Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Hurricane Ike took over 40,000 Oak trees from Galveston leaving many stumps as a reminder. Artists have been sculpting those tree stumps making something creative and beautiful as a memorial to those trees. It has become a tourist attraction and should I say a project to get around to see the various sculptures. Here are a few photos that Bob took. I was the chauffeur while Bob and his sister Angela took most of the pictures. As a photography team they did very well. You may notice some of the architecture and gardening in the background of the sculptures. I will posts some additional homes and gardens later.

Galveston's Lost Memorial to Oak Trees


Dog with Tin Man, Wood Tree Sculpture


The Tin Man, Wood Tree Sculpture


Asian Lady, Wood Tree Sculpture


Angel, Wood Tree Sculpture


Frog, Wood Tree Sculpture


Guitar in Progress, Wood Tree Sculpture


Owl, Wood Tree Sculpture


Squirrel, Wood Tree Sculpture


Mother Pelican with Baby, Wood Tree Sculpture


Pelican on a Stump, Wood Tree Sculpture


No Dog, Wood Tree Sculpture


Dog Leaning on Fence, Wood Tree Sculpture


Dolphin and Mermaid, Wood Tree Sculpture


Pelicans on a Branch, Wood Tree Sculpture


Multi Pelican, Wood Tree Sculpture


Mermaid, Wood Tree Sculpture


Pelican, Wood Tree Sculpture


Saturday, September 25, 2010

Opera House in Galveston, TX.

The Opera House is a across the street from the Salt Water Restaurant. Still in operation they do more than 25 productions per year.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Before I get back to our mini TX. vacation I wanted to share this photo of Brooke with her horse "Starbuck." Last Sunday Starbuck was in his first ever competition. They took 2nd place in the Western Halter Competition. Great job!

Brooke with Starbuck


Sunday, September 19, 2010

This is an interruption from the photos of our little vacation last week to wish our son-in-law Ben a Happy Birthday! I wish we were closer so we could celebrate with him.

Ben, Jane and Jake


Did I forget to mention that we celebrated our daughter-in-law Casey's birthday last month!

Casey and Peyton


Friday, September 17, 2010

We arrived in Galveston around seven PM. After Hurricane Ike a couple of years ago I didn't know what to expect. I think it had been five or six years since we have visited Galveston. To my surprise most things were cleaned up and everything looked perhaps better than I have ever seen the island look. We only live five hours from Galveston and I think we will try and visit at least once a year. There is so much to do and see there. I will have some photos to share of a boat ride to observe Dolphins, some restaurants, some architecture of old homes and some tree sculptures.

Evening Shores of Galveston TX.


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

After leaving Austin we made a stop in Shiner TX. on our way to Galveston. Several years ago Bob and I toured the Shiner Bock Brewery. It has grown in size since then. Angela said they can buy Shiner in North Dekota. Even with the expansion of the brewery the town remains small and quaint. After touring the brewery they passed out sample tastings in the gift shop.

Angela and Doug taking photos of each other in Shiner TX.


Downtown Shiner TX.


Courthouse in Shiner TX.


Bobbie's Barber Shop

I was wondering why Bob took this picture until I looked a little closer.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Do to the tropical storms from the hurricane last week our plans to go to Austin and Galveston were changed a little. To avoid the storm we drove east to Forney to look in some antique shops and then to Austin. This was supposed to be a way of getting around the rain but the storm turned unexpectedly and the drive to Austin was fierce. It was late when we arrived. We had a nice dinner at Sullivan's. Unfortunately Angela and Doug didn't get much of a concept on what Austin is like. But, there is always next time.

Antiques - Forney TX.


Saturday, September 11, 2010

Last Sunday we were visited by Bob's sister Angela and her husband Doug. They stayed all week and left today. We began our week with a boat ride on Eagle Mountain Lake, then visited Austin, Galveston and ended our trip visiting Ft. Worth. I will share a few photos with you in the next few days of some of our adventures while they were here. We had wonderful experiences but the best thing was getting to spend time together. Why does time seem to go so fast when you are having fun? We hated to see them go.

Angela and Doug

Marina At Eagle Mountain Lake


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sydney Arrives by Storm

Yesterday was fun! I went to Tamara's house to sit with Liam and Liam's Great Grandmother while Tamara was giving birth to Sydney. Bill's Grandmother Dodo (short for Delores) was visiting from Chicago. Liam, Sydney's big brother of 3 years old was anxiously waiting because his Dad told him he would come and get him as soon as Sydney arrived. Bob joined us as Tamara's house is on his way home from work and he didn't want to miss the excitement. When we received the call to get ready to go Liam asked for a glass of milk. Once he had the glass of milk he didn't drink it because he said he was taking it to Sydney. Bob broke the news to Liam that Sydney has special milk. Bob and I also went for a short visit to welcome Sydney into the world. Another cute Liam story is that after he was looking at Sydney he walked over to Tamara and said "she is so cute! Thank you so much!" This was a sure sign of acceptance after many months of rejecting the idea of having a sister. On our way to the hospital there were two beautiful rainbows side by side also welcoming Sydney into the world. What a special day!

Liam and Sydney


Tamara's Mom, Gill holding Sydney


Tamara and Bill


Sidney, Born Sept. 1, 2010 at 6:22 PM, 7lbs&9oz.


Liam with Bill's Grandmother


Tamara with her Mom, Gill