Message Forum

Hey BJ...et al...I got the hearing aids at Costco warehouse...yeah, I know, I thought the same thing...a warehouse???? Cost co is really a cool place, and most of, I say, most of, the prices are lower than anywhere. Pluse they carry some things, that no one else carries. Their brand is Kirkland, kind of like Jc Higgins was to sears! The hearing aids are made by Siemens company. Probably top of the line in test gear and hearing aids etc...

They are digical, and computer programed, and very small and light! They fit behind your ears, with a small line with a small speaker on the end, that goes in your ear. I dont even know they are there, except for being able to hear. these are the best they have to offer, and they come in pairs, and both are tied to each other wirelessly, so that whey you change mode, (4 of them), you just press a small button on one and both respond! They are bluetooth compatible if you like that sort of thing! Too complicated for my pea brain!!!

The price on these bad boys, is $2000.00 dollars American, for both!!! The audiologist said they are comperable to ones costing 12,000.oo dollars! I had no idear that hearing aids could be so expensive! For 12K, I'm afraid I would just have to stay deef! It bout killed my soul to spend 2K on these, but they work!!! And I'm all for things that work, especially if I have to shell out that kind of money!!! I'd rather had a new tractor or something of that nature, or heck, a new flamethrower or bazooka...but noooooooooooooo...I got to have new furshlerginer ears...

In the vanity dept, they are hardly noticeable! I dont care if anyone sees them. I told the audiologist that I could just hide him with my hair...which cracked her up, cause I have no hair! You can get them in a variety of colors, and change them whenever you want to! I got silver pearl, to match the color of my beard, so it would LOOK like I had sideburns, even though they are behind my ears, minor detail!!!!

They ARE NOT WATER PROOF, but water resistant. They are coated with stuff to help in that dept! Sweat wont hurt them, but I wouldnt take a shower with them or go swimming! Probably be a good thing to keep a wide brimmed hat or an umbrella handy in case you are caught in the rain! Hell, for 2000.00 dollars, they ought to come with a hat and an umbrella, and with someone to hold the umbrella for you...thats my thinking on the subject!!!

They come with a cool charger, and other paraphanalia, ie cleaning solution and carrying case etc...and a cute little purse...yeah, I'm not a purse guy,I like boxes and bags, but not purses...gonna give it to my grandaughter, or maybe let one of the cats take up residence in it, they seem to have taken up residence everywhere else!!!
They come with a 3 year warrantee, which includes repair, and replacing them at least once each during those three years. When the warrantee expires, and you need them worked on, it cost 135 dolars, I think, and that covers them for another whole year! They told me that generally Hearing aids are good for only about 7 years and then you have to get new ones! Cant get them fixed afte 7, because companies change technology, and dont carry any old parts beyond that!

In addition to rehcargable batts for them, you get 10 disposable batts! They use either one! Costco carries the disposable ones for about 40 or more for 10 bucks!

I dont think I will wear them riding my motocycle, because I dont need to hear anything, but the roar of my pipes, and I hear that unaided, just fine, and so does everyone else! Which is why I have them loud, because, if you cant see me, you gonna be able to hear me...for safety reasons of course!!! Thats why I wear a big eagle on my back, you can see it from pretty far a way. Which reminds me, THE LONESTAR RALLY IN GALVESTON is on for November 4-7th. It is a people watching paradise for people watchers!!!! lots of pretty ladies and handsome rugged manly men, of which I am probably the most handsome and manly, and beautiful bikes too...

Ok, gotta get on Pegasus and try to fine Diane a birthday present! Hardest dang woman to buy something for I have ever seen! I bought her a fishing tackle box once, and filled it with paper and Mounds candy bars, her favorite, and a hidden diamond and opal ring at the bottom. Got an "Oh neat oh" from her...shes not hard to please, Material THINGS, just are not high on her list! Her head is not turned by just any shiny bauble or bangle. Mine of course is turned by a new gun or tool etc...

So, I hope I have enlightened you on hearing aids...also, I think some folks want to get together for lunch next tuesday at 5 guys burgers and fries. dont know which location yet, so that will be forthcoming! ANY AND ALL ARE WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTS...

singing off for now...la la la la

your friend and dukeness Beauregard C Ephus

09/30/10 12:40 PM

#3229

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

BroBeau -- so glad you've got ears!! When you get your bionic eyes - let me know. That is one of the downfalls of aging --- I hate glasses and still won't wear them unless I have too --- so it's on and off and where are they!!!!

Please wish SisDi a Happy Birthday! Can you believe it's October tomorrow -- where did this year go?

Scotty, welcome back from Minnesota --- we want to see pictures ---- and Wayne, I've fished for northern pikes when my ex inlaws lived in Duluth, Minnesota -- beautiful country and gorgeous lakes - and great fishing!!

Rich, that Liz is brilliant - yep, you'd better start locking the door or she might invite the neighborhood critters in.

Susan, love the hill country since I'm originally from Austin --- Sun City sounds great - keep us posted and look forward to having you back home to Texas in the next couple of years.

Gloria, thanks for the tip -- I have some old computer stuff just taking up space in garage, but didn't know Best Buy would take. Guess you know where I'm going this weekend!

Teddie, impressive dogs and all their awards -- between you, Rich and Beau -- ya'll have one smart crew. Whereas my two dogs -- Charlie (mine) and Moochie (my inherited dog from my aunt) --- they are dumb and dumber -- honestly ------ but sweet and loving.

Charlie on top - Moochie at bottom - when my aunt was living with me she called them salt & pepper because they are always together - best buddies.

Remember Fudd's - Tuesday, October 12 and Waltrip's 50th Anniversary - October 15-17. If you need details on 50th look on homepage under Announcements.

Hugs,

09/30/10 02:35 PM

#3230

Cephus you do know someone from Iowa. If I'm not mistaken that's where Jim and Ruby Thiessen are from. I think Jim was a farmer before moving to Houston. I think he worked out at Stauffer Chemical Co. on the ship channel.

There are two things that come to mind about your hearing aids. First if those two aids coordinate things with each other that must mean they do it with some sort of radio signals which would be passing through YOUR brain. That might impair your ability to work as a fry cook. Secondly if they are easily damaged by water you might want to put a little nail in the wall right by the back door. then you could hang your aids on it before you even step on the patio. With your penchant for winding up in the cement pond. "I saved the dog house from drowning but I've got to buy a new set of hearing aids" or remain a deaf unemployed fry cook. But there is always brain surgery! Your thoughts?

I suspect that DW would like a new shotgun for her birthday!

Keep on dancing,

Rich LH

Stay calm, carry on

09/30/10 03:46 PM

#3231

Jim Taylor

Beau, Richard, and I are planning to meet for lunch next Tuesday at the Five Guys Burgers joint located on Post Oak Blvd near San Felipe (in the same center with Luby's) around 11:30. We would love to have anyone join us that can. They make a pretty good burger.

09/30/10 04:26 PM

#3232

Dang Rich, you hit the hail on the nead...I'm an unemployed, deef, wet fry cook...or is that a fry wet deef cook...or a cooked deef wet fry...oh bother!!!!! I wont wear my HAs around the cement pond...Hmmm, radio waves through mah punkin haid...maybe I can pick up FM or AM...never could with the fillings in my teeth, of course now, looks like I'm losing some of my teeth for no reason at all!

Where in the OLD PEOPLES HAND BOOK, OR IS THAT PEOPLES OLD HAND BOOK...DOES it list "falling apart" as one of the rules???? I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore...

thats rahght, Jim and Ruby are from Iowa!!! Ok, how about Idaho??? Anyone from Idaho...I love potatoes...Oh, didnt Paige go to Idaho??? Hmmmm...Wisconsin??? North kadota...South kadota??? Wyoming??? anyone anyone???

Hey SisJ...pups aint gotta be smart, just lovable...and yours look just that...Oh, I love the pics at the home paige...especially the two kitties in the sink! Lacy and Annie Bob hang out in the sinks sometimes...not together of course, they hate each other...

Hey Rich, the new shotgun ploy doesnt fly anymore...Dw already has a half dozen or more shotguns, deer rifles, ARs and AKs and an assortment of other sporting equipment that I just know she loves...I'd like to get her a new tractor, and a new truck, and other fancy stuff...but you know how that goes...

Rode boldly rode on Pegasus... Found some pretty neat gifts for Diane...maybe! I like em...I even wrapped em up mine ownself. Kind of crooked, but still, I wrapped em up...

well, guess the old man will take a nap...I do love naps...

Your Dukeness singing off...la de da la de da

Beauregard C Ephus

09/30/10 10:20 PM

#3233

HI!!! I'm a noodler...Been testing my new bionic ears out on the TV, man they work great...dont have it turned up very loud at all and I can actually hear the dialog, a first in many years...I was watching the animal channel...NOODLING...thats where you catch catfish with your bare hands or feet...If I'm noodling, it better be in a bowl of mac and cheese...There is an actual travel, or vacation you can take in the indian nations and go noodling! Two young ladies from the DC crowd, and a man and wife, and two surfers took the noodling vacation!

Very interesting though...all participants overcame their fears, and were up to the challenge, they all caught at least a 25 pounder. I dont think I will try it anytime soon! I might stick my hand in the freezer and see what I catch, and it better not be moving either!

any of youse youtes been noodling before??? Wayne??? Teddie???? Jimmy H???? Yall are the fishermen here...just thought I'd axe!!!!

Well, ok, guess I will sign off for now...
sleepy trails to you...beauregard DOD

09/30/10 10:55 PM

#3234

Susan Howard (Bowman)

HEY Beau! Good to know about Costco and hearing aids - I had no idea. I wear them, too, but mine cost 2x's as much ($2,000 ea)- they do fit inside my ears so you can't see them - that's vanity for me - but without them I can't hear. They are also Siemens, digital and computer programmed, but do not have rechargeable batteries. Deafness runs in my family, so I have worn at least one for a long time, but now have 2. Sometimes I still have a hard time hearing, especially in noisy places. Keep me posted on your progress in getting used to them - it took me a while!

I closed on a house today - it was a short sale, I had the buyers, and it has taken 8 months to get the deal done! We made the offer in February! Then I made very little commission to boot! Loved my clients, though - I think they are the most patient, caring people on the planet.

Gloria, so nice to hear from you and to know about recycling with Best Buy!

It's always great to hear from Jackie - and thanks - I am so excited about the possibility of moving back to Texas!

10/01/10 09:56 AM

#3235

Good morning all. I hope you are bright and chipper on this beautiful day. I got in a little road work yesterday evening. I drove over to North Fort Bend County to attend a meeting of their Regional Water Authority. I'm a director of the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority and we attend other meetings to see if they're doing something smarter that we should be doing. Nothing revelatory last night but it is always good to go visit the good neighbors in FB County. It is a 56 mile round trip from Carleen Rd. Every time I make a drive around the Houston Metropolitan Area I'm always amazed at what a huge place it is. I don't get down to Richmond area very often so it changes a lot between trips. I used to think of Richmond/Rosenberg as the country. Well it's not anymore. It's just mind boggling that when my parents bought their house on Cheshire in 1950 it was outside the city limits. Coach Burton is from Richmond/Rosenberg I wonder if it looks a tad different to him? For you folks that are out of town see if you recognize much of this. The meeting I attended was held at Texas Safari on FM 1464 (which is now a 4 lane road running from FB County up to Montgomery County). So to come hope I took FM 1464 N. to the Westpark Tollway. Headed east until I hit the Sam Houston Tollway. Passed the City Center (where the Class of '65 just held their reunion) heading north. I got on the Katy Tollway heading east to get to Loop 610 and head north to T. C. Jester. In about 30 minutes I was home and Bob's your uncle!

Beau, just in case your birthday gift buying for DW isn't complete. . . have you thought about a pink shotgun or a pink tractor? Wish her a happy birthday for me! I'll see you at Woof Fest on Sunday. I'll have Liz with me so she can get blessed and meet all the good neighbors at FPC. All you that can should come on out. It will be fun on beautiful weekend! My only contact recently with noodling has to do with House Special Noodle Soup at Eastern Chinese on 34th and Oak Forest. I recommend that you stop by and tuck into a bowl of it.

Susan, glad to hear you closed that sale. In Houston it's not as economically bad as a lot of places but all sales are highly valued now. Commissions large or small are welcome. I hope your next closing is quicker than eight months.

Keep on dancing,

Rich LH

Stay calm, Carry on

10/01/10 01:50 PM

#3236

Gloria, thanks for the info on best buy...gonna take all my electronics to them and tell them you sent me...and that they should give me a million dollars...I will split it with you...

Susan, Hi...my HAs have four programs, all at the push of a button on either unit, and you only need to push one button, because the units talk to each other via radio waves thru myears and into my cranium and out the other ear... the first program is the AUTO program, and incorporates the other three for all round hearing...the second, is for restaurants, filters out or lowers the ambient sounds so you can hear those at the table and the waiters, havent tried that one yet...the third is for music and TV, tried that one and it works swell...the fourth one is for in the car, or ballgame...only tried it in the truck, and it works great, cutting out some of the road noise, whilst letting me hear and understand what my beloved tells me...She can be looking the other way, and I still hear her, whereas before, all I heard was road noise. On our dawn patrol this morn, I heard birds and things I hadnt been able to...didnt know I wasnt hearing them. And here is the best part, it allows some ambient sound in, WHICH HELPS TO DROWN OUT MY TINNITIS...HALALUJiA AND GLORY BE...I have been plagued by that since I was a small young child of youte...I can almost hear the sounds of silence...almost...

My audiologist said about the restaurant setting, that all bets are off if you go to Pappadeauxs or Pappasitas...they have good food, but they are obnoxious with sound...and you dont notice that the HAs are doing any good!!!! thats ok with me, I dont go to either place...

Hey Rich, I think I did good in the DW gift dept...more guns and ammos, just for her...Oh, I might borrow them from time to time...Be looking forward to seeing you and Liz this Sunday...A good time should be had by all...

Just had a bowl of homemade tomato bisque soup for lunch...well, it was Campbells Soup, but it was made at home, and exactly how I would have made it at home, if I knew how...soooo, voila, homemade tomato bisque soup...

Made ice tea too...real homemade ice tea...I make the best in the whirld...but here is a bit of information that I'll bet none of youse, or anyone ever noticed about tea bags!!!!! When you take them out of the water, and go to squeeze them out, whilst you are holding them by the little tag and string, guess which way they turn...counter clockwise...next time you make tea, check it out! I used 9 tea bags, 6 liptons and 3 green tea, and all of them went counter clockwise!!!! Ha, use that bit of info at the IRS...

Looks like I can either ride pegasus, or take a nap...decisions decisions...

Keep the sun at your 6 and ride boldly ride...

Bionic Me

10/01/10 03:14 PM

#3237

Beau, sorry I didn't have my ideas for DW's gifts sooner. Just keep it in mind for next year. I think a pink tractor would look dandy on your country estate. You'd probably be the talk of the county. Thinking about a pink tractor made me wonder, does Ford still make tractors? How about Massey Ferguson? Land barons such as yourself would know these things.

See you Sunday,

Rich LH

10/01/10 04:11 PM

#3238

Jim Taylor

Beau

If you are looking to recycle just computer related items, Goodwill will take an unlimited amount of "junk". They have a Computer store on Westheimer:

Computer Works Store Location
12230 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 589-1215
I think you can drop off your stuff at any Goodwill collection area. I don't know about other electronics gear, but I would guess that they would take that as well. I'm sure that they have recycling contracts with others to cover the junk they cannot resell.

10/02/10 11:19 AM

#3239

Hey rich, I think Massey Fergusson makes new tractors, dont think ford does! I usually have to stay in the "used" market! Now, there are new parts for just about any tractor, including ford! In fact you can buy new fenders and all the trimmings for any year ford!

Maybe I can open up a used stereo and electronics store, connected to my diner, connected to my used bookstore, connected to my pet rescue center...any investors out there??? Probably only need a couple a mil...if you say it real fast, it doesnt sound like all that much...eh hoser???

How you like my canadian accent???? pretty good eh hoser??? What the heck is a hoser??? Boy those PEOPLE up narth...of course, if you go up over the narth pole, and start back down, then over the south pole, and up, then we become the people up noth...ha, us people up noth down south...are so cornfuseding...hows that for your Uncle Bob??? Hey Rich, Uncle Bob???? I had an Uncle Bubs, and an Uncle Buddy, Uncle Clyde, or son??? Dont know why they called him son...hmmm, lets see...

I guess DW liked her presnents...like Ive said, she isnt much of a material girl, but easy to please. One thing she loved, was that ALL of her roses were blooming yesterday, and the everbloom azealas, and the crowning glory, a lone errant late blooming yellow gladiola...the last one standing, that wasnt massacred by my weedeater, or moved by the squirrelly squirrels!
ALL BLOOMING FOR HER BIRTHDAY...dont know how I did that, but it was good!!!

Ok, it's Saturday...time to get to werk, doing Saturday stuff...maybe I should take a nap first...

me...

10/02/10 03:18 PM

#3240

Beau you seem to love TV and movie trivia. Who on TV had a dog named Lemly Gilbert? We would have still been in school when this was on the air. The clock is ticking! Anyone else who knows the answer, jump in. You don't have to wait on Beaucephus.

10/02/10 09:06 PM

#3241

Hmmmm....seems me bemembers that was one of Gomer Pyles critters. Was a killer sentry dog, that Gomer turned into a pussycat, and he could no longer be a sentry dog...actually the dogs name was killer, but gomer called him Lemley Gilbert after one of his boyhood dogs...

Here's one...anyone but me remember the name and breed of the martini guzzeling dog in "TOPPER"...

10/02/10 10:26 PM

#3242

old gomer ;ha,he made marines laugh too.i think i was already in the corps when i became aware of gomer pyle.it was the times when a laugh cut through the gallows humor we developed in vietnam.i hadnt watched a tv for two years when i came home;the police barracks at albany had a tv but i never watched it.i guess it was later when i got to enjoy gomer pyle;it was basic and funny.it didnt need a 'laugh-track' to drive your psyche.

i dont remember topper's dog but i do remember nick and noras' dog shasta.a martini drinking dog huh,i think they all like to get looped,most love beer.

humpty dumpty

10/03/10 03:33 AM

#3243

real chilly and windy weather just came in tonight from almost due north.it may poof out a little on the way there but im pretty sure you all will enjoy the new front.

10/03/10 09:43 PM

#3244

Yes sir, you are correct sir, the weather doesnt get much better than this...
The dog I was refering to in Topper, was the Kirbys Saint Bernard named Neil and loved Martinis...

Church today, tried out my new bionic ears, on our new female lady pastor...they worked fairly well! I sit on the back row, and I heard almost all she said, as opposed to almost nothing she said, pre bionic ear...Her voice falls in the catagory of tinny and just too high for me, but thats ok, I'm good with the improvement! Everyone asked where Cooper was...that boy just may have to join the church...

Went to the WOOF FEST after church, and it was well received...lots of dogs...Collie rescue folks were there with about half dozen or more of the collies they saved from the grim reaper at the pound...Plus the Irish Setter rescue folks, with another half dozen of the most beautiful proud looking Irish setters you have ever seen...WHAT BEAUTIFUL DOGS!!!!! How could anyone send one of those to the pound???????????? Lots of dogs from the hood, and two folks came up on Harleys, with their little chihuahuas all decked out in helmets and doggles. Cute...Might have to get a sidecar for Cooper!!!

Took Cooper and Catahoula Jack to Woof Fest...Big mistake to bring Jack...He all but pulled my left shoulder off, and really hurt my back trying to wrestle him into submission...he just wasnt having it...so I took him home! I tried to do what I have seen Ceasar Milan do to unruly dogs, and that is to put them on their sides and just hold them there! Works for Ceasar, not for me!!!

Jack never relaxed, never would lay his head flat on the ground, and fought ever step of the way...so home he went! Cooper on the other hand, was just perfect, as usual...he got along with all the dogs he came in contact with, and made a girlfriend to boot, kinda young, but she just fawned all over him...Richs dog Liz...what a sweetheart she is...puppy through and through...she is gonna be an absoulute dream when she gets some age to her...beautiful eyes and coat from nose to tail...Rich, you done good rescuing Liz...she will make you proud one day!!!

Lots of beautiful and cute dogs...of course I havent seen too many I dont like...I was toying with idear of taking the wooly mammoth BIG OLIVER, but didnt have anything to secure him with! They sell a stroller that is enclosed, that I was thinking about buying, but, he doesnt need to go out...I can sell tickets and folks can come see him!!!!!

I took Cooper through an obstacle course, kinda sorta...the high bar, was on ly a couple of inches off the ground, and I jumped it so Cooper could see how it's done...he stepped on it and went on over...went through the upright bars, well, I did, cooper watched...tried to get him to go through the tunnel, the trainer was holding him on one end, and I went down to the other end and hollard for him to come...he went around...he probably wanted me to crawl through, but I wasnt gonna do that...he got lots of treats and hugs and kisses and pats on his widdle punkin haid...I thought the event was a success...perfect day for it...

My bionic ears are really picking up a lot of sounds I have missed...most good, some not so good...Like the bluejays...thought I was gonna have to take my new ears off and just be deef again!!!! Man, those jays can drive you crazy with their constan calls...but I endeavored to persevere...I could distinguish between any conversation I wanted...how good is that???

Not gonna be able to make Tuesdays lunch at 5 guys burgers and fries! Ms Oleary called, and said her cows knocked down a section of fence and probably got into the feeders. I hope they didnt knock em over and destroy them...feeders are expensive...Cant go tomorrow, Monday, got to get a new battery for the old ford truck, and get DWs car inspected. Went to sears today, and the service at the shepherd store, is just non existent...plus there was a plethora of customers and the wait was gonna be hours, so I will go to tommy Vaughn in the morn...Then me and coop go to Lamkin and read at 2...So tuesday gotta go repair a fence...Wednesday got a follow up for me bionic ears...I can go thursday and or Friday...It's always something...

With this great weather, also comes sinus problems, or a cold...been sneezing my fool head off...anyone else affected like that??? Plus it turned the cement pond water green again...Oh bother...

Did find a really fine wine in our wine cellar, from Wimberly, Tx. called SWEET RED...it is wonderful, at least for me...threw out a bottle of wine that after reading the label, discovered it was merlot and two other wines mixed together...not my taste...really bitter and "gluey" tasting...had a lot of sediment in it also...now to some, I'm sure it's a fine wine, but me not being a wine drinker, I have to have fermented grape juice for me to like it...Been toying with the idear of putting in some grape vines up at the old country place! Probably more trouble than they are worth...My son Kevin made some wine a couple of years ago, and it wasnt too bad...my eyes regained their focus after a few days, regained the feeling in my face and fingers...liberty bell quit ringing in my head also...

Ol kevin is one of those guys that will go from one project to another...one season it's wine making, next season, raising chickens, next growing fruit, raising goats, has three internet companies, survival, defense, knick knacks, and jewelry...hmmm, thats 4...you name it, he gets enthused about it...now he is into the new job he just landed, Manager of all the apparel at Bass Pro Shop in Katy and third in line for overall manager...what a dream job for him...he is such a nice guy, hard to get mad at him...he will be a solid gold asset to Bass Pro for sure!!!!

Ok, guess I will sign off for now...looking forward to Fudds next tuesday...
Keep the sun at your 6 and ride boldly ride...

Beauregard C Ephus DOD

10/04/10 04:33 AM

#3245

the first time i went to the vietnam memorial it was three in the morning and quiet and still.down in the center,on the second and third panels are the names of people who were very real to me;on up the panels are the names of people who were very real to all of us.kids from oak forest to queens,from farms in kansas and ranches in oregon.a symbol of sacrifice.a statue of three tired but resolute veterans,a symbol of brotherhood.sisters are not forgotten nor the wwII and the very close korean war.i was only five or six when i remember those guys returning from korea.other symbols dress the national mall.a grand throne where lincoln sits;majestic and knowing,symbolizing the humility and the strength to change an institution that was currupt and inhuman.washington refused a crown;his symbol is as ancient as egypt.jefferson is an enigma,the subject of varied discussion and discertation.millions of people come there every year from every part of the world.they put their trash in the trash bins and go home.even our enemies have the common decency to hold their peace in the public eye;where millions and millions come and go.

bearcat

10/04/10 10:27 AM

#3246

Mornin' to all you Waltripians. I hope your weekend was marvelous and that this will be a super week for you!

As Beau mentioned Liz and I went to Woof Fest. It was a good afternoon. Seeing some old friends, making some new ones. My sister, Becky, brought her dog Kobe. Kobe can be a bit testy if she thinks Beck is threatened any. It was such a relaxed event that Kobe was frisky and having a good time. Liz is always having a good time and frisky. What else are puppies? I notice Cooper acting frisky (for Coop). At one point I noticed Beau and Cooper laying on the grass. Beau was giving Coop a belly rub. He had a big smile on his face and the dog was smiling too. Liz thought it was wonderful with the abundance of dog treats and new friends. She is a real socializer. I hope they'll make it an annual event. After we got home Liz just went right to sleep. She had a busy and tiring day for a 6 mo. old. She had spent the morning helping me in the yard. At least I guess it is her idea of helping. You helpful things like tugging on the water hose, digging deep holes in the azalea beds, ripping up plants that I had just planted and running around the yard with them. that makes sure the Doggy Dad gets extra exercise chasing her. What a helper! So after about two hours at Woof Fest she was pooped. We settled on the couch to watch the end of the Texans game. She watched for a 20 seconds and went to the Land of Nod. The Texans won (3-1) which was good. It looked sort of strange though to see big tough pro football players wearing pink gloves and shoes. It was in support of breast cancer awareness. At least I don't think it's going to be a permanent change of colors! It doesn't seem likely that they're going from Battle Red to Lovely Pink, ya think?

Burge the first time I went to Viet Nam Memorial I got up early to go before a meeting so I got there about seven. It had snowed the night before. I came up a little hill from the direction of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial. When I came over the crest there was great slab of black granite or marble (?) with a pristine layer of snow in front and on top of it. Because of the snow there wasn't any traffic so it was silent. It was quite moment. I'll remember it forever. I had told a friend I would look for his brother's name on the Memorial. It was absolutely amazing that I walked right up to without consulting the directory, out of 50,000+ names. I have been there one other time. It was totally different but just as moving. That was the culmination of such a dramatic and tumultuous time in our lives. Anyone who hasn't been to see it I urge you to do so. Washington D.C. is something I think every American should experience.

The Tuesday outing to 5 Guys Burgers and Fries is still on even though DOD won't be there. The gathering begins at 11:30, SE corner of San Felipe and Post Oak Blvd. Everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy good food and good fellowship.

Looking forward to see all you folks at Fudd's next week!

Keep on dancing,

Rich LH

Stay Calm, Carry On

10/05/10 10:42 PM

#3247

finally feels like fall;went for a short walk with my circus and they were like tuned spokes,tight and agile.frisky sweater weather,memories of this night just flow back on that fine plane that connects all those moments with a feeling.the pine needles burning and the crisp atmosphere at football games;god,i loved it;mabe there is a tie that binds.

10/06/10 10:44 AM

#3248

Good morning Waltripians. I hope you passed a good night and that the beautiful weather has put a smile on your face. Smiles are good! Well we had good visit at Five Guys Burgers and Fries on San Felipe. Good burgers and good fellowship even though DOD was tending to the family estate and could not join us. Jim Taylor, Ken Olivier, Richard McCauley and yours truly took several giant steps forward in solving the world's problems. One or two more sessions should take care of that. We can then turn our efforts to long range planning. Or we can just talk about old times and fun times whatever seems of interest.

I'm going out to see the UH deliver a severe thrashing to Miss. State on Saturday (I hope). It will be a great evening for football. It's not too late to make plans for the weekend. Even if it's just grilling something on the patio enjoy this weather!

Keep on dancing,

Rich LH

We all do better, when we all do better

10/06/10 10:44 AM

#3249

Douglas Romans

Burge,

Renoir's 1881 "Luncheon of the Boating Party" is one of his most recognizable (and arguably most famous) paintings. It was exhibited here at MFA,H back in 2002 as part of the Phillips Collection's travelling exhibition.

Renoir was one of the most prolific modern painters, rivaling Picasso in total output. But, according to David Brauer, senior lecturer of art history at the Glassell School of art here in Houston, good as Renoir was (and he WAS good), still, you could SAFELY dispose of 80% of his paintings and drawings and the world would never miss them. That may be a personal observation but trust me, Brauer is extremely knowledgeable in art history-- the man lectures from memory using very few and only topical notes.

DougR

10/07/10 12:21 AM

#3250

well dougr,im glad the world didnt miss this one;a print of the loucheon party livens up my kitchen.acording to wikipedia,the girl with the little dog became renior's wife.art rules!

10/07/10 06:33 AM

#3251

before you say,"what is that crap on my message board"?what you see is something that engineers of the time said couldnt be done;another kind of high art.---art thou crazy?--- no,this was in 1950 and in 1950 the limit on formula one racing for supercharged engines was a displacement of 1.5 liters.the engineers at brm(british racing motors) squeezed 650 horse power out of 1500cc.thats the average displacement of a harley.it took sixteen cylinders and some wit to achieve "the impossible". the engine sits at an angle,puting the transfer of torque closer to the wheel that drove this hot rod all out.1.5 liter V16 maxing out at 12,000 rpm.the main driver, sterling moss, didnt like it;he called it something like an "uncontrolable beast".any way,formula one still limits supercharged class at 1.5 liters;honda has an engine that will rev over 20,000 rpm;as does bmw.the horsepower is still about the same.i think it would be fun to drive this brm,no power steering though.notice the buckles and belts that held the cowl on to the frame.1950.

p.s. disk brakes were only for racing the big time in the fifties;they are standard now with computers that run the antilock brakes.tell me we havent come a long way-this is progress.the automobile paid its dues in a blood sport;but we have safe cars.

10/07/10 04:03 PM

#3252