Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.23.15 - Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

So...I stopped at HEB, as I am so prone to doing, and picked up a few things. As I proceeded to the check-out line, I noticed these orchids.

I walked over to admire and price them and all I did was admire. I didn't want to spend $69.99 on a plant that I would possible kill. So, how does my garden grow? Just fine at HEB!

Pic Of The Day - 02.22.15 - Poodles On The Bayou

I was invited to a birthday party on Sunday for a longtime friend. The theme was Poodles On The Bayou. I was debating about taking The Calvinator to the party but being that he is not a poodle, I opted not to do so. And yes, there were poodles at the party as well as a Barbie birthday cake.

Pic Of The Day - 02.21.15 - Hello Dali

I'm sure I'm not the first person to use that title but I think it's cute.

While I was out running around on Saturday, it started to rain and a couple of times it was a deluge.

While I was HEB waiting for the rain to let up, I snapped this photo. It is an apartment building on Dunlavy. The image looks like something Salvador Dali would paint.

Pic Of The Day - 02.20.15 - Room With A View-REEF

Once or twice a year, I'm invited to the private dining room at REEF. And, thus was the case on Friday. It was belated Holiday Party for my department and we did the White Elephant Exchange.

The view from the room is great. This is what you see.

Eat & Drink For A Good Cause

"It’s hard to believe Brock Wagner and Chris Shepherd have never collaborated on a beer dinner. They’ve decided to remedy the situation by creating a dinner that’s so special, 36 seats will be auctioned off and proceeds donated to charity (Hay Merchant’s neighbor Legacy Community Health Services).

Underbelly food. Rare Saint Arnold beers. Conversation with Brock and Chris. This is all happening on Wednesday, March 11 at Underbelly."

So how can you get one of the 36 seats by bidding at Underbelly. Click here to read the rest of the story and to get instructions. Don't delay! Bidding ends on March 1.

Pic Of The Day - 02.19.15 - I'm Gonna Swing From The Chandelier

I did a walk-thru at DeGaulle and Hughes Hangar. I've been to both places before but maybe it was because they were both void of people, I could actually appreciate the decor.

This is my favorite photo from the day. It had me humming Sia's Chandelier.

Pic Of The Day - 02.18.15 - Hello H-town

As much as I love going to New Orleans and celebrating Mardi Gras, it's always nice to be back in Houston.

This is the view of the sunset that The Calvinator and I enjoyed.

Pic Of The Day - 02.17.15 - Twister

So...if I had to pick at least one photo to sum up the day it would be this one.

This is what I wore on Mardi Gras. It was 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.66 Celsius)in New Orleans. I was feeling a bit spent after being the Krewe of Orpheus' Orpheuscapade on Lundi Gras night.
So...I bundled up, put on the costume, made a cocktail and made my way to the French Quarter.

Check back for more photos from Mardi Gras.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.16.15 - T 'N T From Lundi Gras

Flight delay out of IAH to MSY. I had my coffee, Andy Cohen's book and beads.

My most recent "Keep Calm" poster.

There is nothing else like this Gumbo Ya-Ya at Mr. B's in New Orleans. I wanted to wipe the bowl clean with the bread.

Shrimp and andouille sausage brochettes with green and red peppers with rice and a mustard sauce.

Normally I would stick to just a Martini straight up with a twist but I opted for a King Cake Tini. It was a bit late coming to my table and that worked out for the best. It was better as a dessert drink.

I made my pilgrimage to the George Rodrigue Gallery. Hopefully one day I'll be able to purchase another Blue Dog.

The end of the day's catch. My loot from Orpheuscapade.

I'll try and post more photos from the trip. Check back.

Legacy's Little Readers

A Legacy volunteer reads to a young patient in a clinic waiting room.

Some people take for granted the simple fact that they can read and fully understand this blog post. Literacy is the key that opens educational and economic doors.

Imagine the opportunities you might have missed if you had not learned to read – and read well – from an early age. In Houston, three in five children don’t have reading-readiness skills when they enter kindergarten. Nationwide, nearly seven in ten fourth graders in public schools were reading below proficient levels in 2011.

We don’t want to let another opportunity pass by the 7,000 young children who will visit Legacy Community Health Services this year. Through the Legacy’s Little Readers program, each child will receive a free, age-appropriate book at doctor visits with a “reading prescription” for parents to read the books to their children. Parents trust the advice they receive from their child’s doctor, and Legacy’s Little Readers will promote literacy in the special setting of the pediatric health exam room.

You can help a young child get a head start on a successful educational journey by becoming a Legacy’s Little Readers Champion. We’re launching our first-ever social media campaign for this new initiative, and we need help spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and more!

The Legacy’s Little Readers social media campaign will run March 1 through April 30. We will provide our champions pre-made social media messages, email templates and other creative ideas to help get friends and co-workers involved.

Share the love of reading by helping us write a prescription to read! Send me your name, email and phone number and I will provide you with more information. Send your contact information to: timmartinez77007@gmail.com

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.15.15 - T 'n T (This and That)

I'm sort of all over the map with the photos from the 15th. I was preparing to go to The Big Easy for Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras. Read the captions for my commentary.

This is by far one of their best flavors (if you like the taste of coffee).

The Calvinator donned his Mardi Gras hat.

Driving down Sawyer Street, I saw this painted on the side of a warehouse.

Have you ever hoped something would taste as good as it looks?

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.14.15 - aniMeals

Do you ever run across a great cause and think to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" That is how I was feeling a few years ago when I discovered aniMeals.

"The aniMeals on Wheels program was founded so that homebound seniors on Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston's Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston program would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their four-legged friends. IM collects donated pet food that volunteers deliver each month to seniors."

So...on Saturday, a group of us went to the Best Friends Brunch which was a benefit for aniMeals. Champagne. Silent auction. Raffle. Doggy fashion show. Stunning repartee. Great company. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Pic Of The Day - 02.13.15 - It Was S.A.D. At Work Today

Everywhere I turned, I was reminded that Saturday was going to be S.A.D., Single Awareness Day. One of my co-workers loves to decorate for most holidays and in anticipation of S.A.D., we had various treats to munch on throughout the day.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.12.15 - Let's Get Kinky

I have a love affair with Kinky Boots. It started in September of 2013.

Well, the touring company made its way to Houston and I went with some friends on Thursday evening. The touring cast works just as hard as the Broadway cast and had the audience on their fit the moment curtain call started.

The show is presented by Theater Under the Stars and there is still time to see it while it is in Houston. Purchase your tickets here.

Pic Of The Day - 02.11.15 - Orange Rolls

This may not look like much but it is a mouth full of heaven.

It is an orange roll that is served at the Junior League of Houston. They serve them before the meal and in my opinion they could be a stand alone meal.

Pic Of The Day - 02.10.15 - And Then This Happened

Being the good citizen that I am, and cookie lover, I placed an order for Girl Scout cookies. And, they arrived. I was feeling a bit adventurous when I ordered the lemon comes. I had never tried them and I will tell you that they are delicious.

Pic Of The Day - 02.09.15 - A Quasi-Foggy Day In H-town

An interesting hint of fog on Monday morning.

#RoomWithAView

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.08.15 - The Morning After

I actually felt pretty good on Sunday morning. On Saturday, I didn't over indulge on adult beverages and I didn't stay out late. I did eat a bunch of food that wasn't healthy but isn't that what Mardi Gras is all about? However, I did finish off some Blue Bell ice cream while I was trying to wind down.

I had a task list of things to do and one of the tasks was to decorate The Calvinator's balcony for Mardi Gras. Because of the timing of the move, I did not decorate for Christmas so I owed it to The Calvinator to decorate his balcony.

And, even though I had the decorations and the season began on January 6, it took Saturday's night Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party to really put me in the spirit of the season.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 02.07.15 - RECAP: Mystery & Fantasy Mardi Gras Party

Just a few of the many photos from Saturday night's party. We had about 1400 guests and by all accounts, everyone (who can remember) had a fun time.

Yes, this is how Mardi Gras is celebrated in Houston. We clean up pretty well, don't we?

photo: Rene Weaver

photo: Rene Weaver

photo: Rock Edwards

photo: Gary Wood

photo: Christopher Prado

photo: Januari Leo

photo: David Wallace

photo: David Wallace

photo: Terry Hamman

photo: Joel Kalmin