Early June Perennials

This one is outside MK's office window. She can/does look at the flowers and watch her birds go to and fro. We have, at last count, 7 bird feeders + a squirrel feeder (the racoon likes that one and has torn it down three times, so far). Every time a UPS or Fed-Ex truck stops in front, I say: "Oh, no, yet another feeder." But, MK has attracted a whole new group of birds this year which gives us hours of watching pleasure.

Back yard looks better this year than it ever has.Lots going on in this frontal look.

I especially like the way the roses frame the porch and steps. The Japanese maple is a nice touch, too, don't you think?

BIG rose bush. In a couple of days, it will have several 100 blooms. Pretty! One can see it from the bottom of Stringham, a long block away.

The day lillies bloom on or around Lindy's and Logan's birthdays (27th and 24th, respectively), and that's how MK remembers when they are at their peak. The yellows and oranges will be a nice color addition to our palette (palette?).

Our side garden and Les' house with many changes. The young couple who bought it have done lots (it needed lots!) and will continue both inside and out. I've known him, Adam, from the Millbrook area since he was a pup. His brother babysat for Chris several times and I know his Mother, Carolyn Kirkham, from the old neighborhood. I helped Carolyn (Kirkham and Friends Realty) get the listing after Les died and Adam then bought the house. for a "song." He's going to put as much in it as he paid for it. (Ouch!)

All in all, we're very pleased with our gardens this year. There are a few spots which need work and that'll be for the rest of the summer/fall. Gotta' have something to keep us occupied.

Stay tuned!!

Ahhhhhhh, Tulip Time in SLC!

April 29th: Yes, Jody, we just thought winter was over, and so did our little tulips. Poor them -- they came out ready to show off their colors and look what happened. Oh well, they'll have lots of moisture and the cooler weather may even make 'em last longer. More for our neighbors and us to enjoy. I am barefoot and didn't want to step off the porch to shoot these pics. Lazy me!

The 4+ inches on the table shows what we're getting as of 10 this morning.

This is what happens when a new squirrel feeder is installed without providing adequate directions to the squirrels. He (she?) tried to gnaw thru the wood to get to the peanuts. All he (she?) had to do was crawl thru the gap I conveniently made for them at the top. But, no, had to damn near destroy it. Wood chips were flying everywhere. Those rodent teeth do a job!!

4/28: Outside MK's office window. She has several new bird feeders so she can commune with the variety of birds that visit us. I swear, we have the most delectable yard for birds in town (or at least our birdfeed bill indicates this).

Many new tulips were put in last year under "Lindy's" window. Made a real difference in this area.

Sorry, it's a bit fuzzy. My favorite angle. Shows the remodel (2005) well and the garden.

Is It Really Spring?

No April Fool's joke here, just 8" of fresh snow. The ski areas got 15 - 24". Beautiful, though!

And here we are on March 31 - someone said it was springtime! Doesn't look like it, does it? Notice the tulip foliage - they are trying!!

About two weeks ago, I cut back the garden, raked it, and fertilized. The tulips were peeking through (you can see the greenery). We can't wait for the tulips to "pop", especially since we've been in Brazil the last two years during their peak. Not this year, tho. We're going to be right here watching and cheering for every one of the 1000 or so blooms. My only trip during tulip season is to Texas to keep Kayla and Luke while K & K go on a mission to India. Keep in mind, Kevin, that if the blooms are at their best, I will call off my trip. That's OK, isn't it???

My Texas Trip

My first stop in my whirlwind trip around Central Texas was Round Rock to Lindy's to see their new baby, Riley Catherine Kincaid. Melissa was already there enjoying being a GM for the 1st time. Though she's a great GM to Holly's and Kevin's kids, there's something very unique and wonderful about having her OWN grandchild. See MK's blog for pics of Riley, Lindy, Chris, and various animals in Round Rock. http://mmkoerner.blogspot.com/

On to Jan's and Jack's new house in Bastrop. Jack is building a BIG workshop and storage facility in the back. I tried to get him to use it as a poolroom, but, alas, to no avail. This home, as pretty as it is, and will be, as Jan applies her unique brand of decorating magic, will be unoccupied the better part of any year. They will be travelling to and fro chasing their favorite square dance callers and meeting their dancing friends all over the southwest in their RV.

The National Championship patch! I was, and am, proud to be part of that team and tradition.

I donated my letter sweater to the Texas State U archives since they didn't have one with the patch. Janis suggested getting the pics and as we know, I always do what my older (much) and wiser (questionable) sister tells me to!

This is the group of guys I've stayed quite close to over the years. Most have been very successful in their chosen careers - everything: school superintendents, university athletic director (UNM and U of H), 10 plane air service co in Canada, HS principals, ret Col - AF, dentist, bankers, mortgage execs, college coaches, ex-Provost - major college, major college prof, etc. For those who are curious, here are names and home towns:

Front: Don Schmeltekopf – Kyle and Ex-Provost, Baylor U; Yours Truly; Howard Lockhart - SA and ex-owner of Lockhart Air service in Canada; Harper Augsburger – Bay City, coach and HS administrator; Coach Mac; Russ Hollenbeck Harlingen - never played, dentist in Spring, TX;

Back: Dale Ethridge – Ropesville, beat up on our All American,Charlie Sharp (deceased) every day and made Charlie tough enough to take the hits from others and still score >20/night; Bruce Gregg – Seguin - ret AF Col; Rudy Davalos - SA, ex-athletic director; Earl Lankford – Galena Park, our tallest guy at 6’8”, played both back post and top post; Don Clark – SA, PhD, he of the BS emails, brilliant wife; Don Forester – SA and coached under Mac for 20 yrs, outstanding in both football and basketball at SWT; Kenneth Fishbeck – Moulton, my roomie for 3 yrs, never developed into a player; Lloyd Little – Refugio, never played much but was the top college high jumper his Jr year, over 7’; Joddie Witte – Taylor, played before me, Ex Supt Hays County Ind School Dist, currently President of the “T” Association (Letterman’s Club).

That was my trip and a great one it was!!

Upcoming Trip to Texas

We are going to TX in a week (MK) and then me on March 4th. Melissa, of course, is going to see her 1st grandchild, sweet little Riley. Lindy and Chris always have their cameras at the ready and you can see lots of pics at their blog. http://flossykincaids.blogspot.com/

I will stay a day in Round Rock before going to see Jan in Bastrop, then on to San Marcos. We are having the 50th (ugh!) anniversary of our 1960 National Championship: Get introduced at halftime of a game, have a dinner with the Pres and other activities. In other words, Kings for a Day! Melissa will join us for the dinner Friday night, then back to SLC Saturday morn to prepare for classes. I, too, start another MBA class that Monday, but want to spend an Xtra day with my old B'ball buddies. Here're a few pics of that group, after you get to see a classic jump shot!

In case you can't tell, I'm the one with the BIG smile, and white belt!


This one taken during a 2005 reunion. We have tried to stay close over the years. Bruce Gregg, my best friend, is also in a red sweater. He's in San Antonio now.

This is my Sr year coach, Vernon McDonald. This was at halftime of a football game when the new Hall of Honor members were introduced. The big guy is Morris Ogden, also inducted at the same time. Ironically, he's from my little old high school, Edcouch-Elsa.

A Very Nice Christmas

We'll start with Melissa's favorite gift and a big Thank You to the four couples who made it possible with quick responses. I absolutely couldn't have done it without each of you.

Though there were lots of stockings and presents, the "pile" paled versus past years when everyone was here. But not in thoughtfulness! Every gift seemed to touch the receiver and the giver, as well.

Melissa, in her new "green mode," found this artificial tree and it looks great. Came in a box - three sections. All one has to do is insert pipe into pipe (I did that) and then figure out the lights (I couldn't do that!). Turned out very nice and we'll use it for years to come.

Uh oh, a stranger in our midst - well, not really. This is a stray cat found in Plano and "rescued" by a friend from high school, Carol Fort. The reason it's included is that this is the 1st white Christmas she can remember in the Dallas area (and you all missed it, Holly!).

Michael and Louise - a professor buddy of ours and artist wife. They moved here from Canada a couple of years ago. She's French-Canadian. Michael and I try to play pool once a week.

My wonderful and creative gift from Luke and Kayla. Kerry's sister, Jen, has a small business which helps kids make these original drawings. Thanks, Kids, it's beuuuuutiful! Can we expect one every Christmas??

What a surprise when I opened this sweet gift from Jordan and Olivia. I first thought it was a nice ornament for our mantle. Then, as I was putting the box aside, I noticed the writing said something about a "recording!" Lo and behold, when I pushed the recording button, there were two little voices wishing us a Merry christmas. Good work, Girls. Very impressive.

We, too, had a white Christmas, albeit not as unusual as Dallas'. Also, not as deep as Kevin's various visits when there was 3 - 4' in the yard for he and his friends to enjoy on the slopes.

MK with Oscar. He's regrown the fur that was clumpy and shaved off in the rescue kennel. He looks wonderful. Sweetest cat going and a durn sweet wifely, too!

Well Folks, that was our '09 Christmas. We hope each of you had one equally as nice. We're off to Austin tomorrow to visit Lindy, Chris, and baby Riley to come 2/14. I'll get down to Bastrop to see Jan and Jack and have BBQ in Lockhart. May go to a Texas State B'Ball game, too.

It's Almost Here

We are going to have a very different Christmas this year. In prior years, all Melissa's kids and spouses/SOs have been home, my Chris was always here, and a couple of times Holly and Kevin, with families, have been in SLC. This year, only Logan and Jody will be able to make it. Chris will be in San Diego with Sandra, Lindy can't fly because of  her 2/14 due date, Duncan and Betsy were just here to surprise me on my birthday (and take their car back - Melissa's '98 Mazda), and Holly and Family will be in Houston with Kevin and Family.

Oh well, gives us even more time to enjoy Logan and Jody. I suspect it will be more this way than what we've enjoyed in the past. We do get a bit spoiled, tho!

Come On Santa!