Pic Of The Day - 05.25.15 - 12 Inches

By friends and family, I have been called a food snob because I tend to post photos from fancy restaurants. So with Monday being a patriotic holiday, I decided to eat at James Coney Island (JCI) and treat myself to a footlong chili cheese dog with tator tots. And you know what? It was yummy!

Pic Of The Day - 05.24.15 - Branches

This tree resides in The Calvinator's Upper Kirby 'hood. If you look at it you will notice that its branches are thick, extensive and hang low.

Pic Of The Day - 05.23.15 - You Spin Me Round

I don't go to Memorial City Mall very often. They have an eclectic mix of stores. I'd probably go more often if they had a Nordstrom but that discussion is for another day.

What they do have is this cool carousel. I enjoy looking at the craftsmanship that went into creating this piece of art.

Pic Of The Day - 05.22.15 - Frost Paws

From time to time, it can be difficult to find Frosty Paws. Sometimes they can be found in the novelty ice cream section at the grocery store. Sometimes they have their own small freezer in the dog food section. Sometimes they cannot be found at all. However, the Kroger on Buffalo Speedway has designated half of a full-sized freezer for Frosty Paws. They're a bit pricier at Kroger but anything for The Calvinator.

Pic Of The Day - 05.21.15 - Red Nose Day

This is a doctored photo but it is still my pic of the day. You see...

Thursday was Red Nose Day. This is a day designated to raise awareness and money for children living in poverty. The movement actually began in Great Britain. This was the first time for the event to take place in the United States. Click here to learn more about Red Nose Day.

Pic Of The Day - 05.20.15 - Storm Clouds

When first looking at this photo, it may look like a puffy, white cloud against a dark blue sky. What it really is, is a grey cloud against really dark storm clouds.

We've had some really wet weather in H-town. It is a stark contrast to the drought of 2011 that changed the landscape of Houston. I'd rather have the wet weather than a drought but it would be nice if it was done in moderation.

Pic Of The Day - 05.19.15 - The Price Of Gas

I watch the price of gas. Part of my reason for doing so is because of budget reasons. Another part is because Houston is The Energy Capital of the World and many of the people who support Legacy Community Health are in the industry sector or have investments in the energy industry. So, when the price of gas is up, we all breathe a little bit easier.

Around the end of 2014, the price of gas was dropping. That was a good thing to have happen around Christmas shopping time!

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Pic Of The Day - 05.18.15 - What Might This Be?

New flowers have popped up in The Calvinator's Upper Kirby 'hood. I posted this on Facebook and one of my real friends identified it as Rangoon Creeper.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.17.15 - Before I Die

I spotted this huge chalkboard in Midtown. I had to circle around the block to find a parking spot so that I could photograph the board.

So gentle readers, what do you want do before you die?

Pic Of The Day - 05.16.15 - Vodka Made Me Do It

I was out running errands on Saturday and decided to stop my Specs. I always find something that I don't need and I couldn't help but purchase these napkins.

Pic Of The Day - 05.15.15 - Pitch Perfect 2

I took the day off and treated myself to going to see a movie. Until Thursday, I didn't realize that movie theatres have showings that begin as early as 10:00AM. Maybe it's just a big city thing because of 24/7 economy? Anywho...

I went to an early showing of Pitch Perfect 2 and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you loved Pitch Perfect, you will love this sequel. I'm not sure if Pitch Perfect 3 if there is a Pitch Perfect 3 could live up to the first two.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.14.15 - Boomtown

Texas has a new Buc-ee's and I believe it is the largest one yet. So...I happened to be in Baytown on Thursday and decided to stop at the new Buc-ee's. It is HUGE!

I really never get to visit the location in Waller because I always have The Calvinator with me and I don't like to leave him in the car for too long. So on Thursday I meandered through the aisles and found things that I didn't know existed and needed.
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And speaking of Baytown, they have a really big Academy store there and it looks like a mega-Kroger is being built. And to add to this, they have a big Starbucks that is really nice. Baytown/Boomtown.

Pic Of The Day - 05.13.15 - Plaid Is The New Black

We've had some gloomy weather in H-town. I have a new shirt. My shirt is a bright plaid. I haven't worn the bright plaid shirt. We had another gloomy day.

I decided to brighten EVERYONE'S day and wear my new shirt!

Pic Of The Day - 5.12.15 - Surprise!

I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at work. A longtime friend was waiting for me with these flowers and a really nice note. It made my day!

I will admit that I've always been afraid of orchids because I'm afraid I will kill them. However, I have two co-workers who are orchid whisperers so with their guidance, I hope to keep this one alive.

When Love Came To Town

I woke up this morning to the news that The King Of The Blues had died, B.B. King.

I only saw him perform one time and it happened to be on November 24, 1987 in the arena of Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth. TCCC was the place for some of the concerts that would come through the DFW area. Dallas had opened Reunion Arena and competed for concerts. In November of 1987, U2 booked two shows in Fort Worth. On November 23, The Bodeans opened for U2 and on November 24 The Bodeans AND B.B. King opened for U2.

When Love Comes To Town premiered at the concert. They filmed the performance and used it in Rattle and Hum. I am accustomed to saying that I have been in a movie because when they pan the audience, I was there.

Today, many things have been said about B.B. King so I won't reiterate them. I will say that I am glad that I was able to see him perform and share his talents with the masses.

RIP B.B. and thank you for singing the blues.

Pic Of The Day - 05.11.15 - How Does Your 'hood Grow?

Yes, more flowers continue to appear in the The Calvinator's 'hood. I don't know if this new 'hood has more variety or did I become blind to the variety of flowers in his previous 'hood? It's been fun exploring his new stompin' grounds.

Pic Of The Day - 05.10.15 - Yellow River

I'm not sure what type of tree this is but one day it exploded in yellow blossoms. And then, the blossoms started to fall creating the illusion of a yellow river. OK, maybe more of a creek but you get the idea.

Pic Of The Day - 05.09.15 - Purple Is The New Black?

New flowers continue to bloom in Upper Kirby and I've noticed a plethora of purple. Today The Calvinator and I spotted this cluster of flowers.

Pic Of The Day - 05.08.15 - I Can Take A Hint

I took the day off from work and spent some extra time with The Calvinator. Both us took a nap...well, actually he took several naps. Anywho...

. He thought he was being subtle by looking out the sliding glass door but I can take a hint. After this photo was snapped, I walked over to him and asked him if he wanted go out to his balcony. He didn't hesitate when I opened the door.

Pic Of The Day - 05.07.15

I stopped in at the  H-E-B on Dunlavy and my eyes were accosted by pops of colour.

Pic Of The Day - 05.06.15 - Eau De Magnolia

I pulled up to an office complex and when I exited the car I could smell magnolias. There were magnolia trees everywhere covered in blossoms.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.05.15 - What Would You Do For A Klondike Bar...Or Some Attention?

So...Monday night was the Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala that raises funds for the Costume Institute. Anna Wintour chairs the event and because it raises money for that institute, guests are allowed to go over the top. This year's theme was China: Through The Looking Glass. Many of the guests' attire had an Asian flare.

The two most talked about celebrities were Rihanna and Sara Jessica Parker:

Few photos from Page Six here and here.

And of course by yesterday, the memes had started. I captured this screenshot for my Pic Of The Day.

Pic Of The Day - 05.04.15 - Spotted At Kroger

Mandevilla

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.03.15 - Brunch @ B19

I joined a group of people for brunch at Brasserie 19. It was a festive group celebrating a friend's birthday. B19 was hopping and it made me think of the daze days at La Strada. BTW, the food was delicious! I've only had dinner at B19 but now it is on my place-to-brunch list.

Croissant sandwich with potatoes

Rainbow cakeballs with a rainbow filling.

Pic Of The Day - 05.02.15 - Everything's Coming Up Roses

So...this is my hat that I created for Legacy Community Health Services' Annual Derby Day Celebration. It's the official kick-off for Mint Julep which will be held on July 19.

I was inspired by the Rodrigue: Houston exhibit that is on display. It consists of a Blue Dog, some roses and horses that I cut out of a plastic table cloth...oh, and a plastic, flying disc kind of thing...oh, and some balsa wood, poster board, a fez, and plenty of duck tape. I was working on it until 12:00PM on Saturday and I had to be at the venue by 2:00PM. It was definitely a Tim Gunn make it work moment. And in my head I could visualize Nina Garcia critiquing it. I definitely could have won an unconventional hat making contest.

To see photos from the event, visit Legacy's flickr page.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.01.15 - Scenes From Walking With The Calvinator

A pop of colour.

This oleander has exploded with blossoms.

RIP Jim Wright

photo credit: WikipediA

This is copied from a post on my Facebook page.

I was caught in traffic earlier today when I received a news alert that Jim Wright died today. It has been some time since his name crossed my mind and about a year ago I did a Google search to see what had become of Jim.

In September of 1974, I was selected to go on a trip to Washington, D.C., with stops along the way. We took a different route coming back so that we could visit places in the Deep South.

It was a memorable trip full of highlights. One of the highlights was the day we met U.S. Representative Jim Wright. He and his staff treated us like we were royalty. He took us to lunch in the Congressional Dining Room and we were the center of attention because one of the nuns (who was also the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Ft. Worth) was in a habit and our group was ethnically diverse.

He visited with us in his office and of course it was the perfect photo op. At the end of the visit, he presented each of us with a U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol building (even if only for a few seconds). Along with the staffers from his office and U.S. Representative Olin Teague, we had passes to just about anywhere there was to go.

When I returned back to Fort Worth, I gave the flag to the school at a PTA meeting. I remember my mom (Helen Martinez) writing Jim Wright a letter thanking him for treating us so well. I believe she mentioned that he had made quite an impression upon me, the family, and all of the parents and students at All Saints.

I know he wasn't perfect. And, I know many people in Dallas disliked him because of the Wright Amendment, but he definitely made an impression upon me.

Rest In Peace Jim Wright.

More about Jim Wright can be found in this article from Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 04.30.15 - A Balcony With A View

On Wednesday, I attended a reception for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Revelations Residency that is being presented by Society for the Performing Arts. The main reason I attended was because I wanted to go inside 2727 Kirby Drive. It is a high rise down the street from me that slants at an angle over Kirby Drive.

I'm really glad that I attended because there was a lady there from Alvin Ailey that was so inspiring. Her name is Nasha (sp). Nasha spoke about the work they do in the residency but also at the camps; truly inspirational.

Nasha, Jordan and June

This piece of art sits on a sliver of a median on Kirby Drive. I've never been able to get up close to it because of traffic. So...I was able to snap this view of it from the 7th floor.

Three different views from the terrace at 2727 Kirby Drive.

Pic Of The Day - 04.29.15 - Are You Ready To Derby?

Part of the decor for my hat for Derby Day. Are you curious? You should be.

Pic Of The Day - 04.28.15 - Food Porn

Del Frisco's Grille on Kirby at Westheimer has become my go to place for lunch meetings. Good food. Quick service. Not too loud. To me that is a trifecta!

And such was the case on Tuesday when I met up with my friend Pookie, aka Jim. I ordered the fish tacos and I must say they were YUMMY!. The fish was seasoned so that you received a slight punch in the mouth with spice but it wasn't overwhelming. And, unlike other fish tacos, these were not crunchy, they were grilled or pan seared.