The Radiators
Road trip Jan 7 and 8, 2010

The New Orleans Radiators are a rock, swamp, funk, jam, hard working band. They have been touring non-stop for 33 years! Same 5 guys since 1978. But alas Ed, the keyboardist, said, "I'm 62 and I just want to stay home". So coming this June the Rads will hang it up. I've had many great memories with these guys and really will miss catching them from time to time. Of course, our favorite time to see them was every year closing jazzfest. That will be a tradition hard missed.

The Rads made their last run through Texas last weekend. Myself and a half dozen other friends all met to in Houston. They flew in from Minnesota, Oregon, Arizona, California and the rest of us from Texas. We hit the Rads at the House of Blues in Houston on Friday night.



The show was early and short (HOB) but a great set. One of our krewe got special passes for all of us to the foundation room. A hidden bar with special access hidden in the back and had special managers sky seats. We really didn't need the seats but the hidden bar was fun. After the HOB festivities were over we headed back to the hotel with boogie in our soul to finish out the night.

The next day we headed to Austin. In all the years I've lived in Texas I have been to Houston and Austin many times. But I had never once driven from Houston to Austin. A nice drive up 290 through Brenham, TX home of Blue Bell Ice Cream!

There isn't anyplace like Austin. That is a city that is just plain fun. And what a great place to see live music. But first the day started with football. We had to find a spot to watch the Saints take care of the hapless Seahawks. We went to the bonified Saints pub at 9th and Lamar. The place was rockin' with black and gold. It was also packed when we arrived at kick off. We stood through the first half then took off at the half time to find someplace to sit down for second half. The destination ended up at Woordrows on 6th street. We sat to see the Saints demise. Stunned for sure and sad, very sad. A re-dose of the Aint's less we forget...

Dinner was at the at Hoffbrau Steaks (not the chain, an Austin original). Then on to the legendary Antone's for the Rads.




This is a music town the Rads have been to many times and you could tell it is an old friend. Antone's was intimate, close and personal. The band was in high spirits. They pulled out all the stops and played well into the night. They opened the encore with a tribute to Elvis since it was his birthday.

Sunday we drove home. It was heavily snowing. Only two days ago in Houston it was in the 70s. We stopped at West to get Hot Chubbies. Then home.

It was a great time with buddies. But also yet another reflection of our age. Things as they were are fading away. But for two glorious nights we were allowed to travel back in time and dance the night away.

Happy New Year 2011

The start of a new year always calls for reflection and reinvention. Let the new year begin and bring on the challenges.

2010 was an interesting year. Work was over demanding and finished with big changes that were not expected. But it also provided an adventure of 20 days in China. Fortunately my family was supportive during all that work. They never fail to amaze me and I'm so thankful for them.

I'm recommitting to loosing some weight and getting in better shape. That is a recurring theme but always worthy!

My plan this year is to start the great western adventure. We will adventure to at least one of the great western national parks. Either Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon.

I also plan to do some camping. Always good to just get outside and away even if just for a day here or there.

So much more to do, so little time. With that everyday must be to love life and live it to the fullest!

Happiest New Year to all!

Days Between

Happy Birthday, Jerry.



Still missed...

Wooden

Ronnie James Dio


This week rock and roll singer Ronnie James Dio died. Dio was a monster of rock in the mid 80's. But he really was doing great work well before that. His death brought back memories of a time for me 30 years ago.

I had just moved to Phoenix to start my Sophomore year in high school. Once classes started I met Ken, he would be my best friend for the short 2 years I would be there. Ken had previously lived in Japan where his Dad was stationed. While there he had gotten into a band that was very popular in Japan at the time. This was Rainbow.

That same year we also befriended another Air Force transplant. Dennis had moved to Phoenix for just his senior year. That is a tough situation to be in. But being Air Force brats ourselves we all fell in well together. Dennis had actually joined the Air Force. As soon as he graduated he was going straight to England. Ken and I envied that Dennis could 'get out'.

But for that year we spent many hours hanging out just listening to Rainbow blaring at ear shattering levels. We just could not understand how this band was not more popular. The lead singer was captivating and Ritchie Blackmore's guitar was well established from his days as a founder of Deep Purple.

As it turns out, the lead singer was Ronnie James Dio. Dio would go on to repace Ozzy as Black Sabbath's lead singer and then form his own band, Dio. His popularity soared in the 80s as everyone discovered what we had been listening to hanging out in Dennis' bedroom.

As with all things, Dennis, Ken and I all moved on. I hadn't thought of Dennis in 30 years. Ronnie's death triggered memories of that time. So on a whim I searched for Dennis on FB and sure enough, there he was. His response to me after accepting the friendship request was asking if I had heard about Ronnie James Dio's death. Like me, Dennis said that triggered those same memories of He, Ken and I.

Bird's Nest


Two Motorola engineers, normally worlds apart, on the same side of the planet for a moment.

Who is that in the mirror?

Strange that I look in the mirror and don't see me. Instead there is some old man staring back. It's also strange to think back on something and realize that was 20 years ago and at that time you weren't a kid! I can see why people have mid-life crisis now. I guess I'm at the mid-life point. In many ways its an in between time. Kids are in between being kids and self supporting adults. Career is between the ambition years and retirement. Ca la vie but I don't like getting old!

O to be young again....

One of the Coolest Things Ever...

and invented by a Morrison!

Walter Fredrick Morrison, the man credited with inventing the Frisbee, has died. He was 90.

Chicken Hawk

The great chicken experiment has taken another unexpected twist. So far we have let the chicken's free range in the backyard at will during the day. They love this and run around all day long. But with winter setting in a unforeseen consequence appeared. About 2 weeks ago we heard the birds squawking loudly. Joan went out to see what was happening and spotted a hawk sitting on top of the chimina. The chickens were below taking cover. The hawk was scared off by Joan's arrival.

For the next couple of days we kept the chickens couped up. But they don't like it. Eventually we started letting them out for an hour before sunset. Then finally went back to letting them free range all day. I spotted the hawk once more flying by. Strangely the hawk was accompanied by several loud crows.

I should have known better and kept them couped up. During the day the hawk came back and this time attacked. These chickens are big and strong so he must be desperate. I'm sure it is risky for him to attack. Amanda heard squawking again and went out and spotted the hawk. The hawk (and crows again) flew off but it was obvious a skirmish had taken place. The hawk took out Nugget's right eye. Otherwise she is fine. She did have a bloody beak so we are hoping she did damage back to the hawk during her struggle. It has been two days and she is pretty much acting normal.

For now they remain locked up in the coupe. Free range time will be limited to when they can be watched over. Nature plays out even in the suburban backyard...

Cold

It has been cold lately. And for cold by our standards in North Texas that means it actually dips into freezing over night and sits in the 40s for high a few days. But this never lasts and now we are enjoying mid 60s with full sun. That type of cold is about all I can stand and even then I wished I lived further south!

The younger LSU Daughter, who lives in Baton Rouge, thinks that she has been denied a proper upbringing by never having lived in a extreme cold environment! She scoffs at this winter here in Texas/Louisiana and declares she thinks we ought to live where there is snow on the ground for the winter. She also thinks that living in that environment would allow her to where more fashionable clothes.

Her mother and I have been there and done that. We have survived those long winters in subfreezing temps and snow. And it is no fun. Never again! Not sure how this kid who was raised to hate the cold has gotten it into her brain that cold is what she wants! The banter continues, I say I'm cold, she sighs. We just tell her once you graduate from college you can live anywhere you want... and we will visit you in the summer!

Grandpa

Cavin James Shepard was born on Nov 17, 2009! He is my first grandchild. He is a beautiful baby boy with a full head of hair. Here he is with my son, his Uncle J.

Dallas Morning News

In a recent article (on-line) about the Dallas Morning News closing one of its packaging plants, the statement was made:

"Caught in a national decline in newspaper advertising revenue, managers at The News have engaged in a strategy to raise subscription prices and shrink circulation to establish a core of dedicated subscribers."

I guess I did not qualify as the core of dedicated subscribers when I canceled my subscription. The price was just too high. It doesn't seem to make sense to me that this is the best strategy. What if they find out the core is out priced altogether?

Did you know?

Fall in the Air

All are rejoicing because of the cool temperatures. All except me. I can't stand the cold and it's already cold :-( Give me the heat, just one more day, please!

At least I have football and post season baseball to distract me from changing weather.

Geaux Tigers

For Joan's birthday we went to see the LSU vs. Vanderbilt game at Tiger Stadium. It was a great time. The weather did not cooperate but it was manageable. The younger LSU daughter went with us. Nothing like a little tailgating and football on a Saturday night. Unfortunately for Joan, Vandy lost :-(

Tailgater


Geaux Tigers!!


Welcome to Death Valley


The view


Meeting up with the cousins

Crazy Times...

A few years ago it almost looked like we were heading into easy street. Kids were moving out, bills were getting paid, house note was on the fast track and 401k was soaring. But I should have know that would not last. Nobody warns you about when your kids hit the 18+ to 25 stage that things would be crazier than when they were teenagers! Somehow we are taking care of all of their lives as well as still trying to run a household. It is necessary and hopefully temporary but things have never been this crazy before.

Plus the oldest daughter is pregnant. So I will soon be a grandpa. That certainly is exciting and wonderful. But it just doesn't sound right. How did I get to be this old? I so clearly remember being their age. I guess your just never prepared to be at the next stage.

One day at a time and trust that God doesn't give us more than we can handle!

The Daily

I love the newspaper. I love to be able to sit and read through it. Unfortunately, I usually don't have time to read it. It piles up in the recycle bin. This week I got the bill for next years subscription. Like everything else, the cost of subscription has increased dramatically. The logical conclusion then is to say goodbye to the daily. To join the post modern world and skip the old school print. Hate to face that, but it is just time to let it go.

Today was a Good Day

Only two showed up for Bible study this morning, me and Wayne. But that was all I needed. It was one of those days we never got to the study, just a day that needed fellowship and listening. Thanks Wayne.

Also,

Happy Birthday Jerry

Let Jerry week begin...

New Roads on the 4th

It was another great family gathering on False River in New Roads, LA. Cousins, siblings and parents all came to the camp. It was good to get away and just be with the ones you love in a place you love.

Dad and Joan blogged about it:
Dad's blog
Joan's blog

Here are some more visuals to go with it.

Refreshments!

Relaxation .... Joan and Amanda reading on the pier

More relaxation, Jamie using the hammock to its fullest!
Swimming in the River
Fireworks at Baton Rouge. We sit on the levy of the mighty Mississip' and watch the show launch from a barge in the river.

Pyrotechnics! After the Baton Rouge show we return to the camp to light off our own show! These babies were procured from Ms. Shirley in Morganza for a wad of cash and a dozen boiled crabs! Nothing like the thrill of lighting the fuse and running for it.


What a great weekend!