham. Ralph travelled the world working for National Geographic.
As they always taught us, anyone can grow up to be President.
On the way back to Kansas, they stopped by in Honolulu to see two old friends from Kansas. They visited Stanley and Madelyn Dunham when they were in Hawaii.
Little did they realize that Stanley and Madelyn were helping to raise their grandson, who would grow to be President Barack Obama.
Stanley Dunham on the left - Barack Obama on the right (Wikipedia)
They were also friends with Ralph Dunham, cousin to Stanley Dunham. Ralph travelled the world working for National Geographic.
As they always taught us, anyone can grow up to be President.
Monday, September 5, 2016
End of the Trip
You know its time to end the trip and get home when you are anxious to get the airport early. That's what it is like today, Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5. I've been here in Madison and vicinity since last Monday and have seen a lot. I have been to two new states Wisconsin and Minnesota. This area of Southwest Wisconsin and SE Minnesota is interesting geography as noted in my earlier post.
Madison is a pretty big town - larger that I expected. The isthmus between the lakes is the original settlement as the Americans chased the natives back through this area. Now all that is left are a few places names and a few casinos. Like other college towns, it is a liberal oasis in an otherwise conservative rural area (e.g. Boulder, Austin). It also seems that those towns are small enough to not have the urban problems but close enough driving distance to the amenities of a larger area. So no wonder there's a high demand to live here.
I enjoyed seeing cousin Emily and her husband Thane. For not seeing her since since 2004, we had a nice easy meeting up again. She's in a Ph. D program and so they will be living her another 5 or 6 years, then moving wherever the job might be. She seemed pleased that her husband was willing to go wherever her career might bring her. He was a easygoing sort - my kind of person.
There's lots of outdoor activities in the warm months here. We went biking around Lake Monona and then today I went running on the Ice Age Trail which looks like it goes all the way up north through Wisconsin. You'd need a full week or probably 3 to do it all but I bet it would be something.
A highlight of the trip was watching the Texas/Notre Dame game last night at Sarah and Travis's apartment. Not only was it fun to be around them, but we won! We'll remember that overtime win for a long time. I think it was first overtime game I've watched, as UT has not been in one that I remember. And watching someone else continue playing is not my cup of tea. Being a Tea Sipper and all!
More cousin love coming up: all the cousins on my mother's side are coming to visit me at South Padre Island this weekend. I'll look forward to hosting on the home field after visiting all week.
Glad to see Sarah's new job and apartment and town. Now it's time to let her live her life and I'm off to continue living mine. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Happy Labor Day!
Madison is a pretty big town - larger that I expected. The isthmus between the lakes is the original settlement as the Americans chased the natives back through this area. Now all that is left are a few places names and a few casinos. Like other college towns, it is a liberal oasis in an otherwise conservative rural area (e.g. Boulder, Austin). It also seems that those towns are small enough to not have the urban problems but close enough driving distance to the amenities of a larger area. So no wonder there's a high demand to live here.
I enjoyed seeing cousin Emily and her husband Thane. For not seeing her since since 2004, we had a nice easy meeting up again. She's in a Ph. D program and so they will be living her another 5 or 6 years, then moving wherever the job might be. She seemed pleased that her husband was willing to go wherever her career might bring her. He was a easygoing sort - my kind of person.
There's lots of outdoor activities in the warm months here. We went biking around Lake Monona and then today I went running on the Ice Age Trail which looks like it goes all the way up north through Wisconsin. You'd need a full week or probably 3 to do it all but I bet it would be something.
A highlight of the trip was watching the Texas/Notre Dame game last night at Sarah and Travis's apartment. Not only was it fun to be around them, but we won! We'll remember that overtime win for a long time. I think it was first overtime game I've watched, as UT has not been in one that I remember. And watching someone else continue playing is not my cup of tea. Being a Tea Sipper and all!
More cousin love coming up: all the cousins on my mother's side are coming to visit me at South Padre Island this weekend. I'll look forward to hosting on the home field after visiting all week.
Glad to see Sarah's new job and apartment and town. Now it's time to let her live her life and I'm off to continue living mine. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Happy Labor Day!
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Madison, WI
I arrived back in Madison late Thursday night. I had such a good golf round going at the Soldier's Memorial Field golf course in Rochester, MN that I figured that it would be worth it to keep playing and to drive at night. The golf was a good idea, even if driving until 11:30 p.m. is no fun. I shot 37-43 and just missed breaking 80. Which doesn't happen but every few years.
That area of Interstate 90 east of Rochester is a lonely place. Not much traffic and 14 miles between exits until you intersect Interstate 94 which runs from Minneapolis to Madison and there is much more activity.
Then from Wisconsin Dells to Madison you take the back road of Highway 12 which is generally 55-60 mph and you've got a recipe for a not-in-a-hurry drive.
Friday was my lunch at Epic Systems. What an interesting place. There's a large dining area with multiple choices, everything from packaged shrimp salad to go, to steak, green beans and broccoli. We ate with Shane and it was fun. You actually sit at picnic tables inside.
Each of the buildings has a theme to the common area. E.G. Dungeons, New York City, Old West, Space. One of the architects had worked with Disney and their motto was "Creativity before Functionality" which looks like they had a field day. Two more themed campuses (multiple buildings) are under construction: Wizards and Authors.
Then I headed toward downtown Madison. I thought I would see the University of Wisonsin. I did and it was a lot of walking. The signature building Bascom Hall is on a large hill - a hard walk up although I did see a triathlete doing hill repeats running up. Tough person. I hear that the hill was an Indian burial mound. All too American to build a state university on top of a Native burial mound.
There's also an area called the Terrace which is the student union right on Lake Medota. There are docks where the students were sunning themselves in shorts and bikinis. Looked like too much fun! I guess we did our share of that back in the day. Cold weather and finals will take that place soon enough, so Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May.
Saturday I met up with Cousin Emily and her husband Thane and we went for a bike ride around Lake Monona - the sister lake. Weather was great and it was not an easy ride. They were active cyclists so they appreciated the opportunity to do that with a visitor. We stopped at the Chocolate Moose and had ice cream. A great afternoon!
That area of Interstate 90 east of Rochester is a lonely place. Not much traffic and 14 miles between exits until you intersect Interstate 94 which runs from Minneapolis to Madison and there is much more activity.
Then from Wisconsin Dells to Madison you take the back road of Highway 12 which is generally 55-60 mph and you've got a recipe for a not-in-a-hurry drive.
Friday was my lunch at Epic Systems. What an interesting place. There's a large dining area with multiple choices, everything from packaged shrimp salad to go, to steak, green beans and broccoli. We ate with Shane and it was fun. You actually sit at picnic tables inside.
Each of the buildings has a theme to the common area. E.G. Dungeons, New York City, Old West, Space. One of the architects had worked with Disney and their motto was "Creativity before Functionality" which looks like they had a field day. Two more themed campuses (multiple buildings) are under construction: Wizards and Authors.
Then I headed toward downtown Madison. I thought I would see the University of Wisonsin. I did and it was a lot of walking. The signature building Bascom Hall is on a large hill - a hard walk up although I did see a triathlete doing hill repeats running up. Tough person. I hear that the hill was an Indian burial mound. All too American to build a state university on top of a Native burial mound.
There's also an area called the Terrace which is the student union right on Lake Medota. There are docks where the students were sunning themselves in shorts and bikinis. Looked like too much fun! I guess we did our share of that back in the day. Cold weather and finals will take that place soon enough, so Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May.
Saturday I met up with Cousin Emily and her husband Thane and we went for a bike ride around Lake Monona - the sister lake. Weather was great and it was not an easy ride. They were active cyclists so they appreciated the opportunity to do that with a visitor. We stopped at the Chocolate Moose and had ice cream. A great afternoon!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Take an Ol' Back Road
Justin Moore has a song with the lyrics "Does he drive the Interstate? Or take an ol' back road?" So I decided to take the back road from Madison WI to Rochester MN. I left about 3 p.m from the Verona WI Subway and headed west on US 18 to Dodgeville. It was pretty smooth 2 lanes on my side to Dodgeville. I had hoped to see the home of Land's End after reading their catalog over the years. But the Land's End store was pretty small. Small town hours, 11 to 5 p.m.
Continuing west the road got to one lane on each side. This is not Texas and the speeds were not 75 but more like 60-65. No one was in too much of a hurry and so neither was I.
Coming into the town of Fennimore, WI, it was a place that Norman Rockwell would like. Clapboard houses, nice trees, no cell service. This is where you could head north to the Interstate or continue west. I stayed on the western trail. In the town, I saw young boys riding bikes, older boys going to football practice, the bowling alley in the middle of town. From what I saw, it didn't look like much real estate for a bowling alley but there was a long extension built in the back.
Down the street was the historical marker showing that Fennimore was on the narrow gauge RR tracks system in the 1800's Three feet wide instead of the "standard" 4 foot 8 inch. It was called the Dinky. Traffic stopped for me crossing the street on foot. As if on cue, an Amish horse-drawn wagon with two women dressed in black went by.
Westward to Prairie Du Chien WI, which is the crossing of the Misssissippi River. The French name refers to this as a former French colonial area first explored by Europeans in 1673. A early frontier Fort Crawford was on this site. The trees and bluffs on this area were very scenic. It was a much different look than the Moline IL/Daventport IA Transcontinental railroad crossing. Turns out that much of Wisconsin and Minnesota was covered by glaciers thousands of years ago. As they melted the runoff carved these bluffs out resulting in the Mississippi River.
Once into Iowa, the area turned quite rural. This area of Northeast Iowa was the land of silos, corn fields, cattle, small towns (at most) and generally no towns. Interesting to think that this is the state that elects our Presidents. A strong Native American heritage here - the counties were called Winneshiek and Allamakee. Effigy Mounds National Monument was in the area to the east.
On into Minnesota and the Root River Valley. The towns got a bit larger as I got into the big town of SE Minnesota, Rochester. The sun hung tough on me and stayed up until after 8 p.m. lighting my way. It was a tiring drive and reminded me of driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas as the sun was setting. But like Vegas I had a good Brinner - breakfast for dinner at Perkin's which is a 24 hour place. It's a good day Hazel Grace.
Continuing west the road got to one lane on each side. This is not Texas and the speeds were not 75 but more like 60-65. No one was in too much of a hurry and so neither was I.
Coming into the town of Fennimore, WI, it was a place that Norman Rockwell would like. Clapboard houses, nice trees, no cell service. This is where you could head north to the Interstate or continue west. I stayed on the western trail. In the town, I saw young boys riding bikes, older boys going to football practice, the bowling alley in the middle of town. From what I saw, it didn't look like much real estate for a bowling alley but there was a long extension built in the back.
Down the street was the historical marker showing that Fennimore was on the narrow gauge RR tracks system in the 1800's Three feet wide instead of the "standard" 4 foot 8 inch. It was called the Dinky. Traffic stopped for me crossing the street on foot. As if on cue, an Amish horse-drawn wagon with two women dressed in black went by.
Westward to Prairie Du Chien WI, which is the crossing of the Misssissippi River. The French name refers to this as a former French colonial area first explored by Europeans in 1673. A early frontier Fort Crawford was on this site. The trees and bluffs on this area were very scenic. It was a much different look than the Moline IL/Daventport IA Transcontinental railroad crossing. Turns out that much of Wisconsin and Minnesota was covered by glaciers thousands of years ago. As they melted the runoff carved these bluffs out resulting in the Mississippi River.
Once into Iowa, the area turned quite rural. This area of Northeast Iowa was the land of silos, corn fields, cattle, small towns (at most) and generally no towns. Interesting to think that this is the state that elects our Presidents. A strong Native American heritage here - the counties were called Winneshiek and Allamakee. Effigy Mounds National Monument was in the area to the east.
On into Minnesota and the Root River Valley. The towns got a bit larger as I got into the big town of SE Minnesota, Rochester. The sun hung tough on me and stayed up until after 8 p.m. lighting my way. It was a tiring drive and reminded me of driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas as the sun was setting. But like Vegas I had a good Brinner - breakfast for dinner at Perkin's which is a 24 hour place. It's a good day Hazel Grace.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Pitching Pennies
Thinking back to the 7th grade at Spring Branch Junior High, I remembered some fun we had. It was at the end of the school where we would wait for the doors to open around 8:30. There was about a six foot square. We would pitch coins in that area for the time before school. The key was to get the coin as close to the wall as you could - but all you had to do was get closer than the others. Two or more could play. It was easy to see who won. And the coins would bounce like a football - in all sorts of unexpected directions.
We thought that Mr. Steph might show up at any time, so there was usually a lookout. We must have done a good job because we never got busted.
We thought that Mr. Steph might show up at any time, so there was usually a lookout. We must have done a good job because we never got busted.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Texas Monthly Tour
There was one day of vacation to be had - so I had to make it count. John W. was just the person to join me.
We left Houston and headed toward the back road of Highway 90A to Shiner, TX, where the magic of Shiner Beer happens at the Spoetzel Brewery. We couldn't make the 11 a.m. tour but that was just as well. We hit the gift shop and more importantly the tasting taps. John liked the Ruby Red and I like the Shiner Premium. Fresh out of the oven - best I've had.
We then headed up Highway 183 to Lockhart to Smitty's BBQ. Lockhart is known far and wide for barbecue. We ended up eating at a bench with Mike from Virginia who also came from a long distance. Sausage was excellent, and ribs were tender. Best BBQ in Texas? We can't say - because we must continue to look. We really don't want to stop looking!
Then to New Braunfels via Highway 142 to float the Comal River. We went through the tube chute many times and enjoyed the cool water. I got a little sun despite the sunscreen but it was a good price to pay.
Then we enjoyed a big Mexican dinner at El Nopalito. Needless to say I was pretty tired and had a "food hangover" this morning. But like all hangovers.... it was worth it.
We got back to Houston about 11:15 p.m. via Highway 225. We covered a lot of the back roads of Texas. A trip for the books.
We left Houston and headed toward the back road of Highway 90A to Shiner, TX, where the magic of Shiner Beer happens at the Spoetzel Brewery. We couldn't make the 11 a.m. tour but that was just as well. We hit the gift shop and more importantly the tasting taps. John liked the Ruby Red and I like the Shiner Premium. Fresh out of the oven - best I've had.
We then headed up Highway 183 to Lockhart to Smitty's BBQ. Lockhart is known far and wide for barbecue. We ended up eating at a bench with Mike from Virginia who also came from a long distance. Sausage was excellent, and ribs were tender. Best BBQ in Texas? We can't say - because we must continue to look. We really don't want to stop looking!
Then to New Braunfels via Highway 142 to float the Comal River. We went through the tube chute many times and enjoyed the cool water. I got a little sun despite the sunscreen but it was a good price to pay.
Then we enjoyed a big Mexican dinner at El Nopalito. Needless to say I was pretty tired and had a "food hangover" this morning. But like all hangovers.... it was worth it.
We got back to Houston about 11:15 p.m. via Highway 225. We covered a lot of the back roads of Texas. A trip for the books.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
First weekend of August
This first weekend has been a lot like the July weekends. Home all weekend. We did have the beer garden meeting on Friday night and I got to visit El Rancho Sergio where he is building a new house. I got the tour of that and it will be something, 4400 sq. feet. The best part was sitting in the shade in the corner having a cold beer. It really felt like being out in the country away from prying eyes.
Today I did a lot of things I like to do: sleep late, make breakfast at home, get in an hour of work (no more) went to the movie Suicide Squad, took a nap and make dinner at home. All good things.
I'm trying to get to bed early tonight because I plan to sing at both the 9 and 11 o'clock service tomorrow. Plus I'm the lector. A one man band at St John's Episcopal Church.
Monday I head to Houston and I'll be there until Thursday morning.
Have a great weekend!
Today I did a lot of things I like to do: sleep late, make breakfast at home, get in an hour of work (no more) went to the movie Suicide Squad, took a nap and make dinner at home. All good things.
I'm trying to get to bed early tonight because I plan to sing at both the 9 and 11 o'clock service tomorrow. Plus I'm the lector. A one man band at St John's Episcopal Church.
Monday I head to Houston and I'll be there until Thursday morning.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Things Have Changed
It's now been 14 years that I've been in McAllen. Seven normal years is really 1 year in Valley terms. So people still ask me "How's it going?" They're also the same people who moved away for a while (the Dog Years analysis works both ways) and they say "Things have really changed here!"
Here's a list of some significant changes in the last 14 years:
1. The rise of terrorism both worldwide and at home. After September 11, I thought we'd have more situations like in Israel, bombs in restaurants, etc. It look a while, and they come in the local gun form, but its here.
2. Drug Violence in Mexico. Fast and Furious helped get guns in Mexico and the bad guys used them.. a lot.. to intimidate and eliminate their enemies and everyone else. A generation of Mexico has been scarred. And we wonder why immigration (legal and otherwise) into the USA has grown out of hand.
3. Enron and the corporate meltdown. Billions of dollars of value go away and no one gets any real punishment. A real shame for the working man.
4. The Great Recession. Housing markets crash. See item 3 above.
5. US Oil Boom/bust. At least we don't have a criminal basis or a greed basis. Its simply a lack of "want" - no need to invest in the USA when Saudi Arabia will sell the oil cheaper. Again, its the working man that suffers, maybe not at the gas pump but on paycheck Friday.
6. Social media/ Facebook. I read a book called Web 2.0 that talked of the change into user-created comtent. Facebook gets all its content for free and then sells the ad rights. A $45 billion + company, all created in the last 14 years.
7. Cell phone usage. While they were around, now everyone has one and uses it without regard to any incremental cost. And the phones cost $600-800 and even children have one. Apple has made a mint off this. And now we have what we always thought was out of reach: video calling. And it's (somewhat) free!
8. Decrease in the Estate Tax. A little esoteric but the rise of the exemption from $625,000 net worth to $10.9 million means that this 45% tax on net worth has basically gone away. There a lot of wealth that will transfer for the next generation as a result.
9. Disparity between Rich and Poor. See items 3-8. The rich have avoided the downturns and the poor have absorbed the costs. Its a shame that people are working for less than a living wage in this country that is the richest in the world.
10. The increase in the US population. Texas now has over 22 million people and the US at last estimate is about 310 million. Birth rates are not raising that much across the board, so people are clamoring to get here.
11. 2 Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. All with a "volunteer" army. A certain segment of the population has born the significant share of the cost of war. No wonder we are happy for the soldier - happy that he/she is doing the job for the rest of us. Thank to those who answer the call.
12. Google as a verb. Back in the day, search was not where the Yahoo's of the world thought the money was at. How wrong they were.
13. Criminalization of the youth. I did my part overseeing the crimes that young people were accused of (disruption of class, etc.) and I'm proud that I finally stood up to speak out against it. I'm happy to say it's a thing of the past.
14. And still, no jet packs, no return trips to the moon.
Here's a list of some significant changes in the last 14 years:
1. The rise of terrorism both worldwide and at home. After September 11, I thought we'd have more situations like in Israel, bombs in restaurants, etc. It look a while, and they come in the local gun form, but its here.
2. Drug Violence in Mexico. Fast and Furious helped get guns in Mexico and the bad guys used them.. a lot.. to intimidate and eliminate their enemies and everyone else. A generation of Mexico has been scarred. And we wonder why immigration (legal and otherwise) into the USA has grown out of hand.
3. Enron and the corporate meltdown. Billions of dollars of value go away and no one gets any real punishment. A real shame for the working man.
4. The Great Recession. Housing markets crash. See item 3 above.
5. US Oil Boom/bust. At least we don't have a criminal basis or a greed basis. Its simply a lack of "want" - no need to invest in the USA when Saudi Arabia will sell the oil cheaper. Again, its the working man that suffers, maybe not at the gas pump but on paycheck Friday.
6. Social media/ Facebook. I read a book called Web 2.0 that talked of the change into user-created comtent. Facebook gets all its content for free and then sells the ad rights. A $45 billion + company, all created in the last 14 years.
7. Cell phone usage. While they were around, now everyone has one and uses it without regard to any incremental cost. And the phones cost $600-800 and even children have one. Apple has made a mint off this. And now we have what we always thought was out of reach: video calling. And it's (somewhat) free!
8. Decrease in the Estate Tax. A little esoteric but the rise of the exemption from $625,000 net worth to $10.9 million means that this 45% tax on net worth has basically gone away. There a lot of wealth that will transfer for the next generation as a result.
9. Disparity between Rich and Poor. See items 3-8. The rich have avoided the downturns and the poor have absorbed the costs. Its a shame that people are working for less than a living wage in this country that is the richest in the world.
10. The increase in the US population. Texas now has over 22 million people and the US at last estimate is about 310 million. Birth rates are not raising that much across the board, so people are clamoring to get here.
11. 2 Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. All with a "volunteer" army. A certain segment of the population has born the significant share of the cost of war. No wonder we are happy for the soldier - happy that he/she is doing the job for the rest of us. Thank to those who answer the call.
12. Google as a verb. Back in the day, search was not where the Yahoo's of the world thought the money was at. How wrong they were.
13. Criminalization of the youth. I did my part overseeing the crimes that young people were accused of (disruption of class, etc.) and I'm proud that I finally stood up to speak out against it. I'm happy to say it's a thing of the past.
14. And still, no jet packs, no return trips to the moon.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Middle of July
It is actually July 24 and the month is clipping by. Amazing how things will go even staying home and taking it easy on the weekends. But with a little late sleeping on Saturday and church on Sunday, and of course the nap time, and cooking dinner, the days will go fast.
So I pretty much described my weekend. My friends Rich and Mary lived it up in Austin this weekend. I got tired just looking at their Facebook pictures!
I did get my new Amazon Fire Stick installed on the TV - all by myself - I was pretty proud. It looks like it will interface great with all Amazon features so that will be worth using it just for that.
Movies kind of stunk this weekend so I will wait for Bad Moms next Friday.
Have a great week!
So I pretty much described my weekend. My friends Rich and Mary lived it up in Austin this weekend. I got tired just looking at their Facebook pictures!
I did get my new Amazon Fire Stick installed on the TV - all by myself - I was pretty proud. It looks like it will interface great with all Amazon features so that will be worth using it just for that.
Movies kind of stunk this weekend so I will wait for Bad Moms next Friday.
Have a great week!
Monday, June 20, 2016
Surgery today
JoAnn had surgery today and it was my first experience with that. After I dropped her off, I hung around the hospital until it was clear to go outside. There, I met Homer who was waiting for his mother there. He was about the same age as me and we had a long talk about mothers, and life and it was good to have someone to share some important thoughts with.
Then I ran into Sammie who was waiting in her car for her friend who lived in the same park resort. She was part of the Choctaw Nation so that license plate caught my attention. She said her friend had no family here so she was with her friend for support.
Both Homer and Sammie were outside smoking because there is no smoking inside anymore. I was glad to make their acquaintance and have someone to discuss these matters with. We're all in this together.
Then I ran into Sammie who was waiting in her car for her friend who lived in the same park resort. She was part of the Choctaw Nation so that license plate caught my attention. She said her friend had no family here so she was with her friend for support.
Both Homer and Sammie were outside smoking because there is no smoking inside anymore. I was glad to make their acquaintance and have someone to discuss these matters with. We're all in this together.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Golf in Austin and San Antonio
In keeping with our tradition, my father Ed and I met for a trip for 2 rounds of golf this past week. I was pleased to make the first leg arranged, with a round at our old club Austin Country Club, now famous for the Dell World Match Play Championship. It was cool to watch on TV and made me want to go back. So last Wednesday we did.
The course has held up well over 30 years and the recent renovation courtesy of the PGA Tour helped a lot. The greens were as good as I've seen, like at Sand Hills where if you just miss a bit that you've got a tough chip. And no easy putts. I played from the Riverside tees, 6,200 yards and that was plenty.
Ed remembered how he was playing with Davis Love, Jr. and his son Mark Love in 1985 or so when I came out and played the last 3 holes and hit a lot of good shots. I had forgotten but I remembered along with him. That was unexpected. And then to live it again, I crushed a drive on 18, over the bunker, down the hill and in front of the hazard. Just had a partial wedge in. I felt like a pro. We measured the drive at 330 yards. Downhill, downwind, didn't matter, it was still huge.
Our host John was a lot of fun and he walked all 18 holes in the heat. After we finished, we drove the long way to San Antonio through Dripping Springs and Blanco. With the sun going down, it was a great Hill Country drive. We had dinner at the Oak Springs Cafe in Dripping Springs, and it was a real Texas cafe. Complete with peach cobbler.
Thursday we continued the historic Texas golf tour at Brackenridge Park, one of our favorites. We had Dad's good friend Jim there and he was charming as usual. We also played with a nice guy Josh who rode around on a skateboard type golf cart. He was very athletic so he made it look easy.
The last time I played Brackenridge I had a great round, so I had something to live up to. I played hard again, but made double bogey on 13, 14 and 16. On 13 I hit a great drive and then my second shot over the green out of bounds on the par 5. But the drive was 300+ yards again. I bounced back with birdie on 15, and gutsy pars on 17 and 18 for an 80, my best round of this year (so far).
Thursday night we had a nice dinner at Paesano's and then watched the NBA Finals game 6 (Cleveland won) and then I fly home Friday. Not a bad couple of days off.
It was nice to be together during this Fathers' Day week. Ed said he was glad he had introduced me and Elizabeth to the game. I was glad he got to see and remember some good shots by me.
The course has held up well over 30 years and the recent renovation courtesy of the PGA Tour helped a lot. The greens were as good as I've seen, like at Sand Hills where if you just miss a bit that you've got a tough chip. And no easy putts. I played from the Riverside tees, 6,200 yards and that was plenty.
Ed remembered how he was playing with Davis Love, Jr. and his son Mark Love in 1985 or so when I came out and played the last 3 holes and hit a lot of good shots. I had forgotten but I remembered along with him. That was unexpected. And then to live it again, I crushed a drive on 18, over the bunker, down the hill and in front of the hazard. Just had a partial wedge in. I felt like a pro. We measured the drive at 330 yards. Downhill, downwind, didn't matter, it was still huge.
Our host John was a lot of fun and he walked all 18 holes in the heat. After we finished, we drove the long way to San Antonio through Dripping Springs and Blanco. With the sun going down, it was a great Hill Country drive. We had dinner at the Oak Springs Cafe in Dripping Springs, and it was a real Texas cafe. Complete with peach cobbler.
Thursday we continued the historic Texas golf tour at Brackenridge Park, one of our favorites. We had Dad's good friend Jim there and he was charming as usual. We also played with a nice guy Josh who rode around on a skateboard type golf cart. He was very athletic so he made it look easy.
The last time I played Brackenridge I had a great round, so I had something to live up to. I played hard again, but made double bogey on 13, 14 and 16. On 13 I hit a great drive and then my second shot over the green out of bounds on the par 5. But the drive was 300+ yards again. I bounced back with birdie on 15, and gutsy pars on 17 and 18 for an 80, my best round of this year (so far).
Thursday night we had a nice dinner at Paesano's and then watched the NBA Finals game 6 (Cleveland won) and then I fly home Friday. Not a bad couple of days off.
It was nice to be together during this Fathers' Day week. Ed said he was glad he had introduced me and Elizabeth to the game. I was glad he got to see and remember some good shots by me.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Back from vacation * Bag still on vacation
As a postscript to our nice Florida vacation, when we returned late to Harlingen, my bag did not come out just as I got an announcement, "Passenger Gregory Turley..." I learned that my bag had gone to Midland, TX. Glad I had my car keys! So Southwest Air arranged to deliver it to me the next day.
That next day, I was waiting. They had already called saying it would be here in the afternoon. About 5 while I was wondering whether to wait longer, I got another call - now my bag had gone to LaGuardia airport in New York.
My bag has wanderlust - doesn't want to come back.
When it does get back, I plan to retire it and get a new one. It's been a long journey for that Tumi. It's been to Europe, South America, the Caribbean, all over the USA, Mexico, Canada. Time for rest.
That next day, I was waiting. They had already called saying it would be here in the afternoon. About 5 while I was wondering whether to wait longer, I got another call - now my bag had gone to LaGuardia airport in New York.
My bag has wanderlust - doesn't want to come back.
When it does get back, I plan to retire it and get a new one. It's been a long journey for that Tumi. It's been to Europe, South America, the Caribbean, all over the USA, Mexico, Canada. Time for rest.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Making Amends in Austin
Step 9 of the the 12 Steps involves Making Amends. When I was in Austin recently I recalled some past problems/embarrassments/unfinished business. I had the sense that now was the time to make things right in whatever way that was available.
Dinner was Friday night at Pelon's, which as old Austinites will remember, Jaime's Spanish Village, on Red River. In 1984 or so, a group of us went there for dinner. As we had just turned 19, the legal drinking age, we proceeded to order a round of beer and margaritas. The waiter, seeing us as barely legal, asked for ID. We grudgingly gave it to him, even thought we had it.
After he left one of the table said "No tip for you!" Since the die was cast, we all agreed at the end to pay the $75.00 bill and we left a quarter on the table for a gratutuious... snub. As we were leaving, the angry waiter chased us out and threw the quarter at us, saying "Here, you left this on the table!"
This time the service was truly bad and our food was late. The manager did comp the $160.00 bill. But I insisted myself on paying the 25% tip to our waiter. I hope that might have made amends to any servers I have stiffed.
On Sunday, I visited the grave of my uncle Vernon. As I was leaving I called my aunt Sharon who was married to him for 25 years. I had lost touch with her after their bitter divorce and splitting of the family along such lines. But when I had seen my cousin Deborah recently, I got Sharon's number.
Even thought I had not talked to her in years, we picked right back up and planned to get together to visit the next time. I felt that I had taken some action to recharge that relationship. I hope that might make amends to any relative or friend that I have forgotten about.
On Monday, I played golf at Jimmy Clay. One of the last times I remember being there was 1983 in the High School District Championship. A front of rain blew in and I was unprepared, wearing only short and a shirt. I was cold and wet and it affected the game.
On this new day, the weather was threatening to be the same. I was unprepared again. This time, I thought, I must do something different and went inside to buy a jacket, whether I needed it or not, I was going to have it this time. I wore it the first 9 holes and it kept be warm and dry. I hope that might make amends for other times I was unprepared for the weather.
Taking all of these at face value, you could say that I was just doing the right thing. But in my mind, it was the past flashing back where I might not have known enough to do good. Those memories were in mind as I was able to proceed in what today I was confident was a better way.
Dinner was Friday night at Pelon's, which as old Austinites will remember, Jaime's Spanish Village, on Red River. In 1984 or so, a group of us went there for dinner. As we had just turned 19, the legal drinking age, we proceeded to order a round of beer and margaritas. The waiter, seeing us as barely legal, asked for ID. We grudgingly gave it to him, even thought we had it.
After he left one of the table said "No tip for you!" Since the die was cast, we all agreed at the end to pay the $75.00 bill and we left a quarter on the table for a gratutuious... snub. As we were leaving, the angry waiter chased us out and threw the quarter at us, saying "Here, you left this on the table!"
This time the service was truly bad and our food was late. The manager did comp the $160.00 bill. But I insisted myself on paying the 25% tip to our waiter. I hope that might have made amends to any servers I have stiffed.
On Sunday, I visited the grave of my uncle Vernon. As I was leaving I called my aunt Sharon who was married to him for 25 years. I had lost touch with her after their bitter divorce and splitting of the family along such lines. But when I had seen my cousin Deborah recently, I got Sharon's number.
Even thought I had not talked to her in years, we picked right back up and planned to get together to visit the next time. I felt that I had taken some action to recharge that relationship. I hope that might make amends to any relative or friend that I have forgotten about.
On Monday, I played golf at Jimmy Clay. One of the last times I remember being there was 1983 in the High School District Championship. A front of rain blew in and I was unprepared, wearing only short and a shirt. I was cold and wet and it affected the game.
On this new day, the weather was threatening to be the same. I was unprepared again. This time, I thought, I must do something different and went inside to buy a jacket, whether I needed it or not, I was going to have it this time. I wore it the first 9 holes and it kept be warm and dry. I hope that might make amends for other times I was unprepared for the weather.
Taking all of these at face value, you could say that I was just doing the right thing. But in my mind, it was the past flashing back where I might not have known enough to do good. Those memories were in mind as I was able to proceed in what today I was confident was a better way.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Coming up on May 20
It's late at night, the NBA playoffs are on, and it seems that there is not enough time to get ready. On the eve of Sarah's graduation, its like 1994 all over again when she was born. The same feelings of getting ready, not enough preparation, and it's here already. Very strong sense of having been here before.
Who could have predicted all of the things that have happened since that Thursday night/Friday morning? Not me. Happy 22nd birthday Sarah. You've brought Mom and me much joy and we look forward to the future with you.
Who could have predicted all of the things that have happened since that Thursday night/Friday morning? Not me. Happy 22nd birthday Sarah. You've brought Mom and me much joy and we look forward to the future with you.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Uplifting
While talking about my new book Hideaway, I was asked "What's next?" I replied that I wanted to write a book about a woman having a midlife crisis. This wisecracking man said sarcastically "That sounds uplifting." His wife seemed interested however.
It got me thinking, I guess I am more interested in writing on the struggles without an easy answer. But I did think that my blog here does have a lot of uplifting stories, my favorite of course being "We'll Always Have Paris" but also good stories of skinny dipping at Tarry House, Christmas Lights, Another Successful Recommendation, and so on.
Do I need to lighten up?
It got me thinking, I guess I am more interested in writing on the struggles without an easy answer. But I did think that my blog here does have a lot of uplifting stories, my favorite of course being "We'll Always Have Paris" but also good stories of skinny dipping at Tarry House, Christmas Lights, Another Successful Recommendation, and so on.
Do I need to lighten up?
Monday, April 11, 2016
Eulogy for Sam Rush
This was done by Sam's daughter Sarah Rush - March 25, 2016. The best I've heard
You all know what it is like to experience my father’s kindness as friends, maybe even friends who are like family, but you haven’t experienced the honor it is to be his daughter. He has guided my every day, his dreams for me lead me into the future and his compassion for others is what I will forever aspire to.
The man that you all have known, is one who is a gatherer of people, with seemingly endless energy, and an ability to connect continuously to the people around him. But this, few people might have noticed about my dear father: He was an introvert at heart. With an even more introspective mind. He was most comfortable sitting in his spot at the end of the sofa and listening to audiobooks, going on long runs alone, and sitting in silence beside you – listening rather than talking, asking rather than telling. He appreciated Gandhi’s words, “speak only if it improves upon the silence.” He took so much time considering his presence in a room, in the questions he asked, and in the ideas that he brought. “Live intentionally,” he’d tell me.
But he pushed himself to reach out to others, to make connections, even though it did not come easily to him. I didn’t really understand this about him until I was in was in high school, exasperated with the task of hosting party after party every other weekend at our house. I’d ask him, why do we always invite people, why can’t we have a weekend or a vacation just with each other? He said, “Honestly, I’d rather spend the weekend just the four of us. But I admire each person and what they create. We have so much we can learn from our friends.” I am so glad to have shared him with all of you, for now I have many friends. Father, I will extend my hand as you have always done, even when it isn’t easy. I will continue to invite the world in.
At gatherings of friends or family, he would always single out the children and give them the love and attention he gave to my brother and I. I saw the surprise and awe on a child’s face when they realized he was actually interested to know about their lives, their passions, and their aspirations. While adults look down at, or talk about the children in a room, he talked directly to them. I have distinct images of him getting down on one knee to meet a child eye-to-eye, as an equal. That always impressed me about him, because I too, fail to appreciate the beauty and wisdom of children. He built friendships with children, because I believe that he himself was child-like – believing in ideas, all of the possibilities that life offers, and, believing in love. “Children are the truth,” he’d say. He believed that talking to a child is like talking to our creator.
My dad believed that appreciating nature brought him closer to God. He knew that a god who created so much beauty would want it to be appreciated. That is what my dad did every day, from sunrise to sunset. He wanted my brother and I to have a childhood that was so green and full of life, like his own childhood, vibrant with the fruits of god’s creation. He furnished our lives, not with furniture or things, but with living breathing creatures that you form a relationship with. My childhood was filled with days in the outdoors – “god’s playground” – he’d call it.
I will miss being with him to watch the sun rise, to play volleyball in the dark after the sun sets, to stand at the top of a mountain peak together in winter, to read books together on the porch while the tall pine trees sway around us. I will miss riding horses together through cypress creek. But for me, he will exist in every tree, every warm gust of wind, in each leaf. When I go for a run, he will now be just a voice in my head, coaching me as he sees me struggling, “Thank your body, Sarah - thank your legs, thank your lungs, thank your heart.” And I will continue.
He believed in the gift of challenges, big and small. He’d say, when you don’t have challenges in your life, you have to create challenges for yourself. He inspired countless friends to bike in the MS 150, in the Ironman races, in the Houston Marathon, to go snowboarding, or horseback riding with him. Not because he needed a partner, but because he knew that we could do it. He has faith in our strength. He wants to see us succeed. I’ve been blessed to have his firm, but gentle pressure at my back – urging me to try harder, be better. I am better because of it. I think back on the hundreds of times he has asked me, “wanna go for a run?” with that fire in his eye, and I become inspired. I see passion in his steps. He made me believe. Believe in myself, and believe in him. I follow him.
One of the great lessons I learn from my dad is humility. He would be astounded by how many of you have said; 'Sam has changed me for the better.' We all know he would immediately turn the compliment back onto you, saying, 'YOU my dear friend, you are the one who has changed ME for the better!' And I do believe that he has held a piece of knowledge from of each one of you in his daily thoughts, actions and interactions. He has taught me how to appreciate others first, even before yourself. He’d tell my brother and I throughout our lives, “your success is my success. Through you, I succeed.” And now, that will always be true. Father, I am everything you are—I am you. Everything that you are, I have always wanted to be. I cant believe that you are gone, and so I won’t believe it. I will remember you, and you will act through me. Through me, you will see the world. Through me, you will continue learning and growing. Through me, you will continue touching lives. And through you, I will do my most loving work. I will care deeply for others. Through you, I will see the very best in others and encourage them to see what I see – what I know what you would have seen as well. Through me, I hope you see, breathe, love, laugh, again.
--Sarah Rush, Eulogy given at Celebration of Life at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, Tuesday March 29, 2016
You all know what it is like to experience my father’s kindness as friends, maybe even friends who are like family, but you haven’t experienced the honor it is to be his daughter. He has guided my every day, his dreams for me lead me into the future and his compassion for others is what I will forever aspire to.
The man that you all have known, is one who is a gatherer of people, with seemingly endless energy, and an ability to connect continuously to the people around him. But this, few people might have noticed about my dear father: He was an introvert at heart. With an even more introspective mind. He was most comfortable sitting in his spot at the end of the sofa and listening to audiobooks, going on long runs alone, and sitting in silence beside you – listening rather than talking, asking rather than telling. He appreciated Gandhi’s words, “speak only if it improves upon the silence.” He took so much time considering his presence in a room, in the questions he asked, and in the ideas that he brought. “Live intentionally,” he’d tell me.
But he pushed himself to reach out to others, to make connections, even though it did not come easily to him. I didn’t really understand this about him until I was in was in high school, exasperated with the task of hosting party after party every other weekend at our house. I’d ask him, why do we always invite people, why can’t we have a weekend or a vacation just with each other? He said, “Honestly, I’d rather spend the weekend just the four of us. But I admire each person and what they create. We have so much we can learn from our friends.” I am so glad to have shared him with all of you, for now I have many friends. Father, I will extend my hand as you have always done, even when it isn’t easy. I will continue to invite the world in.
At gatherings of friends or family, he would always single out the children and give them the love and attention he gave to my brother and I. I saw the surprise and awe on a child’s face when they realized he was actually interested to know about their lives, their passions, and their aspirations. While adults look down at, or talk about the children in a room, he talked directly to them. I have distinct images of him getting down on one knee to meet a child eye-to-eye, as an equal. That always impressed me about him, because I too, fail to appreciate the beauty and wisdom of children. He built friendships with children, because I believe that he himself was child-like – believing in ideas, all of the possibilities that life offers, and, believing in love. “Children are the truth,” he’d say. He believed that talking to a child is like talking to our creator.
My dad believed that appreciating nature brought him closer to God. He knew that a god who created so much beauty would want it to be appreciated. That is what my dad did every day, from sunrise to sunset. He wanted my brother and I to have a childhood that was so green and full of life, like his own childhood, vibrant with the fruits of god’s creation. He furnished our lives, not with furniture or things, but with living breathing creatures that you form a relationship with. My childhood was filled with days in the outdoors – “god’s playground” – he’d call it.
I will miss being with him to watch the sun rise, to play volleyball in the dark after the sun sets, to stand at the top of a mountain peak together in winter, to read books together on the porch while the tall pine trees sway around us. I will miss riding horses together through cypress creek. But for me, he will exist in every tree, every warm gust of wind, in each leaf. When I go for a run, he will now be just a voice in my head, coaching me as he sees me struggling, “Thank your body, Sarah - thank your legs, thank your lungs, thank your heart.” And I will continue.
He believed in the gift of challenges, big and small. He’d say, when you don’t have challenges in your life, you have to create challenges for yourself. He inspired countless friends to bike in the MS 150, in the Ironman races, in the Houston Marathon, to go snowboarding, or horseback riding with him. Not because he needed a partner, but because he knew that we could do it. He has faith in our strength. He wants to see us succeed. I’ve been blessed to have his firm, but gentle pressure at my back – urging me to try harder, be better. I am better because of it. I think back on the hundreds of times he has asked me, “wanna go for a run?” with that fire in his eye, and I become inspired. I see passion in his steps. He made me believe. Believe in myself, and believe in him. I follow him.
One of the great lessons I learn from my dad is humility. He would be astounded by how many of you have said; 'Sam has changed me for the better.' We all know he would immediately turn the compliment back onto you, saying, 'YOU my dear friend, you are the one who has changed ME for the better!' And I do believe that he has held a piece of knowledge from of each one of you in his daily thoughts, actions and interactions. He has taught me how to appreciate others first, even before yourself. He’d tell my brother and I throughout our lives, “your success is my success. Through you, I succeed.” And now, that will always be true. Father, I am everything you are—I am you. Everything that you are, I have always wanted to be. I cant believe that you are gone, and so I won’t believe it. I will remember you, and you will act through me. Through me, you will see the world. Through me, you will continue learning and growing. Through me, you will continue touching lives. And through you, I will do my most loving work. I will care deeply for others. Through you, I will see the very best in others and encourage them to see what I see – what I know what you would have seen as well. Through me, I hope you see, breathe, love, laugh, again.
--Sarah Rush, Eulogy given at Celebration of Life at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, Tuesday March 29, 2016
Amen Corner
They say the Masters doesn't start until the back 9 of Sunday, and holes 11,12 and 13 always play their part - Amen Corner. This year 2016 was no exception. Jordan Spieth enters a mysterious club - because while we remember the winners, someone always seems to lose the Masters. This was his year to lose, but at least he's already won it.
The list of those who lost is a who's who of golf
Ken Venturi - shot 80 in the last round
Arnold Palmer - made a double bogey on the last hole
Roberto Di Vicenzo - signed a wrong scorecard
Ed Sneed - missed a short putt in the playoff
Scott Hoch - missed a short putt in the playoff
Greg Norman - lost a 6 shot lead
And now we have 2 others:
While anyone can lose, its all about regrouping. Here's to good things in the future for all those who have had a chance but for whatever reason, it was not in the cards that day.
As David Cook says, your golf score is not a reflection of your worth.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Davenport, Iowa * Quad Cities USA
I'm in the Quad Cities airport about to head home from my Midwest trip. When I left Texas, everyone wanted to know "Why Iowa?" The answer is, Iowa was very happy to welcome this visitor. Everyone I met was very happy that I chose to visit, especially in this lingering bit of winter.
Temperatures were pretty cold, 40s most of the time, with strong winds. We're just a flat prairie away from Chicago, the Windy City.
The Mississippi River runs between the cities of Iowa (Davenport & Bettendorf) and Illinois (Moline & Rock Island) - hence the 4 cities. It's quite the crossroads of the Midwest, with the river a traditional trading area and this is where the Transcontinental Railroad crossed the Mississippi, and so present day Interstate 80 follows that same route from New York to San Francisco. The Rock Island Arsenal is a long time military base here since the 1800s.
Everyone encouraged me to see the World's Largest Truck Stop, the Iowa 80 in Walcott. It was a big place yes, but also a testament to good marketing. The Love's Truck Stop or the Pilot or the Flying J nearby would be about as good.
Downtown Davenport and Moline have lots of interesting old buildings with new ones mixed in as well. I stayed at the Radisson on the river in Moline, just by the riverboat casino of the Rhythm City Casino. Riverboat gambling got an early start here in the 90s and is well established. On Sunday night we played some slots there - and it was a good time.
The brewery scene is big here by the river, lots of microbreweries. The Great River Brewing Co was a good place. Also the Bent River Mississippi Blonde was tasty.
Dr. Liz had chiropractor training Sat. and Sunday. Monday we toured the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. D.D. Palmer was characterized as inventing modern chiropractic and his son Col. B.J. Palmer did a lot of help spread it and popularize this fledgling medium. We toured his home and learned a lot of him. He reminded me of other Midwesterners who took a a small idea and made it big in 20th century USA. Think Joseph Smith of the LDS Church, or Walt Disney. Even Ronald Reagan, who started working for B.J. Palmer's radio station WOC in Davenport, IA.
I had a nice drink and dessert Sat. night at the Duck City Bistro and returned for dinner on Monday night. Definitely a 5 star meal, from the French trained Chef Jeremy. Outstanding in all respects. And just around the corner from our hotel.
Most days we took it easy, sleeping late, late brunch, not much on the schedule. Sunday night we saw Batman v. Superman and it was good to watch on the Imax screen. For a $250 million movie, we needed to go big. Walt Disney would be proud of what he created.
Certainly a good place to be and I'd like to return in the mild summertime. Maybe combine it with a trip to Madison WI, just a few hours away. Iowa was a good state to visit - glad I made it happen.
Temperatures were pretty cold, 40s most of the time, with strong winds. We're just a flat prairie away from Chicago, the Windy City.
The Mississippi River runs between the cities of Iowa (Davenport & Bettendorf) and Illinois (Moline & Rock Island) - hence the 4 cities. It's quite the crossroads of the Midwest, with the river a traditional trading area and this is where the Transcontinental Railroad crossed the Mississippi, and so present day Interstate 80 follows that same route from New York to San Francisco. The Rock Island Arsenal is a long time military base here since the 1800s.
Everyone encouraged me to see the World's Largest Truck Stop, the Iowa 80 in Walcott. It was a big place yes, but also a testament to good marketing. The Love's Truck Stop or the Pilot or the Flying J nearby would be about as good.
Downtown Davenport and Moline have lots of interesting old buildings with new ones mixed in as well. I stayed at the Radisson on the river in Moline, just by the riverboat casino of the Rhythm City Casino. Riverboat gambling got an early start here in the 90s and is well established. On Sunday night we played some slots there - and it was a good time.
The brewery scene is big here by the river, lots of microbreweries. The Great River Brewing Co was a good place. Also the Bent River Mississippi Blonde was tasty.
Dr. Liz had chiropractor training Sat. and Sunday. Monday we toured the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. D.D. Palmer was characterized as inventing modern chiropractic and his son Col. B.J. Palmer did a lot of help spread it and popularize this fledgling medium. We toured his home and learned a lot of him. He reminded me of other Midwesterners who took a a small idea and made it big in 20th century USA. Think Joseph Smith of the LDS Church, or Walt Disney. Even Ronald Reagan, who started working for B.J. Palmer's radio station WOC in Davenport, IA.
I had a nice drink and dessert Sat. night at the Duck City Bistro and returned for dinner on Monday night. Definitely a 5 star meal, from the French trained Chef Jeremy. Outstanding in all respects. And just around the corner from our hotel.
Most days we took it easy, sleeping late, late brunch, not much on the schedule. Sunday night we saw Batman v. Superman and it was good to watch on the Imax screen. For a $250 million movie, we needed to go big. Walt Disney would be proud of what he created.
Certainly a good place to be and I'd like to return in the mild summertime. Maybe combine it with a trip to Madison WI, just a few hours away. Iowa was a good state to visit - glad I made it happen.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Tarry House
In West Austin, our neighborhood was called Tarrytown, likely named for the Westchester County, NY leafy suburb. According to a local realtor the area was platted post WW 2 likely when that area was ripe for growth. Probably was a long way from downtown back then.
In 1960 a club called Tarry House was established, likely on land which held the existing house and the owner didn't want subdivided. It sits on Bowman Ave, with other houses around it. My research shows that the previous owner was The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest which used it as a conference center.
Established in 1960, Tarry House is nestled away in the shade and located in the heart of the neighborhood. It provides members with a pool, great food, and good service.
http://westaustin.com/neighborhoods/tarrytown
When we first moved to Austin my aunt and uncle took us there. There was a pool and a clubhouse patio. It was kind of like a country club but on a very small scale.
Even looking back then it seems very anachronistic. I guess it got its start when the Austin Country Club moved to East Riverside from W. 38th St. and the locals didn't want to drive out there.
My fondest memory was when we were out late one night and I had the bright idea to go swim in the Tarry House pool. I presume I heard the idea from someone else before but nevertheless, it was my idea. My friend Tom and I drove in about 1 am and jumped in to swim for a while. I recall we were playing the radio loud to Just A Gigolo by David Lee Roth. No big thing, right?
Suffice to say if that had happened today, I'd be caught trespassing, arrested, fined, etc. But this was before the days of late patrols, locked gates, security guards, and so forth. Looking at some Google Earth photos, the trees in front which covered our escapade are thinned out considerably and there is much more parking space which was previously green space or forest.
I wonder what the Tarry House is like these day? I hear it is still open. Probably hasn't changed a bit.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Back Where I Come From
I always enjoy listening to this Kenny Chesney song, which he has regularly done in his live shows. It does strike a chord as everyone has a place in their hearts where they are from. That never really goes away, even if some try to get away.
I like to say that I have 2 hometowns, Houston and Austin. But when I hear this song, I do think of "Where I Come From" which leads me to Austin. We moved there when I was 14 and I went to Austin High all 4 years. Back then, Austin was a third the size of what it is today. The city itself has started growing at the sides but was still pretty compact. Interstate 35 had served one of its redline purposes by separating the city West from East and de facto segregation ensued.
The big political issues of my day was forced busing to desegregate the Austin ISD. When I questioned my father about "what would happen?" if I had to be bused, he said "We'll just move you to a private school". Other that threatening periodically to send me to military school, that was the only time we ever discussed private school. It was generally assumed then that the public schools were better than the alternative.
In the end Austin High was considered diverse enough, as we were 60% Anglo, 30% Hispanic and 10% black due to drawing from 3 different parts of town, West, Central and South. No busing for the Maroons.
The school board had previously desegregated the junior highs by creating new 6th grade centers, and making the junior highs only 7th and 8th grades. Baker Middle School was the result for our side of town. My classmate Scott McClellan wrote of it nicely in his book.
As to the high schools, the answer was simply to bus from one All-Minority school, Johnston H.S. on the east side, to one All-White school, Anderson H.S. on the northwest side. It was generally agreed to be a failure on both sides. The IDEA schools in Austin are still picking up the pieces from the Anderson/Johnston busing.
Interesting, Anderson High School was the original name of the segregated high school in Austin pre Brown v. Board of Education. We loved to trumpet that Austin High was the "only high school" and the "oldest high school" but no one ever discussed the forced segregation that allowed that to develop.
I like to say that I have 2 hometowns, Houston and Austin. But when I hear this song, I do think of "Where I Come From" which leads me to Austin. We moved there when I was 14 and I went to Austin High all 4 years. Back then, Austin was a third the size of what it is today. The city itself has started growing at the sides but was still pretty compact. Interstate 35 had served one of its redline purposes by separating the city West from East and de facto segregation ensued.
The big political issues of my day was forced busing to desegregate the Austin ISD. When I questioned my father about "what would happen?" if I had to be bused, he said "We'll just move you to a private school". Other that threatening periodically to send me to military school, that was the only time we ever discussed private school. It was generally assumed then that the public schools were better than the alternative.
In the end Austin High was considered diverse enough, as we were 60% Anglo, 30% Hispanic and 10% black due to drawing from 3 different parts of town, West, Central and South. No busing for the Maroons.
The school board had previously desegregated the junior highs by creating new 6th grade centers, and making the junior highs only 7th and 8th grades. Baker Middle School was the result for our side of town. My classmate Scott McClellan wrote of it nicely in his book.
As to the high schools, the answer was simply to bus from one All-Minority school, Johnston H.S. on the east side, to one All-White school, Anderson H.S. on the northwest side. It was generally agreed to be a failure on both sides. The IDEA schools in Austin are still picking up the pieces from the Anderson/Johnston busing.
Interesting, Anderson High School was the original name of the segregated high school in Austin pre Brown v. Board of Education. We loved to trumpet that Austin High was the "only high school" and the "oldest high school" but no one ever discussed the forced segregation that allowed that to develop.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
55th Anniversary of Ed and Kate
Happy anniversary to my parents Ed and Kate Turley, who were married in Houston, TX on February 4, 1961.
They were married at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. My mother's home church. The officiant was the Rev. Tom Summers, who was a good friend of my grandparents who were Vernon and Pearl Elledge. My grandfather was able to dance at his daughter's wedding, but regretably died less than a year later in January 1962.
The Best Man was Ralph DeShong, who introduced my parents along with Janet DeShong. I think that some of the other groomsmen were some of my dad's friends from the UT Golf Team - Ray, Teddy? My Uncle Vernon (Jr.) must have been in there. He was my mother's older brother who was already married to my mother's sorority sister Sharon.
My father was working as an accountant for Price Waterhouse and only later thought of going to law school. My mother was one of the secretaries in the Office of the Mayor of Houston, who at that time was Lewis Cutrer.
Members of the bridal party were my mother's good friends who all lived on the same street growing up: Fay, Betsy, Marianne, Francia. They are all still good friends all these years later. And of course my aunt Sharon. There was no flower girl or boy as families were smaller and more closely spaced.
My mother actually borrowed a dress from her friend. The reception was at...could it have been the Houston Country Club? Perhaps that's when my dad thought, "Someday I'll be a member here". All these years later, yes, he is.
They spent their honeymoon in New Orleans. That's where Susan and I went on our honeymoon in 1990.
They were married at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. My mother's home church. The officiant was the Rev. Tom Summers, who was a good friend of my grandparents who were Vernon and Pearl Elledge. My grandfather was able to dance at his daughter's wedding, but regretably died less than a year later in January 1962.
The Best Man was Ralph DeShong, who introduced my parents along with Janet DeShong. I think that some of the other groomsmen were some of my dad's friends from the UT Golf Team - Ray, Teddy? My Uncle Vernon (Jr.) must have been in there. He was my mother's older brother who was already married to my mother's sorority sister Sharon.
My father was working as an accountant for Price Waterhouse and only later thought of going to law school. My mother was one of the secretaries in the Office of the Mayor of Houston, who at that time was Lewis Cutrer.
Members of the bridal party were my mother's good friends who all lived on the same street growing up: Fay, Betsy, Marianne, Francia. They are all still good friends all these years later. And of course my aunt Sharon. There was no flower girl or boy as families were smaller and more closely spaced.
My mother actually borrowed a dress from her friend. The reception was at...could it have been the Houston Country Club? Perhaps that's when my dad thought, "Someday I'll be a member here". All these years later, yes, he is.
They spent their honeymoon in New Orleans. That's where Susan and I went on our honeymoon in 1990.
Monday, January 18, 2016
For a Few Dollars More (1965)
Certainly the Hateful 8 has a lot of connections to this - the Bounty Hunter/alive or dead/presence of the sheriff/lots of people watching
Saturday, January 16, 2016
The 2015 Golf Year in Review
One of the blogs I follow Now On the Tee had a review of his year in golf. He had played many of the great courses across the USA and Canada. It made me think of my 2015 golf goal, to play 12 new courses to me. They didn't have to be great.
I didn't make the full 12 new but the goal did get me out of the comfort zone and I made some special efforts to get towards the goal. A goal like that didn't have to be hit to be an accomplishment as you will see.
1. McAllen Country Club Ano Nuevo Tournament. Your home course? That's not new! True but I had never played in this 2 day, member/guest, 27 hole each day, popular tournament. I played with Jaboney and we had a pretty good time while not setting any scoring records. A good first step in trying something new. The tournament is going on now for 2016 but I don't think I'll play again - not my cup of tea.
2. Great Hill Country Club - Austin. Again, this was a course I had actually played once 25 years ago. But I figured if I couldn't remember it, it didn't count. I did make a special effort to play on a Tuesday with Tom Seekatz, who is my friend Jeff's dad and also was on the UT golf team with my dad in the 50s. Tom has shot his age many times, and is an excellent player. I had not spent a lot of adult time with him and I enjoyed hearing his stories. He's 78 years old now so we've got to take advantage of the time we've got. Well worth the effort to play with him anywhere.
3. Los Lagos - Edinburg. I thought that playing the courses nearby that I don't go to would be an easy way to add to the list. But you've played this course many time! It still felt like a fresh idea to go there. A very challenging driving course make me work my weakness. I've not only got to hit long-ish drives but to keep them in the fairway. A good test anytime. Shot a respectable 87 that day.
I played there again on May 2 in a tournament with Andrew who I had just met that day. On the 11th hole he hit a 5 iron that I knew right away was going right at the hole. And in for a Hole in One, the first I'd ever see from the tee. Super exciting to be there.
4. Roy Kizer - Austin. When you have to GPS the directions to a course, it feels new. I had played here once, I think. I had wanted to play that day but the rain had other plans. When the day cleared about 3 p.m I thought "I'm going for it." I had the course nearly to myself and enjoyed a round that ended near dark. A good game on my birthday weekend.
5. Morris Williams - Austin. This was at least a definition of "somewhat new". The course had been renovated with $6 million and there were some new holes. It was like seeing an old friend. Read my review here.
6. Brackenridge Park - San Antonio. One of my favorites - yes, I've played here before. No one said this goal was easy. I went out to play on Wednesday and we got rained out hard on hole #7. Of course that was a long walk back in through hard rain. I did get a rain check - the fee was pretty high for a weekday - $50. So when I was free on Friday afternoon, the thought of the cost was still in my mind. I figured I'd better go play at least some golf because I'd never use it otherwise. I played #1 and #2, then skipped to #8 and #9. Playing OK at this point. I added up the scores and had a respectable 42. So I decided to keep going. On #10, I hit a great shot - could it be MY hole in one?
Not quite, but the game was on! I was very excited to try and play as well as I could since I knew I was on. When I birdied #15, I knew a breaking 80 was a possibility. But, the pressure is great! 16 was tough off the tee and I scrambled to make bogey. On 17 I was in the fairway, wedge to the green, thinking eagle. I chunked the wedge into the water - double bogey. 18 was still pressure packed. I hit a decent shot but missed the green somewhat. I chipped up about 15 feet - makeable, but... didn't. 4 over on the last 3 holes for an 83. Still probably the best round of the year. Glad I went back.
7. Rancho Viejo - Brownsville. Finally a course I'd never played. And one with some history. The PGA Qualifying School was played here in the 70s. It was probably a reasonably long course then. Still a good challenge off the tee. The resacas were very pretty. A good amount of water that came into play. It was a full day affair, but I'm glad I did it. I would not have gone if it were not for the goal.
8. Tony Butler - Harlingen. Again, a brand new course, right in the area. You drive by it all the time on the freeway and I always thought of playing there. I invited my spiritual advisor, Father Jim to play and he really liked the idea of a new course. As it turns out, what you see from the freeway is not really the real course. A classic municipal, there was even a man Felipe selling balls on the course. A real entrepreneur. Support your local businesses! A number of dogleg holes made for a challenging day.
9. Houston Country Club. Now you've gone too far! The course you grew up playing? Well, everything is new each time. In what has become a tradition, Sean and I play 2 rounds in the summer and make a trip of it. Our friend Ed joined us both day. Hole number 8 which has been under construction was just about to open back up. So both 8 and 10 were shut down for us, but we still had an enjoyable 16 hole day x 2. Plus it provoked a lot of good conversation about the history of the course, which Sean and I know well having played together since the 70s.
Here's what Ben Crenshaw says of Number 8 restoration:
10. Rio Mar - River Course - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
For sure a new course! There are actually 2 courses here at this resort based around the golf courses, but the Fazio course was closed. The River course designed by Greg Norman took good advantage of the terrain. Good water hazards and a challenging driving course. I used rental clubs but the driver was really helping me. Number 17 was the best hole - a drive over water that allows you to cut off as much as you want. Even thought I hit 1 of 2 drivers in the water, it was real challenge. During the week, I had the course nearly to myself.
11. Commonground - Aurora, CO
This course was not only new, but marked a new architect for me, the acclaimed Tom Doak. I didn't know what to expect. This was the best of both worlds. A great course that anyone can play. On the 6th hole, I thought I'd play it safe to the right and hit it where I wanted. When I got up there the ball had rolled all the left to only be 4 feet from the hole. Boy was I surprised! So much that .. I missed it. The ball did truly go further in the mountain air. It got very hot as well. I thought it would be milder in the Mile High City but not in July. A very good course, probably the best of the year. It co-hosted the 2012 US Amateur with Cherry Hills.
12. Alice Municipal - Alice, TX
Perhaps the most satisfying on the list. What that means is that I had heard my friend Richard talk of his younger days playing here. His story reminded me of my younger days and I wanted to see it for myself. Turns out our McAllen CC pro Mike had grown up here too. So on Columbus Day, we three ( including Jaboney) went up to play. We were treated like visiting royalty with our PGA pro in tow. We met their pro, Joe Hernandez, who as it turns out, worked at the McAllen CC in the 70s and 80s. So long ago, that he knew a lot more than any of us. We never would have known this if we hadn't gone. A good South Texas style course, we enjoyed seeing the houses and streets in the back. Reminded me of the San Antonio CC in its square layout.
So that makes 12 courses! If I didn't have the goal, I probably would not have played half of these. It was good to spur me on. This year, my goal is to go on 12 business trips out of town. Maybe I'll get 12 new golf experiences as well. I'll try and keep count!
I didn't make the full 12 new but the goal did get me out of the comfort zone and I made some special efforts to get towards the goal. A goal like that didn't have to be hit to be an accomplishment as you will see.
1. McAllen Country Club Ano Nuevo Tournament. Your home course? That's not new! True but I had never played in this 2 day, member/guest, 27 hole each day, popular tournament. I played with Jaboney and we had a pretty good time while not setting any scoring records. A good first step in trying something new. The tournament is going on now for 2016 but I don't think I'll play again - not my cup of tea.
2. Great Hill Country Club - Austin. Again, this was a course I had actually played once 25 years ago. But I figured if I couldn't remember it, it didn't count. I did make a special effort to play on a Tuesday with Tom Seekatz, who is my friend Jeff's dad and also was on the UT golf team with my dad in the 50s. Tom has shot his age many times, and is an excellent player. I had not spent a lot of adult time with him and I enjoyed hearing his stories. He's 78 years old now so we've got to take advantage of the time we've got. Well worth the effort to play with him anywhere.
3. Los Lagos - Edinburg. I thought that playing the courses nearby that I don't go to would be an easy way to add to the list. But you've played this course many time! It still felt like a fresh idea to go there. A very challenging driving course make me work my weakness. I've not only got to hit long-ish drives but to keep them in the fairway. A good test anytime. Shot a respectable 87 that day.
I played there again on May 2 in a tournament with Andrew who I had just met that day. On the 11th hole he hit a 5 iron that I knew right away was going right at the hole. And in for a Hole in One, the first I'd ever see from the tee. Super exciting to be there.
4. Roy Kizer - Austin. When you have to GPS the directions to a course, it feels new. I had played here once, I think. I had wanted to play that day but the rain had other plans. When the day cleared about 3 p.m I thought "I'm going for it." I had the course nearly to myself and enjoyed a round that ended near dark. A good game on my birthday weekend.
5. Morris Williams - Austin. This was at least a definition of "somewhat new". The course had been renovated with $6 million and there were some new holes. It was like seeing an old friend. Read my review here.
6. Brackenridge Park - San Antonio. One of my favorites - yes, I've played here before. No one said this goal was easy. I went out to play on Wednesday and we got rained out hard on hole #7. Of course that was a long walk back in through hard rain. I did get a rain check - the fee was pretty high for a weekday - $50. So when I was free on Friday afternoon, the thought of the cost was still in my mind. I figured I'd better go play at least some golf because I'd never use it otherwise. I played #1 and #2, then skipped to #8 and #9. Playing OK at this point. I added up the scores and had a respectable 42. So I decided to keep going. On #10, I hit a great shot - could it be MY hole in one?
Not quite, but the game was on! I was very excited to try and play as well as I could since I knew I was on. When I birdied #15, I knew a breaking 80 was a possibility. But, the pressure is great! 16 was tough off the tee and I scrambled to make bogey. On 17 I was in the fairway, wedge to the green, thinking eagle. I chunked the wedge into the water - double bogey. 18 was still pressure packed. I hit a decent shot but missed the green somewhat. I chipped up about 15 feet - makeable, but... didn't. 4 over on the last 3 holes for an 83. Still probably the best round of the year. Glad I went back.
7. Rancho Viejo - Brownsville. Finally a course I'd never played. And one with some history. The PGA Qualifying School was played here in the 70s. It was probably a reasonably long course then. Still a good challenge off the tee. The resacas were very pretty. A good amount of water that came into play. It was a full day affair, but I'm glad I did it. I would not have gone if it were not for the goal.
8. Tony Butler - Harlingen. Again, a brand new course, right in the area. You drive by it all the time on the freeway and I always thought of playing there. I invited my spiritual advisor, Father Jim to play and he really liked the idea of a new course. As it turns out, what you see from the freeway is not really the real course. A classic municipal, there was even a man Felipe selling balls on the course. A real entrepreneur. Support your local businesses! A number of dogleg holes made for a challenging day.
9. Houston Country Club. Now you've gone too far! The course you grew up playing? Well, everything is new each time. In what has become a tradition, Sean and I play 2 rounds in the summer and make a trip of it. Our friend Ed joined us both day. Hole number 8 which has been under construction was just about to open back up. So both 8 and 10 were shut down for us, but we still had an enjoyable 16 hole day x 2. Plus it provoked a lot of good conversation about the history of the course, which Sean and I know well having played together since the 70s.
Here's what Ben Crenshaw says of Number 8 restoration:
HEADLINE NEWS...A MESSAGE FROM BEN CRENSHAW
Dear Members,
I wanted to send along my best wishes to Houston Country Club, with the opening, finally, of the infamous eighth hole. I will hopefully come and visit the Club this fall!
We looked at the eighth hole with an opportunity to transform a par 5 of a different nature of yesteryear, to present a tough hole of today with flexible opportunities for all classes of golfers. These opportunities were brought about through the removal of several trees, which had grown up over several decades, which LIMITED corridors of play throughout the membership. There became only one way to play the eighth, which was to keep the ball well right - and go around, adding tremendous length to the hole. The transformation occurred, when one envisioned the possibilities of a par 4 risk-reward nature, dealing with Buffalo Bayou on the tee shot and the second shot.
I must confess that I thought of the 5th hole at Colonial in reverse. There, the Trinity River serves as the main culprit, but the hole famously bends to the right. There, trees on the corner limit play, but nonetheless, offers similar bold choices.
Two honest shots, from whichever tee one plays from, sums up what we had in mind at the present hole. A fair entrance to the green was vital for all classes of golfers. To offer a narrower entrance to the green would have been less considerate.
I want to personally thank the Club for patience and understanding throughout this time. Mother Nature was a tough old Grandmother to deal with, but there is sufficient reward in the end. I cannot thank enough the hard work of Kevin Borowski and his staff, Gordon Johnson, Doug Dillon and Hunter Nelson for their leadership.
Yours in Gumbo!
Sincerely,
Ben Crenshaw
10. Rio Mar - River Course - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
For sure a new course! There are actually 2 courses here at this resort based around the golf courses, but the Fazio course was closed. The River course designed by Greg Norman took good advantage of the terrain. Good water hazards and a challenging driving course. I used rental clubs but the driver was really helping me. Number 17 was the best hole - a drive over water that allows you to cut off as much as you want. Even thought I hit 1 of 2 drivers in the water, it was real challenge. During the week, I had the course nearly to myself.
11. Commonground - Aurora, CO
This course was not only new, but marked a new architect for me, the acclaimed Tom Doak. I didn't know what to expect. This was the best of both worlds. A great course that anyone can play. On the 6th hole, I thought I'd play it safe to the right and hit it where I wanted. When I got up there the ball had rolled all the left to only be 4 feet from the hole. Boy was I surprised! So much that .. I missed it. The ball did truly go further in the mountain air. It got very hot as well. I thought it would be milder in the Mile High City but not in July. A very good course, probably the best of the year. It co-hosted the 2012 US Amateur with Cherry Hills.
12. Alice Municipal - Alice, TX
Perhaps the most satisfying on the list. What that means is that I had heard my friend Richard talk of his younger days playing here. His story reminded me of my younger days and I wanted to see it for myself. Turns out our McAllen CC pro Mike had grown up here too. So on Columbus Day, we three ( including Jaboney) went up to play. We were treated like visiting royalty with our PGA pro in tow. We met their pro, Joe Hernandez, who as it turns out, worked at the McAllen CC in the 70s and 80s. So long ago, that he knew a lot more than any of us. We never would have known this if we hadn't gone. A good South Texas style course, we enjoyed seeing the houses and streets in the back. Reminded me of the San Antonio CC in its square layout.
So that makes 12 courses! If I didn't have the goal, I probably would not have played half of these. It was good to spur me on. This year, my goal is to go on 12 business trips out of town. Maybe I'll get 12 new golf experiences as well. I'll try and keep count!
Friday, January 15, 2016
Cancun Mexico
Our time share program through the Westin Hotels allowed us to come to the Westin Lagunamar in Cancun this week. We arrived Friday very late at midnight but the nonstop flight from Reynosa MX made it worthwhile.
My highlight was that I wanted to go to the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza and the trip did not disappoint. It was a full day commitment but the time of year was ideal - it would have been very tough in the heat of the summer in the central Yucatan jungle. But during January... perfect! Our bus tour left at 0730 and the trip went very fast with someone else driving. I had read there would be a crush of tourists but the area was very large and they knew how to absorb all the people. The temples were quite large and impressive but it was cool to think that there was so much more to be uncovered. We really don´t know a lot about the culture since it was quickly repressed and destroyed by the Spanish colonizers-conquerors. All was mystery, impenetrable mystery -according to a quote in 5 Unlucky Days, the book by my classmate Jim Diego Kelly. I´m glad I read it before I came.
On the way back we went to the Ik Kil cenote which was.. the best swimming hole ever. I really enjoyed it and it is hard to describe how cool it was. But it was about 26 meters down to the water. The water depth was 50 meters so it was like an ancient waterfall plunge pool caved in on all sides.
When I got back it had been a big day. Glad I did it.
That was the big excursion of the week. Otherwise it was a true vacation of sleeping late, not driving, eating and drinking, reading, even watching some football and CNN. It was nice to think that everything could stay on hold for a week with out me.
My highlight was that I wanted to go to the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza and the trip did not disappoint. It was a full day commitment but the time of year was ideal - it would have been very tough in the heat of the summer in the central Yucatan jungle. But during January... perfect! Our bus tour left at 0730 and the trip went very fast with someone else driving. I had read there would be a crush of tourists but the area was very large and they knew how to absorb all the people. The temples were quite large and impressive but it was cool to think that there was so much more to be uncovered. We really don´t know a lot about the culture since it was quickly repressed and destroyed by the Spanish colonizers-conquerors. All was mystery, impenetrable mystery -according to a quote in 5 Unlucky Days, the book by my classmate Jim Diego Kelly. I´m glad I read it before I came.
On the way back we went to the Ik Kil cenote which was.. the best swimming hole ever. I really enjoyed it and it is hard to describe how cool it was. But it was about 26 meters down to the water. The water depth was 50 meters so it was like an ancient waterfall plunge pool caved in on all sides.
When I got back it had been a big day. Glad I did it.
That was the big excursion of the week. Otherwise it was a true vacation of sleeping late, not driving, eating and drinking, reading, even watching some football and CNN. It was nice to think that everything could stay on hold for a week with out me.
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