Pink Flamigo

One last post for May. TC has a tourist attraction on the dike. Named Pinkie, this pink flamigo arrived around May 15 from the Yucatan. Hundreds of people from all over the US are coming to view it. An area on the north side of the dike is taped off and binoculars are set up for viewing and a book is layed out for visitors to sign. Nathan and Kat waded out on the island and took some pictures of it. It is SO cute. Nothing bothers it. It remains in this same spot regardless of the fishermen and pelicans. Barry and I have made three trips to see it so far.

We had a BBQ yesterday. My friend Taunie came. We took her out to see the pink flamigo. She enjoyed visiting with others viewing the bird. The children enjoyed looking through the binoculars.

Our renters, Charles and Dana, are moving out in 30 days. They say the neighborhood is "uncomfortable." A cop on one side and a gang on the other... I don't blame them. We need to make a decision as to whether or not to sell it or rent it again.

Later....

Bon Fire

Last night, on the end of the T.C. dike, the VFW put on a spectacular bon fire. Barry and I enjoyed being a part of it. We each burned a flag in memory of my dad and his uncle who were both in WWII. There were over one thousand flags burned. After they were all ceremonially put into the fire, two huge flags were draped around the base of the 20 foot high pile of pallets and set afire. The heat from the fire caused the crowd to back up many times. It lit up the night sky as if it were day. A wall of sandbags held six military flags, one of which was the POW MIA flag that flew over the fire pit where the flags were burned. Ronnie, Judy, and the kids joined us. We all sat on a log together until the heat forced us to back up. I stood behind Barry and Tiffany stood behind me to escape the heat. The crowd consisted of mixed ages and races. Lots of children running wild, and old people stumpling around the uneven ground. Music was remenicent of war. "I gave my purple heart to a prostitute," right along side, "By and By Lord." Wind continuously wiped our hair into our faces so that we left after the 20 foot pile of pallets was reduced to approximately 10 to 15 feet.

Nathan and Kat came home later on and rode out there to see it, and over an hour later the fire was still burning brightly.

Nathan Arrested AGAIN

Well, here it is Memorial weekend. I was just commenting, with a smile, to Barry how yesterday and today were perfect days; and just as I finished saying that, I immediately imagined Tiff and Josh drowning in a rip tide in Galveston. Not that that would top off my day, but it's like as soon as I acknowledge something as being good, something bad has to happen. I was happy to learn that Ronnie and the kids made it back safe from Galveston and that they were all coming over to cook baked beans at our house. Later, we were all enjoying eating together, listening to the blues, laughing about this and that when the phone rang. It was Kat. Nathan was arrested. He and Bobby went mudding and got pulled over on their way home for no inspection sticker. Of course Nathan had a warrant out for his arrest for non-payment of an old ticket that he forgot all about. I was looking forward to him being at the Bar-B-Que tomorrow. I asked if anyone had $300 cash to get him out. No. An hour goes by. I'm down; the phone rings again. It's him. Mother/Son conversation: How could you let this happen AGAIN! I don't remember getting that ticket! I'm sorry. I'm sad. Will you call Bobby and ask him to bail me out, and tell him I'll pay him back next friday? O.K.

Dimming Lights, Fat Attorney, Burned House, Funny Old Woman

Yesterday I called an electrician, Master Electric, to check on our electrical system. He rewired the breaker box which stopped the dimming, but he pointed out that the breaker to the new washer/dryer was not a breaker at all, it was only a switch. He suggested we call them and demand that they replace it immediately without charge. We did, and they did. Within an hour after the call was made, the problem was fixed. It was sparking each time the dryer was turned on. Barry and I got nervous about a possible fire. Not only would we lose the house, but we might even lose our lives. We feel better now, although the house is still not insured. We are waiting to hear from Ricky before we can get things moving.
Barry and I went to visit a realestate lawyer on 6th and 6th in Texas City. His office smelled like mold and was furnished with old furniture. There was a hole in the wall where one of the attorneys lost his temper and kicked it. He was a big guy by the name of Placamire (sp?). I liked his demeanor. I hope Rick consents to using him to create the needed forms and deeds so that Ronnie can finally own his home and Barry and I can the process moving so that we can own this house.
A neighbors house on 11th avenue caught on fire last week and went up in flames fast. A toaster was the culpret. It was sad seeing an old historic house destroyed.
I've been noticing an old woman routinely walking around the block lately. I had a suspicion that it was Ida Morton Ross, the insurance lady whose husband used to be partners with my Aunt Pearl McGar. So, last night as she walked by, I ran out to greet her. I was right. It is Ida Morton Ross, also the grandmother to two of my childhood girlfriends, Meade and Carol Ann Rinker. It was in their house where I first ate a honey bun. I had never eaten anything so wonderful. It was also at their house where I first witnessed a hot sandwich being made in a contraption that smashed it and cut off the crust and heated it over the stove. Anyway, Ida Ross is a delightful woman. She made us laugh a few times with her limricks and stories of the past and present. We said our goodbyes and watched her walk on down the street assisted by two walking canes, "If you don't use it, you lose it." She told me my friend Meade is living in San Antonio working as a property manager along with her husband, and Carol Ann lives in South Houston working at an animal boarding business. Sadly, her 19 year old daughter just committed suicide.
I have a finance final at 1:00, so I better go study.....