Pic Of The Day - 06.24.15 - The Return Of Big Brother

So...just the other day I wondered when Big Brother would return to the air and "POOF!" there it is! There are some new twists and turns that I didn't quite fully understand but as the game plays out, I'm sure I'll figure it out.

P.S. I know I didn't snap this pic but I always think it looks weird to take a photo of something on television. Just my opinion...and my blog...and my Pic Of The Day

Pic(s) Of The Day - 06.23.15 - I Really Don't Know Clouds At All

Every now and then a sunset will stop me in my tracks. And, such was the case when I stepped out on the balcony to let The Calvinator out.

Pic Of The Day - 06.22.15 - Crepe Myrtle II

You'll recall a previous post with three different colours of Crepe Myrtles. Well, I ran across a red one the other day! I don't see those very often.

Pic Of The Day - 06.21.15 - You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

Randy Mitchmore, DDS, and owner of LifeSmiles has fully decked out his place of business! Nice job!!

And just because, everyone needs some Annie in their life.



And in search, I found this version by Sia:



Who knew there was an updated version to the song? Not me!

Pic Of The Day -06.20.15 - Flower Of The Day

Whilst out running errands, I stopped at HEB on W. Alabama and Dunlavy and this flower stopped me. It's bright colour popped out. And I didn't use any type of a filter.

06.19.15 - Memorial Park

So...I decided to take a walk around Memorial Park. They're doing some renovations and there is a master plan that is being worked on. One of the new editions is the running center which is closer to the railroad tracks. It's been there about a year. It's nice but I think I was expecting more. At least there is additional parking.

Pic Of The Day - 06.18.15 - Standing Out

It's been said that you fit in by standing out. Well, when I looked out on the parking lot of Pappadeaux's, I saw this pink car. It was a gray day in Houston and this pop of colour could not be missed.

Pic Of The Day - 06.17.15 - Send In The Clown

So, this has to be one of the best headlines and front page photos I have ever seen. Tabloids can get away wit so much. They are my inside voice being projected outside and in print.

I don't quite understand Donald Trump. He didn't get where he is by driving the Volkswagon full of clowns. I don't always understand his business practices but I have learned some things from him that have been helpful. And if you listened to his speech, you would think he is some sort of of clown. It was something I just couldn't turn off because I didn't know what he would say next. "I just can't quit you."

And as a follow-up...

TS Bill made a trip up I-35 and dumped rain on the north Texas area. We received more rain on Wednesday than we did on Tuesday because of TS Bill's tail.

Pic Of The Day - 06.16.15 - Landfall

So...TS Bill finally made landfall at 11:45a.m. It went to the south of Houston and while we were on the dirty side of the storm, the torrential rainfalls predicted for Tuesday, never materialized.

In anticipation of the end of the world due to predictions of torrential rainfalls, my office was closed. And because of the predictions, normal programming was preempted. My go to station is CNN. Well, the punishment for getting a free day off from work, is that for 45 minutes, Donald Trump's announcement about entering the 2016 presidential race, took over CNN. UGH!

Pic Of The Day - 06.15.15 - Storm Clouds

Guess what? It rained again on Monday. And there a tropical disturbance was brewing in The Gulf.

Pic(s) Of The Date - 06.14.15 - Walking With The Calvinator

Normally when The Calvinator and I go walking we either go out the back pedestrian gate or we might go west on Richmond Avenue. Sunday morning was different; we went east. And next door The Calvinator's Crib we found McClain Gallery.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 06.13.15 - Rodrigue: Houston / Revisted

I returned to Rodrigue: Houston to purchase the book that shows many of the paintings from Don Sanders' collection. Don and Jacques Rodrigue were there to sign the books. It was also family day with arts and crafts for the kids and some free yogurt Pinkberry! You have until July 5 to visit Rodrigue: Houston in West Ave.

Pics Of The Day - 06.12.15 - Scenes From Rainbow On The Green

Derrick Barry as Lady Gaga and Coco Montrese as Beyoncé.

Amber

Blogging Tropical Storm Bill - II

So...there hasn't been much to post about TS Bill. So...here are some entertaining videos. Let's begin with John Fenoglio from local ABC affiliate KTRK-Channel 13.

Earlier today, while waiting for TS Bill, John revealed that he has a fear of snakes (who doesn't) and roaches.



When then made me think of this from several years ago.



When then made me think of Geraldo during Hurricane Ike



When then made me think of Jeff Ranieri who thought a rat was a porcupine. Oy vey!



And just because...

Blogging Tropical Storm Bill

So...there isn't much to report from The Calvinator's Crib. We've been here since last night when storm preparations for TS Bill began. Due to the concern of power outages and possible flooding, the elevators in the building were disabled at 8:00PM last night. That made for a difficult walk this morning for The Calvinator. He's not big on stairs and stairwells so four flights of stairs is not his cup of tea.

The problem with these storms is that it is difficult to predict their path and intensity. Houston is on the dirty side of TS Bill but so far the rain has been intermittent and bearable. However, that could change later in the day.

My office was closed today and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. This has also been a good dry run on getting prepared for a hurricane.

We may have been accused of overreacting but if you lived in Houston during TS Allison or Hurricane Ike, you'd understand why we are a bit gun shy.
And yes, TS Bill made landfall around 11:45AM around Matagorda Island. Now it is time to deal with the remnants which could include tornadoes.

This is the best meme I found about TS Bill.
I lifted it from Alan's Facebook page.

If anything significant happens with TS Bill, I'll do another post but otherwise, this may be all I have to say about TS Bill.

Pic Of The Day - 06.11.15 - The '70s

Often it is said, "If you remember the '70s, you weren't there."

So the other night, CNN started its series on the '70s. Last year it was the '60s. The Thursday night episode was television reflecting the times. I remembered about 90% of they showed and yes I was there but was too young to be experimenting with drugs. Just sayin'.

It will be interesting to see what other topics they cover. I assume that Watergate will receive a full hour; maybe two hours?

Pic Of The Day - 06.10.15 - All Creatures Great And Small

This little critter hangs out near one of the collection canisters for dog poop on the property at The Calvinator's Upper Kirby Crib.
He scatters really quick so I had to snap this pic before I disposed of the poop.

Pic Of The Day - 06.09.15 - Crepe Myrtle

For as long as I can remember, crepe myrtles have always been a part of my life. My maternal grandparents had them in their yard and my parents had one in their yard. I don't know much about them but I do remember that one of my relatives tried to grow one in Kansas City, MO, and it wouldn't grow. I do know that they come in different colors and in one small area near my office, these three colors have blossomed.

Pic Of The Day - 06.08.15 - Lunch Meeting

So...on Monday, I had a lunch meeting at Memorial City Mall. I picked the restaurant and since I don't often have the opportunity to eat at Cheesecake Factory, that is where I set for the meeting location.

This is a Asian chicken salad and even though it looks like there is a bunch of food it was a lite meal.

Oh, and as much as I love their cheesecake, I didn't order any.

Pic Of The Day - 06.07.15 - It Looks Like A Margarita

So...on Saturday I purchased these but waited until Sunday night while I was watching The Tony Awards to do my first taste testing. I tried the strawberry flavor and it was OK. I think I was expecting something sweeter.

And speaking of the The Tony Awards...I enjoyed them. I still missed Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman. To me, the funniest moment of the evening was when Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth were going to introduce Fun Home and she came out as E.T. ("phone home").

I love and hate The Tony's. Love them because I get to see hear and see highlights from shows that I may or may not have heard of. Hate them because it makes me want to live in NYC and be at the theatre all of the time but then I'd have to have a high paying job that allowed me that luxury.

Such is life.

Pic Of The Day - 06.06.15 - Yellow And Orange

Parking around my office building can at times be a bit difficult. So...it just so happens that one of my friends, who is a neighbor to my workplace, planted flowers and brightened up the walk to the office building.

Pic Of The Day - 06.05.15 - Time To Make The Donuts

Friday was National Donut Day, a day to celebrate the donut and drive up sales before everyone goes on vacation.

So...one of my co-workers stopped at the local donut store and purchased a box of donuts to share. And yes, they were yummy!

Pic Of The Day - 06.04.15 - Pic Of The Week

This magazine cover was released earlier in the week. It blew up the internet.

Bruce Jenner is transitioning from male to female. A few weeks ago, he did an interview with Diane Sawyer and that blew up the internet.

When I found out that Annie Liebowitz was going to do the photoshoot for Vanity Fair, I knew she would do a classy job and she did. I have not actually but my hands on the magazine but I have seen the photos.

Quite a bit has been said, both positive and negative, about Caitlyn Jenner. Not everyone has the opportunity to be interviewed by Diane Sawyer and photographed by Annie Liebowitz and be related to the Kardashians. Everyone's journey in life is different.

I do know some people who have transitioned from male to female and female to male. Regardless of ethnicity and/or socio-economic class it isn't easy on many different levels. Good for Caitlyn Jenner to be able to but her journey on everyone's computer, smart phone and television. It's much different from the time that Renee Richards made headlines in 1975. If I remember correctly, Life Magazine did a story about Renee so unless you were privileged enough to have the magazine in your home or if it was even covered on the evening news, you probably didn't hear about it.

And in true social media fashion, people have taken to bashing Caitlyn Jenner...and it's from all sides. Quite a bit has been said, but Motherhood Unscripted says it best. I couldn't have stated it any better than this lady.

Pic Of The Day - 06.03.15 - Tearing It Up

Since moving to The Calvinator's new 'hood, at least four homes have been demolished to make way for new construction. It was a similar situation in his old 'hood. Could he be a trendsetter? Follow The Calvinator to find out the next new, hot real estate area?

Pic Of The Day - 06.02.15 - PhuckYoQuote

I think this says it all.

Pic Of The Day - 06.01.15 - Sunset Blvd.

It's been awhile since I've posted a sunset photo. It's nice to have an old friend come shining through for you.

Pic(s) Of The - 05.31.15 - Another Birthday

Part of my Sunday was spent reeling from the torrential downpour that happened on Saturday evening and my treacherous trek back The Calvinator's Upper Kirby Crib. Annie was correct. The sun did come out.

Anywho...I made a journey outside of the loop and went to Neon Boots for a joint birthday party for Bill Lidgard and Robert Brooks. It was a Diamond Jubilee celebrating their 75th birthdays.

The dance hall looked really nice. Many of their friends and family showed to honor these two guys who do quite a bit for the Houston LGBT community. And, the event was a benefit for Krewe of Olympus-Texas and ERSICSS.
We (Legacy) purchased the cake and it was dazzling!

Pic Of The Day - 5.30.15 - 60 Is The New 40

More and more my friends are celebrating milestone birthdays. The closer I get to 60, the younger it seems.

On Saturday,before all hell broke loose again with the weather, I stopped by George to celebrate Tank's birthday. It was a large crowd which to me is a testament to Steve's character. Yes, we all could have been doing other things on a Saturday afternoon but when someone like Steve celebrates a birthday and offers free drinks, you make time. He is a good egg.

Pic Of The Day - 5.29.15 - ...And Roses

So a night of wine and conversation was followed by an early morning breakfast at Houston Methodist. The roses that were centerpieces were amazing!

Pic Of The Day - 5.28.15 - The Days Of Wine...

It was one of those days that I was grateful for a several glasses of wine after work. Oh, and it was work-related conversation.

Pic Of The Day - 5.27.15 - Here Comes The Rain Again

THIS is what I woke up to! Add to this the fact that I had to drive to Beltway 8 and Clay Road for a training session. It was not fun.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.26.15 - Noah, Where Are You?

I'm not a meteorologist and I don't play one on tv but I think I can spot trouble when I see it coming. You see...

It's been wet not only in Houston but in most parts of Texas. It's been called historic flooding. In 2011, most of Texas was in a severe drought and Lake Travis in Austin has been at record lows. Well, 2015 isn't the same story.

I digress.

Monday, I was watching the forecast and there was a storm system coming from the west but there was also a system coming from the southwest and they were going to collide. The forecast was for the the big storm from the west to just move on through. Wrong.

They collided and stalled right over Houston. It was so bad that The Calvinator awakened me twice to get in bed. And when we woke up on Tuesday, this is what the city looked like.

It was so bad, most businesses closed or delayed opening. Most school districts were closed. People who got caught in it slept in their cars or abandoned their cars