Entertainment, Fun, Humor, Music, Travel2 Comments

Germanfest

Tim May

Off I went Sunday afternoon to the Texas community of German hertitage, Muenster Texas to partake in the food and festivities of their annual “Germanfest”.

Muenster is about 75 minutes from the house and I enjoyed the three thunderstorms I managed to drive through safely to get there.

And once there, about three more downpours provided more excitement as they thundered through Muenster. The festival was ready for the weather however – numerous big tents provided shelter from the rain and 30mph north winds for all those in attendance that wanted the protection. The music kept playing and the homemade brats and kraut kept cooking despite the weather’s inclemency. Grand time! Continue reading “Germanfest”

Photography, Photos, TravelLeave a comment

To and from and about

Tim May
Palm silhouetted near sunset

It was a round trip of 730 miles to go to the Texas ASLA State Conference this past week. That can be a long adventure for a landscape architect, especially when driving by yourself – do you know how many cool detours are considered “scenic” and “on the way’…not to mention the seven “Exit Dairy Queens” spotted along IH45. Camera at the ready!

It’s always good to get to the coast even if you have to travel through tornado warnings and dread the lousy Houston traffic is between you and the coast (and then you and home). In Galveston, the effort was made to hit Gaido’s for lunch – a long, long time restaurant beacon of the Island. The Pelican Club (a private club behind the public restaurant) was closed so I didn’t get to see its remodel – the wait staff told me about it however. Sadly, the Club’s Maitre d’ Bruce and Julio have both died since the last time visited, probably some 10 years ago…they were pleasant fellows for sure.

Hurricane Ike can still be seen and felt around the Island 2 1/2 years later. But Galveston is bouncing back – good times through bad times!

Continue reading “To and from and about”

Photos, Professional, TravelLeave a comment

In conference

Tim May

The past three days were spent on the Gulf Coast (Galveston). A wonderful time despite the island losing power several times throughout the day on Wednesday, the wind blowing like nobody’s business, the hotel’s satellite TV was scrambled on occasion, and a 42″ waterline in need of repair kept water restrictions in force until today. We were told the electricity and TV were intermittent because of the sea salt buildup on lines and electronics (normally, rainfall would wash the salt off but the island was in a 4-month drought).  Don’t take it wrong, a grand time was had in the 50°-60° -70° weather with a cool ocean breeze! Oooooo, ahhhhhh.  Continue reading “In conference”

For What Its Worth, Life, Religion, Thump1 Comment

A best friend

Tim May

“No man is good enough to be a dog” – an old saying Pastor Tommy recited this morning in his sermon at Denton Bible as he was speaking of the loyalty and devotion had by Mary Magdalene for Christ…

Most of you know, or have figured out dogs have curled up next to my heart since I was a young boy. You might imagine then when Pastor Tommy told the story of Greyfriars Bobby to close his Easter service it tugged on my heart strings much like it did Tommy’s.

The story is this: Continue reading “A best friend”

Entertainment, Family2 Comments

Easily entertained

Tim May

I know technically I might be a couple of hours late with this post, and you should also know technically I struggle at times figuring out the ways to showcase the beauty and talent found and captured out there in the real world. And that sometimes is worth the wait (not to mention it takes me a bit longer than expected to get all the technology right)….

We spent the day with OFNi Mikel (who just so happens to be 7 months pregnant) and her friend Jill (who happens to be 11 weeks pregnant…with twins). They really wanted to spend time with Aunt Debi and take in the fabric stores for the makings of baby crib sheets, bumper pads, and the like – at the end of the day I think that was accomplished.

Please understand that under normal circumstances when a trip to the fabric store is planned, I would rather stay home and do more exciting things like pull weeds, tease fire ants, fight wasps, untangle vines from rose bushes without gloves or long sleeves, or drag hoses around the yard.

Not this day…I had potential photo opportunities with a pregnant niece that has been somewhat camera-shy with her “condition”, not to mention we hadn’t seen her since before this “bump” happened.

Continue reading “Easily entertained”

Inspiration, Music, Religion1 Comment

How Great Thou Art

Tim May

Holy Cow! Who watched Carrie Underwood duet with Vince Gill tonight on the AMC’s “Girls Night Out”? I did, four times! What those two did with “How Great Thou Art” brought back childhood church memories (Sunday services and funerals), brought on the teary eyes, and bought you to your knees!

“How Great Thou Art” is one of about four r-e-a-l-l-y favorite hymns of mine. Even though it is sang less on Sunday these days, it still spiritually moves people in untold ways. It truly is, as my dear friend Pastor Brother Bill is known to occasionally remind his congregation, “please rise if you are able and join us singing a standard of the faith – so you better sing it as such”.

What better way to end a Good Friday…and an Earth Day? (I’ll just hold on to the Earth Day post I had ready until next year). Inspirational stuff…a good YouTube isn’t out yet, but this one will give you an idea of the performance if you missed it (or want to hear it again, and again, and again) despite the cell phone camera shake and fan excitement.

Continue reading “How Great Thou Art”

Fun, History, politics, Self-help2 Comments

Well I would…one day.

Tim May

Got this question from a Disneyland commercial this evening: “What would you do if you had one more day?”.

So like I usually do, I twist the question a bit, take it out of context (maybe not so much), think about all that is carried in my bucket, and re-ask the question without any thought of Disneyland. This question is intended to stir the deep, soul-reaching responses you have with good friends or close family (more times than not when an adult beverage has influenced your boldness and confidence, among other things). So what would you say (do) if the question was posed to you? Gut-check!

Continue reading “Well I would…one day.”

Family, Friendship, Humor, Photos, Scottie Dogs2 Comments

The Queen poses

Tim May

Mackie, Mack-a-do, Mac-a-roni, Mackers, Mack, Mack-Attack…I call her all those names, along with “Hey You Baby Girl”, “Such a pretty girl”, “Goofy Ball”, and “Goodness Sakes”. But mostly she is referred to as “Your Highness, the Queen of Scots”!

Her and Scottie Gal Pal Zoey get their hair and nails done tomorrow…they’ve been invited to Prince William and Kate’s wedding so don’t you know a gussey-up is warranted. Funny, the Royals always act as if they are embarrassed to have their pictures taken afterwards.

Since the day we got her – some 11 years ago – her eyes have always melted any dog discipline I try to enact. Her antics always make me laugh

Continue reading “The Queen poses”

For What Its WorthLeave a comment

Gassed out

Tim May

Among the so many things we get upset about with the media – the economy, politics, story exaggerations (dare I say fabrications), etc. – we certainly don’t need their help giving oil companies the OK-they’re-ready to raise gas prices to $4 per gallon and more.

Politically, the rising price of fuel might give reason for liberals to rejoice as it reinforces their “green” chorus; conservatives might applaud the capitalistic ventures…both will stand at the water cooler and complain about the cost of the fillup however.

Continue reading “Gassed out”

Fun, nature, Photography, Photos, Travel, Weekly Photo Challenge1 Comment

Weekly Photo Challenge: Lines

Tim May

Too many pictures to choose from for this week’s Photo Challenge. So guess what? I’ll just put a bunch up here. Sorry gang, the dreaded “family slide show” shall commence now. BTW, I made the pictures smaller to make it seem like you’re scrolling through them faster. Grab your popcorn and beer…please silence your cell phones during the show :)

I’m kind of partial to lines, whether they’re formal or natural (it’s what I’ve done with myself for the past 29 years)….

Lining up the putt (Relay For Life Golf Tourney, Hays Kansas - just so happens to be both my OFBs)

Continue reading “Weekly Photo Challenge: Lines”