Denver Eggfest

Judy and I decided that it was time for us to see some of those famous Colorado mountains we've heard about all our lives .  And to make our decision easier we decided to time it with the 2011 Denver Eggfest.

This post is only about the Eggfest. 

I made a short video to make it easier to see why we had fun and met some nice folks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYYAt29kRs

I'll post later about the other things we did.

Ballooning over Arlington

In another life, we lived a few years in Jacksonville, Florida.  Actually, Arlington, and we loved it there.

One of the many great joys while living there was a hot air balloon ride we took on my birthday.  It was a total surprise to me, one that I will never forget.

Judy woke me before dawn and said, "Get dressed."  She didn't say why.  Then we were out the door driving to I didn't know where. 

Within minutes we arrived at the practice field at Jacksonville University where a number of hot air balloons were being readied for liftoff. 

I thought she just wanted me to see the balloons lifting off, but no... not her style.  She said the yellow one was ours.  I could hardly contain my excitement while the huge balloon filled with hot air and started tugging to break free from Earth.  Within minutes we were 'Up Up and Away.'

The sunrise was just starting to make a little crack over the beach to the east and the town below was coming alive with traffic.  The buildings and bridges downtown were starting to shine in the sun.  It was breathtaking to say the least.

We were drifting south, then east, then west as we changed altitude.  Within minutes we passed close enough to our old apartment on the water that we could clearly see it.

Then we were headed right over our house.  We were close enough that we could hear our dog, Punkin, barking at us.  We even talked to her but I doubt that she heard us.  We didn't want to yell and wake up the neighbors.

A couple of "WOOOOOOSSHHHHH's" from the burner and we went higher and westward, then southward, eventually making our way to Baymeadows Country Club where we gently sat down on a fairway.

We helped collapse the balloon and load it in the chase car, drank our customary champagne and smiled with the realization that this was one of our life-adventures that we would never forget.

Rather than ride back to the start point in a chase car, we decided to walk over to Judy's Mom's apartment there at Baymeadows and surprise her.  We did surprise her but as we told of our adventure you could tell from the look in her eyes that she wished she had been along.

There was only 8mm film movie cameras back in those days so we borrowed one for a few shots.  Plus, the balloon people must have taken some too.  Anyway, we had the film converted to the more modern VCR format.  Then we tried having that converted to CD but it didn't take.

To recapture these unforgettable moments I mounted my Flip video camera in front of an old TV that was still connected to a VCR player.  It definitely isn't Hollywood quality but I think it captures enough of the moment to allow us to re-live it and smile whenever we want. 

Just as important, we can now share it with everyone.

Take a look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWHIrW_FSvE

We Went To Hawaii

The long-time dream to go to Hawaii was finally realized when we flew first class to Honolulu and cruised the islands in a penthouse suite aboard the Pride of America .  It could not have been nicer, even in our dreams. 

Here is our ship:

Here is our itinerary.

Here are the videos that we have put together so far.

Day 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4QtMr2_zzs&feature=related

Day 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVpQYj984iA&feature=related

Day 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87SLRM-mxkM&feature=related

Day 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rha4gXU1m8&feature=related

Day 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4baMjCfiW94

Day 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1yQ-famNUU&feature=related

Day 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF8zrfRIEco

Day 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRt8wvqQlFg

Birthday Party Day 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osA6AwwywCc&feature=related

More to come...

Green Eggs & Ham....burgers Fest in Athens, Texas

Athens, Texas is known as the home of the hamburger.  Yep, the wonderful hamburger that we all know and enjoy frequently got its start in Athens, Texas. 

But Hamburgers is not the reason we went to Athens for the very first time, it was Big Green Eggs.  We were invited to attend the very first Athens Eggfest which was being held at the Texas Freshwater Fish Hatchery just east of downtown.  The name given to the Eggfest is Green Eggs & Ham....burgers Eggfest. 

We really didn't know what to expect because we learned a few weeks before that every weekend there are 300 or more people, mostly kids, there to learn more about fish and even fish for them in one of the lakes set aside for potential fishermen and fisherwomen.

The first thing we noticed when we arrived is that the place is huge.  Not only that but it is very professionally designed with the public in mind but the entire staff is there to make sure visitors enjoy their adventure.

The reason the site was selected for an Eggfest is because the Director is an avid Egghead.  His name is Allen Forshage.  He wanted to introduce the Big Green Egg to folks in the area and what better way than to just invite them out to see and taste the Big Green Egg in action. 

Joining him in his venture was his wife, Darlean, who just happened to be the Director of Tourism for the City of Athens.  What a team they are because it wasn't long before some major players got involved.  Among them, Brookshire Grocery and Morrison Supply, a Big Green Egg Dealer. 

From the start, they didn't intend to follow the pattern set by previous Eggfests around the country, they wanted to make it bigger and better.  First of all, it had to be something that we Eggheads would have a good time participating in, and second, the public would remember the day as a fun and informative "Eggsperience."

It turned out to be that and more. 

I could go on and on but the best way to see what happened in Athens is to watch their video and look at some photos.

The video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YDGHoZzd7E

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Freshwater-Fisheries-Center/128462433868391?ref=ts

The photos:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Freshwater-Fisheries-Center/128462433868391?ref=ts#!/pages/Texas-Freshwater-Fisheries-Center/128462433868391

Hope to see you in Athens next year.

Salado Egghead Gathering

I finally got around to editing the many videos and photos taken at the Salado Egghead Gathering back on March 26th and posted the movie on YouTube.

Here's the link if you care to take a look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDW6PRFeIDU

Next stop, Athens, Texas this weekend for the Green Eggs and Ham....burgers fest.  Should be another great time.

70th Birthday

Today is my 70th birthday, or as I prefer to think of it: 52/18th birthday.

Nothing is planned.  In fact, I may just go back to bed now that I've read the paper and cooked breakfast.  What could be better than being totally relaxed?

We celebrated my birthday two weeks ago while we were in Hawaii.  Yes, after 38 years, we went on that dream vacation we always wanted.  It was wonderful.  Hawaii is all its cracked up to be, and more.

I'm still working on the movie version but even my best attempt at sorting and editing the thousand or so photos and hundred or so video segments won't come close to experiencing it in person.  The islands were wonderful and the people were wonderful and the ship was wonderful.  It was much more than we expected.

Stay tuned for the movies...

Catahoula Leopard Dog

As I may have mentioned to some of you, my great grandfather is credited with helping breed a line of working dogs called "Catahoulas."  Or as the state of Louisiana refers to them: Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

In fact, it is the State Dog of Louisiana.

I grew up knowing them as Catahoula Curs.  Almost anyone with a farm or ranch or a need to hunt had at least one.  They were better than farm hands, or in some cases, better than children when it came to physical work.  They carried more than their own weight and demanded nothing in return except to be respected and fed. 

There's no limit to the amazing Catahoula stories that can be told by old-timers in the area of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.  Fortunately, one person from Abita Springs, Louisiana has taken the time and made the effort to tell the Catahoula Cur's, uh excuse me, Catahoula Leopard Dog's story from the beginning.  His name is Don Abney.  His web site is:
http://www.donabney.com/

Just this afternoon I received an autographed copy of Don's latest book, "The Complete Louisiana Leopard Dog."  My name is mentioned in the Acknowledgments section although my only contribution was to tell Don a couple of stories about growing up on my grandfather's farm.  My grandfather had a Catahoula that answered to "Sonofabitch."  That dog would work all day and then become a watchdog at night.  And I'm pretty sure his IQ was higher than mine.

Anyway, if you are a dog person, you really need to get to know the Catahoula.  The best place to start is going to Don Abney's site:  http://www.donabney.com/   Then if you are as intrigued as I was by what you read there, buy the book.  Don has done his homework and put his findings to print.

Thanks Don.

Tracye Dianne Hill December 27, 1966 - March 12, 2011

Tracye was my niece.  She was born when I was in the Philippines, stationed on Luzon Island.  I didn't know for a few days afterward but in the same letter my sister, Tommie, insisted that I be Tracy's Godfather, even if by proxy.  Of course, I said yes.

I couldn't wait to see her but it didn't happen until July the following year, 1967.

She was a beautiful baby and quickly became accustomed to my non-stop photographing of her using my 35mm camera I purchased in the Philippines.  It was top of the line at the time and took great photos.  Only I was into 'slide' photography and many of my slides were lost when my Mom and Dad's house burned.

But I have one photo of Tracye that I took at my Mom's birthday party.  I think it reflects just how beautiful she was.

Judy and I attended her funeral in Monterey, Louisiana.  It was one of the best funerals we have ever attended.  She was obviously loved by many.

We learned that her death was probably brought about by years of worsening symptoms associated with seizures.  She definitely had a rough time of it in her final years.

Her three children, Steed, JayCee and Gus, turned out well.  I'm sure she was very proud of them.

Rest in peace, Tracye.  You brought a lot of joy to many people in life.

Uncle Jr.

Cold Winter Be Gone

The weather is okay right now, February 18th, but the past couple of months have been really cold.  Got down into the teen's two or three nights, but there were many nights in the low to mid 20's.  I don't recall it even freezing last winter.  If it did, it was just barely below the freeze mark. 

No matter, we're soon to be complaining about the pollen, then the heat and humidity, then the cold again.

We missed our Friend's birthday party on January 1st in San Antonio so we decided to go see him on January 30th while in town for a house blessing for Judy's cousin, Jane Lee.  We had never been to a house blessing before and it came as somewhat of a surprise when Jane Lee's husband, an Episcopal Priest, blessed the front and back yards and every room in the house.  I suppose that makes it easier to give guests the complete tour and saying this room is blessed but this one isn't.

There were a lot of distant relatives there, most of whom we haven't seen in years.  It was fun talking to them as if it was only a few weeks since we last saw each other.

Judy's brother, Curtis and his wife, Sandra, drove down from Kerrville for the event.  The four of us had lunch in Market Square before heading down to the house blessing.

The next day we drove to the north side of San Antonio to visit our Egghead friend and spent an enjoyable day there.  Another Egghead friend and his wife from here was also there.  So I thought I'd make a movie of the day.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6NdVz8U--0 

We stayed until 3:30 and left for home.  I'm not too keen on driving after dark anymore so it was a relief when we pulled into our garage about one minute before it was totally dark.

Meanwhile, Judy has already started cleaning out flower beds and trimming some plants so they will have a fresh start.

We're both getting 'Eggcited' about the upcoming Salado Egghead Gathering in Salado, Texas on March 26th.  http://saladoeggheadgathering.blogspot.com/  We've already had over 100 pre-register for the event so it should be fun.

We're also headed up to Oklahoma City for the Oklahoma Eggfest on April 16th.  It's always fun.

Then on April 21st we're leaving for Hawaii.  We'll cruise to all the islands and do all the tourist things then fly back to Houston.  It's one of those trips we've wanted to do for 35 years.  Best to do it now before we get too old and sickly to enjoy it.  It should be loads of fun.

After we return from Hawaii, we will be going to the Green Eggs and Ham....burgers Eggfest in Athens, Texas on May 21st.  It's at the Texas Freshwater Fish Hatcheries and promises to be a fun event as well.

I'm sure there will be something else to get into after that. 

At least this year is not as depressing as 2010.  That's a good thing.

Thirteen Days Into The New Year

"Last Year" seems so long ago, but it has only been thirteen days.  Actually, fourteen if you are a numbers person.  Even so,  it still feels like a long time ago.

The weather has ranged from cool to cold so I'm spending most of my time inside.  I'm just not a cool/cold weather person.  I wouldn't survive a day up north where temperatures routinely get below freezing.  And snow.... no way can I live in that stuff.  But the pictures of it sure make it look pretty.

I did visit my doctor and got all good numbers.  Even lost a few pounds.  Actually, I lost about 27 pounds but put some of them back on during the 'eating season,' uhh, I mean 'holidays.'  I'm trying to slim back down before summer.

I've spent some of my 'inside' time working on the web site for the Egghead Gathering in Salado, Texas on March 26th.  Here's the link to the site if you're interested:  http://saladoeggheadgathering.blogspot.com/

We were invited to our neighbors house for shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo tonight.  It was delicious, as good as most Cajun restaurants.  I had two big bowls of it over rice.  That's not going to help me lose weight but it sure was good.

Now I'm sleepy.

Coop Christmas Party - The Movie

It took me long enough but I finally finished the video of the Coop Christmas Party.  Almost all of the videos and photos were taken by others.  I don't remember picking up a camera...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ib848sAOk

I'll try to do better at the upcoming Salado Egghead Gathering in March.

2010 Will Soon Be Over

As with every year, there were good times and bad times during 2010.  Even so, almost everyone looks forward to the new year.  Many will tell themselves that it will be better than all the years before, while some will long for yesterday.

Judy and I are looking forward to 2011, but we are doing so with the reality mindset that we no longer have employment income to feed our hunger for adventure.  That's okay, we will just have to select what we do and where we go with greater care.  More important, we no longer are bound by the shackles of employment nor the hands of a clock.  Above all, we have each other to share whatever comes our way.

Meanwhile, we closed out the year with a wonderful Christmas party here at the Chicken Ranch.  It was clearly Friends among Friends having fun. 

The Christmas decorations are down and put away for another year.  The promises to lose ten pounds are constantly reminded by our blue Dr. OZ "Just 10" bracelets.  The life-long dream-trip to Hawaii is well planned and paid for.  The Eggfest season kicks off in March with a "Gathering of Eggheads"  in Salado, Texas.

Both of us are in good health, all but with some aches and pains.  And we have a larger TV to make up for our aging vision and comfortable chairs to nap in when we feel like it.

Yes, 2011 is going to be a good year.

Plano Egghead Gathering and Coop Christmas Party

On November 5th, Judy and I drove up to Plano, Texas and joined with other Eggheads for the 2010 Plano Egghead Gathering at the Plano American Legion Hall the following day.  We had a great time.  If you want to see what we did to have so much fun, check out the video I put together.

http://planooutlawgathering.blogspot.com/

Now we're getting ready for a Christmas Party with many of those same Eggheads coming to visit.  It's on December 18th.  Check out the blog site I made for it.

http://coopchristmasparty.blogspot.com/

And while we're on the subject of Egghead Gatherings, a bunch of us Eggheads are getting together in Salado, Texas in April for the Salado Egghead Gathering.  Check out the blog site for it too.

http://saladoeggheadgathering.blogspot.com/

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

While the carpet guys were here today installing the last of the carpet, Judy and I were decorating our Christmas Tree.  I forgot how long it takes to make a tree look pretty.  And it sure is that...

Had the home theater sound system playing Christmas music all day.  White Christmas must have played fifty times. 

We're busy preparing for the Coop Christmas Party on December 18th.  Quite a few of our Egghead friends and a few non-Eggheads will be dropping by throughout the day, mostly to say hi to our friends from Mexico, Beli, Loren and Valeria.  They are spending the night here and leaving the following day on a cruise out of Galveston.

It'll be fun seeing them again, along with all those stopping by.

By the way, if you didn't get a chance to see the video I made of the Plano Egghead Gathering a couple of weeks ago in Plano, Texas, take a look...  http://planooutlawgathering.blogspot.com/

Yes, we had a lot of fun.

More Remodeling

We finally got our new carpet installed, then the new wall unit for the Home Theater System, then the Home Theater System stuff itself.  Then today the carpet guys came back to install in the guest bedroom.

That should pretty much do it for flooring for now.  There is no more flooring to do.  Looks good. 

We will have to purge ourselves of some items.  Already sent the 50" Mitsubushi TV to New Orleans, along with our favorite coffee table and end table.  At least we can go to New Orleans to see if if we get lonely for it.

There's other stuff to get rid of too.  Nothing valuable but it works and is in good shape.  Judy thinks of it as 'thinning down' our possessions.  Probably a good idea.

Remodeling Continues

Two things really stand out when remodeling a home: it's expensive and it's not fun. Not to mention it makes a mess.

But as of today, we're progressing well. In fact, the installers will be here shortly to replace the carpet in our master bedroom and living room. We had to disassemble our bed because it is a bit complex. It has a Select Comfort (numbers bed) mattress system. Took us about an hour to totally disassemble it. The guys can move the head board the foot board.

Meanwhile, yesterday our tile guy finished installing the new tile in the foyer and wood flooring in the dining room. Then he textured the wall in the guest bath. He will finish up there today.

Then on Monday the new wall unit for the TV will arrive and be set up. It is almost the same size as the one we had before. We sold it on Craig's List to a nice couple who just happen to live nearby.

On Tuesday, Best Buy will deliver the new Sony TV and install it in the new wall unit. We upgraded our home theater equipment to the latest digital technology and paid for them to hook all that up too. By Tuesday night we should be able to watch TV for the first time in over a week.

Yes, Judy and I are tired, sore and sleepy but everything will soon be over. I'll show some photos then.

Bath Remodeling

The painters and tilers should be finishing up today on our master bath remodel.  It already looks better than it did before. 

The next step is to call the glass people to come measure the shower enclosure.  Then it will take a couple of weeks to build and install the enclosure.  Only then can we use it. 

Meanwhile, we are operating out of our guest bathroom.  It's a bit awkward, that's all.

Here's some before and after photos:

Starting tonight we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the entire house and most of the items in it.  Construction generates dust, lots of it.

Pain Block Injection

Shortly after my knee replacement surgery in June, I developed a strange but painful burning sensation on the top of my foot.  In as much as it was the same leg as the knee replacement my first thought was that the two were related.  Apparently not so, and it took a few months and a lot of tests to determine that it was a nerve issue, probably resulting from a slight bulge near L5 and S1.  I could just put up with it or they could try something.  Putting up with it was not an option so they scheduled me for pain block injections last Friday. 

Although these injections are sometimes performed in the examining room, my doctors prefer that it be done under surgery conditions: fasting, hospital gown, surgical center, anesthesia, and recovery room.  I was home later in the day but limited as to what I could do due to the anesthesia.  Definitely no driving.

The injection is to deliver an antiflammatory drug directly to the point where needed.  The doctor actually utilizes an X-ray to position the needle.

I was in hopes that the results would be immediate but so far that hasn't been the case.  They said it may take a few days and possibly additional injections, but they feel this treatment will solve the problem with minimal disruption.

Oddly, the burning sensation comes about within minutes after lying in my bed to sleep.  If I am not asleep when it starts I will have to get out of bed.  The burning goes away almost immediately and remains clear until I return to bed.  However, once asleep, I can awaken during the night and not experience the sensation. 

There never seems to be an end to the complexities of an aging body.

Master Bath Remodeling

Our master bath has been mostly unchanged since November 1988.  Although everything still works, it shows both age and wear.  And frankly, we're just tired of it.

So today the remodelers will take out the entire shower down to the wall, including the glass doors and frame.  Also, the floor pan will come up and be replaced.  They will also take up all the carpet and the ceramic tile flooring in the potty area. 

Tomorrow they return to do the plumbing for the new shower fixtures and replace the tub and sink faucets.  It will probably be Thursday when they return to install the new tile floor and shower.  Then most of the heavy work will be done.  Another day of grouting and cleaning and we can then call the shower door people to come measure for a frameless glass fixture.  That takes about ten days to order and return for the install.

All of this should greatly update the bathroom and hopefully last out our remaining years here.

Meanwhile, one of the workers is going to refurbish our wood and cut glass front door.  A lot of sanding and cleaning, followed by new stain and multiple coats of urethane.  We also purchased a new brushed nickle door latch kit.  It should look good.

I'll be posting photos of the progress.

So That's a Gallbladder

It started with a slight pain on my right side just under the ribs.  Not all the time, but sometimes it would hurt enough for me to press on it for relief.  Actually, it was more annoying than painful.

Finally I asked my doctor about it and within three days and a few scans I was scheduled for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) to remove the gallbladder and a bunch of gallstones through several small incisions in my abdomen.

That was last Thursday afternoon and I was home the following day.  Pretty amazing what doctors can do these days.

Anyway, I didn't know what a gallbladder was and started asking around.  It turns out that humans have known for over four centuries that the gallbladder isn't necessary for humans to lead a normal life.  I'll know if that's true on Saturday when I see the surgeon.  I feel great and I'm not leaking anywhere so I'm pretty sure he will say I can resume my normal life.