Stormy Weather, Baby Girl and House on Horizon

Memorial Day ended with a bang with one of the worst storms Houston has seen (other than hurricanes) that I can recall since tropical storm Allison in 2001.  This shot taken from my office - 35th floor of the AIG American Tower on Allen Parkway, looking into downtown.There was flooding around Buffalo Bayou and many of the exits off the highways.  Some areas flooded so

quickly that people barely had time to get out of their cars, sadly there were a few people that didn't make it out but so glad that my friends, neighbors and co-workers were all OK.

Later in the week on a very happy note Tyler and Gabby learned that their baby is a girl!  The countdown to the anticipated birth on October 11th has begun.

I am so thrilled for them and very excited to know that I will have a granddaughter soon.  I love that our family continues to grow.  Can't you just picture how cute she's going to be.  

Gabby has an adorable "bump" and all tests show Baby is developing perfect.

The move to Charleston is starting to feel real.  Jake and Gina have seen the previews of their wedding photos.  Here's one of my favorites:

House(s) update:  Offer has been made on Charleston property,

 fingers crossed and prayers being said hoping that all happens smoothly with the entire process.  House in Houston has interest from local neighbors but if no signs of buying it will go on the market this week.  Painters are still hard at it and I'm "camping" for the most part but know there is a possibility that by the end of June I could permanently be on my way to Charleston.  I could be looking for a new blog name soon.  

Thank you friends, family and loved ones for being part of my life.  You make the trip so worthwhile.

Hotel ZaZa and Memorial Day weekend

Sometimes when you live in a city you never check out the local hotels.  Well this Memorial Day weekend I decided before I leave Houston it would be criminal not to check into Hotel ZaZa which is located in the museum district.  This is the former famed Warwick Hotel which opened in the late 1920's and is as fabulous as ever.  This twelve-story building was transformed into the glitzy ZaZa in 2007 much to the chagrin of some "old time Houstonians"

Located across the street from Mecom Fountain,
the standard rooms are deluxe, but I understand  cannot compare to what's known as the "Magnificent Seven" which are their luxury suites each featuring an entirely different theme.   They also have smaller “concept” suites which range from a Geisha House, lavishly decorated in shades of red, to "Houston We Have a Problem".

Monarch, is the onsite lounge and restaurant, which has an exotic "on the avenue" feeling.

But what really made the experience of staying so memorable was of course the company you keep, which was truly the best.

So I had the opportunity to celebrate "the company I was keeping's" birthday - a special friend . . .

and with so much to do in and around the Museum District it was easy to make ZaZa party central and then check out the surrounding area including some old time favorites and bucket list places.  I loved Sig's Lagoon, an old vinyl shop, and where we picked up tickets to see . . .

 

"The Night Owls" from Austin, who played one night only at The Continental Club.

You've got to check them out:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHIzh2U_I3U

 Then on to . . .

     The Symphony

And the Museum of Fine
Arts.

We were also able to tour places like Rice University grounds and saw James Turrell's "Skyspace" light exhibit, which is a special place to bond.  

Other stopping points throughout the weekend included St Thomas University, Rothko Chapel, The Menil, Herman Park, and more. . .

including places like the famous Cactus Music where free music is always playing

And of course a glimpse into David Adickes studio,

















and Rockin Robin where you can sit and play as many guitars as you like.  So please let me introduce you to my special dear friend

Someone I've known for almost 1/2 of my life . . .

Frank T

It's been a thrill and life changing to get to know this man personally.  I look forward to every minute spent together.

 This Museum District and surrounding 5 mile radius is a tiny gem of a corner of the big city that was the perfect backdrop for a birthday.  It hasn't been a bad place to call home for awhile too, but I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Houston and Charleston

Although I couldn't be with my children this Mother's Day I did get to speak to them by phone and received beautiful cards from both.  The history of Mother's Day has a backstory that took place prior to Woodrow Wilson signing the proclamation in 1914 creating the holiday, so I guess even for Congressmen there's no greater champion and worthy of the honor.  

 

This week closed out the Inprint Reading series with Geoff Dyer.  I've had a lot of fun attending these sessions at the beautiful Cullen Theater in downtown Houston. 

 

 

 Geoff it is said,  

 "is to essays what Anthony Bourdain is to food, that is, according to the Los Angeles Times any way.  He's the author of four novels, and this day he read from his newest work, Another Great Day at Sea, which chronicles his adventures during two weeks aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. George H.W. Bush.   He has a British dry humor and explained to us that growing up as an only child and being the age he is now (beyond 50), that he found the idea of having to share a room while onboard "a bit horrifying".  His sensibilities couldn't be any further removed than those on ship but he found a way to make it work and chronicle it all.  The sections of the book he chose to read were all interesting including the fact that in spite of his atheism he looked forward to daily prayer and actually ends this book on one.  His humor cracked me up and I'm looking forward to reading this.

 

 

 

And then a quick trip to Charleston with a massive surprise visitor at the airport when I arrived - took my breath, and that night Jake and Gina took us to a Riverdogs game:

 This is the local minor league Single-A baseball team that plays in the South Atlantic League.  They're an affiliate of the New York Yankees and their field is called Joseph P Riley Jr.  Although not the majority owner, it's rumored that the comedian Bill Murray is one of the partial owners and will sometimes make an appearance.  I wasn't exactly sure what a "RiverDog" is so I had to look it up and found out it's not a specific type of dog, rather, it's any type of dog that lives within a half-mile radius of a river.  (Gem could become a RiverDog.) The story goes that in the late 1970s, the Goldklang family, the majority owner of the team, purchased a chocolate lab they named Taco.  After their neighbors began calling him a "RiverDog," the family took a liking to that name and decided to change the name of the baseball team to that.  To this day, the team mascot, "Charlie T. RiverDog" is loosely based on the Goldklang's late and beloved, Taco. 

And we got a kick out of the fact that the concession workers wear T-shirts which on the front reads, "In dog years I've only had one" and on the back says "Textual Mealing".  Someone in the organization has a sense of humor.  Go Dogs!  Good Dog!

The primary reason for this trip to Charleston was to check out some property.  Of the houses I saw this one seems most like home to me.  I will attempt an offer . . .  we'll see.

Some things I like about this place is it's located in a "walking" community, it's easily accessible from the main road, has a master bedroom on the 1st floor, wood burning fireplace, a great kitchen, lovely screened back porch, plenty of storage space, requires no maintenance to move in, and access to lots of amenities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neighbors and more

Have you ever had those neighbors that are just the best?  Larry and Bebe Stegent have lived one door down from me for the past 14 years and I couldn't have had better friends, and their dog Daisy has been Gem's undying BFF all these many years as well.  It's because of Daisy that I ended up getting Gem.  I saw them walking this adorable puppy down the street one day and I wanted one of my own.  This family has been a part of so many celebrations and holidays it's hard to imagine them not being there forever.  For example shortly after Hurricane Ike hit in September 2008 not everyone on our street had power, so Larry donned his "Boner Bob" apron and set about grilling and invited everyone in the neighborhood to come eat. 

When he stopped by to cool off and invite us down to participate I almost fell over as he wiped his face.

Leave it to Larry to find the most ridiculous humor to make light of a tough situation.

 

Whenever I had company Bebe would always show up with some homemade food knowing my cooking skills were challenged.  She has brought cheese balls, soup, chicken dishes, cookies, candy and so much more to support my efforts.

 

Holidays at the Stegents are a thing to behold as Bebe would start decorating a month in advance for Easter, Halloween and Christmas.  I have never seen so many decorations even in a store, in my life.

 

Theirs is the house on the street that everyone went to for parties.  One year they invited me to go to a Texas A & M (Larry's Alma Mater) football game with the entire family. 

 

And they were always there for Gem's birthday parties.

 

Whenever I was sick Bebe would be at my house with cards, gifts and food to make things better, and when my life felt like it was falling apart I sat for hours at their kitchen table while she and Larry offered support.  Such a classy couple and I can't thank them enough for their friendship over the years, they will be so missed when I leave this place. 

Speaking of Gem, she went today for her bi-annual checkup at Greenway Animal Clinic where she's been going since she was 8 weeks old.  They've taken care of her from the very beginning when I had to go out of town for several days shortly after getting her.  When I went to pick her up they assured me her paws never hit the ground.  Thank you to Doctor Laura Bays

and the rest of the staff - you've been awesome. 

And on my mind this week - lyrics from Guns n Roses - Patience - "All we need is just a little patience".

Missing you all and can't wait to be together again.  Peace

Day to Day Stuff and Galveston, TX

A much needed focus week in Houston to catch up on work related projects and continue the home readiness initiative.  After several trips to Goodwill and donations to local charities, my house is getting close to the targeted 1/3 less contents Realtor Tim recommended for show.  I'm still about four weeks out from listing which is hopefully just enough time for the contractor Luis to finish the painting and other maintenance work needed.   There are lots of projects going on to get things in shape and on the flip side I'm beginning a more serious search for my next nest in Charleston, SC. 

Also doing some reading this week - I have several new books that I can't wait to start in no particular order:  The Good Lord Bird, The Bone Clocks, The Killer Angels, Gorsky, The Quiet American, The Buried Giant, Saturday, and finish reading The Red Tent.   All great books - I think I need a month vacation at the beach.

Speaking of the beach I committed to myself to get some of the chores done I've been putting off for awhile (I made a valiant effort), and the reward was a trip to Galveston.  I haven't been in almost 2 years and I think this place gets a bad rap.  Yes it's not crystal blue water and there are some very poor areas of the town, and yes it can be touristy, but still not a bad place to spend a day: 

Pelicans everywhere

Gem no longer afraid of the water

It is after all still southeast Texas

Regular seabirds

Feed me

Not mine

Seriously, and you want to ride home with me?

The new townhomes built in East Beach

Quite nice

Hosed down and dried off.

Had to stop for just one

The monument at the corner or Broadway and 25th (The Strand) paying homage to the heroes of the Texas Revolution from 1836

Hmmmm which one should I go to - no brainer - East Beach!!

Turtle rescue squad

Hope I get to see Galveston again one day!