Today is Christmas Day and it has been a good day with family. Last night Susan and Sarah came to the 10:30 p.m. church service where I was signing with the choir in my first Christmas Eve performance. We sang about twice what we normally do and with the late hour, I was pretty tired. Today I slept quite late (9:45) as a result. Good thing everyone else was in no hurry.
JoAnn came over and we opened the stockings as is our custom. Then we rustled up lunch and had a quiet afternoon. JoAnn and Susan reading/napping. Sarah and I went to see the movie Big Eyes which was good. We came home, had dinner and enjoyed sitting around until it was time for JoAnn to go home. She was talking about riding the bus to Wal-Mart tomorrow so that should be a good post-Christmas adventure.
I'm taking off tomorrow so I anticipate it should be a relaxing Boxing Day as well.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
McAllen Half Marathon
Sunday, December 14 was the McAllen Marathon and Half Marathon and Relay Marathon. Over 1000 people signed up for the half. A very large crowd.
The plan was to run with John Rodriguez as we had been training together. He'd been itching to go faster but I'd been trying to rein him back. Our goal was to train for the Austin 26.2 in February after all.
John seemed nervous and preoccupied that morning. Not sure why. We got there early and milled around. I looked for the fellow Maniacs warming up but couldn't find anyone. We saw some usual marathoning faces, Randy and Michelle, Scott Crane, City Commissioner, Frank, Tammy and others. At 7:00 a.m the gun went off and we started.
Following our plan (generally) we had our walk breaks planned. John was walking fast. Running about the same. Weather was mild. At mile 5 John said he cramped up and fell behind. I of course thought he was ahead of me and started running faster. He caught up but then we separated again. I ran the last few miles with Tammy and then by myself.
I had expected my time to be between 2:15 and 2:20 and came in on that number. My results are here. John came in at 2:24. We were in the second half of the 40-49 age group. As expected.
I enjoyed the finish line and then headed off to church. One of the advantages of running in Houston is the 0545 church service there. But the 1100 service at St. John's did fine.
Very bad news later that day made for a dark end. Our friend Scott Crane pulled out of the full marathon at mile 17, feeling bad. He went home, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he died that afternoon - massive heart attack at age 50. Scott was an experienced runner so it was quite unusual that it happened. RIP Scott. You will not be forgotten.
The plan was to run with John Rodriguez as we had been training together. He'd been itching to go faster but I'd been trying to rein him back. Our goal was to train for the Austin 26.2 in February after all.
John seemed nervous and preoccupied that morning. Not sure why. We got there early and milled around. I looked for the fellow Maniacs warming up but couldn't find anyone. We saw some usual marathoning faces, Randy and Michelle, Scott Crane, City Commissioner, Frank, Tammy and others. At 7:00 a.m the gun went off and we started.
Following our plan (generally) we had our walk breaks planned. John was walking fast. Running about the same. Weather was mild. At mile 5 John said he cramped up and fell behind. I of course thought he was ahead of me and started running faster. He caught up but then we separated again. I ran the last few miles with Tammy and then by myself.
I had expected my time to be between 2:15 and 2:20 and came in on that number. My results are here. John came in at 2:24. We were in the second half of the 40-49 age group. As expected.
I enjoyed the finish line and then headed off to church. One of the advantages of running in Houston is the 0545 church service there. But the 1100 service at St. John's did fine.
Very bad news later that day made for a dark end. Our friend Scott Crane pulled out of the full marathon at mile 17, feeling bad. He went home, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he died that afternoon - massive heart attack at age 50. Scott was an experienced runner so it was quite unusual that it happened. RIP Scott. You will not be forgotten.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Darold Maxwell – 1947-2014
Darold Maxwell, who had a long and illustrious legal career,
died in October 2014 at the age of 67.
Darold was a native of California but had lived and worked in Houston
since 1979. He was a very intelligent
man, having graduated from Harvard Law School with high honors. After practicing law in San Francisco for 5
years, he moved to Houston to teach tax law full time at the University of
Houston Law Center. After teaching full
time for 2 years, he returned to private practice. He continued to teach law at UH Law as an adjunct professor for many years.
He took two sabbaticals during his career, one in the early
80s and another in the late 80s to sail extensively in the Caribbean, each for
a year at a time. He returned to live
and work in the Clear Lake area where he practiced law in his own firm since
1989. Sailing was a passion of his and
he was very involved in the local sailors community.
He will be remembered for his legal acumen, his high
standards, his teaching, and his love of sailing including his Harvest Moon
Regatta victories.
On a personal note, he hired a young UH Law graduate
straight out of school and spent much time molding him into the type of
associate attorney that he wanted to have.
He was demanding in a way that made you want to achieve the success of
his approval. Nothing worthwhile is
easy.
He achieved his goal of practicing law at a high level in
the area that he wanted to live and the lifestyle he wanted to have.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Country Doctor and his Patient
Susan alerted me that Dr. William Burch, the doctor who delivered her, died recently in North Carolina at the age of 90.
His obituary shows his services as a country doctor:
William started his medical service to the community in Hickory Nut Gorge in 1953 and moved to the current location in Lake Lure in 1987 where continued to practice medicine until he retired in March 2014.
William was an active community member in the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Gorge communities and was instrumental in forming the fire and rescue volunteer services that are in place today.
His area of services must have been quite rural in 1953. The current population of Lake Lure is only 1,700 people. That 2 lane stretch of road from Fairview to Bat Cave through Hickory Nut Gorge is still not greatly populated. Susan recalled that Dr. Burch ran a "hospital" in the area, which was literally out of his home.
Susan's grandfather Walter Sales had a heart attack in his 50s and was hospitalized there. Susan said at age 9 or 10 she was too young to visit him. Undeterred, she went to his window on the first floor and crawled in to see him. Dr. Burch probably looked the other way, she thought.
Walter was part of the US troops that liberated some of the concentration camps in World War II. Dr. Burch served in both WWII and Korea before returning home. Susan noted that many men of that Greatest Generation did not come home completely healthy from the war experience.
Walter Sales
Walter died at the young age of 63. Dr. Burch was probably there.
I'm sure Dr. Burch touched a lot of lives and provided much care to a community that needed the care. It's a good legacy to serve any community for 61 years.
His obituary shows his services as a country doctor:
William started his medical service to the community in Hickory Nut Gorge in 1953 and moved to the current location in Lake Lure in 1987 where continued to practice medicine until he retired in March 2014.
William was an active community member in the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Gorge communities and was instrumental in forming the fire and rescue volunteer services that are in place today.
His area of services must have been quite rural in 1953. The current population of Lake Lure is only 1,700 people. That 2 lane stretch of road from Fairview to Bat Cave through Hickory Nut Gorge is still not greatly populated. Susan recalled that Dr. Burch ran a "hospital" in the area, which was literally out of his home.
Susan's grandfather Walter Sales had a heart attack in his 50s and was hospitalized there. Susan said at age 9 or 10 she was too young to visit him. Undeterred, she went to his window on the first floor and crawled in to see him. Dr. Burch probably looked the other way, she thought.
Walter was part of the US troops that liberated some of the concentration camps in World War II. Dr. Burch served in both WWII and Korea before returning home. Susan noted that many men of that Greatest Generation did not come home completely healthy from the war experience.
Walter died at the young age of 63. Dr. Burch was probably there.
I'm sure Dr. Burch touched a lot of lives and provided much care to a community that needed the care. It's a good legacy to serve any community for 61 years.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Postseason Baseball
I've been enjoying watching baseball this postseason. Kansas City just beat Baltimore to go ahead 3-0. My friend Verna who died in 2000 was a big Royals fan. This October - she died of breast cancer - she'd be happy to see the Royals heading toward a likely World Series appearance. A nice memory.
On the other side of Missouri, the Cardinals are in it agains the Giants, Cards behind 2-1 but never count them out. A long history of fine baseball. My friend Len is likely watching closely. Another big heartland fan.
With the roundout of Gone Girl, Missouri is the state of the month.
On the other side of Missouri, the Cardinals are in it agains the Giants, Cards behind 2-1 but never count them out. A long history of fine baseball. My friend Len is likely watching closely. Another big heartland fan.
With the roundout of Gone Girl, Missouri is the state of the month.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Life Itself
This is a combination of a biopic as well as a reality show about the film critic and writer Roger Ebert, who died this year. Available On Demand now. Directed by Steve James of Hoops Dreams fame, which is perfect for a combo of Chicago and reality.
Roger had thyroid cancer and had his lower jaw removed. In the movie, you can see through his mouth back to the bandages on his neck which cover the hole where he receives his nutrition. Shocking at first, after the film goes on, you get used to seeing it. He uses voice recognition and computer writing and blogging to communicate.
As an experienced writer, he takes to the new form like its an old hand, which it really it. We see his growing up and writing starting at a young age. We see his film career and the two-edged sword of his TV partnership/professional rivalry with Gene Siskel Like two brothers who don't like each other.
Very well done as it gives an insight into the personality of Roger Ebert. It makes you like him and also know some of his faults at the same time. A very fine tribute to a man who made a great contribution to American society.
* * * *
"Two Thumbs Up!"
Roger had thyroid cancer and had his lower jaw removed. In the movie, you can see through his mouth back to the bandages on his neck which cover the hole where he receives his nutrition. Shocking at first, after the film goes on, you get used to seeing it. He uses voice recognition and computer writing and blogging to communicate.
As an experienced writer, he takes to the new form like its an old hand, which it really it. We see his growing up and writing starting at a young age. We see his film career and the two-edged sword of his TV partnership/professional rivalry with Gene Siskel Like two brothers who don't like each other.
Very well done as it gives an insight into the personality of Roger Ebert. It makes you like him and also know some of his faults at the same time. A very fine tribute to a man who made a great contribution to American society.
* * * *
"Two Thumbs Up!"
Monday, September 15, 2014
Scene of the Crime
While in Dallas this summer visiting my friend Jeff, I was on the way back to DFW airport and had left a bit early having a full day pretty much free before flying home. My GPS took me to the rental car center - slowly but surely. As I turned on Rental Car Drive, there it was, off to the side - Bear Creek Golf Club. By instinct, I turned in...
I made my way down the bumpy drive, looking around. Coming into view, I saw a parking lot and clubhouse/golf shop. It looked 80s-ish. I tried to remember its look, but I couldn't. Nothing special from the outside.
Going inside, more of the same. It looked like a muni pro shop - basic gear for sale. Rates were posted - very reasonable - $35 or so for a round plus cart. Not too many people around but it was a Monday.
I struck up a conversation - "Well, sir, we have 2 18's, the West and East. The East is the more challenging, as you can see from the slope rating" I looked at the scorecard: 73.4/138 - quite high.
"That's the one" I said to myself.
* * *
It was 1983 when I saw that course for the first time. It was the American Junior Golf Association Hyatt Bear Creek Junior Tournament at that time. I drove up from Austin to play my senior year of high school. The AJGA was the big junior tournament tour at the time. I had played in one tournament in Abilene the year before and performed badly under difficult conditions. But I was a year old and better now.
The course, like the set up before in Abilene, was very tough. The course was long for its day and there were many trees, traps and water hazards. The first hole was a par 5 and I must have made a 7 or so on it. The next hole, the number 1 handicap hole. It did not get better. I gutted it out and really tried to do my best. I was certainly capable of shooting in the 70s or 80s at that time. But this was not the day.
After a string of bogeys or worse, on the 15th hole, I was down the middle with 140 or so to the green, Finally a chance for a short iron, put it on the green, get it going. But no. My ball was in a divot in the middle of the fairway. No chance - I hit it fat and well short of the green. That was the highest and lowest point of the day.
I shot some score in the 90s - can't even remember exactly. It was at the very bottom. Quite humiliating, even though there was no one I knew at the tournament. To make matters worse, I was staying at this SMU fraternity house with a friend of the family (not even a friend of mine) and had to go back to these people I didn't even know or like and report on my poor performance.
That night I decided that this AJGA tournament wasn't important to me, and that I needed to get back to Austin to clear out my game in time for the Austin high school District 26 5-A Championship which was that following Monday or Tuesday. So I bailed on the AJGA - just quit - did not show for round 2 - headed back home - the proverbial Trunk Slam.
It must have been just a poorly timed slump. I struggled on the range on Sunday in Austin, shot 92 again the first day of the District Tournament, but settled in at 83 on day 2 to help the team get second place. A week or two later at the Regional Tournament, I had 2 of my best rounds under pressure, 80-81 to nearly be low man on the team to Jeff's 83-77. We had a good senior finish the two of us. And we're still good friends. And he can still beat me. And that's just the way it is.
In hindsight, the competition on the AJGA circuit was nationwide and the players were among the best from many different states, not just Texas. The courses selected were very difficult. Both tournaments I traveled to at age 17 by myself. I didn't even consider playing a practice round and didn't know what to expect. There was an expectation that college coaches were watching. No wonder I did poorly.
Conversely, the District Championship was an "A" Tournament for me, and (looking back) I'm glad I realized that it was more important to me that some Dallas tournament.
* * *
The pro at Bear Creek asked "Would you like to play or maybe hit some balls? We've got clubs available" It was hot and I had a flight to catch so I declined and headed out. No sense in trying change the past.
* * *
Today, I still enjoy the game and have played many fine courses. I've met some good friends through the game and believe that I can play with anyone. I've had instruction from some of the greats of the game. Some of those friends from the Austin District Championship went on to careers on the PGA Tour.
I've got many more good memories than bad in my golf games. Living Well is the Best Revenge.
I made my way down the bumpy drive, looking around. Coming into view, I saw a parking lot and clubhouse/golf shop. It looked 80s-ish. I tried to remember its look, but I couldn't. Nothing special from the outside.
Going inside, more of the same. It looked like a muni pro shop - basic gear for sale. Rates were posted - very reasonable - $35 or so for a round plus cart. Not too many people around but it was a Monday.
I struck up a conversation - "Well, sir, we have 2 18's, the West and East. The East is the more challenging, as you can see from the slope rating" I looked at the scorecard: 73.4/138 - quite high.
"That's the one" I said to myself.
* * *
It was 1983 when I saw that course for the first time. It was the American Junior Golf Association Hyatt Bear Creek Junior Tournament at that time. I drove up from Austin to play my senior year of high school. The AJGA was the big junior tournament tour at the time. I had played in one tournament in Abilene the year before and performed badly under difficult conditions. But I was a year old and better now.
The course, like the set up before in Abilene, was very tough. The course was long for its day and there were many trees, traps and water hazards. The first hole was a par 5 and I must have made a 7 or so on it. The next hole, the number 1 handicap hole. It did not get better. I gutted it out and really tried to do my best. I was certainly capable of shooting in the 70s or 80s at that time. But this was not the day.
After a string of bogeys or worse, on the 15th hole, I was down the middle with 140 or so to the green, Finally a chance for a short iron, put it on the green, get it going. But no. My ball was in a divot in the middle of the fairway. No chance - I hit it fat and well short of the green. That was the highest and lowest point of the day.
I shot some score in the 90s - can't even remember exactly. It was at the very bottom. Quite humiliating, even though there was no one I knew at the tournament. To make matters worse, I was staying at this SMU fraternity house with a friend of the family (not even a friend of mine) and had to go back to these people I didn't even know or like and report on my poor performance.
That night I decided that this AJGA tournament wasn't important to me, and that I needed to get back to Austin to clear out my game in time for the Austin high school District 26 5-A Championship which was that following Monday or Tuesday. So I bailed on the AJGA - just quit - did not show for round 2 - headed back home - the proverbial Trunk Slam.
It must have been just a poorly timed slump. I struggled on the range on Sunday in Austin, shot 92 again the first day of the District Tournament, but settled in at 83 on day 2 to help the team get second place. A week or two later at the Regional Tournament, I had 2 of my best rounds under pressure, 80-81 to nearly be low man on the team to Jeff's 83-77. We had a good senior finish the two of us. And we're still good friends. And he can still beat me. And that's just the way it is.
In hindsight, the competition on the AJGA circuit was nationwide and the players were among the best from many different states, not just Texas. The courses selected were very difficult. Both tournaments I traveled to at age 17 by myself. I didn't even consider playing a practice round and didn't know what to expect. There was an expectation that college coaches were watching. No wonder I did poorly.
Conversely, the District Championship was an "A" Tournament for me, and (looking back) I'm glad I realized that it was more important to me that some Dallas tournament.
* * *
The pro at Bear Creek asked "Would you like to play or maybe hit some balls? We've got clubs available" It was hot and I had a flight to catch so I declined and headed out. No sense in trying change the past.
* * *
Today, I still enjoy the game and have played many fine courses. I've met some good friends through the game and believe that I can play with anyone. I've had instruction from some of the greats of the game. Some of those friends from the Austin District Championship went on to careers on the PGA Tour.
I've got many more good memories than bad in my golf games. Living Well is the Best Revenge.
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