It's About Time...

On Friday morning, Landon Lee, Ashley's boyfriend called me.  He has never called me, so this was a surprise.  He had a question for me.  When he asked the question, I responded "It's about time".  I also told him that I trusted Ashley's judgement, and that Ashley was a very special young lady and that he would be perfect for her.

I wish the best for both of you!!!

Just Missing MTB.

See you soon.

Mexico City Weather -- Another Fitness Aid.

We lived in Mexico City for a few years, and I worked there for almost 12 years.  One of the best kept secrets of Mexico City is the weather.  The high temperature on most days is in the 70's.  Hot days don't get out of the 80's.  And the morning temperature is usually between 45 and 55 degrees.  A couple of years ago, I blogged about how losing weight was helping me run and ride a little faster.  And losing weight did help.  And I'm happy to report I'm still at a lower weight.  Today, I learned that the weather is a very important factor.  The temperature in Katy was just over 50 degrees when I ran.  And I set a personal record for 5 miles.  Nothing great, but a PR.  I didn't realize how much the weather in Mexico City helped me out, until I got the cool weather here, after the hottest summer in record in Houston.

Tour de St George

On Saturday, my son Ryan, my son-in-law Brandon, and I were in St George, Utah to ride the fall version of the Tour de St George.  Climbing the hills in the ride was a real challenge for this flat-lander from Houston.  But we did it!  Brandon finished about 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead of me and Ryan.  Ryan would have finished about 45 to an hour ahead of me, but he waited for me at all the water stops.  We enjoyed it so much we'll probably do it again next year.

A big thank you to my sister, Diane, who let us stay with her.  I was there for about a week, while Ryan and Brandon arrived late Thursday night and left early Sunday morning.

105.8 Miles!

At 45 Miles

You'll notice how neat and rested Ryan looks, while I look disheveled and tired.  The scenery is wonderful!

Three Numbers

110,  67 and 53.  What are they?

Especially for My Sisters

This video is of my granddaughter Violet and a garden gnome. The gnome is a miner with the name FLOYD written across the front of the wheelbarrow.  My mom made the gnome for my dad, who was a miner.  I'm posting the video especially for my sisters.  Click here.

You'll notice that when I tell Violet that Floyd was my daddy, she starts to back away.  You don't see the perplexed look on her face as she backs away.  For a not-quite-two-year-old, whose world is all very literal, the idea that a little glass gnome may have been my father was just too much to comprehend.  I have since changed the message to Floyd was my daddy's name.  She understands that much better! 

35 Years Ago Today

I have made many bad decisions, some good decisions, and one perfect decision.  Thanx for sharing your life with me.

Happy Mothers' Day!

To the wonderful woman who has helped me become more than I ever thought I could be.  Susan,  I love you!!

Texas

Texas is

" . . . a blend of valor and swagger." -- Carl Sandburg, poet

"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word." --John Steinbeck, author

Texas has a colorful history . . .

"I'm about to enter Texas -- my spirits are good and my heart is straight." -- Sam Houston, 1832

"I shall never surrender or retreat." -- William Barrett Travis, the Alamo, 1836

"Like most passionate nations, Texas has its own history based on, but not limited by, facts" -- John Steinbeck, Travels With Charlie, 1962

"Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States cannot make it without Texas!" -- Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas

Texas is the land . . .

"It is impossible to exaggerate the pleasant character, the beauty, and the fertility of the province of Tejas." -- Father Antonio Olivares, 1716

"I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw." -- Davy Crockett

. . . and the people who live there.

"I think Texans have more fun than the rest of the world." -- Broadway choreographer and Wichita Falls native -- Tommy Tune

"Nor is it the habit of Texans to look back. We have tradition of looking forward and not looking back to see where we have been or who is following us." -- President Lyndon Johnson

"What Texans can dream, Texans can do." -- President: George Walker Bush

Happy Birthday (to Me!)

My birthday was 2 weeks ago.  Last year I posted about turning 56 with various numbers that helped tell something about me.  And as MTB pointed out, that post also made it abundantly clear that I'm an accountant.  This year, I'm only posting two pictures.  You need to see both pictures so you can see everyone at least once.  We had planned to go to Old Town Katy and have a photographer take pictures, but the rain, wind and cold changed that.  We were in our back yard, and Lindsey used her camera, focused, set the timer, and ran to be in the picture.  If you check-out Ryan's blog and Carries blog, you will see other picutres Lindsey took that day.  Great work!

From left to right, by family.  Ryan and Brianna.  Brianna is holding Atley, and Asher is in front.  Carrie and Shawn.  Carrie is holding Graham; Devin and Caroline are in front.  MTB and DTB.  Brandon and Bethany.  Brandon is holding Annie and Bethany is holding Leah.  Mabel is in front.  Ashley, Brittany.  Lindsey and Brandon.  Brandon is holding Violet.

Thanx everyone for the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!  Nothing means more to me than seeing the wonderful adults that my children have become. It's a great blessing to know that I have had a small part in your lives. Thanx again!!!

Finally Finished

Except for a few finising touches, this is how our Kitchen and Family Room look after the remodel. 

Breakfast Room

Dining Room

Family Room

Family Room Again

Kitchen

What a Difference a Week Makes

T

More Progress

Paint and flooring are in place.  We are also getting a slightly elevated hearth on the fireplace.

Making Progress

The holes in the floor are filled.  The plumbing on the right of the picture has been moved.  And we now have a gas line so we can have a gas stove.


















The hole in the wall is covered.  It was needed to get the gas line into the house.  The mantle has been removed and will be replaced.  So will the fireplace trim.

Open House

We just moved in.  Anyone want to come to dinner?

10 to 11

MTB posted about our 2010, but since it seems to be the thing to do, I'll add my thoughts about happenings in 2010 and expectations for 2011.

2010

We bought a home, then we didn't and finally we did, on December 30, 2010.

We learned how to live in about 600 square feet.  But it is home, and we have a garage!

I learned how to telecommute, using a corporate-class video-conferencing screen in the apartment, which allowed me to work from Houston for a week at a time.  Bye Bye One-Pass Platinum status.

Early in the year, three companies expressed interest in buying NXO Mexico where I was working.  Then they didn't, then Sonda actually bought the company.

One week after buying the company, Sonda told me not to let the door hit me in the A-- on my way out!

I spent the last 3 months of the year in Houston with MTB, and the Fam. It's nice to get reacquainted with the family.

2011

I have no idea what 2011 will bring.  I've been trying to figure it out.  The more opportunities I look at, the more confused I get.  Anyone have any ideas?