That post from yesterday was very unusually timed. Turned out I had exactly that kind of day that I envisioned that did not exist.
Today it is snowing! They are calling it Irene's Snow for the conviction of former priest John Feit for murdering Irene Garza in 1960 in McAllen. Justice served - after 57 years of coverup.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Slow Day
It's the holiday season - things are getting slow. Surprisingly.
Not the typical lawyer mood:
Early to work, work steadily all day, clients impressed, staff energized
Then off to some equally exciting after work activity
All while making a boatload of money, keeping everyone happy - from spouses to car salesmen.
But good news - only 17 shopping days left.
Not the typical lawyer mood:
Early to work, work steadily all day, clients impressed, staff energized
Then off to some equally exciting after work activity
All while making a boatload of money, keeping everyone happy - from spouses to car salesmen.
But good news - only 17 shopping days left.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Top 9 on Shazam
Shazam is a cool app that will listen to a song and tell you what it is. I like using it in stores or places where music is playing and I like the song. It also keeps a record of your tags. You find some unusual as well as familiar songs. So I looked over the list to make this Top 9 of 2017
On and On – Brett Eldredge - a deep cut
Is this Love – Bob Marley - from Homer and Marienma's wedding
Only When You Leave – Spandau Ballet - the Bronski Beat station on iHeart Radio
I’m Real – Jennifer Lopez - she has a distinctive voice
Bad Man Walking – Gov’t Mule - some different country
Mr. Blue Sky – ELO - from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.
Zanzibar – Billy Joel - Memorial H.S. reunion video
Better Man – Little Big Town - written by Taylor Swift
Heatstroke – Calvin Harris - featuring Arianna Grande
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Fort Worth
it was a full schedule in Fort Worth Friday. I went to the Filmmaker Session at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel. My friend Mark the Producer as well as the lead actor Patrick Fabian gave a Q&A about the making of the movie.
Then we all went to lunch nearby at Del Frisco Grille - which I liked. Mark and I had gone to Junior High together but had not seen each other since.
And it was cool to be with a real movie star. You could see people turning around to look at Patrick. Which was neat.
I stayed at the Sheraton on the other side of downtown. My room had a nice view of the water "park" - very unusual.
The movie Driver X was at 7:30 at AMC Palace Sundance Square. Very nice downtown area. Lots of stores, restaurants, spaces. Afterwards we had a late dinner at the Reata Rooftop. Very much of a movie star experience. One of our group, who had also gone to junior high with us, Marnie was a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
I made it back to the hotel by midnight, got up at 8 and was on the road by 8:30. So I made the most of 1 day in Fort Worth, TX.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Houston Astros Win 2017 World Series!
After many years, it's impressive to see the view from the top of the mountain. My team since I was a boy growing up in Houston, the Houston Astros won the World Series in impressive fashion, Game 7, on the road, in Los Angeles over the Dodgers.
My early memories from 1975 or so were going to the Astrodome for a game with the Cub Scouts. I also remember joining the Astros Buddies junior fan club and getting a sticker as well as a coupon for an upper deck ticket, which I had my dad go to the game with me.
Those were days that the Astros were in the N.L. West. So they had to go against the glory days of the Reds, and the Dodgers. The Dodgers beat the Astros for the NL West division in 1980 in a tough fashion. Even Nolan Ryan in the 80s could not punch the Astros through, until they won the division in 1986 and then lost to the Mets in tough fashion again in the NLCS.
In the late 80s I moved back to Houston after college and remember feeling plentiful that I could watch the Astros on every game ( if you could find cable). I watched a number of games at the Mr. Gatti's big screen on Voss, as well as the pool hall at Fountain View and San Felipe. That was when two young players, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell came on the scene and played for 15 + years each.
With an ownership change, Drayton McLane reinvested and got the City and County to build a new ball park, baseball only. Enron Field was a game changer in that it showed that downtown stadiums were the place to be. In the early 2000s, I had part of 2 season tickets and saw 10 -12 games each season. My daughter liked to go to the games and we had a lot of fun at that time. We usually left after 7 innings since our games were usually on a school night. I remember they were in section 327.
We moved to McAllen and I continued to be a fan from afar. The games on not on TV so frequently. One year I even bought the MLB Season Pass and the games were still blacked out.
The 2005 World Series was over before it even got started. But the run up to it was great, with having to beat the St. Louis Cardinals in their prime. At the time, Astros were in the NL Central Division. I saw a wild card game in 2001 but again, Astros were swept by Braves in 3 games.
I never thought there would be another World Series, but here it is. I remember well the 2014 Sports Ilustrated cover and reading that article in a library in the Memorial Villages. To think that it really happened. And George Springer was MVP. Pretty cool when predictions become reality.
I can understand how Cubs fans feel now. It's good to be on top. But we can't stay on the mountain top forever. We'll make our way down.
We'll always have L.A.
Wait Til Next Year!
Maybe we'll be like the Yankees or the Cardinals and multiple year winners!
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Austin and Clarksville
Near Austin High just off West 6th St is the Clarksville neighborhood. There is no sign to say you are there and for many years when I was in high school I didn't know about its history or much about it.
Clarksville was and is a historically black neighborhood in an otherwise very white side of West Austin. One time I remember going there I went down Patterson St to take a friend from high school home to pick up something. I was surprised to see the old Victorian style houses on that street. Much different than the other side of MoPac,
A number of our Austin High Class of 1983 students were black students from Clarksville. The neighborhood was zoned to O. Henry Junior High as well and so the students from both Clarksville and Tarrytown went to school together for years. Interesting that each was probably named appropriately after Tarrytown, NY and Clarksville, MS.
In hindsight it was good to have such integration in our 70s and 80s era. It certainly did not come fast to Austin. While my aunt Sharon said that her father Noble Prentice was on the Austin school board when they ingregated in the late 50s, the West Austin area was not integrated until the early 1960s. Don Baylor, Austin High class of 1967 was one of the first black students at O. Henry. His nephew Skip Baylor was in my class of 1983.
Interesting Don Baylor was one of the first black football players offered a scholarship at the University of Texas but turned it down to join Major League Baseball where he was an All-Star, MVP, played 19 years and in 3 World Series, and managed for many years thereafter.
Amazing to think that in 1970, there was not a single black player on the UT football team. Ingregation came very slowly, in Austin, Texas. The people of Clarksville certainly did their part to make that happen. And what did they get? The MoPac Freeway right through the neighborhood.
Our Austin High classmate, RuthAnn Brown, from the Clarksville neighborhood died this month. As it said in her obituary, she was "Loud and Proud". I remember her and how she was very comfortable at Austin High and had the respect of many. Her funeral was in Clarksville at the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church.
Integration didn't come any easier in Austin than anywhere else. In the 1970s, since the first round didn't work, Austin ISD was under a court order to desegregate. The solution was forced bussing and the initial act was to create 6th grade centers for students from different areas to get used to the bussing required. Our area went to Baker Middle School, then to 7th and 8th grade at O. Henry. But that only went so far.
When the enrollment stats were published for the high schools in 1979, Austin High was 60% white, 25% Hispanic and 15% black, which was probably representative of the whole city at the time. The Austin school board chose to bus only 2 schools, Anderson HS (all white) and Johnston HS ( all minority).
It wasn't all fun and games at Austin High. At the students assemblies in the gym, the white students all sat on the west side, the black students all on the east side. Again, more symbolism. The cheer squad was integrated as a result of block voting. But everyone seems to mix OK during the breaks and in class and on the fields of friendly strife.
I guess we were all products of our time and doing the best we could. It's not like it was any easier or better anywhere else. You can't go home again.
Clarksville was and is a historically black neighborhood in an otherwise very white side of West Austin. One time I remember going there I went down Patterson St to take a friend from high school home to pick up something. I was surprised to see the old Victorian style houses on that street. Much different than the other side of MoPac,
A number of our Austin High Class of 1983 students were black students from Clarksville. The neighborhood was zoned to O. Henry Junior High as well and so the students from both Clarksville and Tarrytown went to school together for years. Interesting that each was probably named appropriately after Tarrytown, NY and Clarksville, MS.
In hindsight it was good to have such integration in our 70s and 80s era. It certainly did not come fast to Austin. While my aunt Sharon said that her father Noble Prentice was on the Austin school board when they ingregated in the late 50s, the West Austin area was not integrated until the early 1960s. Don Baylor, Austin High class of 1967 was one of the first black students at O. Henry. His nephew Skip Baylor was in my class of 1983.
Interesting Don Baylor was one of the first black football players offered a scholarship at the University of Texas but turned it down to join Major League Baseball where he was an All-Star, MVP, played 19 years and in 3 World Series, and managed for many years thereafter.
Amazing to think that in 1970, there was not a single black player on the UT football team. Ingregation came very slowly, in Austin, Texas. The people of Clarksville certainly did their part to make that happen. And what did they get? The MoPac Freeway right through the neighborhood.
Our Austin High classmate, RuthAnn Brown, from the Clarksville neighborhood died this month. As it said in her obituary, she was "Loud and Proud". I remember her and how she was very comfortable at Austin High and had the respect of many. Her funeral was in Clarksville at the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church.
Integration didn't come any easier in Austin than anywhere else. In the 1970s, since the first round didn't work, Austin ISD was under a court order to desegregate. The solution was forced bussing and the initial act was to create 6th grade centers for students from different areas to get used to the bussing required. Our area went to Baker Middle School, then to 7th and 8th grade at O. Henry. But that only went so far.
When the enrollment stats were published for the high schools in 1979, Austin High was 60% white, 25% Hispanic and 15% black, which was probably representative of the whole city at the time. The Austin school board chose to bus only 2 schools, Anderson HS (all white) and Johnston HS ( all minority).
It wasn't all fun and games at Austin High. At the students assemblies in the gym, the white students all sat on the west side, the black students all on the east side. Again, more symbolism. The cheer squad was integrated as a result of block voting. But everyone seems to mix OK during the breaks and in class and on the fields of friendly strife.
I guess we were all products of our time and doing the best we could. It's not like it was any easier or better anywhere else. You can't go home again.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
1963 Corvette
While at Keith's shop last week, Jason drove the 63 Corvette from the warehouse across the street. It was parked out front and I went to sit inside it. After a bit, Jason asked "Want to drive it?"
Yes! was the answer. I fired it up and worked to back it out carefully. A 4 speed manual transmission. 327 cubic inch V-8 engine. Good thing I am knowledgeable and experienced. The 1963 model with the split rear window is very desirable for collectors. This car was very original, few modifications. No shoulder seat belt. A very narrow grip on the steering wheel. Seats only come up to your shoulders at most. No head rests. The original "Unsafe at Any Speed".
Funny thing ... you press the gas and nothing happens. So you really have to press the accelerator hard. Even more so with the brakes. Nothing happens at first - like you have no brakes. But then you really mash it and it stops. Definitely a heavy, more mechanical feel. On a modern car, you just tap the brake or accelerator and things happens quickly.
I carefully drove it for 5 minutes through the neighborhood. Kind of like sneaking out Mom's car at age 15, I didn't really want to see anyone while I was illicitly driving. A good time and a good memory now that I think of it.
Yes! was the answer. I fired it up and worked to back it out carefully. A 4 speed manual transmission. 327 cubic inch V-8 engine. Good thing I am knowledgeable and experienced. The 1963 model with the split rear window is very desirable for collectors. This car was very original, few modifications. No shoulder seat belt. A very narrow grip on the steering wheel. Seats only come up to your shoulders at most. No head rests. The original "Unsafe at Any Speed".
Funny thing ... you press the gas and nothing happens. So you really have to press the accelerator hard. Even more so with the brakes. Nothing happens at first - like you have no brakes. But then you really mash it and it stops. Definitely a heavy, more mechanical feel. On a modern car, you just tap the brake or accelerator and things happens quickly.
I carefully drove it for 5 minutes through the neighborhood. Kind of like sneaking out Mom's car at age 15, I didn't really want to see anyone while I was illicitly driving. A good time and a good memory now that I think of it.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Plitt Woodlake 3 Theater - Houston
Yes I did see it in the theater. It was the old Woodlake 3 in Houston. First some background from "Trophy Property on HoustonArchitecture.comWe're taking you back to 1979 with these behind the scenes stills from ALIEN. Did you see this film in the theater in '79? #WayBackWednesday pic.twitter.com/2eN0Q2Cug5— Alien (@AlienAnthology) October 18, 2017
I grew up going to Theatres with 3-6 screens. I have some great memories of Briargrove 3 before it became and dollar theatre and after. When we moved to Briargrove Park we had all sorts of options. There was AMC Westchase 5, Plitt Woodlake Square 3, AMC Town & Country 6 and Also Lowes Town and Country 3. Any movie you wanted to see was at those theaters.
I can remember seeing Rocky III, Scarface (snuck in), and ET at Woodlake 3.
I can remember the narrowness of the T&C 6 Lobby. There was also a cool video game room. It probably had 6-10 video games.
I can remember in 7th grade meeting and kissing a girl at T&C 3 while viewing Revenge of the Nerds. It was my first pick up. My buddy got farther than me (2nd base if you will) and never let me live that one down. His girl was cuter as well.
I remember getting dropped off at all these theaters for an early movie and we would stay and watch 2 movies. It was a fun time.
When AMC Town and Country 12 was built across I-10 the movie experience started to shift towards bigger theaters with more choices.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Closer to Home
No big travels these past few weeks. We are going to Austin for the weekend to see Sarah and Travis - plus see the Texas v. Oklahoma State game. Hope UT can keep up - they've had their hands full with top QBs like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield. Now Mason Rudolph - possible Heisman candidate.
Current line is OK State by 7.5 in Austin - a big spread. I'll put my imaginary money on the home team.
We are going to the Bodhi Yoga studio on Friday morning. Will be good to see our friends from the Isla Mujeres yoga retreat.
Current line is OK State by 7.5 in Austin - a big spread. I'll put my imaginary money on the home team.
We are going to the Bodhi Yoga studio on Friday morning. Will be good to see our friends from the Isla Mujeres yoga retreat.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Dreaming
I dreamed I had taken Susan to the airport and then dropped her off. I was with our grandson (we don't have one ) and he and I parked the car and then walked back to the terminal. On the way he found a slide and slid down it into a pond. I called "don't get your phone wet" but he said "I don't have a camera". So I was relieved. When we got to the terminal, Susan asked "Why is he all wet?"
Monday, October 2, 2017
Tesla Model S review
I had the opportunity to drive a 2014 Tesla Model S sedan this weekend. It is certainly the future of a car - many things have been engineered out: no engine, no drivetrain, no transmission, no gas tank, no combustion heat, no cooling system.
In its place are two electric motors and a battery assortment to power the car. There's no firing up, no lag, no loud noises. You do hear the A/C running, as well as the tire friction and the air flow.
At heart its a luxury sedan, roomy as the largest cars available, the S class Mercedes, the 7 series BMW, the Hyundai Equus, the Ford Crown Victoria. To some degree that is not the most popular class today. Trucks and SUV dominate the roads here in Texas. So the Tesla sits much lower than those bigger vehicles.
Performance it's got. No lag means instant power pushing the accelerator. It will jump from highway speed of 70 or 75 to as high as you want. Top speed limited to 140 mph on this version. The speed and room is the difference between this all-electric performer and a Toyota Prius for example. The Prius due to smaller size and weight is probably more quiet, even with hybrid technology.
This 2014 version which sold for $105,000 new does not have the most advanced Autopilot technology. You still have to drive it. But it does have excellent Navigation and cell phone connectivity and a large (double iPad size) screen. Very helpful to have a co-pilot work the screen as you can hardly drive and work the large screen at the same time.
Top battery range I was able to get after 2 Supercharges was about 222 miles. The local Supercharger at the Embassy Suites in McAllen, TX was pretty easy to use. On Sunday afternoon there were 4 of us there charging up. Nearest Supercharger is in Kingsville TX about 100 miles away.
I'll be interested to investigate how the Model 3 stacks up for those who want more basic transportation. But the Model S clearly hits the luxury sedan target with extra points for the cutting edge technology. Hard to imagine that electric will not take over in the near future.
In its place are two electric motors and a battery assortment to power the car. There's no firing up, no lag, no loud noises. You do hear the A/C running, as well as the tire friction and the air flow.
At heart its a luxury sedan, roomy as the largest cars available, the S class Mercedes, the 7 series BMW, the Hyundai Equus, the Ford Crown Victoria. To some degree that is not the most popular class today. Trucks and SUV dominate the roads here in Texas. So the Tesla sits much lower than those bigger vehicles.
Performance it's got. No lag means instant power pushing the accelerator. It will jump from highway speed of 70 or 75 to as high as you want. Top speed limited to 140 mph on this version. The speed and room is the difference between this all-electric performer and a Toyota Prius for example. The Prius due to smaller size and weight is probably more quiet, even with hybrid technology.
This 2014 version which sold for $105,000 new does not have the most advanced Autopilot technology. You still have to drive it. But it does have excellent Navigation and cell phone connectivity and a large (double iPad size) screen. Very helpful to have a co-pilot work the screen as you can hardly drive and work the large screen at the same time.
Top battery range I was able to get after 2 Supercharges was about 222 miles. The local Supercharger at the Embassy Suites in McAllen, TX was pretty easy to use. On Sunday afternoon there were 4 of us there charging up. Nearest Supercharger is in Kingsville TX about 100 miles away.
I'll be interested to investigate how the Model 3 stacks up for those who want more basic transportation. But the Model S clearly hits the luxury sedan target with extra points for the cutting edge technology. Hard to imagine that electric will not take over in the near future.
Friday, September 1, 2017
An Unlucky Day
Today is the Friday before Labor Day. The Wall St Journal called it Getaway Day. But for me, it is a day to stay away from possible trouble.
The Mayan calendar has 18 months of 20 days and the extra 5 days are considered Unlucky Days. During those days they avoided unnecessary work. For me, this day is one of those Unlucky Days. So I stay away from work, lest anything bad befall me there.
It is rooted in history. One year, I recall rushing to file an answer, thinking I was out of time. As it turned out, that case lasted for 9 years. There was plenty of time after all.
Another year, I recall staying out late and drinking too much. That was not a good memory.
In general, it always was a stressful Friday.
So in recent times, I have found it better to just take the day off. I don't miss much. And its a good defense.
* Sidenote - Germany invaded Poland on Sept 1, 1940
The Mayan calendar has 18 months of 20 days and the extra 5 days are considered Unlucky Days. During those days they avoided unnecessary work. For me, this day is one of those Unlucky Days. So I stay away from work, lest anything bad befall me there.
It is rooted in history. One year, I recall rushing to file an answer, thinking I was out of time. As it turned out, that case lasted for 9 years. There was plenty of time after all.
Another year, I recall staying out late and drinking too much. That was not a good memory.
In general, it always was a stressful Friday.
So in recent times, I have found it better to just take the day off. I don't miss much. And its a good defense.
* Sidenote - Germany invaded Poland on Sept 1, 1940
Monday, August 28, 2017
In Your Dreams
One of the problems in writing down your dreams is what Freud realized - it's your unconscious mind at work, and usually about things so personal to you (e.g. sex) that the dreams are repressed, forgotten as it were, but still there.
Writing these dreams down is like opening yourself up, in a way you might not want to share.
Last night: I dreamed I was a country club, spending the night. Thinking no one was around, I heard noises and went to investigate. There I found the end of a gathering of people, including a friend of mine, a former high school cheerleader,
As we were alone, I told her how everyone admired her in her younger days. This truthfulness instantly backfired and she was offended. I regretted being honest and saying what was on my mind. Then later she softened and started being nice to me, wanting to ask me out. Now it was me, wanted to back off, to flip the script. This was not how I wanted it to be.
It made me think that we might be destined to do the exact things over and over again in life. Our personality is not going to change, no matter the circumstances.
Writing these dreams down is like opening yourself up, in a way you might not want to share.
Last night: I dreamed I was a country club, spending the night. Thinking no one was around, I heard noises and went to investigate. There I found the end of a gathering of people, including a friend of mine, a former high school cheerleader,
As we were alone, I told her how everyone admired her in her younger days. This truthfulness instantly backfired and she was offended. I regretted being honest and saying what was on my mind. Then later she softened and started being nice to me, wanting to ask me out. Now it was me, wanted to back off, to flip the script. This was not how I wanted it to be.
It made me think that we might be destined to do the exact things over and over again in life. Our personality is not going to change, no matter the circumstances.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Old Friends
My mother Kate has several friends who she has known since they all grew up on the same street in the 1930s and 40s. Despite everything, they have remained friends and all are still alive and keep in touch as best as they can. They've been through high school, college, marriages, divorces, young children, mid life, grown children, in laws, old age and deaths.
In addition to Kate, there is Marianne, Betsy, Francia and Fay. People who know them call them the Wickersham Bunch. That's the name of their old street in Houston.
Kate was telling me about Francia, who is now living in assisted care in Akron, Ohio where her son, a primary caregiver, has been relocated due to work. I have suggested that we go visit Francia and hope that trip will come off in the future. It seems only right to keep that good friendship stoked, no matter the distance or condition.
Fay is living in Houston but basically housebound. Fay divorced in the 1970s and never remarried. She always had a good head for business and is self supporting.
Marianne lives in Austin with one of her children, and suffers from dementia. She is widowed from her husband, who also grew up in the same neighborhood as the Wickersham bunch. He was very successful in the car business, investing in a little known Japanese car company in the 1960s, called Toyota.
Betty and her longtim6e husband lives in San Marcos in a senior living apartment.
Kate is still in her own home and has been married to my father since 1961. Guess who her bridesmaids were?
In addition to Kate, there is Marianne, Betsy, Francia and Fay. People who know them call them the Wickersham Bunch. That's the name of their old street in Houston.
Kate was telling me about Francia, who is now living in assisted care in Akron, Ohio where her son, a primary caregiver, has been relocated due to work. I have suggested that we go visit Francia and hope that trip will come off in the future. It seems only right to keep that good friendship stoked, no matter the distance or condition.
Fay is living in Houston but basically housebound. Fay divorced in the 1970s and never remarried. She always had a good head for business and is self supporting.
Marianne lives in Austin with one of her children, and suffers from dementia. She is widowed from her husband, who also grew up in the same neighborhood as the Wickersham bunch. He was very successful in the car business, investing in a little known Japanese car company in the 1960s, called Toyota.
Betty and her longtim6e husband lives in San Marcos in a senior living apartment.
Kate is still in her own home and has been married to my father since 1961. Guess who her bridesmaids were?
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Arctic Expedition
Listening to a podcast about an advertisement for women to join an Arctic expedition in the 90s reminded me of an old memory.
It was 1987 and I was under-employed living in Washington DC. I had taken to going to the Georgetown University career office to look for job postings (there were none). But there were job-hunting books to read. It felt like I was doing something to find a job.
One day I saw on a bulletin board "Men wanted for adventure to South America". So I called the number and met the person, Jimmy, who seemed normal. He was trying to get a group of 5-6 people to drive from the US down to the far end of South America. Everything sounded good except when he said he had no van and that we each had to come up with $1,000 or so to buy a share of the van.
As I mentioned I didn't have any job or money so that was a non-starter there. Probably would have been a good trip with a little better planning.
I wonder what ever happened to Jimmy?
It was 1987 and I was under-employed living in Washington DC. I had taken to going to the Georgetown University career office to look for job postings (there were none). But there were job-hunting books to read. It felt like I was doing something to find a job.
One day I saw on a bulletin board "Men wanted for adventure to South America". So I called the number and met the person, Jimmy, who seemed normal. He was trying to get a group of 5-6 people to drive from the US down to the far end of South America. Everything sounded good except when he said he had no van and that we each had to come up with $1,000 or so to buy a share of the van.
As I mentioned I didn't have any job or money so that was a non-starter there. Probably would have been a good trip with a little better planning.
I wonder what ever happened to Jimmy?
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Bodhi Yoga retreat 2017
Looking for the ideal vacation for Susan and me, I had the following criteria:
Get away from where people knew us
Do yoga
A healthy eating and living experience.
We had all of the 3 at the Bodhi Yoga retreat - although we did go with a couple that we knew. But they were the type of people to take along, not get away from.
We went to Isla Mujeres, off the Cancun, Mexico coast. I had been to Isla Mujeres on a boat trip befor but only to the coastline. I didn't know there were hotels and businesses there.
We stayed at the Zoetry Villa Rolandi right on the water. We had our own beach and 3 pools. Most everyone was in the big pool. Waiter service constantly. All inclusive food and drink - and the food was excellent. "Not a buffet in sight" as Susan put it.
I was nervous about doing yoga twice a day but I did all the sessions. From a tough 75 minute session to a Yin practice (easier) we covered the subject well. Four different person instructed. A lot of variety. Bodhi Yoga in Austin was the sponsor.
We enjoyed meeting a lot of new people, and no one cared what you did or anything like that. Very refreshing. We hope to go again.
Our instructor Anna brought her whole family from grandmother to baby. That was a highlight of the trip. I enjoyed the family aspect a lot.
Get away from where people knew us
Do yoga
A healthy eating and living experience.
We had all of the 3 at the Bodhi Yoga retreat - although we did go with a couple that we knew. But they were the type of people to take along, not get away from.
We went to Isla Mujeres, off the Cancun, Mexico coast. I had been to Isla Mujeres on a boat trip befor but only to the coastline. I didn't know there were hotels and businesses there.
We stayed at the Zoetry Villa Rolandi right on the water. We had our own beach and 3 pools. Most everyone was in the big pool. Waiter service constantly. All inclusive food and drink - and the food was excellent. "Not a buffet in sight" as Susan put it.
I was nervous about doing yoga twice a day but I did all the sessions. From a tough 75 minute session to a Yin practice (easier) we covered the subject well. Four different person instructed. A lot of variety. Bodhi Yoga in Austin was the sponsor.
We enjoyed meeting a lot of new people, and no one cared what you did or anything like that. Very refreshing. We hope to go again.
Our instructor Anna brought her whole family from grandmother to baby. That was a highlight of the trip. I enjoyed the family aspect a lot.
A Texas-sized Donation to Virginia Colleges
A Texas-Sized Donation
for Virginia Colleges
By Gregory Turley, Washington and Lee Class of 1987
On the list carved in stone of Honored Benefactors of
Washington and Lee University is the name of a mysterious woman. Her name, Mary Moody Northen, also is on the
Leyburn Library auditorium and lobby.
What motivated this woman from Galveston, Texas to donate more than
$500,000 to Washington and Lee in the
1970s?
Not only did Mary Moody Northen donate to Washington and Lee,
she also was a major donor to Virginia Military Institute (when she was the
first honorary woman graduate) as well as Hollins University. She did not attend any of these institutions
of higher learning. But with total gifts
of nearly $5 million, she made an impact on these colleges in Virginia’s
Shenandoah Valley.
Mrs. Northen was a successful businesswoman in her own
right. She was President of 52
companies, engaged in banking, cotton, insurance, ranching and hotels. She was born in Galveston, Texas but her
story begins with her grandfather in Chesterfield, Virginia, near Richmond.
Her grandfather, William L. Moody (appropriately known as W.L.)
graduated from the University of Virginia (1847), and thereafter moved to
Fairfield, Texas and began the practice of law.
Finding that a bit dull, he entered the mercantile business and later moved
to Galveston, Texas.
During the Civil War, he rose to the rank of Colonel in the
Confederate Army, and was known for the rest of his life as Col. Moody. Col. Moody was married to Libbie Rice
Shearn Moody. Libbie was cousin to
Susannah Pleasants Cocke, who with her husband, Charles, were founders of
Hollins University.
Libbie and Col. W.L. Moody had 2 sons, William Jr. (father of
Mary) and Frank Bradley Moody. As a
teenager, William attended classes at Hollins and lived in Hollins East
dormitory for a time. Thereafter he
attended Virginia Military Institute for 1 year (1886) and the University of
Texas. Legend has it that he was fond of saying that
he had learned all of his manners “as a young lady at Hollins”.
The Moody family had a summer home in Lexington, at 601 S.
Main St. It was later bought by James
Whitehead, longtime registrar of Washington and Lee. The family also owned the Mountain Lake Hotel
at Pembroke, VA, made famous for its providing the set location of the classic
1987 movie Dirty Dancing.
William L. Moody Jr. had 4 children, Mary, Shearn, William
III and Libbie (who later married Congressman Clark Thompson.) After the death of her father, William, Jr, who died in 1954, and the death of her husband Clyde Northen,
who died within 7 weeks of each other, Mrs. Northen became head of the Moody
businesses.
Mrs. Northen thereafter made a number of large donations to
Virginia Military Institute, resulting in the name of Moody Hall off the parade
grounds, as well as the Mary Moody Northen Library. In addition to her status as the first honorary
VMI alumna, she also served on the Board of Visitors, established an endowed professor’s
chair in the Arts and became the first Life Member of the Institute
Society.
She also donated over $1 million to Hollins University and
her generosity can be seen in the Mary Moody Northen Swimming Center as well as the Moody Center,
the student center (named after her parents William Moody Jr. and Libbie Moody). She served as a trustee of Hollins and was an
honorary alumna and honorary trustee for life.
At her death in 1987, a VMI honor guard paid their respects
to one of their own. She is buried in
the family mausoleum in Hitchcock, Texas.
She was 94 years old.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Blondie + Garbage - Friday Aug 11 - Austin ACL Live
Thanks to Bob FM 103.5, I won 2 tickets to Blondie with Garbage opening. I had signed up months ago primarily because the ACL Live theater is a great location. And I won. So, be sure to enter those contests.
Kyle came down from Arlington for the show. We recalled Blondie from the early 80s. We didn't know much about Garbage from the 90s since we were changing diapers at that stage in life.
A great mini weekend. Thursday night, we had dinner at the Yard House (brewpub) and then walked around the Rock Rose section of the Domain. Like a little 6th St. I would not have done that otherwise.
Friday I took Kyle to golf at Lions Municipal, my old home course. I had fun telling everyone about "there used to be a tree there" and such. Kyle said he could tell it was a special place for me.
The show was very good. Blondie is now in their 70s primarily and you have to remember how cutting edge they used to be. The crowd really liked "The Tide is High". I wanna be your number 1. Garbage reminded me of Evanescence, which was a good comparison. I thought Shirley Manson was a great lead, and the show had a nice arc to it.
Kyle came down from Arlington for the show. We recalled Blondie from the early 80s. We didn't know much about Garbage from the 90s since we were changing diapers at that stage in life.
A great mini weekend. Thursday night, we had dinner at the Yard House (brewpub) and then walked around the Rock Rose section of the Domain. Like a little 6th St. I would not have done that otherwise.
Friday I took Kyle to golf at Lions Municipal, my old home course. I had fun telling everyone about "there used to be a tree there" and such. Kyle said he could tell it was a special place for me.
The show was very good. Blondie is now in their 70s primarily and you have to remember how cutting edge they used to be. The crowd really liked "The Tide is High". I wanna be your number 1. Garbage reminded me of Evanescence, which was a good comparison. I thought Shirley Manson was a great lead, and the show had a nice arc to it.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Out of control
Another dream: I was driving an old Cadillac which had small brakes for such a heavy car. I can't stop the car which is barreling along. I have to crash land the car in an open field near an airport. Fortunately my friend Keith can fix the brakes.
Out of control/ no control/ heading toward disaster/ narrowly averted. Must have a lot on my mind.
Out of control/ no control/ heading toward disaster/ narrowly averted. Must have a lot on my mind.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Such a Nice Guy
Just finished writing a letter of recommendation for Professor Clopton - here's what I wrote:
But perhaps my highest compliment is that I refer to him as “Professor
Clopton” because he reminds me of my esteemed former professor Dr. J.D. Futch
III at Washington and Lee University.
They both have that joy of knowledge that cannot be faked. Ask any alumni of Washington and Lee of the
last 50 years and they will know exactly who Dr. Futch is and why that is such
a favorable comparison.
And my messages are coming in: "So nice" "Good man"
It's a blessing - sometimes it feels like a weight in this world where we root for the R Rated person more than the G rated person.
A subject for a future sermon. I'm waiting for that opportunity. Yes, that is very nice of me...
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Friends from College * Netflix
I've been watching this new show. Produced by Nicholas Stoller who is the director of such movies as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, it's a comedy about a group of 40 years olds (think Friends) acting like a bunch of 20 year olds (think How I Met Your Mother).
Starring Colbie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), they are a bunch of loveable losers, none of them does anything vaguely adult. The real grown up are the people in the stars lives who just don't understand those long standing college bonds.
All in all, pretty silly but at least an original comedy on TV.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
A good golf round today
I played with Kyle who is a 0 handicap golf - winner of the City Championship and Club Champion many times. I'm a 10 handicap, meaning he is 10 shots better.
I was playing pretty well. I started on
hole 11 bogey
12 bogey - 3 putt
13 bogey
14 bogey
15 par
16 par
17 bogey
18 bogey
I was driving the ball well - hit every fairway and got progressively longer. After a while Kyle said that I was keeping up with him "Mano a Mano". On 18 he asked, what are you doing today that is making you do so well? I had to think ( a good question) and I thought that it had to do with:
I had a sufficient time to warm up
Good nutrition and not so hot that day
A good upper body workout on Saturday - the dumbbell upright row was particularly golf -friendly.
I also think the new Ping Glide 54 wedge I got helped - particularly since I practiced with it
Even thought I bogeyed 18 I still beat Kyle on that hole since he was behind a tree - he should have hit the fairway like I did.
So it was a good day when you keep up with a much better player.
I was playing pretty well. I started on
hole 11 bogey
12 bogey - 3 putt
13 bogey
14 bogey
15 par
16 par
17 bogey
18 bogey
I was driving the ball well - hit every fairway and got progressively longer. After a while Kyle said that I was keeping up with him "Mano a Mano". On 18 he asked, what are you doing today that is making you do so well? I had to think ( a good question) and I thought that it had to do with:
I had a sufficient time to warm up
Good nutrition and not so hot that day
A good upper body workout on Saturday - the dumbbell upright row was particularly golf -friendly.
I also think the new Ping Glide 54 wedge I got helped - particularly since I practiced with it
Even thought I bogeyed 18 I still beat Kyle on that hole since he was behind a tree - he should have hit the fairway like I did.
So it was a good day when you keep up with a much better player.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Cline's Tesoro Station
In Anchorage, after I picked up the rental car, the low tire light was on. Not wanted to drive to Seward like that, I asked at the Westmark Hotel of a nearby tire shop. They recommended the Tesoro station at the corner of 5th and Gambell. "I had some work done there and it was very cheap!" said the front desk clerk.
Going to the station, it was like the old Windsor Texaco in Austin - a small store, two bays with men working inside, free air. When I couldn't get the gauge right, one of the workers helped me out. He advised to keep the pressure at 40 psi. "The sweet spot" he said. I then manually reset the light and all was well.
I went inside to buy at least a candy bar and soda. I commented that I liked the old school vibe of the place. Mr. Cline said "Yeah, it's still the 1970s around here"
Highly recommend this local spot!
Cline's Tesoro
Your Independent Tesoro Dealer
Richard and Wanda Cline
442 Gambell St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Going to the station, it was like the old Windsor Texaco in Austin - a small store, two bays with men working inside, free air. When I couldn't get the gauge right, one of the workers helped me out. He advised to keep the pressure at 40 psi. "The sweet spot" he said. I then manually reset the light and all was well.
I went inside to buy at least a candy bar and soda. I commented that I liked the old school vibe of the place. Mr. Cline said "Yeah, it's still the 1970s around here"
Highly recommend this local spot!
Cline's Tesoro
Your Independent Tesoro Dealer
Richard and Wanda Cline
442 Gambell St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Monday, June 12, 2017
Anchorage Part II
Some final thoughts as I am set to depart to Seward AK from Anchorage
1. ANC is a 20th century town at heart - most everything looks like 1980 or so
2. Whites, blacks and Pacific Islanders mix pretty easily here.
3. Not hard to see that the native people probably have it harder than others.
4. A fair share of American retail outlets here, but not as many as other places
5. Cruise Line visitors are full during this month of June
6. It never gets dark
7. It's not warm
8. An interesting crossroads of the world
9. Food scene is behind the times
10. ANC is barely scratching the surface of Alaska. More time needed to get a full picture.
1. ANC is a 20th century town at heart - most everything looks like 1980 or so
2. Whites, blacks and Pacific Islanders mix pretty easily here.
3. Not hard to see that the native people probably have it harder than others.
4. A fair share of American retail outlets here, but not as many as other places
5. Cruise Line visitors are full during this month of June
6. It never gets dark
7. It's not warm
8. An interesting crossroads of the world
9. Food scene is behind the times
10. ANC is barely scratching the surface of Alaska. More time needed to get a full picture.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Anchorage
I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska at their time midnight, my time 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. No sleeping on the flight to speak of. I think you know where this is going.
The time change and no darkness (to speak of) caught up fast and Saturday turned into a half day of activity followed by a half day of sleep. Today is Sunday so I think I might be about caught up. But I'm still planning to take it easy.
Our trip to Denali got cancelled due to weather. So we found a bicycle rental store and rented some bikes. Our plan was to ride the Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park. But the trial was not so easy, Eric got a flat then lost (temporarily) his phone and so we cut it short after just past Earthquake Park. Still a good time. We also found a Pacific Islands heritage festival going on in a local park and got a plate of food for lunch. Plus entertainment of the local dance troops. Liked it.
Today, Eric has his conference all day so I am heading out to explore the areas outside of downtown. Like many cities, the suburbs are where the people and commerce are at.
Tomorrow, we head down to Seward, AK
The time change and no darkness (to speak of) caught up fast and Saturday turned into a half day of activity followed by a half day of sleep. Today is Sunday so I think I might be about caught up. But I'm still planning to take it easy.
Our trip to Denali got cancelled due to weather. So we found a bicycle rental store and rented some bikes. Our plan was to ride the Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park. But the trial was not so easy, Eric got a flat then lost (temporarily) his phone and so we cut it short after just past Earthquake Park. Still a good time. We also found a Pacific Islands heritage festival going on in a local park and got a plate of food for lunch. Plus entertainment of the local dance troops. Liked it.
Today, Eric has his conference all day so I am heading out to explore the areas outside of downtown. Like many cities, the suburbs are where the people and commerce are at.
Tomorrow, we head down to Seward, AK
Saturday, June 3, 2017
San Marcos
"How do you get to San Marcos?" asked John. I initially thought it a strange question from a native Texan. I emailed the answer - I -10 West from Houston to Luling, then Hwy 80 West to San Marcos.
But after being there for 2 nights, I'd say I didn't really know about San Marcos myself. Never having spent more than a night there for a wedding in the 90s, I was a stranger. I was pleased to see that it has become a little Boulder, a college town with a hip, current look. Downtown courthouse square was a great place to walk around with lots of restaurant choices and bar choices for the party crowd. I enjoyed dinner at the Root Cellar the first night. Today lunch with my cousin Deborah was at Aqua Brew, which she recommended.
Our hotel, the high rise Embassy Suites was certainly the best lodging between Austin and San Antonio. Recommended.
Thursday I had a delightful visit with Rupert, the proprietor of Tackleberry's, a local gun shop. Capt. Eugene Tackleberry was a character in the Police Academy movies. As you can tell, he had a great sense of humor - and he was a Brit so it just sounded even better from him.
Friday we had a full day: Ziplining at Wimberley - a quaint little town I had only heard about. BBQ at Miss Mae's, a local place - good value. And then floating the Guadalupe River loop near Canyon Lake. And dinner at the Gristmill in Gruene. The Hill Country area seemed very authentic - you'd never know you were near a big city like Austin. Everything and everyone seemed to have a small town vibe.
A good trip with John and Kyle. Our group the Wrenegades did it again. We are already planning the next adventure.
But after being there for 2 nights, I'd say I didn't really know about San Marcos myself. Never having spent more than a night there for a wedding in the 90s, I was a stranger. I was pleased to see that it has become a little Boulder, a college town with a hip, current look. Downtown courthouse square was a great place to walk around with lots of restaurant choices and bar choices for the party crowd. I enjoyed dinner at the Root Cellar the first night. Today lunch with my cousin Deborah was at Aqua Brew, which she recommended.
Our hotel, the high rise Embassy Suites was certainly the best lodging between Austin and San Antonio. Recommended.
Thursday I had a delightful visit with Rupert, the proprietor of Tackleberry's, a local gun shop. Capt. Eugene Tackleberry was a character in the Police Academy movies. As you can tell, he had a great sense of humor - and he was a Brit so it just sounded even better from him.
Friday we had a full day: Ziplining at Wimberley - a quaint little town I had only heard about. BBQ at Miss Mae's, a local place - good value. And then floating the Guadalupe River loop near Canyon Lake. And dinner at the Gristmill in Gruene. The Hill Country area seemed very authentic - you'd never know you were near a big city like Austin. Everything and everyone seemed to have a small town vibe.
A good trip with John and Kyle. Our group the Wrenegades did it again. We are already planning the next adventure.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Happy Memorial Day
It's the first day of the holiday weekend. I've got the flag flying, the new grill cooking and the pool ready. But first, a movie: Snatched to start off the summer season. Nice and light, like a cool summer drink.
Next week will be a short week as I will be ziplining in Wimberley TX on Friday with the Wrenegades.
Then the following week I'm off to state # 44 - Alaska. Saving my dolllars for that, even thought it feels like I should be changing money to a new currency. Temperature in Anchorage now is 48 F. Better dust off the jackets - or better yet buy one there.
100 F today in McAllen TX. Now you know why I went to the movies.
Next week will be a short week as I will be ziplining in Wimberley TX on Friday with the Wrenegades.
Then the following week I'm off to state # 44 - Alaska. Saving my dolllars for that, even thought it feels like I should be changing money to a new currency. Temperature in Anchorage now is 48 F. Better dust off the jackets - or better yet buy one there.
100 F today in McAllen TX. Now you know why I went to the movies.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
A Visit to the Good Doctor
I had written about my former college professor Dr. J.D. Futch on my blog. In a happy occasion worthy of social media, my writing led me to a new friend RedCloudJL who not only was a former student of Dr. Futch, but has become a regular visitor and local agent for Dr. Futch's [very extended] family. As a confirmed bachelor, he had no children and was an only child himself.
So Red was able to tell me about his visits to Dr. Futch who is in assisted living suffering from dementia now. For my reunion visit, I went to see the Good Doctor.
I met him in his room at the Borden Center. A cross between a hospital room and a bedroom in a home. There were some notable decorations. Dr. Futch wondered how someone knew to put a Cannoleto in this motel. He noted that I was "very elegantly dressed" and asked if I was an art dealer?
I let him know that I was a former student but while he tried to place me, he did ask me more than once what my name was. But that was not important. After a few jump starts in conversation, he resumed a familiar lecture pattern. Once he got to speaking about something he remembered, he was on a roll.
He told me of his parents and grandparents. They had migrated from Florida to Maryland over the years. His father was a sales representative for River Brand Rice. Futch Jr. was pushed away from attending college. His mother thought he would learn "sinful practices". Dr. Futch was incredulous that someone would think that college was bad. Of course he went to make his career in college and leave his mark on W&L.
He did know that Red was "A Good Man!" When he asked where I lived (McAllen, Texas) he recalled a former student Mike Allen '86. I informed him that Mike was a prominent political commentator now. "Really?" He was pleased to know that. And he also said that he recalled his family sending Christmas cards to relatives in Texas as a teenager.
I told him of my readings by Casanova and his escapade in Venice. Dr. Futch was pleased I had done such reading and encouraged me to go to Venice while I was young enough for all the walking. He recalled going there for weekends after he was fortuitously assigned to Italy while in the US Army (in those draft days). He said that the British monarch patterned themselves after the Venetian nobility.
After telling him the year of 2017, he recalled that would be the 100th anniversary of the US entering World War I. His father was too young for that, again fortuitously. He noted that President Woodrow Wilson was a "Protestant Saint" and was very full of himself. We noted the difference between the W&L President Wilson during my time. "Woodrow Wilson did not tamper with W&L", he noted.
He asked if I knew Dr. Leyburn (from the 1950s and 60s). I said No, but I did read his book on Scotch-Irish immigration to the English Colonies. Dr. Futch did not know/had forgotten of such a book, but favorably noted that Dr. Leyburn was so suave and elegant that of course he would write favorably of those simple people.
All in all, a very good visit. My first interaction with someone with dementia. It was not as extreme as I expected. But he was very physically handicapped - in a wheelchair, hard of hearing, limited use of his hand, round the clock nursing. I was glad to got to go.
Thanks Red, for all you do for our Elder Statesman.
So Red was able to tell me about his visits to Dr. Futch who is in assisted living suffering from dementia now. For my reunion visit, I went to see the Good Doctor.
I met him in his room at the Borden Center. A cross between a hospital room and a bedroom in a home. There were some notable decorations. Dr. Futch wondered how someone knew to put a Cannoleto in this motel. He noted that I was "very elegantly dressed" and asked if I was an art dealer?
I let him know that I was a former student but while he tried to place me, he did ask me more than once what my name was. But that was not important. After a few jump starts in conversation, he resumed a familiar lecture pattern. Once he got to speaking about something he remembered, he was on a roll.
He told me of his parents and grandparents. They had migrated from Florida to Maryland over the years. His father was a sales representative for River Brand Rice. Futch Jr. was pushed away from attending college. His mother thought he would learn "sinful practices". Dr. Futch was incredulous that someone would think that college was bad. Of course he went to make his career in college and leave his mark on W&L.
He did know that Red was "A Good Man!" When he asked where I lived (McAllen, Texas) he recalled a former student Mike Allen '86. I informed him that Mike was a prominent political commentator now. "Really?" He was pleased to know that. And he also said that he recalled his family sending Christmas cards to relatives in Texas as a teenager.
I told him of my readings by Casanova and his escapade in Venice. Dr. Futch was pleased I had done such reading and encouraged me to go to Venice while I was young enough for all the walking. He recalled going there for weekends after he was fortuitously assigned to Italy while in the US Army (in those draft days). He said that the British monarch patterned themselves after the Venetian nobility.
After telling him the year of 2017, he recalled that would be the 100th anniversary of the US entering World War I. His father was too young for that, again fortuitously. He noted that President Woodrow Wilson was a "Protestant Saint" and was very full of himself. We noted the difference between the W&L President Wilson during my time. "Woodrow Wilson did not tamper with W&L", he noted.
He asked if I knew Dr. Leyburn (from the 1950s and 60s). I said No, but I did read his book on Scotch-Irish immigration to the English Colonies. Dr. Futch did not know/had forgotten of such a book, but favorably noted that Dr. Leyburn was so suave and elegant that of course he would write favorably of those simple people.
All in all, a very good visit. My first interaction with someone with dementia. It was not as extreme as I expected. But he was very physically handicapped - in a wheelchair, hard of hearing, limited use of his hand, round the clock nursing. I was glad to got to go.
Thanks Red, for all you do for our Elder Statesman.
Monday, May 8, 2017
A golf dream
I dreamed that I was playing in a big tournament at the Austin Country Club, home of the Dell World Match Play Championship. It was not that tournament but one equally as big. A course I know well - but this was not that actual course.
I was preparing to tee off for my first shot. I was playing with a competitor who was an aggressive personality. As I was preparing to hit, he told me that I could not use the ball I was preparing to hit. Somewhat flustered, I fished around for a different brand, while arguing. Then he said I was assessed a penalty of loss of the hole. I countered that you couldn't lose a hole in a stroke play format. I was heated up. Not typical.
Then I realized I was set to hit from the wrong hole. So I made everyone go to the next hole over. There was a group there we had to get through. Then the tee area had very little room to swing. As I was finally about ready to hit the first shot, I thought of how difficult it was going to be to hit a good shot under such stressful conditions.
I woke up before I hit that first shot.
Different from another memorable golf dream.
I was preparing to tee off for my first shot. I was playing with a competitor who was an aggressive personality. As I was preparing to hit, he told me that I could not use the ball I was preparing to hit. Somewhat flustered, I fished around for a different brand, while arguing. Then he said I was assessed a penalty of loss of the hole. I countered that you couldn't lose a hole in a stroke play format. I was heated up. Not typical.
Then I realized I was set to hit from the wrong hole. So I made everyone go to the next hole over. There was a group there we had to get through. Then the tee area had very little room to swing. As I was finally about ready to hit the first shot, I thought of how difficult it was going to be to hit a good shot under such stressful conditions.
I woke up before I hit that first shot.
Different from another memorable golf dream.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
30 Things that have changed since 1987
In honor of the Class of 1987's 30th reunion, I thought a list of 30 things that had changed was in order. Share with your children - they should get a good laugh.
1. President Ronald Reagan - a former TV and movie actor. Couldn't happen again, could it?
2. 55 mph speed limits on the Interstates
3. Long distance phone charges - up to 50 cents per minute during prime time. We would wait until after 11 p.m. for the lowest rates.
4. Drinking age was 19 for most of our college times. Went up to 21 in 1986 across the nation.
5. Pay telephones were still in common use. 25 cents for a local call. Don't ask: the price of long distance.
6. VCRs were a luxury that few had.
7. Color TVs were 19 or 21 inches diagonal at the most. Your modern desktops and laptops are that big now.
8. Answering machines were actually machines separate from the telephone - wired into the system. Again a luxury that few had.
9. Cordless phones with antennas were still not in use. A long phone cord was very desirable.
10. Paper maps were common in cars.
11. Cassette tapes were the preferred way of listening to music, but vinyl albums were still commonly sold.
12. No one had a desktop computer. But you could use the public desktops computers for word processing in the computer labs.
13. Discount airlines were in their infancy. One short lived example was People Express.
14. Airline tickets were booked by going to a travel agent.
15. Lexington VA got its first McDonald's which was a big deal then.
16. The Palms Cafe was (and still is) a popular spot for lunch, dinner and drinks.
17. There was one Asian restaurant, the Aloha Wok.
18. Stores in Lexingon would commonly open charge accounts and bill the student at the address desired (even your parents in another state).
19. The Confederate Flag was commonly displayed in windows, clothing, stickers.
20. Dorms were not air conditioned nor were nearly all buildings on campus older than World War II. Which was nearly all.
21. The Leyburn Library was state of the art in the 1980s. It was open 24 hours a day.
22. There was a campus pub originally called the Cockpit, which had bands and big parties on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
23. There was no Wal-Mart - but there was a similar type store (much smaller) called Rose's.
24. A new show premiered called Late Night with David Letterman. Even on very late at 12:30 a.m. it was very desirable to be able to watch and discuss.
25. The Challenger explosion in 1986 was a defining event for the country - as was the Iran/Contra hearings in 1987.
26. Gasoline of course costs about 60 cents a gallon. Busch beer was about $4 or $5 for a 12 pack.
27. Apartment rent for a 2 bedroom apartment was $340/month.
28. Washington and Lee tuition was $7,500 a year. Today is is $49,170. Tuition alone!
29. Washington and Lee had just admitted its first full time female students in Fall 1985. The Class of 1987 had 6 female grads - I hope to see all of them at the reunion.
30. Washington and Lee was ( and still is ) a top-rated, desirable college with proud alumni. Some things never change!
1. President Ronald Reagan - a former TV and movie actor. Couldn't happen again, could it?
2. 55 mph speed limits on the Interstates
3. Long distance phone charges - up to 50 cents per minute during prime time. We would wait until after 11 p.m. for the lowest rates.
4. Drinking age was 19 for most of our college times. Went up to 21 in 1986 across the nation.
5. Pay telephones were still in common use. 25 cents for a local call. Don't ask: the price of long distance.
6. VCRs were a luxury that few had.
7. Color TVs were 19 or 21 inches diagonal at the most. Your modern desktops and laptops are that big now.
8. Answering machines were actually machines separate from the telephone - wired into the system. Again a luxury that few had.
9. Cordless phones with antennas were still not in use. A long phone cord was very desirable.
10. Paper maps were common in cars.
11. Cassette tapes were the preferred way of listening to music, but vinyl albums were still commonly sold.
12. No one had a desktop computer. But you could use the public desktops computers for word processing in the computer labs.
13. Discount airlines were in their infancy. One short lived example was People Express.
14. Airline tickets were booked by going to a travel agent.
15. Lexington VA got its first McDonald's which was a big deal then.
16. The Palms Cafe was (and still is) a popular spot for lunch, dinner and drinks.
17. There was one Asian restaurant, the Aloha Wok.
18. Stores in Lexingon would commonly open charge accounts and bill the student at the address desired (even your parents in another state).
19. The Confederate Flag was commonly displayed in windows, clothing, stickers.
20. Dorms were not air conditioned nor were nearly all buildings on campus older than World War II. Which was nearly all.
21. The Leyburn Library was state of the art in the 1980s. It was open 24 hours a day.
22. There was a campus pub originally called the Cockpit, which had bands and big parties on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
23. There was no Wal-Mart - but there was a similar type store (much smaller) called Rose's.
24. A new show premiered called Late Night with David Letterman. Even on very late at 12:30 a.m. it was very desirable to be able to watch and discuss.
25. The Challenger explosion in 1986 was a defining event for the country - as was the Iran/Contra hearings in 1987.
26. Gasoline of course costs about 60 cents a gallon. Busch beer was about $4 or $5 for a 12 pack.
27. Apartment rent for a 2 bedroom apartment was $340/month.
28. Washington and Lee tuition was $7,500 a year. Today is is $49,170. Tuition alone!
29. Washington and Lee had just admitted its first full time female students in Fall 1985. The Class of 1987 had 6 female grads - I hope to see all of them at the reunion.
30. Washington and Lee was ( and still is ) a top-rated, desirable college with proud alumni. Some things never change!
A Letter to Me 30 Years Ago
I'm about to go to my 30th college reunion at Washington and Lee University. I'm a little unsure on what I'll see and how I'll remember things - if I remember at all. Thinking back to that time at graduation 30 years ago, I was wondering what I would tell myself then from me now.
I would start by reminding myself that we all have a number of gifts that we carry. Some we know about now, but other gifts have not been fully discovered. I would tell myself to honor those gifts and use them as much as possible. They are what keep you unique.
Some of those gifts are abilities we might take for granted, or those we might be a bit uncomfortable to admit how something like comic book art, or a certain music, or a quirky hobby makes us feel good. I would telll myself not to hold those matters in, but to embrace them as your own, Sometime we are a little ahead of our time. And the world should catch on to what we already knew.
I would tell myself that there will be times in life that are so good, that they won't last. And you'll miss those times and people and feelings. A lot. And they are not coming back. But if you made the most of the time you had, then you won't regret when things come to an end. With each end, there is a corresponding beginning. This will happen over and over.
Speaking of endings, I would certainly tell me that what you learn about "Quitters Never Win" is just not true. When you come head on to problems of people or circumstances that you can't change, then you need to turn in another direction. Don't waste time trying to fix the unfixable. Stay true to what you think is right and just, even when you have to zig or zag a certain way. Keep moving forward.
And of course you want to know what happens next. There is a lot of happiness in store with your marriage, your daughter, your career and your health. There are going to be bumps on the road, and even if I could tell you how it would turn out, you probably wouldn't believe me. But that is just as well. There are a lot of pleasant surprises in store.
I would lastly tell you that we live in a world of great abundance. Be generous with all that has been given to you.. It is not yours to keep. Realize that God will provide everything you need in return, in unexpected packages.
And like Christmas and birthdays, aren't unexpected packages the best gifts of all?
I would start by reminding myself that we all have a number of gifts that we carry. Some we know about now, but other gifts have not been fully discovered. I would tell myself to honor those gifts and use them as much as possible. They are what keep you unique.
Some of those gifts are abilities we might take for granted, or those we might be a bit uncomfortable to admit how something like comic book art, or a certain music, or a quirky hobby makes us feel good. I would telll myself not to hold those matters in, but to embrace them as your own, Sometime we are a little ahead of our time. And the world should catch on to what we already knew.
I would tell myself that there will be times in life that are so good, that they won't last. And you'll miss those times and people and feelings. A lot. And they are not coming back. But if you made the most of the time you had, then you won't regret when things come to an end. With each end, there is a corresponding beginning. This will happen over and over.
Speaking of endings, I would certainly tell me that what you learn about "Quitters Never Win" is just not true. When you come head on to problems of people or circumstances that you can't change, then you need to turn in another direction. Don't waste time trying to fix the unfixable. Stay true to what you think is right and just, even when you have to zig or zag a certain way. Keep moving forward.
And of course you want to know what happens next. There is a lot of happiness in store with your marriage, your daughter, your career and your health. There are going to be bumps on the road, and even if I could tell you how it would turn out, you probably wouldn't believe me. But that is just as well. There are a lot of pleasant surprises in store.
I would lastly tell you that we live in a world of great abundance. Be generous with all that has been given to you.. It is not yours to keep. Realize that God will provide everything you need in return, in unexpected packages.
And like Christmas and birthdays, aren't unexpected packages the best gifts of all?
Friday, April 21, 2017
Mid week dream
I was at a restaurant and looked on the ground and saw many jewels. There were so many that I started picking up as many as I could and filled both my pockets. There were more at the other end of the long table. I asked the woman if the jewels on the ground below her were hers - she started filling up her own pockets.
I didn't know what to do with the jewels. I knew I couldn't sell them, or show them to anyone, but I didn't know who to give them back to or where to store them.
I didn't know what to do with the jewels. I knew I couldn't sell them, or show them to anyone, but I didn't know who to give them back to or where to store them.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Friday dream
I went to the luxury golf resort at... Rio Grande City, Texas. After we took a wrong turn into it. I was with JRR and ML. We golfed, ate in the restaurant and socialized with the guests, until we were about to get discovered as imposters. We hastily made it to the car and sped away.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Mono
The Mono Story
by Gregory Turley
It was April senior year in the 80s. We had gone "Down the Road" to
Sweet Briar College for some type of mixer/outdoor band. As usual we just showed up. No dates, no tickets, no notice. Hard to
remember who actually went but I expect Grant drove. As he used to say about the 1980 Mustang -
"better than you've got".
I recall that I had been left at Sweet Briar due to my drunkenness earlier that
school year and had to beg a ride back to Lexington the next day. A bad scene and so I didn't want that to
happen again. I was not going to be Left
Behind again.
At the event, the only young woman I connected with was
someone who had previously gone out with my friend Rob. Funny
that I can't remember her name - I'll call her Mary for reasons you will find.
As these college parties went, we had no better prospects
than each other that day which turned into night. The afternoon party turned into the evening
and we started holding hands (cute, eh?) and then went back to her dorm where
there was a "Hall Party" going on.
For those who don't know, the Hall Party was a kind of open
door event where you could wander from room to room. Lots of drinking and smoking, and the beds
were right there. Back in those days there was no dorm security
at all. At those All Woman colleges,
they liked having a stream of men coming to their dorms. There were no proctors, curfews, security
cameras, key cards.
Generally we men either left in a timely
manner or were cordially invited to spend the night.
So it was pretty early that night - 8:30 p.m.? when we
closed the door to her room. After a
fair amount of groping around in the dark, I realized 3 things:
1. I didn't even like
Mary
2. And Mary didn't
like me - in fact she was questioning me about Rob... "Why doesn't Rob
like me?" No good answer for that.
3. The clock was
ticking and I didn't want to get left there again... particularly with
Mary. I was somewhat drunk and so was
she.
There were of course no cell phones then. So I had to excuse myself, as Mary was lying
there in a state of undress. Just like in a movie, she looked at me like,
"You're leaving now? But I
had to get out and find Grant and recover my ride back. I thought I was doing the right thing.
Fortunately I did find him as the Hall Party was going
on. I was determined to stick with him
which I did. And I made it back to
Lexington. I seem to recall Mary coming down
the hall later and upon seeing me still there, giving me a dirty look.
Mary got her revenge on me.
I started feeling bad and went to the college Infirmary (can you believe
that is what we called it then?) It was
in the basement of the oldest dorm on campus and looked straight out of the
1950s. There, the doctor (and he was a
doctor) said that I had both mononucleosis AND strep throat. Being 21 years old, I was out for a day and a
half and then back at it.
I was of course embarrassed at catching these ailments from
Mary - plus the fact that I was supposed to be dating someone else who was gone
for the weekend - so I couldn't tell her how I caught this Kissing Disease -
like she couldn't figure it out herself.
Today, I found out that my cousin who is 15 years old now has mononucleosis and
has to cancel his trip overseas. Hearing
about "Mono" from his mother brought back this college memory.
I can imagine how he feels physically - I've been
there. That was no fun. I hope that if he caught it from someone
that he at least liked her a bit - or knew her for more than 2 hours beforehand.
February 7, 2017
Another Dream
Thursday night: 4/13/2017
I met a new friend, Bill, from England. Bill had written his 2nd book so I was impressed and I was introducing him to people in the USA. We were primarily meeting lawyers.
We ran into my old friend from law school Andy Nolen, who I had not seen in many years. He was no longer a lawyer and he was going by the name "Mike" . I was very happy to see him.
I met a new friend, Bill, from England. Bill had written his 2nd book so I was impressed and I was introducing him to people in the USA. We were primarily meeting lawyers.
We ran into my old friend from law school Andy Nolen, who I had not seen in many years. He was no longer a lawyer and he was going by the name "Mike" . I was very happy to see him.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Palm Sunday
It was a nice Palm Sunday today. We had 6 new choir members so we sounded great today. Looking forward to Easter as well as Maundy Thursday (my mother's favorite service) and Good Friday where we will be participating as well.
Congrats to Sergio Garcia for winning the 2017 Masters on the first playoff hole. 17 tournaments and he finally won. It is a testament to his excellence that he qualified each of those years as a top 15 player in the world.
I had an interesting dream recently. I was left alone at a restaurant/bar on a Sunday afternoon. I struck up a friendship with another man who promised to give me a ride home. I ended up picking him up (like a groom carrying a bride across the threshold) to carry him outside. He was smaller than me so I was able to pick him up easily.
???
Congrats to Sergio Garcia for winning the 2017 Masters on the first playoff hole. 17 tournaments and he finally won. It is a testament to his excellence that he qualified each of those years as a top 15 player in the world.
I had an interesting dream recently. I was left alone at a restaurant/bar on a Sunday afternoon. I struck up a friendship with another man who promised to give me a ride home. I ended up picking him up (like a groom carrying a bride across the threshold) to carry him outside. He was smaller than me so I was able to pick him up easily.
???
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Bishop's Golf Tournament
The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas ( which includes South Texas) had a golf tournament to raise money for college ministry in the Rio Grande Valley. The tournament was at Rancho Viejo outside of Brownsville and both bishops came down from San Antonio. There was a hole to "Beat the Bishop" - if you hit it closer than Bishop Lillibridge, you got a sleeve of (cheap) golf balls for the $10 entry. I was pleased to beat the Bishop.
We played on a good team: Me, JRR, Rennie and Mr. Charles C. Charles wanted to play so we had a spot for me. Despite having had a stroke, and a fused left wrist and no feeling in most of his left side, he was a pretty good sport and we enjoyed him on the team. He was an avid golfer before and still was very interested. His motto: Do the best you can with what you've got.
We all played well, JRR and Rennie hit big drives and we took it from there. With wedges into many holes and 8 mulligans, we shot 58 which was good for 2nd place and our church St. Johns' got extra money for the college ministry.
I was pleased that I hit a lot of good drives and 3 woods as well as making a few putts. The most fun I've had in a while in a tournament. Good weather, good course and good teammates. It was a full Friday and we represented our church well.
We played on a good team: Me, JRR, Rennie and Mr. Charles C. Charles wanted to play so we had a spot for me. Despite having had a stroke, and a fused left wrist and no feeling in most of his left side, he was a pretty good sport and we enjoyed him on the team. He was an avid golfer before and still was very interested. His motto: Do the best you can with what you've got.
We all played well, JRR and Rennie hit big drives and we took it from there. With wedges into many holes and 8 mulligans, we shot 58 which was good for 2nd place and our church St. Johns' got extra money for the college ministry.
I was pleased that I hit a lot of good drives and 3 woods as well as making a few putts. The most fun I've had in a while in a tournament. Good weather, good course and good teammates. It was a full Friday and we represented our church well.
Latest dream
I decided to go hunting by myself. Since I was out alone, I thought I would start back early. I somehow didn't come back the same way and ended up on the south side of town instead of the north side where my car was.
I found my way to a golf course, when I ran into 2 friends. I suggested we get an Uber to go back to town. When the Uber did not show up in a timely manner, my 2 friends left me to continue their golf game and I was waiting on the side of the road. The Uber finally showed up before the sun went down and I rode back into town.
I woke up from this dream in kind of a sweat - sure seemed real.
I found my way to a golf course, when I ran into 2 friends. I suggested we get an Uber to go back to town. When the Uber did not show up in a timely manner, my 2 friends left me to continue their golf game and I was waiting on the side of the road. The Uber finally showed up before the sun went down and I rode back into town.
I woke up from this dream in kind of a sweat - sure seemed real.
Monday, March 27, 2017
May vacation
Here's the golf course we are going to play as I visit my next state of Delaware. 50 state quest is moving in the right direction in 2017.
Called Bidermann
http://www.myphillygolf.com/detail.asp?id=6919
Called Bidermann
http://www.myphillygolf.com/detail.asp?id=6919
Monday, February 20, 2017
President's Day
It's another good Monday - the 3rd Monday in February bring spring temps to the Valley - today is no different. I had planned the day off - and had some big plan, which never came to pass.
So despite the words of Burnham - "Make no little plans, they have no ability to ignite the soul" - today is a day of little plans. But I'm happy with the way I'm feeling. Woke up at the right time with the right frame of mind.
Thankful for the ability to handle a number of little matters that tend to stack up and stress me out when it is hard to deal with them without appropriate space. Some are better than me at dealing with that - good for them. Doing it the way that I expect that it can work usually leaves me feeling satisfied.
So despite the words of Burnham - "Make no little plans, they have no ability to ignite the soul" - today is a day of little plans. But I'm happy with the way I'm feeling. Woke up at the right time with the right frame of mind.
Thankful for the ability to handle a number of little matters that tend to stack up and stress me out when it is hard to deal with them without appropriate space. Some are better than me at dealing with that - good for them. Doing it the way that I expect that it can work usually leaves me feeling satisfied.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Waco, TX
I've enjoyed the show Fixer Upper on HGTV this past year. At Christmas, I saw that some of my friends had gone to the Magnolia Market and liked it. So when I had a free afternoon in Dallas last week, I took the opportunity to drive the 90 miles south to Waco to visit.
It's located in the Silo District, so the idea of buying the silos was not completely out of the blue. Right downtown and off I -35 the location is ideal. The Interstate is a defining part of Waco and it unfortunately cuts off the downtown from Baylor University. But it is definitely a college town and there were lots of young people working at Magnolia.
The old silos are a landmark but the moneymaker is the large shed turned into a store. And there is a brick building of the Silo Baking Co. with the line out the door. The store was pretty full, particularly for a Thursday in February.
Outside there is a large green area for impromptu play, plus swings plus covered space for sitting (an old barn). There are food trucks and bathrooms and general open spaces to just be outside. It has a Disney feel in the best way possible -- a fun place to be.
Joanna Gaines will likely be the next Oprah Winfrey. Everything she touches seems to turn to gold. Waco is lucky that she has found the uniqueness of that area. The farmhouse look is right at home there. Even the rest area on the Interstate in the area have silos and metal roofs.
The rest of Waco needs a little help in some area. Over by Lake Waco there are large homes and nice waterfront lots. But on Valley Mills Blvd., it is 70s suburban sprawl from when people moves out from the older city.
A fun time and worth a return visit. Exit 335A from the Interstate (of course), west on 4th street and south on Webster St. You can see the silos from a distance. Maybe Chip and Joanna will be there.
It's located in the Silo District, so the idea of buying the silos was not completely out of the blue. Right downtown and off I -35 the location is ideal. The Interstate is a defining part of Waco and it unfortunately cuts off the downtown from Baylor University. But it is definitely a college town and there were lots of young people working at Magnolia.
The old silos are a landmark but the moneymaker is the large shed turned into a store. And there is a brick building of the Silo Baking Co. with the line out the door. The store was pretty full, particularly for a Thursday in February.
Outside there is a large green area for impromptu play, plus swings plus covered space for sitting (an old barn). There are food trucks and bathrooms and general open spaces to just be outside. It has a Disney feel in the best way possible -- a fun place to be.
Joanna Gaines will likely be the next Oprah Winfrey. Everything she touches seems to turn to gold. Waco is lucky that she has found the uniqueness of that area. The farmhouse look is right at home there. Even the rest area on the Interstate in the area have silos and metal roofs.
The rest of Waco needs a little help in some area. Over by Lake Waco there are large homes and nice waterfront lots. But on Valley Mills Blvd., it is 70s suburban sprawl from when people moves out from the older city.
A fun time and worth a return visit. Exit 335A from the Interstate (of course), west on 4th street and south on Webster St. You can see the silos from a distance. Maybe Chip and Joanna will be there.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
A nightmare
The night before my arbitration hearing in Austin, I had this nightmare which woke me up. I was glad wake up from it.
I dreamed I had fallen asleep in the room in which our arbitration was to start at 9 a.m. I woke up a few minutes before 9 as people were walking in to start. They were quite surprised to see me and were somewhat upset. But I was already dressed in my suit and tie, and had my rest. I popped up with my hair uncombed but ready to go.
Thank goodness I woke up from that. And needless to say I did wake up on time.
I dreamed I had fallen asleep in the room in which our arbitration was to start at 9 a.m. I woke up a few minutes before 9 as people were walking in to start. They were quite surprised to see me and were somewhat upset. But I was already dressed in my suit and tie, and had my rest. I popped up with my hair uncombed but ready to go.
Thank goodness I woke up from that. And needless to say I did wake up on time.
10 year plan
My friend Jim had an American Air flight delay and said that "my 10 year plan of owning my own jet has become a 5 year plan."
I currently have an American flight delay myself. Since I have my blog to write on,I thought I would work on my own 10 year plan.
It seems a long way away but I a, sure 10 year will come fast - better than not having that time.
So continuing some existing goals is in order. I hope to complete them in 10 years. Sounds reasonable.
As far as newer ones, some ideas are:
Having a case go to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Careful what you wish for. That would likely be a result of an earlier loss, or a long shot, or a prisoner case, or something very unusual. It would means going on the road, hostile environment, high stakes. But I think it would be a good career merit badge.
Now that I think of it, I suppose I could let the local judges know of my interest. They could quickly make it happen.
I don't want a jet. In fact I don't want many mechanical things that I can't fix easily. That said, if an old car came about, it would be fun to get into the classic car world. I enjoy being around Munoz friend Keith and his friends. But I don't want to buy my way in, I would like a good opportunity to materialize. Something meant to be. I'll keep an eye out - not just enough to have an opportunity, you've got to act on the opportunity.
I'll keep in the group - they will likely know of such opportunities
Keeping debt down/zero should be part of the plan. That would give extra money to spend on opportunities. Investing all that extra does not sound super appealing. It might go down in value or be tied up with high transaction costs to access it. So cash is king. If I decide to go to another placeI expect it would be a low cost of living place so I don't think I would want/need much
And I'm already in a good place for cost of living. So keeping the home base here is part of the plan.
I'd like to keep an eye out for opportunities in athlete representation as well as movie production. Those are somewhat of a flyer ideas but if I can get a single or two and get into the game that would be good. I don't need a home run to call it a success
And of course my writing I plan to continue. Again I see that as a chain of singles rather than a home run. But I figure if I do what I like/ am good at, that good things will come over time- say 10 years. I just had a good 2 events for my book Hideaway so that will endure. I expect some real life event to occur and someone in public notes it was just like that in the book.
Check back later this year to see if I ahead of schedule in these goals!
I currently have an American flight delay myself. Since I have my blog to write on,I thought I would work on my own 10 year plan.
It seems a long way away but I a, sure 10 year will come fast - better than not having that time.
So continuing some existing goals is in order. I hope to complete them in 10 years. Sounds reasonable.
As far as newer ones, some ideas are:
Having a case go to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Careful what you wish for. That would likely be a result of an earlier loss, or a long shot, or a prisoner case, or something very unusual. It would means going on the road, hostile environment, high stakes. But I think it would be a good career merit badge.
Now that I think of it, I suppose I could let the local judges know of my interest. They could quickly make it happen.
I don't want a jet. In fact I don't want many mechanical things that I can't fix easily. That said, if an old car came about, it would be fun to get into the classic car world. I enjoy being around Munoz friend Keith and his friends. But I don't want to buy my way in, I would like a good opportunity to materialize. Something meant to be. I'll keep an eye out - not just enough to have an opportunity, you've got to act on the opportunity.
I'll keep in the group - they will likely know of such opportunities
Keeping debt down/zero should be part of the plan. That would give extra money to spend on opportunities. Investing all that extra does not sound super appealing. It might go down in value or be tied up with high transaction costs to access it. So cash is king. If I decide to go to another placeI expect it would be a low cost of living place so I don't think I would want/need much
And I'm already in a good place for cost of living. So keeping the home base here is part of the plan.
I'd like to keep an eye out for opportunities in athlete representation as well as movie production. Those are somewhat of a flyer ideas but if I can get a single or two and get into the game that would be good. I don't need a home run to call it a success
And of course my writing I plan to continue. Again I see that as a chain of singles rather than a home run. But I figure if I do what I like/ am good at, that good things will come over time- say 10 years. I just had a good 2 events for my book Hideaway so that will endure. I expect some real life event to occur and someone in public notes it was just like that in the book.
Check back later this year to see if I ahead of schedule in these goals!
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Dream memory
I was part of two families staying at an extremely large house. The house was 60,000 square feet so with only 2 groups there, you didn't see the other family.
Our family decided to go visit the other family. While we were meeting we learned that the house was going to be used for the wedding of a Presidential daughter.
At the wedding there was a crime committed and the criminal left by boat, since the house was on a canal. The Secret Service then chased the criminal over water, like we were in Venice.
Our family decided to go visit the other family. While we were meeting we learned that the house was going to be used for the wedding of a Presidential daughter.
At the wedding there was a crime committed and the criminal left by boat, since the house was on a canal. The Secret Service then chased the criminal over water, like we were in Venice.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
2016 Year in Golf
One of my annual goals is to play 12 different golf courses. It started out as "New" courses but that is not so easy for someone who has played as much as me. Here is a list of 12 highlights which to some degree covers 12 courses:
1. Austin Country Club - our family was a former member family so I've been there before. But not since the 80s. Since then, the course has aged, has had a multi million dollar renovation and is the new host of the World Match Play Championship (won in 2016 by Jason Day).
I played with Ed and our host was John C. who I had met while skiing in Utah in January 2015. So it was a great homecoming and we enjoyed our return a lot. The new renovation is first class and definitely improved the course to a very modern feel. Score of 85 from the Riverside tees was a good one.
2. Brackenridge Park, San Antonio. Ed and I continued our golf trip with a visit to one of our favorites. Home of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame includes people that we have known through our careers. Looking back on the scorecard - lowest round of the year of 80. I made birdie on 15, but then double on 16, then good pars on 17 and 18 for 80.
3. McAllen CC. While I played there many times, my second lowest round of the year 81 was there on April 6. I enjoyed playing the Sundowner from April to June - 9 holes on Tuesday evening.
4. Palm View Golf Course, McAllen. I played in the McAllen City Championship. I worked hard to get my game in order but hot windy weather and the pressure made for a tough run of 93-95. Susan said that I looked like I was not having fun and she said I should not play in that tournament again for someone who loves golf otherwise. I agree.
5. Houston CC. The scorecard I have shows 9 holes on March 30 with my father Ed. Birdie on #9 for a 39. I recall the 4 iron as a great shot into the wind as the sun was going down.
6. Palmer Course at La Cantera. I had a free round for 2 there won in a CLE raffle the past year. It was set to expire, so I arranged to drive up, Clint and John came down from Austin and we had a GREAT time - good weather. The day before Clint's 50th birthday. Great course. And a good round of 84.
7. Max Mandel Golf Course, Laredo, TX. This is a new course owned by the City of Laredo. Designed by top designer Robert Trent Jones II it is the best course for the money I've seen in a long time. Again, great weather on Columbus Day. I played really well but finished 5 over on the last 3 holes for 82. Highly recommend!
8. Rancho Viejo, Brownsville, TX. As a course 60 miles away, it is not easy to arrange to go, but I always enjoy the day.. Again I played well in good weather, 84.
9. University Ridge, Verona, WI. Sarah has moved to Madison WI and works in Verona. So my vacation this year was to go to Wisconsin and enjoy a week there. I played 2 times at this course, also a Robert Trent Jones II design. I enjoyed playing with my new friend Woody from Kentucky who was up with his wife and was playing golf while she was at work at Epic of course. I plan to return in 2017 for the American Family Champions Tour tournament. Played fairly well on a tough course both days, 86-86.
10. Soldiers Memorial Field Golf Course, Rochester, MN. I drove to Wisconsin to Minnesota in my 50 state quest to the home of the Mayo Clinic. After checking out the Sports Performance Institute, I had time for 18 holes at this classic track. This sign cemented it as my favorite course of the year:
And I had a great time, stayed until dark. Shot 80 to tie the low round of the year.
11. Odana Hills, Madison, WI. As you can tell, I was able to play a lot of golf on this trip. The course is close in town in Madison and was a very reasonable charge. I was only able to play 9 but will go back for the back 9. Shot 42 in great weather. I have to hand it to the Sconies - when its summer they play a lot outdoors.
12. Golf ATX.org is the website for the Austin city courses. I played 3 and am grouping them together. Lions Municipal is my home course from way back. It is a historic place but alas is set to be bulldozed in 2019. So I wanted Travis to see it before he graduated. He and I played with Clint and Sarah rode in the cart. Great day. And shot 86 - not bad.
Hancock. A ragged old 9 hole muni, barely maintained. Hard to believe it used to the Austin CC from 1899 (or maybe not). But 9 holes was what the day allowed and I was able to play with Travis again with his new clubs for his UT graduation.
Jimmy Clay. The site of my first round of 79 back in 1982. As you can see, I still am looking for those sub 80 rounds. I didn't remember the course as well as I thought, but I did enjoy it a lot. Some holes was been slightly changed over the years due to flood erosion. Played with my good friend Clint again after the UT graduation. A good day and a round of 89.
BONUS:
13. Watters Creek, Plano, TX. 9 holes with my old friend Jeff on the short course 9 holer. Par 30. Playing with old clubs, Jeff playing left handed, just kicking around. A super fun time. And I beat Jeff (never easy). It helped that he was playing left when he is normally right handed :)
1. Austin Country Club - our family was a former member family so I've been there before. But not since the 80s. Since then, the course has aged, has had a multi million dollar renovation and is the new host of the World Match Play Championship (won in 2016 by Jason Day).
I played with Ed and our host was John C. who I had met while skiing in Utah in January 2015. So it was a great homecoming and we enjoyed our return a lot. The new renovation is first class and definitely improved the course to a very modern feel. Score of 85 from the Riverside tees was a good one.
2. Brackenridge Park, San Antonio. Ed and I continued our golf trip with a visit to one of our favorites. Home of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame includes people that we have known through our careers. Looking back on the scorecard - lowest round of the year of 80. I made birdie on 15, but then double on 16, then good pars on 17 and 18 for 80.
3. McAllen CC. While I played there many times, my second lowest round of the year 81 was there on April 6. I enjoyed playing the Sundowner from April to June - 9 holes on Tuesday evening.
4. Palm View Golf Course, McAllen. I played in the McAllen City Championship. I worked hard to get my game in order but hot windy weather and the pressure made for a tough run of 93-95. Susan said that I looked like I was not having fun and she said I should not play in that tournament again for someone who loves golf otherwise. I agree.
5. Houston CC. The scorecard I have shows 9 holes on March 30 with my father Ed. Birdie on #9 for a 39. I recall the 4 iron as a great shot into the wind as the sun was going down.
6. Palmer Course at La Cantera. I had a free round for 2 there won in a CLE raffle the past year. It was set to expire, so I arranged to drive up, Clint and John came down from Austin and we had a GREAT time - good weather. The day before Clint's 50th birthday. Great course. And a good round of 84.
7. Max Mandel Golf Course, Laredo, TX. This is a new course owned by the City of Laredo. Designed by top designer Robert Trent Jones II it is the best course for the money I've seen in a long time. Again, great weather on Columbus Day. I played really well but finished 5 over on the last 3 holes for 82. Highly recommend!
8. Rancho Viejo, Brownsville, TX. As a course 60 miles away, it is not easy to arrange to go, but I always enjoy the day.. Again I played well in good weather, 84.
9. University Ridge, Verona, WI. Sarah has moved to Madison WI and works in Verona. So my vacation this year was to go to Wisconsin and enjoy a week there. I played 2 times at this course, also a Robert Trent Jones II design. I enjoyed playing with my new friend Woody from Kentucky who was up with his wife and was playing golf while she was at work at Epic of course. I plan to return in 2017 for the American Family Champions Tour tournament. Played fairly well on a tough course both days, 86-86.
10. Soldiers Memorial Field Golf Course, Rochester, MN. I drove to Wisconsin to Minnesota in my 50 state quest to the home of the Mayo Clinic. After checking out the Sports Performance Institute, I had time for 18 holes at this classic track. This sign cemented it as my favorite course of the year:
And I had a great time, stayed until dark. Shot 80 to tie the low round of the year.
11. Odana Hills, Madison, WI. As you can tell, I was able to play a lot of golf on this trip. The course is close in town in Madison and was a very reasonable charge. I was only able to play 9 but will go back for the back 9. Shot 42 in great weather. I have to hand it to the Sconies - when its summer they play a lot outdoors.
12. Golf ATX.org is the website for the Austin city courses. I played 3 and am grouping them together. Lions Municipal is my home course from way back. It is a historic place but alas is set to be bulldozed in 2019. So I wanted Travis to see it before he graduated. He and I played with Clint and Sarah rode in the cart. Great day. And shot 86 - not bad.
Hancock. A ragged old 9 hole muni, barely maintained. Hard to believe it used to the Austin CC from 1899 (or maybe not). But 9 holes was what the day allowed and I was able to play with Travis again with his new clubs for his UT graduation.
Jimmy Clay. The site of my first round of 79 back in 1982. As you can see, I still am looking for those sub 80 rounds. I didn't remember the course as well as I thought, but I did enjoy it a lot. Some holes was been slightly changed over the years due to flood erosion. Played with my good friend Clint again after the UT graduation. A good day and a round of 89.
BONUS:
13. Watters Creek, Plano, TX. 9 holes with my old friend Jeff on the short course 9 holer. Par 30. Playing with old clubs, Jeff playing left handed, just kicking around. A super fun time. And I beat Jeff (never easy). It helped that he was playing left when he is normally right handed :)
Thursday, January 5, 2017
the Zombies of Winnesheik County
While driving through Northeastern Iowa this summer, I stopped at a convenience store in Ossian. The town was very quaint with American Flags flying, but at 4:30 pm on a Wednesday was rather quiet.
I walked into the store as an older man was walking out. There was only 1 car there, a nice Cadillac Escalade, which I assumed was his. Didn't get a chance to talk.
I and the clerk were were the only ones in there. We talked for a quick bit. He was a young white man with a red shirt.
Just then a black man came in. He had parked his big 18 wheeler out front. He was asking for directions to a place even the clerk didn't know. As an outsider in the town, I was already kind of lost. I wondered why a truck would be driving these tiny back roads of Highway 52.
At that point, a middle aged man in overalls came in. The truck driver asked him if he knew the place to go. The middle aged man as he talked, was missing a front tooth and had a strong Upper Midwest/Canada accent. I thought it unusual that no one knew where the truck driver was trying to go.
As I was walking out, I noticed the license plates showing Winnesheik County, Iowa. I asked it that was where we were. He said yes and that he was from Allamakkee County, which is notable for its Effigy burial Mounds of Native American Culture.
Just then a man and woman drove up in a mint condition 80s Mustang. A young boy got out, they exchanged pleasantries, and the boy left with his presumptive father, back to Allamakkee County. Obviously this was a convenient drop off spot.
These were the only people I interacted with in Northeastern Iowa that day.
When I returned my friend Paul who had lived in Iowa before said "There are more Zombies per capita in Winnesheik County in the entire USA"
Could I have encountered a few Zombies that afternoon?
I walked into the store as an older man was walking out. There was only 1 car there, a nice Cadillac Escalade, which I assumed was his. Didn't get a chance to talk.
I and the clerk were were the only ones in there. We talked for a quick bit. He was a young white man with a red shirt.
Just then a black man came in. He had parked his big 18 wheeler out front. He was asking for directions to a place even the clerk didn't know. As an outsider in the town, I was already kind of lost. I wondered why a truck would be driving these tiny back roads of Highway 52.
At that point, a middle aged man in overalls came in. The truck driver asked him if he knew the place to go. The middle aged man as he talked, was missing a front tooth and had a strong Upper Midwest/Canada accent. I thought it unusual that no one knew where the truck driver was trying to go.
As I was walking out, I noticed the license plates showing Winnesheik County, Iowa. I asked it that was where we were. He said yes and that he was from Allamakkee County, which is notable for its Effigy burial Mounds of Native American Culture.
Just then a man and woman drove up in a mint condition 80s Mustang. A young boy got out, they exchanged pleasantries, and the boy left with his presumptive father, back to Allamakkee County. Obviously this was a convenient drop off spot.
These were the only people I interacted with in Northeastern Iowa that day.
When I returned my friend Paul who had lived in Iowa before said "There are more Zombies per capita in Winnesheik County in the entire USA"
Could I have encountered a few Zombies that afternoon?
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