 |
| Alma's home (on right with 2 front porch lights) was surrounded by just enough water to seep in and saturate all carpet padding. |
DISASTER #1 MEMORIAL DAY FLOOD 2015
Overnight in late May, training storms dumped more than 10 inches of rain on ground already saturated by weeks of spring rains in parts of Texas. This disastrous flooding claimed lives and wrecked havoc on property throughout the state. We experienced no flooding at our home in Northwest Houston; but, unfortunately, my stepmother Alma's home took on just enough water to saturate the carpet pads throughout. After several days, I was able to get to her home, and insisted she come home with me while her sons-in-law took on the task of replacing all the carpet. Here are just a couple of pictures of that week. (I deleted all the interior shots of the mess.)
 |
| Tiny The guest room bed was way too high. Daniel's crib mattress in its blow-up frame was too low.  The living room couch was just right. |
|
| After two days and nights, Alma was ready to go home to new carpets and her very own bed. |
DISASTER #2 BLUE BELL ICE CREAM RECALL AND DROUGHT
 |
| One of many love letters to Blue Bell. |
Listeriosis contracted from tainted Blue Bell products contributed to the deaths of three and illness in a number of others. After production was shut down, thousands of folks have been laid off in Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma. The largest plant in Brenham, Texas--Blue Bell's home for 108 years, has employed generations of families. Washington County's economy has felt the blow.
Less traumatically, after more than a century, supporters and consumers of the best ice cream in the country have been left without their beloved staple all summer. The flavors shipped on dry ice from Houston to New York City for my niece's wedding rehearsal dinner 10 years ago--now not available. Many refuse to buy any other brand, stating, "No Blue Bell--No Ice Cream in Our House!" As they say, we get cranky without our Blue Bell. Oh, the empty freezer cases! Take a look (above) at the laminated letter from Blue Bell's President taped to the freezer door at my local market. It reads like a love letter.
It's late June now. We hear that one of the plants will begin limited production soon. Can't wait for the Blue Bell drought to break.
DISASTER #2 1/2 STEVE'S 50TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
 |
| Goode Company Sea Food--check please. |
And, you know, it was such a pleasant evening. By age 65+ life has really happened to most everyone. Age and wisdom and a serious dose of humility have helped us figure out what really matters in life. There were lots of kind, open-hearted people there who really admire my man. Lots of memories shared. Lots of chuckles.
 |
| A nap before the party. |
 |
| Who are all these old people? Oh, that's us. |
 |
| Steve ready to go |
 |
| Sandy ready to go |
 |
| Childhood neighbors and friends |
 |
| Best Friends since 5th Grade?! |
 |
| No, the Rocket was not a graduate of BHS Class of '65. But several actors were in Steve's class. Star Trek fans know Data. He's one. Ferris Bueller's mother, too. |
 |
| Breakfast chat with former neighbor |
AND A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER'S DAY
 |
| Look who came to make my day special! |
 |
| I invited Steve to join us for lunch. You know how crazy it is to try to eat out on Mother's Day! I wanted to cook and visit at home. |
 |
| Steve told me that a friend of his was shocked that "he made me cook on Mother's Day." These pix are proof that he helped. |
 |
| He's pretending to work very hard. I approve! |
 |
| Steve was the first one to give me the privilege of becoming a mother. He's been lighting up my life for almost 40 years! |
