Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part III)

August 30, 2005 I called the JW Marriott to talk with Kevin and Lisa.  They had checked out of the hotel.  I asked to speak to her father; no answer.  I asked to be connected to her sister and Beth answered.  Kevin & Lisa left early in the morning to get closer to New Orleans.  They were going to Lafayette.

I think they left before Brian Williams started broadcasting live from New Orleans for Today Show.  He was standing on Canal Street and water was in the streets.  The levee system failed and water was pouring into New Orleans.

Life would never be the same for hundreds of thousands of people.

What followed in the next few days is hard to believe.  People were stranded in the Superdome.  People took refuge at the convention center.  There wasn't any food or water for these people.  It would be days before any relief would be sent to them and before they would be evacuated.

Local, state and federal governments failed the citizens of New Orleans.  There were no airdrops of food or water.  I still find it hard to believe what happened 350 miles from my doorstep.  It looked like scenes from a war-torn third world country but no, it was the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America.  People died in the streets; people died in their homes.  People died trying to escape; people died in hospitals.

Please let this never happen again.

Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part II)

On August 29, 2005, I went to the JW Marriott to meet up with Kevin & Lisa and their kids.  The hotel was full of guests from New Orleans.

On the morning of the 29th, Katrina came onshore.  The Mississippi Gulf Coast bore the brunt of the storm.  At the last moment the storm took a turn to the east.  However, New Orleans still took a beating.  The roof had been ripped off the Superdome; the shelter of last resort for thousands of people.  The Hyatt Regency had its windows blown out.

We walked over to The Galleria to have dinner and I have never seen the mall so full on a Monday night.  The evacuees really helped the Houston economy.  Restaurants were full and people were shopping and ice skating.  Everybody new each other and everyone talked about how lucky they were that the levees had held.  They were all making plans to go back to New Orleans on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I was glad to have spent time with Kevin and Lisa and some of their friends.  They were hopeful that everything would be ok when they returned and I shared in their hopefulness.

And then on August 30, 2005, Bryan Williams reported live from New Orleans on Today Show and we found out what really happened.

Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later (Part I)

August 28, 2005, I was at FIT and watching the news while I was on an elipitical machine.  I knew that a hurricane was heading toward Louisiana but I didn't know that Mayor Ray Nagin had issued a mandatory evacuation of the city of New Orleans.

On my way home I started to listening to a news station and they were talking about the amount of traffic on I-10 coming in from the east.  I called my Lisa to find out if she was OK.

She and her two children left New Orleans before the evacuation order was issued and had gone to Lafayette.  With the storm still on course she left Lafayette and was stuck in traffic on I-10 coming into Houston.  Kevin wasn't with her because he was on a business trip in San Diego/Tijuana.

She assured me that she was OK and would be meeting up with her family at the JW Marriott in The Galleria.  Kevin was trying to get to Houston.  I told her to please let me know if they needed anything.

This was just the beginning.

June 6: Miss Ginger's Roundup

For more information, click here.

Derby Day

It's time to pull out your big hat and whet your appetite for Mint Juleps! Saturday, May 1 is Legacy Community Health Services Derby Day. The fun begins at 2P at Brazos River Bottom. Entertainment. Food. Games. And of course, Mint Juleps.

The Kentucky Derby will be televised at 5P and we have a way for you to enjoy the fun even if you're not in Louisville.

For more information, contact Tim Martinez @ 713.574.9713 or tjmartinez@legacycommunityhealth.org

Thank you Dixie Carter

...for giving life to Julia Sugarbaker.

Photo Journal: April 2, 2010

Friend Bryan is visiting from the ATL. From what I remember and from what he tells me, good Tex-Mex food is difficult to find in the ATL. So we went for Tex-Mex last night...and Margaritas.

Photo Journal: April 1, 2010

On my way to class.

Photo Journal: March 31, 2010

Guess what I did today?

Photo Journal: March 30, 2010

When I walk Calvin, this is the view that I have. It's all about Calvin.

Photo Journal: March 29, 2010

One of favorite lunch spots is the HEB Grocery Store on Buffalo Speedway. I can eat there at a reasonable price and grocery shop during my lunch hour. This is the view from the deli.

Photo Journal: March 28, 2010

It was Palm Sunday. I went to the 5:00PM at St. Anne...one of the most beautiful churches.

Photo Journal: March 27, 2010

When I was a kid, my parents introduced me to Fresca. At that time it only came in one flavor. The black cherry flavor tastes really good with vodka. Just sayin'

Photo Journal: March 26, 2010

I left work early and started making preparations for the Krewe meeting on Saturday. As Secretary for the organization, I had minutes and ballots to prepare as well as formatting certificates. I started at 3:30PM, took a break to eat and to walk Calvin and this is what time if I finished. More work to be done after the meeting on 3/27/10.

Photo Journal: March 25, 2010

The Rice campus is lined with beautiful trees.

Photo Journal: March 24, 2010

I have never eaten at Juan Mons but I think the place looks cool at night.

Photo Journal: March 23, 2010

Azaleas come in different colors.

Photo Journal: March 22, 2010

Yes. I know. More flowers. In a few months the heat will be unbearable and they will all be gone. I'm enjoying them while I can. Snapped this photo while walking with The Calvinator.

Photo Journal: March 21, 2010

The first Blue Bonnet of the season that I saw while walking Calvin.

Photo Journal: March 20, 2010

Earlier in the week the sky was blue; then it turned gray.

Photo Journal: March 19, 2010

This intersection in Houston has been described as The End Of The World. You can only see two Starbucks. What you can't see is the third one inside Barnes & Noble which is located behind the Starbucks on the left.

The original plan was to shut down the small one (the one on the right) when the big one (on the right with the drive-thru) opened. However, due to customer loyalty and traffic flow the decision was made to keep both of them open. And THEN, the third one opened. OY!

Photo Journal: March 18, 2010

This is the first azalea that I saw. There are many more to come.

It's been...

...a busy few months.  Seems like everytime I turn around something (good or bad) is happening.  I still haven't re-loaded my Photoshop software and yes, I am STILL taking a photo everyday.

Yesterday, I was going to post a video in honor of Palm Sunday Passion Sunday somebody changed the name and forgot to tell me. However, when I got home there was a bit of a problem. A water pipe was broken and the water had to be turned off. Do you know how many times I wash my hands? I made do but I forgot to post this video.

When Jesus Christ Superstar first premiered on Broadway, I was only 10 years old. I remember the photospread in Life Magazine. I also remember a bit of a controversy because it was a rock opera about Jesus and the week leading up to His crucificion.

It wasn't until the movie was released and the nuns took us to see the movie at the Isis Theater in Fort Worth that I actually got to hear the music and see a movie director's interpetation of the rock opera. I have viewed subsequent stage productions and it is still one of my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber pieces.

Rear Gear

This will explain the photo.

T'nT (This 'n That) for March 22, 2010

I have quite a bit of catching up to do on my photo journal. I had trouble launching Photoshop the other day and just found the cd to reinstall the software. So there will be more photos.
In the meantime...let me share a few things with you.

I'm not a big fan of JLo movies. I thought she was good in Selena and she co-starred really well with Jane Fonda in Monster-In-Law. I think I might have new favorite though...The Back Up Plan and it is because of this guy.

His name is Alex O'Loughlin.

Friend Ernie was recently in New Orleans and went to the Chris Owens Nightclub on Bourbon Street. Yesterday he told me the story about his evening at the club and it was hysterical. He said that Chris did a Lady Gaga song. And wouldn't you know it? Someone has posted Chris's rendition of  Lady Gaga's Poker Face on YouTube. It is TOO funny!  Here it is.

Tomorrow is Free Pastry Day at Starbucks (while supplies last). I figure I spend enough money there they can give me a muffin or something. So if you want a free pastry (while supplies last), click here.

Photo Journal: March 17, 2010

"Donde esta la cerveza verde?"  Feliz Dia de Santo Patricio!

Photo Journal: March 16, 2010

Prior to the rain, there was a green dusting on everything. It started Saturday. The pollen was falling from the trees and flowers. Many people would say, "I wish it would rain and wash this pollen away. Well...it did and this it was it looks like when it puddles in NoRO.

Photo Journal: March 15, 2010

Calvin was beginning to look like Wooly Bully so he went to the groomer. Spring is right around the corner and we have been having some quasi-high temperatures recently. He is one cool dog and I wanted him to be cool.

And speaking of Wooly Bully, it took almost a lifetime to figure out what "...let's not be L7..." meant. If you look at L7, it forms a square. Hence, "...let's not be L7 (square)..."

Photo Journal: March 14, 2010

It was a great day for a walk.  Thank you to everyone who supported the cause.  Houstonians took to the streets to make a difference.  Kevin and I walked the 3.1 miles (5K) together.  The rest of my posse was somewhere in front of us and behind us.  To see more pics, click here.

Photo Journal: March 13, 2010

Preparing AIDS Walk Houston 2010. The t-shirts for Team Legacy. Yes...I had to fold them. I think they look better that way.

Photo Journal: March 12, 2010

We don't see this very often in Houston...clear, blue sky!

Photo Journal: March 11, 2010

The neon on this marquee is beautiful.

Photo Journal: March 10, 2010

This is my favorite building on the Rice campus. I snapped this on my way to class.

Photo Journal March 9, 2010

Guess what I found at Walgreens?!?! They keep them right by the counter and I'm hoping I get the Golden Ticket!

Photo Journal: March 8, 2010

(It has been a busy week and I just realized that I haven't posted any pics from the week that was.  So I will try to catch up.)
Of all days to get stuck in traffic due to a wreck.  A Mercedes and Mustang got into a brawl and neither of them won.  In fact, the Benz still had the dealer plates on it.  OUCH! I was stuck at the intersection for about 15 minutes and STILL had to get home to walk Calvin before going to class.

Photo Journal: March 7, 2010

Busy day. The Oscars. Birthday Party. Bunnies Bar Bash. Here I am with my posse. And that's how we roll in H-town.

Support my efforts to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Photo Journal: March 6, 2010

It's Rodeo Houston time in H-town. I was given two tickets to Saturday's rodeo. Couldn't find anybody to go with me so after making my way down to Pearland for a birthday party, I went to the rodeo. I also strolled around the fair grounds and snapped some pics. To see more pics, click here.

Photo Journal: March 5, 2010

Cowboy up! It's Rodeo Houston time. Bunches of extra cowpokes in town. Tight Wrangler jeans everywhere. And every restaurant in town welcomes the business!

Support my efforts to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Photo Journal: March 4, 2010

Has anyone ever been to a bar where you call it? Just wonderin'. I never have.

Support my effort to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010

Photo Journal: March 2, 2010

It was Primary Election Day in Texas. Republicans and Democrats vied for spots on the November ticket. Here we go again! Here is Bill and Dominique talking about Decision 2010.

Photo Journal: March 1, 2010

I am taking a Continuing Education class at Rice University. We are in the Duncan Building. One evening I noticed a sign stating who had paid for the ceiling. I thought that was a bit unusual and then I looked up and saw a HUGE mosaic. This is the center of it.

Help me raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Something For A Saturday Morning

Here is something fun for you to watch while you are having your coffee.


Donate to AIDS Walk Houston 2010!

Special Offer From Calvin

So Calvin wants to do his part to raise money for AIDS Walk Houston 2010. For a $20 donation, he promises not to wake you up early on March 14, 2010. He has his ways...he knows how to speed dial with his paws! So he and I both hope you will consider making a donation for the cause!

Brother & Sister Can You Spare A...

$20? Ha! You thought I was going to ask for a dime. Gotcha!

Seriously. Would you please donate $20 to my fundraising efforts for AIDS Walk Houston 2010? I know times are tight but $20 really does make a difference in the work that we do at Legacy.

And for $20, I will let you stay in bed on March 14 and I will walk! Sound like a deal?

So all you have to do, is click here. I've made it that easy for you.

Jukebox Wednesday

I haven't done a Jukebox Wednesday posting in a long time. I found the remix of Lady Antebellum's Need You Now. I like the original version but I *heart* this version!

Help me raise money for AIDS Walk 2010!

Photo Journal: February 28, 2010

In preparation for the hockey game between Team USA and Team Canada Calvin found his Red, White & Blue (winter) attire.

I've Been Working On The Railroad

I can't remember when I last did an endorsement for a proprietor. Chuck Holloman owns Studio Holloman. He is a FaceBook friend who really have never actually met. We came close to meeting one night at the P!nk Concert. I was FaceBooking and he was reading my status updates. He commented that he was one section over. So I stood up and waved and so did he.

Chuck is a very talented photographer. Last night I was looking at some new pics he posted and there were pics of my friend Jeremy. Jeremy is fine looking guy and a very nice guy too! Here are the pics. And now you know why I've been humming I've Been Working On The Railroad.