Back in Austin

I've been in Austin since Monday for a seminar on municipal prosecution. I'm in the lap of luxury at the Omni Downtown which has always been a fine hotel. The location is great. In fact, I have avoided driving anywhere since I've been here. There is much to see/do downtown.

Last night I met up with Clint and Emily and we went to 3 Forks (called III Forks) which is a fine steakhouse. There was a prix fie (sp.?) dinner special with salad, entre and dessert so we all had that. Afterwards they dropped me off and after playing my new Seagull acoustic guitar a while, I headed to the Original Alamo Drafthouse (old Ritz Theater on 6th St.) and saw the movie Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic. The music was good and it was an interesting look back at the 70s. The movie only cost $2 on Monday night - boy was I surprised.

Both yesterday and today I went cycing after the seminar. After being cooped up inside all day, it is great to hit the road. Austin is good for cycling. There are many bike lanes. Today I took the Mount Bonnell Challenge, and tried to summit the 785 foot climb. I made it the back way but the direct assault was won by Mount Bonnell this time. I'll be back! I also ran an hour on the Lady Bird Lake Trail. You'd think I'd be tired but I did get a short nap after the seminar but before the bike ride today.

Tomorrow we have a half day and then I plan to head straight back home to McAllen. I've enjoyed my travel but its time to be back.

Icons of Growing Up

This week, many personalities I associate with growing up in the US in the 1970s and 1980s are dying. First Ed McMahon. His work with Johnny Carson over 30 years was "Built to Last". Every late night talk show follows the same format of the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: the desk, the band, the monologue, the guests, the skits, etc. Ed McMahon was on Larry King and he was very proud of the work he did over the years. He knew he was blessed to work so long with someone like Johnny Carson.

Then Farrah Fawcett. I admit, I had a Farrah poster back in the 1970s. Not the most famous one in the orange swimsuit but the next version. I even had the t shirt. I also regularly watched Charlie's Angels and thought she was something. Not sure why she captivated in ways that others could have, but didn't.

Now Michael Jackson. I rushed to watch his videos in the early days of MTV. I danced the Moonwalk, as best as I could. I remember trying on a red leather jacket like he wore and also the black loafers and white socks. He hit heights that others can only strive for. He also hit depth that he always seemed to bounce back from. A great talent and he will be remembered for the good times.

Reminds me of the song 197o something by Mark Wills.

In Kingsville for ABC Primetime

I came up to Kingsville this evening to watch ABC Primetime "Prescription for America" on Health Care. It will be a town hall-style meeting from the White House. Susan is there as we speak/type and it will be on at 9 Central continuing on Nightline at 10:30. I already got a text that she was on the front row.

Today was a quick day since I planned to have to go home and pack a change before coming up here (2 hour drive). I had another bulb out on the M-B so I took it to Larry and he fixed it along with an good lesson on the European fog light/tail light. One of the bulbs is brighter and it comes on when you brake when the foglights are on. I didn't know it had fog lights. I learned you can only turn them on when the lights are on manual low beam position (not automatic lights which is where I usually have it). I also learned that the traction control not only controls wheel spin through variable braking and variable power, but it also has yaw control to correct side/side movement. Very interesting.

We had a bit of rain today but fortunately didn't have to try out the traction control on the way up here. I have to go back early tomorrow (0600) to get back for court. But after this week, next week is CLE and paid vacation. Looking forward to good meals and good travel and a few days of learning.

Friday June 19

Father's Day is this weekend. We are going to South Padre Island tomorrow morning for some R&R/fun and sun.

I have been working on the car this week. Wheel alignment, new tires, new bulb for turn signal. Hopefully that will do it for a while. I expected new front tire to be needed but also a rear tire had what looked like a razor blade stuck in it. Fortunately I had bought the certificate for warranty, so it was fully covered. Discount Tire is the best! Now I just have one old tire which looks shabby compared to the new one. It still have 7/32 of tread so it should be good until fall or so.

I went to the city Advisory Board dinner last night. Quite a who's who of McAllen... glad to be involved.

Wed June 17

We had jury trials scheduled today but one was dismissed by us, one officer could not recall the red light and no one else showed up for their trial. So after a lot of bond forfeitures, we had a short morning.

Sarah texted from Nicole's phone to say her phone was not set up for international. So I called ATT and got both our phones set up (for my trip to Colombia). She texted right away that it was working. Pretty amazing.

My triathlon training is going well. I ran this morning and am going cycling this evening.

Susan is going to the White House town hall meeting next Wed. June 24 which will air on ABC Primetime at 10p.m Eastern/9 p.m Central. There will be much health care debate that day on the various ABC News programs.

Scheduled to go to South Padre Island this weekend. It's Fathers Day and US Open golf weekend so it should be a nice time.

Tuesday June 16

Sarah is at IAH now waiting to board a plane for Rome. She's "Already Gone" as the song goes... grown up so to speak. Dad doesn't have much to add at this point.

Needless to say I'm a little distracted. I have been doing some busy work, paying bills, something I'd rather do after hours. But that is how it goes.

I got up early today and went swimming at 0630. Not so easy to get to the pool, 20 minutes away, but it is worth it once you are there. I've been working on the swimming for the Aug. 23 triathlon in New Braunfels. Swimming reminds me of the Houston Country Club swim team "the Flying Fish" when I was 8, 9, 10 years old. I enjoyed it then and even more now. Now I can focus on distance and not so much sprinting.

After swim practice, we'd usually get a Frozen Sunrise (virgin of course) drink from the pool area bartender whose name was Romeo. He worked at the club for 25 or 30 years until he retired. Those were always a welcome refreshment after an hour long practice.

Now my 5 year old niece is on the team. They call it the "Mean Green" now.

I guess they don't use the old cheer:
We are the Flying Fish
Couldn't be prouder
If you can't hear us
We'll yell a little louder

(repeat, progressively louder, until shouting!)

Yahoo stinks

After trying it, I didn't like it. the old Yahoo 360 blog was converted to a Facebook style profile. Hard to find, difficult to use. I didn't even know the URL to tell my mother in law where to find it (she's my biggest cyberfan!). So as the world goes, Yahoo loses to Google Blogger. I'll work on moving all the old valuable content here.

As for today, Twitter is in the news. By reading the news I added Jack Welch (former GE CEO) and Dave Pelz (noted golf teacher) to my list.

Sarah is in Houston today. Already missing her and she has not even left on the big trip so far.