Eatery, Family, Humor2 Comments

Weekend Babies

Tim May
Our Baby Girl

It all started with an airport arrival last Thursday. FD flew into town for a long weekend of class reunion, a high school football game, share a few cocktails with some old friends, therapy with/for her folks, to see “Beeba” and Tam, drink wine, eat stuff, hug on her Mom, laugh with her Dad, yada yada yada. FD, as I once wrote in Favorites, has many names. This weekend she was my “Baby Girl”. It’s always good to have her home as she brings energy and enthusiasm to the house.

We were greeted Saturday morning (well I wasn’t – I had a meeting in Dallas that allowed everyone else to burn daylight by sleeping in) with the FS and STBFDIL. This weekend he has my “Baby Boy” (not really Tyler – don’t mean to get too sappy here – you were and still are my “FS”). They drove up from Austin Friday night and partied with friends…only to land on our overnight accommodations (beds) about 4 a.m. And guess who they brought home with them…the FD. Nothing like partying with siblings to bring a family together. My guess is they drove home together to keep each other awake (I know they wouldn’t drink and drive).

The kids have gotten into a let’s-do-something-different habit the last couple times they’ve come home. This trip – Saturday afternoon – the favorites bought us all a wine

Our Baby Boy and his Baby Girl

tasting class on the Square in Denton. We had fun. STBFDIL and I got a bit silly with the seven or so fine Argentina wines tasted within an hour. Brittany (I think) was our host. She obviously knows her wines and thus explains her ownership of Wine2 (actually it’s “wine squared” but I couldn’t make the “2” itty bitty and raised up off the line). duh.

OK there’s something about 12 people, 1 instructor, and 1 employee sitting in plastic bistro-style patio furniture (don’t get me wrong, it’s a neat place) trying to swirl wine and stick one’s nose into the business end of the glass and then guess what the liquid smells like, that’s just fun(ny). To me, I think all wine smells like wine and it needs to be drank…rather quickly…so I can have another thank you very much. Now STBFDIL and I got to smelling our wine, listening to the other class attendees express and showcase their knowledge of wine, and guessing our own smells within the wine. We could not smell the “good dirt – not bad dirt”, nor could we detect the slight overtones Continue reading “Weekend Babies”

Family, Health1 Comment

Eli on the mend

Tim May

Check out Eli’s progress. Don’t anyone tell him he had surgery 15 days ago that had his chest and heart wide open. How ’bout those surgery wounds quickly going away. Thanks Grandma Sue for sending the pictures…not sure who to thank for photography – perhaps everyone. I think I’m gonna starting calling Eli “TK” for “tough kid”.

Eli and Grandma Robbie

  Continue reading “Eli on the mend”

Photography, Travel2 Comments

Full of Balloony and Full of Hot Air

Tim May

About 9:30 last night I finally got caught up with the DMN weekend “Guide” and discovered the Plano Balloon Festival was underway. This morning I ventured to Plano to catch a sunrise launch of countless Hot Air Balloons. As STBFDIL Tammy said in a reply text message (I sent her and several others a cell phone picture around 8:30), I did my own solo photowalk today.

Balloons aside, I don’t remember the last time I saw so many cameras – of all sizes, shapes, and styles – in one place. There was just a whole lot of photo walking, sitting, standing, and gawking go on. I could have learned a whole bunch about cameras and photo-taking had the guys with the lens as long as my arm stood still long enough for me to converse with them. Continue reading “Full of Balloony and Full of Hot Air”

Family, Health, Life11 Comments

Eli, our little trooper

Tim May

NOTE: Eli’s condition is being updated through the “comments” portion of this blog posting. Click “read more” and then scroll to the bottom of the page, OR click the”# comments” at the bottom of the post – it will jump you straight to the comments. Feel free to leave your comments. FYI new commenters to this blog will be screened initially (by me) then after that first time, subsequent comments will be instantly posted.

Eli Ross May was the trooper of the day yesterday.

At Denver’s Children Hospital, Eli’s Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) and a cleft of his Mitral Valve was repaired after about 5 hours of surgery on Friday. Everything went according to plan.

I’m sure Eli is really sore and they obviously have kept him sedated. All is well with everyone (except for a bit of exhaustion on the part of family) according to the two updates from OFB TR.

What great news. Thanks everyone for thoughts and prayers – keep them coming over the next several weeks.

Pictures from OFNi Tara  Continue reading “Eli, our little trooper”

HumorLeave a comment

Try this at Home?

Tim May

On a bit ligther note…a joke from OFSIL Bec. And I will speak for all those that share my last name, these are grand ideas: AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES  If you’re choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure … Continue reading Try this at Home?

politics, Religion4 Comments

Religiously speaking

Tim May

I, for one, am not well versed in the Bible’s scriptures. However, a good scripture discussion and interpretation is welcomed as long as I have my study Bible to reference. Perhaps that explains why I’ve had a Bible study class or two through my church over the last few years. As my old pastor told me many times – while sitting in a church pew, one-on-one over breakfast, and even in the passenger seat of a golf cart – religion and the Bible can really mess with your head. Perhaps Brother Bill’s point is the Bible is for all of us to take what we need from it, depending on the circumstance. I know many times I reference the Book for consolation, assurance, and inspiration. It has helped me countless times when in need, but it is used solely for my personal journey of faith and not to spread fear and condemnation. I know the Bible tells us to seek discipleship and congregate as a family in the house of the Lord. I try to do that through encouragement, patience, and as a living example – I think I am still ok in the Eyes from above. Continue reading “Religiously speaking”

Family, Health, Life5 Comments

Eli, our little man

Tim May
An important event is about to transpire next week, one that concerns all the May’s and Dreiling’s as our little boy Eli is about to brave a life trial at a much too young age. All of 9 months old, Eli is scheduled for open heart surgery in Denver next Friday, September 12th. Eli Ross was born November 23, 2007 to my nephew Trevor and his wife Kristie with a serious heart defect. He is a special kid to his entire family that got a tough start to life. This kiddo has a disposition such that you would not suspect that he’s simply not feeling very good. Unfortunately his body is behaving differently from his playful, cheery personality. As my brother (Eli’s grandpa) tells it, in his short life he’s never known what it’s like to feel healthy.
Eli Ross May
Eli Ross May

Eli’s condition is called Atrioventricular Septal Defect  (AVSD). In layman’s terms, Eli does not have a tissue wall in the upper heart chambers that normally would separate his oxygenated blood from de-oxygenated blood. The heart and lungs are unduly and severely stressed, and several physical childhood (infant) developmental progressions are effected. Eli’s condition, best I can ascertain at this time (thanks to literature sent by his Grandma Sue), is textbook. He has experienced over the past several months little to no weight gain, fatigue, bluish complexion, appetite and nourishment concerns, and pulmonary illnesses. Other health complications have developed as a result of his AVSD condition. Continue reading “Eli, our little man”

Eatery, Family, Travel2 Comments

Labor Day, Apple Pie, and Kansas in both Windshields

Tim May
Farm Fresh Apples and Peaches to be had

This year’s Labor Day weekend was spent with our parents in Kansas. It’s always grand to visit our parents – we’re trying to do that as often as we can. We came away with yet another new found perspective however. Hurricanes occupy as much TV time in land-locked Kansas as it does in the coastal states. I’m glad CFB has started. Listening to Big 12 North friendly media rant and rave about a successful Week 1 for my Wildcats (and yes I had to tolerate the Jayhawks as well) is quite refreshing, perhaps even a bit rejunivenating.

Deb’s dad had an orchard full of apples this weekend. So we grabbed buckets and sacks and trekked up the hill to do some old fashion picking. Others did the picking, I photographed (Hey Emily, you should have been with me on that Photowalk). Deb’s mom, nephew Jacob, my dad, and Gus the Dog came out and joined in on the fun. When it was all said and done, we had a bushel of apples, some already sampled by birds…others home to constant diners that dwell and relish the sweet taste and fruit firmness (aka worms). Within minutes the five of them had a load and we then kind of looked at each other and said “now what”. “Now what”, at least in part, resulted in apple pealing/coring the old fashion way (with a pairing knife) and had Deb making my dad two pies that evening. Now I like pies and apple is usually down my favorites list quite a ways, however Deb’s pies were particularly good and quite tasty. So much so, Dad and I enjoyed a breakfast of champions by having a slice of homemade apple pie and a scope of vanilla bean ice cream for breakfast the next morning. Continue reading “Labor Day, Apple Pie, and Kansas in both Windshields”

Eatery, FriendshipLeave a comment

Lunch, my friend, is on me

Tim May

First off, let me get my plug in for a restaurant review: It was a warm homecoming to the wonderful enchiladas and even better flour tortillas of Mercado Juarez (Northwest Highway). It’s a great lunch place with uncanny fast service and an elder wait staff to take care of the diners. I’ve always had lunch (not the dinner) and have never been disappointed. Parking can sometimes be a challenge as diners compete with gawkers (it’s next door to a “gentleman’s club” that advertises a $5 all-you-can-see buffet). Avoid payday-Friday’s at all costs (flashing extra dollar bills won’t get you any closer to the action – parking that is – in this case) – the neighboring establishment is definitely more popular with the bubbas and businessmen than Mercado.

Now to the friend: a few Friday’s ago I caught up with a dear pal of mine from a previous employment for lunch. We picked an old favorite in restaurants – yep, the TexMex mentioned above and it was on a payday-Friday. Todd (or as I like to call him: “Todd-Man”) and I hadn’t seen each other in 4+ years. We regularly swap joke emails and I think now he might be hooked on this blog. However, emails and blogs pale in comparison to a reunion handshake and good old fashion face-time conversation. It’s interesting and disheartening how quickly the years go by as evidenced by both our gray heads of hair (be it acknowledged that Todd’s mop remains full bodied as opposed to mine). None the less, it was great to see him again, and share a few laughs. Continue reading “Lunch, my friend, is on me”

Life2 Comments

Try Writing Your Own Obituary

Tim May

I recently read an article about this “Write Your Own Obituary” subject from an online columnist I frequent weekly. Hal Becker is usually a sales trainer in the business world, but in this case he stepped into being a life coach. I recently gave his column topic more thought (don’t ask me why…I think I’m still healthy and I am not anticipating an unfortunate nor early demise any time soon), and gave it (my obituary) a try. Continue reading “Try Writing Your Own Obituary”

Family, Photography2 Comments

We Photowalked Saturday

Tim May

OK gang, we missed all of you on Saturday. Remember? It was the National Photowalk Do-da Day.  Not everyone forgot. OFNi Emily brought her kiddos to City Hall Park on Saturday morning. We talked, we walked, we took pictures. Had a grand time (at least I did). Courtney, Drake(ster), and Madison were the primary subjects of our focus, F-stops, and posings, although Larry the Lizard took center stage at one point. We used Emily’s camera most, learning it can be used for more than just snap shots. I hope she sends me pictures so I can post them here. Let’s … Continue reading We Photowalked Saturday

Humor1 Comment

Mc, OB, and GYN

Tim May

Political jokes are often times worth repeating, but not always on this blog. This one however is kind of funny. So here you go…from an email forwarded from one of my FNs Tara: Leave it to the Irish to cut through the garbage and make the whole issue crystal clear… Thoughts from across the pond – an email from Ireland to the brethren in the States…a point to ponder despite your political affiliation: ‘We, in Ireland, can’t figure out why people are even bothering to hold an election in the United States this year.  On one side, you have a … Continue reading Mc, OB, and GYN

Eatery, Family, Travel5 Comments

What I Did on my Summer Vacation

Tim May

Recent posting had me pouting about everyone else’s vacations. Well this past weekend, I got an urban vacation – not Dubai, Maccuhu Pichu, Steamboat Springs, NYC, nor Alaska. FS and FSTBDIL came to Dallas (no further) and we met them at a hotel. FW (I will probably get in trouble for that…or at least questioned) Deb found a deal on two rooms at the Intercontinental Hotel through Hot Wire. Side note, that hotel is appropriately named as it truly was a vast, interesting blend of cultures and nationalities walking through the lobby. They even had a Larry-guy singing Frank Sinatra songs in the lizard lounge, and I would venture a guess Ol’ Blue Eyes is not on the top seller list in New Delhi. Continue reading “What I Did on my Summer Vacation”

Family, Humor2 Comments

The Drake-ster

Tim May
The Drake-ster
The Drake-ster

My 7-year old great nephew-in-law Drake spent Sunday afternoon shopping for school clothes with his Aunt Debi – I tagged along for a couple hours. Drake is a good kid and quite the hoot. He has a start on a pretty clear perspective of life For example, he:

Photography3 Comments

Photowalking

Tim May

Recent blog surfing came across another go-to blog I have in the ol’ Feeds Favs – The Things I Do. I’ve picked up a few tricks from Dennis – guess I should thank him sometime soon. One of his recent posting talks about A Photowalk. Sounds like a good time and a grand idea…I checked his link and the 50 Dallas spots are booked. Hmmmm, 3 million people in Dallas-Fort Worth and all they have are 50 spots. I guess we could organize our own! Let’s see a show of camera flashes – who’s with me? Anybody? August 23rd is the … Continue reading Photowalking

Family3 Comments

Where did everyone go?

Tim May

It seems y’all were gone at the same time…except for Mac and me.

My Dad, brothers and their families will be coming off the mountain this weekend. Dad spent the last two weeks at a family vacation tradition – Seedhouse Campground in the Routt National Forest north of Steamboat Springs. My brothers, sisters-in-law, and 2 nieces joined him last week. I found myself checking the weather in Steamboat – 70° highs, low 40°’s lows – throughout the last two weeks, taking heavy, heavy sighs and wishing I were there instead of the +100° heat of Dallas. Oh well – Deb told me to go but like a typical husband I didn’t take her advice. I did check out plane fares to Denver and rental cars…almost booked a trip but figured my employer would not appreciate me just packing off for a few days without any prior notice. Perhaps the family can send pictures to add to this post. The rubbing-it-in phase will probably start Sunday. Continue reading “Where did everyone go?”

Entertainment, Life, Television, TV3 Comments

We all should have 10-minutes of fame sometime

Tim May

If you’re not in church Sunday morning, first look to the sky for dark clouds before stepping outside for the paper, then tune into HGTV Landscaper’s Challenge (8:00 a.m. central time). Tune in and/or check your local listing. My faithful bloggers wanting to know a little something about what I do for a day job, the girth of my waist line, wish to comment on the thinning lid, and be amused by my goofy looks can tune into that show for a good time. Now I’m not one that is comfortable tooting my own horn but when you get your 10 minutes of TV time (and its not because of an illegal action), blast away and tell somebody, anybody, and everybody…. Continue reading “We all should have 10-minutes of fame sometime”