Ike

at 09/13/08 2:24PM
Just to update on some that we have heard of...

Zach and Audrey evac'ed to Austin to stay with Amber and Derek.
Bubba and Angie (Audrey's sister) Gates, Santa Fe, seemed to weather Ike OK.
Not sure about some of the brethren/building in Baycliff...doesn't sound good.
Grandson Taylor rode it out with his parents...lost a big tree, back fence, and the chimney...all other of their extended family are OK.
My mom in Opelousas, LA lost power this morning for a few hours, but all is restored.
The LaRue's (Alan and Larry) seemed to suffer some damage, but all are OK...nothing major.
Joe Scarborough et al are OK, just a few shingles.
Bill and Lauri Baker evac'ed to Palestine (problems there, now)...Bill is on the way back to check their home and building
in Baycliff.
I think that is all I know.

Love to and prayers for all...

Hugh and Linda
  • sjean
    Thanks for the update. We have had some rain and wind, but nothing major. It just may move so far east that we miss much.
    by sjean at 09/13/08 2:35PM
  • blesu
    Glad to know as of now, there was no one hurt. We lost some trees (but they were dead trees that we wanted to come down anyway--we saw them fall). We are out of power and have been for about 6 hours. I think we are out of the storm now.
    by blesu at 09/13/08 7:20PM
  • blesu
    In case you are wondering how I'm on the internet w/out power...battery and a wireless card.
    by blesu at 09/13/08 7:21PM
  • texas_kandikane
    i think Bill has made it acka dn building and house are there...my fam went to san antonio and sealy and a few other places and are good
    by texas_kandikane at 09/13/08 11:27PM
  • adampual
    there is no rain in austin :)
    by adampual at 09/14/08 9:09AM
  • sunshinebear
    Thanks for the update!
    by sunshinebear at 09/14/08 9:17AM
  • melissakae
    We all (from Alief) seem to be OK. Some roof damage to a few member's houses but no injuries (thank God). Our building took it hard though! We have canceled services at Alief for the time being... :-( We're all encouraged to meet in house groups.

    glad you guys are OK!
    by melissakae at 09/14/08 10:54PM
  • audreyr
    thanks for all your love and concern!
    by audreyr at 09/14/08 11:33PM

Singing...Gustav...Labor Day...School

at 09/01/08 9:37AM
A GREAT singing at Campbell Road Friday night. Uplifting, very uplifting.

My mom is "in the path" of Mr. G. Actually, he seems to be travelling so that she will be just northeast...not the best place to be. He is weakening, so that is good. My brother (and family), and some other brethren are with her (she's 83), she has a generator, plenty of candles....and lots of BlueBell and spoons!!! We are hoping to get some much needed rain from him.

We've thoroughly enjoyed having Ara and Isshah for the early part of the weekend, and now enjoy Isshah, Adam and AshleyM, and soon to enjoy AshleyL and a friend for lunch.

It was great to sleep in today (7:00 for old folks is sleeping in).

The start of school has been good for both of us. Again, I am teaching some little darlings that Linda taught in Kinder...

Later...

**************************************************************

Had a great lunch, with some great kids. All have returned home...praying for their safe travel.

Mom just called. The wind and the rain both increased. She has lost electricity (so far for about an hour), and lost a large tree in the back of the property which took out her storage building. Not much in it of value, but all is scattered over the yards in the area. All are well.

**************************************************************

Oh, by the way....

I had a multi-situation checkup last week.

1. Migraines seem to be in check. Only 2 this entire summer. With school starting this may change, but I can increase preventative meds if needed.

2. Kidney function has "slightly" increased. Nothing near "normal", but probably just one of those "little" ups and downs. Still laying off of salt, and drinking mostly water.

3. Thyroid situation is a little confusing, however. Lately, I have been more restless at night, hot most of the time, and shaking a bit. It seems that my thyroid levels are increasing to a point above normal again. Doc reduced the level of daily hormone and will check again in about 6 weeks. It is "possible" that the "destroyed" thyroid gland, may be rebounding. If my levels are still up at the next checkup, he will reduce my meds a bit drastically.

Nothing life threatening, just a bit bothersome.
Thanks for your concerns and prayers.

Hugh
  • AlanL
    Have a great day! We're housing evacuees. I want to cook out, but I think they want to eat out.
    by AlanL at 09/01/08 11:02AM
  • ashley
    Thanks again for lunch! We enjoyed it :)
    by ashley at 09/01/08 5:05PM
  • iheartshoes
    I enjoyed being with ya'll so much :) Have a wonderful week!
    by iheartshoes at 09/02/08 10:55AM
  • adampual
    we loved the B&B! thanks again!
    by adampual at 09/02/08 1:22PM
  • blesu
    Glad to know your mom survived the storm with minimal damage. We have been awaiting Gustav because it appeared it was coming straight for us. But, we haven't really seen or felt anything extremely serious. I think it moved more toward Shreveport. Have a good day at school!
    by blesu at 09/02/08 3:50PM
  • iheartshoes
    My mom & I went to Central Market today and left with Lola Savannah Texas Pecan, Costa Rica Tarrazu, and Snickernut Coffee! We had the TX Pecan after dinner :)
    by iheartshoes at 09/02/08 10:04PM
  • airborneirish
    It was so great staying with y'all as always. Farkel!
    by airborneirish at 09/07/08 12:25AM

Olympics!

at 08/11/08 9:35PM
OK, here I go. A veritable feast of sports, and other things. Other things? Yes, other things, like Synchronized Diving, Gymnastics, and all other events with SUBJECTIVE SCORINNG. Athletic? ABSOLUTELY! Artistic? YES! Sport? NO!

A sport is an event that has OBJECTIVE scoring...head to head against others, where there is a way to score a point or goal. Put a ball through a basket...get points. Hit a ball so far...score a run. Hit a ball that an opponent can't hit/catch...score a point. Objective scoring, no question, not depending on anything but the opponent/fence/or object of the game.

Subjective scoring is just that...subjective! It depends on...whatever...whether the judge(s) had a bad day, a good day, a like/dislike for the country of the competitor, etc. None of this, "Well, this was better than that, and I gave them a 6.0, so this will be a 6.2, it may be better, but someone may do this better, so I will only give it a 6.1, so I can give them a 6.2", or some such ridiculous thought process. NOT A SPORT!

HAVE A NICE DAY!
  • sunshinebear
    Thursday night would be lovely!!! If it were only true and we were close enough!!
    by sunshinebear at 08/18/08 7:25PM
  • jestersncourt
    Is there not some subjectivity to most "sports" in the olympics? Hit a ball so far, but if you don't swing, the judges may deem a ball to actually be a strike. You slide into second base and the judge rules you out even though you were under the tag. You shoot a three pointer but the judge feels your foot was on the line. The push under the basket isn't called because the judge is just "evening up the call". Same goes for almost all team "sports" in the Olympics, no? I have to stick up for Gymnastics!
    by jestersncourt at 08/18/08 10:21PM
  • biobo
    ^^Not even close.
    by biobo at 08/19/08 12:16AM
  • txbowler
    Based on that, ping-pong is a sport, but gymnastics is not.
    by txbowler at 08/19/08 12:40AM
  • biobo
    ^^Now, you get it!
    by biobo at 08/19/08 7:39AM
  • biobo
    But it is Table Tennis
    by biobo at 08/19/08 7:40AM
  • jestersncourt
    Those aren't subjective judging issues? I've never known a gymnastics judge who "left room for better" as their job is to score a routine based upon a certain code.
    by jestersncourt at 08/19/08 10:52AM
  • txbowler
    "Table Tennis", what's next, Desktop Football, with an official triangular piece of folded paper?
    by txbowler at 08/19/08 10:53AM
  • txbowler
    I just read this on the Yahoo news wire:

    "Table tennis is desperate to attract more viewers and some in the sport believe a simple enough solution exists: get the women to wear skirts and shirts with “curves”.
    “We are trying to push the players to use skirts and also nicer shirts, not the shirts that are made for men, but ones with more curves,” International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) vice president Claude Bergeret said."
    by txbowler at 08/19/08 12:17PM
  • banana
    maybe table tennis would get more viewers if they were on some time other than 2 am
    by banana at 08/21/08 10:43AM
  • adampual
    YES!! we're so excited!
    by adampual at 08/21/08 5:48PM
  • blesu
    Wow! I was just having this conversation w/ Jonathan. If I were to choose a sport to participate in the Olympics I would go for one where it was clear if you were the WINNER or the LOSER. The point system is so unpredictable.
    by blesu at 08/22/08 10:25AM
  • txbowler
    Do you consider walking fast to be a sport?

    Race walking is my new favorite Olympic event to laugh at.

    "Let's see who can go the fastest without running."

    What's next, the hop and a skip biathlon?
    by txbowler at 08/22/08 4:41PM
  • banana
    ooh, I'm in for hop & a skip. I could probably win that one!
    by banana at 08/22/08 5:18PM
  • txbowler
    I just found this line in another article:

    "Race walking, which is sort of like letting those who can’t swim very well compete in the dog paddle"
    by txbowler at 08/23/08 12:08PM
  • grace
    Sure, I'll have some copies made next time I have some pictures developed. I have one more that will hatch probably tomorrow. If I'm lucky enough I will take video of it emerging. They hatch really fast so it's a matter of knowing when they will do it.
    by grace at 08/24/08 11:16PM
  • kerrigan
    haha! yes, it was a great book, and you have it in your classroom library.. how appropriate!
    by kerrigan at 08/27/08 11:29PM
  • audreyr
    oh, i just love you!
    by audreyr at 08/30/08 10:43PM
  • crazyttuguy
    Any potential evacuees contacted you yet? :)

    Waiting to see where a storm is going has to be on my list of my least favorite activities -- waiting to find out the school district's plan is just a little higher on the list.
    by crazyttuguy at 08/30/08 11:14PM

Best Kept Secret on I-35

at 08/07/08 4:29PM
The Bozeman's Bed/Breakfast (any meal, really) and Coffee shop.

Just so you know...

We live in Denton, Texas...five hours north of Houston (other areas calculate for yourself), about a mile or so West of I-35E. We are in the PERFECT spot for a sleep-over if you are travelling to points farther north (especially if you get a later-than-expected start), or if you are travelling south and get too sleepy to continue, or if you just want to visit us.

Or, maybe you are considering continuing your education at North Texas University or Texas Woman's University. Feel free to call and stay with us when you plan a visit. Linda has lived here since she was a teenager, and knows all of the local points of interest (I can drive us there), like Beth Marie's Ice Cream Shop on the square, Denton County Hamburgers, and the first names of all of the employees of every Starbucks in the 940 area code (just kidding about that one).

We meet with the saints at the West Main congregation in Lewisville, only a 20 minute drive, and have been known to provide transport (and a meal or two) for poor, lonely, isolated college students to the assembly. Linda's dad is an elder at the Eastside group in Denton, literally walking distance from TWU, and we can introduce you around there, so you can make your decision where you might want to attend.

We would LOVE to have you...just give us about 10-15 minutes notice!

See ya!
  • cnh42
    Hmmm...makes me (almost) want to be in college again so I could stay with you two!
    by cnh42 at 08/07/08 5:29PM
  • crazyttuguy
    I may take you up on that if I can't get a good air fare to Lubbock this fall. :)
    by crazyttuguy at 08/07/08 5:34PM
  • adampual
    everyone must know that the Bed/Breakfast is booked August 31!
    by adampual at 08/07/08 6:10PM
  • adnerb
    Well, maybe it hasn't gotten to 100 degrees officially, but we have seen many days in the mid to upper 90s. And, feels like 100. And, I was doing yardwork outside one morning. I had to stop about 11:15. It was horrible.
    by adnerb at 08/07/08 6:34PM
  • adnerb
    I am ready for a sweater or two! The kind you put on. Not the kind you sit next to.
    by adnerb at 08/07/08 6:35PM
  • sunshinelc
    Fergusson Family?
    by sunshinelc at 08/07/08 6:35PM
  • sunshinelc
    Very Cool!
    by sunshinelc at 08/07/08 6:45PM
  • sunshinelc
    I'll make sure to tell them hi if I meet them. ;-)
    by sunshinelc at 08/07/08 6:46PM
  • ambre
    This post makes me want to drive back from Lubbock just to stay! I'll have to do that one day soon!
    by ambre at 08/07/08 7:56PM
  • sunshinebear
    The best place in Denton, TX for a good meal and dessert...oh and don't forget a good game of farkle!!
    by sunshinebear at 08/07/08 8:11PM
  • banana
    and hermit crabs can be your roommates!
    by banana at 08/07/08 9:48PM
  • memyselfandi
    That's the best kind of Texan to be!
    by memyselfandi at 08/07/08 10:01PM
  • crazyttuguy
    You play Farkel? I took my pocket Farkel to Singing School ... we played in the lobby one night.
    by crazyttuguy at 08/07/08 10:44PM
  • AlanL
    We visited the church in Denton on the way back from Randall and Lindsey's wedding several years ago. Stayed around a long time afterward talking -- really nice folks!
    by AlanL at 08/08/08 2:17PM
  • AlanL
    Yes, that's right! I remember becase my grandfather was Bill Allen.
    by AlanL at 08/09/08 12:23PM
  • gallatinrealtor
    I highly recommended it!
    by gallatinrealtor at 08/10/08 2:56PM

Let's Go Out In a Blaze of Glory

at 08/04/08 6:25PM
Had my nephrologist appointment last Wednesday. Looks like the kidney damage is permanent, even though there was a slight improvement in function. Creatinine levels still very high, but protein levels decreased some. No major action needed, just continue low salt/sodium intake, keep weight/blood pressure in check, drink plenty of water, and stay away from ANY meds OTC or otherwise that have warnings about kidney complications.

The car was packed, so we left there for Deer Park to pick up Taylor, then on to spend a great few days at Zach and Audrey's on the beach in Galveston.

On the way back, we were blessed in attending the Kleinwood Singing. Afterward, stayed at the "Les Hodges Hotel". Visited with the Parsons' (Jill P. is Les' daughter and a childhood friend of Linda) until 2am. Went out to breakfast, walked a mall with Z&A, visited some relatives of Linda's dad, then drove home.

After Singing School and this trip, WE FINALLY UNPACKED!!!

Don't guess we'll be planning any trips in the near future, as school starts soon. *give school the BRESSE!!!*
  • melissakaye
    It was good to see you recently. Glad y'all had a good time!
    by melissakaye at 08/04/08 6:35PM
  • texas_kandikane
    it was great to see you again!!!! miss ya
    by texas_kandikane at 08/04/08 6:54PM
  • sunshinebear
    Glad you two had a safe trip! Sounds like you had a great time!! Good Luck with the school starting soon! School started here, today!! Love ya!
    by sunshinebear at 08/04/08 6:58PM
  • sjean
    Keep taking care of yourself. We want you around for a long time!
    by sjean at 08/04/08 7:12PM
  • memyselfandi
    Yes, we do!!
    by memyselfandi at 08/05/08 9:07AM
  • AlanL
    LOL!
    by AlanL at 08/05/08 10:12AM
  • adampual
    YES school does indeed get the BRESSE!!
    by adampual at 08/05/08 11:04AM
  • ambre
    Oh no... He hasn't seen that yet, but he will soon... Lol. Love y'all!
    by ambre at 08/07/08 12:19AM