Does Bourbon Street ever close?

The answer is a definite NO. At least not before one runs out of "gas."

Following Courtney's graduation, she and I had a little road trip to Norfolk Virginia. First stop on our trip was New Orleans. It is two years this week since Katrina hit. While we saw much of the damage, the heartbeat of New Orleans, Bourbon Street is rocking. We stayed at a neat boutique hotel that was just a hop, skip and a jump to Bourbon Street. So after a late night check in at our hotel, we hopped over the homeless guy sleeping on the sidewalk, skipped around some strange looking characters and jumped to the beat of Bourbon Street. Three and a half hours later we hit the hay with a small buzz and a smile from all the music and dancing. New Orleans will come back because her heart is beating strong.

Old time jazz men playing their hearts out to a hopping and appreciative house crowd.

Court with the band leader after buying his CD. These guys are great.

When in Rome drink what the Romans drink - in New Orleans it's the most powerful drink known to man - the trademarked Hand grenade. Two please.

Court armed to the teeth with huricanes and hand grenades.

Mmmmm, slurp - a little fruity - but not as powerful as Mojo - but I do feel like dancing!

A little history lesson as we head back to the hotel.

You never who you'll run into when your traveling with the globe trotting Courtney. Famous jazz men and rock singers. Tonight we ran into a buddy of Court's from Texas. Small world.

Let's sleep in and then it's off to kiss the moose in Pensacola Florida.

PS One Hand Grenade is enough to lube the old joints and get an old man moving to the beat.

Testing the new Google Maps

Google maps now lets you embed maps into your web blogs etc. Here's a test showing our house on Navy Norfolk.
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Our Graduate!!

She did it! Courtney is the proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi Texas. Earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with a Minor in Business, Courtney is ready to take on the world. Smiles all around from proud family and friends, we cheered ourselves hoarse as she crossed the stage and accepted her sheepskin. Look out world here she comes.

The Graduate Courtney with her proud brothers

Hands down the most beautiful Graduate this summer at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Proud Grandparents

The proudest of all - Mom and Dad!

The Game for Life

There is perhaps no greater pleasure than spending five hours on the links. But of course it doesn't get any better than spending that time with three generations from the same family. Playing with your sons who are now men is indescribable. With a Garry and Sam in one cart and Garry and Sam in another the outcome was predetermined. Garry and Sam walked away the winners.

If I could only wrap up like Sam!

Sam, Sam (Popo) and Garry

The Hall boys, Sam, Garry and Garry.

Brothers take aim at the Dads

Driving the course and dodging Texas mosquitoes.

The smiles tell all.

Never pass up the opportunity to play the game with the most important people in your life.

American Idol update

My American Idol had his shot at the show in San Diego California. An early start and long lines were rewarded by a chance to perform before the producers of the hit show. Showing talent and a unique singing quality he was given the chance to perform twice. Singing rock classics he showcased his rock talent. Alas, after deliberations it was determined, while a talented singer, "you are not what we are looking for." Not goofy enough for the outtakes and well "not what they were looking for."

It is better to live of life of daring and fail trying than to live one of quiet desperation. Great job G. I'm proud of you! Rock on.

Now move that ball and chain!

Elvis is alive

Thirty years ago the King passed. Or so we thought. Found alive and well in a boutique restaurant and art gallery in Corpus Christi Texas. Apparently what he's retained in good looks he's lost in singing ability - thus his appearance in South Texas vice Vegas.



Elvis shaking hands with brother-in-law, Harley rider, Texas guitarist, and popular area DJ and host, Sam.