Category Archives: family

Downtown

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Saturday Evening, I was sitting in the skyview bar of the new Hilton Hotel in downtown Houston (24th floor) with Allen Hill. Just musing on the fact that My Sister and nieces were at the Nutcracker ballet earlier in the day. My mom was at a show at the Verison Theater, and I was attending the Bill White Reception in the 4th floor ballroom.

Downtown is once again a happening place.

I ended up at M bar later that night. Interesting for half an hour, but I was happy to leave.

Spent the whole morning and afternoon at the swap-n-bop at the Continental Club in nearby Midtown. Great weather outside (a bit cold, but nice and sunny). Got to show many people the new Charley’s Big Top Lounge. It was interesting to get different people’s reactions. All liked it, but what elements they noticed and commented on was interesting to hear.

Give Thanksing

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My family doesn’t have an ingrained Thangsgiving routine, and I like it that way. Every year I spend it with a different family. Often very extended, only knowing one or two people in the family before being there. I really enjoy getting a one day expedition into an extended family chemistry – and there have been some interesting ones. The more interesting come about by waiting to have a plan until one delivers itself to you.

My mom’s in Nashville, she’s often in Big Bend, it’s a travelling vacationing holiday for her and my step-dad. My dad’s at his new place. I got a call and invitation from him on Tuesday to join them, if I cared to. But I already had my plans. This year I’m going with my sister to her inlaw’s ranch. She’s been married 8 years, and I have yet to go there. Her husband is one of 4 siblings, I understand there are several houses at “the ranch”, but I’m really not sure what to expect.

I’m driving up today with her and the three nieces. And back on friday after the UT game. Should be fun and interesting.

-b

Hardy Lebel dies

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I hadn’t seen Hardy, my mom’s cousin, in several years. I’m not even really sure when I last saw him – a reunion or a funeral. It all seems very weird.

[Edit: NTSB’s finding]


Two die in midair plane crash at Westerly State Airport

Associated Press
November 17, 2003

WESTERLY, R.I. — Two Rhode Island men died after the small plane they were riding in collided in midair with another small aircraft at Westerly State Airport, officials said Monday.

The airplanes, a Piper Arrow and a Cessna 182, crashed Sunday about 100 feet above the runway, according to Ted Drozdz, chief aeronautics inspector for Rhode Island Airport Corp. He said the airport does not have an air traffic control tower, and pilots are expected to notify each other when they are taking off and landing.

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coming Wednesday

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I have a midterm in my “Secondary Methods” class on wednesday.  First midterm i’ve taken in… thirteen years.

Then I’m babysitting sleeping nieces because Monica & Raymond are picking up their new puppy at the airport (and the girls don’t know about it).

Should be fun to see the new puppy, if not fun to take a test.

-b

p.s. A few weeks ago I said “Brennan’s” (a midtown restaurant), when I meant “Brenner’s” (a west-side legendary steak house).

New Puppy

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for my sister and nieces

Daisy Puppy

Of course she had to be difficult and get a dog no one’s heard of – the Labradoodle. The ones with fleece (like poodles) rather than hair (like most dogs) are apparently very good for allergy sufferers, which her family is full of.

-b

crazy weekend

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I wanted to go to the UT v Rice @ Reliant Stadium, but the seats were like $60. (I found later that Reliant paid Rice $2,000,000 to move it there from Rice Stadium – where we usually got end zone seats for $10.  50,000 x $40 will pay that off.)

But,… the Austin City Limits Festival had an amazing lineup for the whole weekend, and cost even less.

But,… I am the Sweep Crew Manager for the Lone Star Ride against AIDS, which is next weekend.  I really needed to ride the route before hand (it’s changed bit), and other events had delayed me from doing so.  So, with a thursday night crew manager meeting I figured I’d spend the weekend in Dallas.

But,… my step-grandmother died, so I needed to attend the serviced Sat and Sun in Clear Lake.

So,… I rode the whole route (7 hours in the car) on Friday. Went to the Rangers game that night with friends in from Chicago. Drove back to Houston on Sat morning. Showered and went to Clear Lake.

Then,… since I was down there, to a going away party for Hackster Bob on Tiki Island. He’s shipping off to Kuwait/Iraq for KellogBrownAndRoot to build a power plant. Sounds like guerrilla fodder to me. Hope he’s fine.

Back from Tiki to Clear Lake, then home sunday night. Long weekend.

Topping it, I smashed my left index finger with a hammer today. It’s my second best typing finger, too. It feels like an overripe grape.

-b