Days 8 & 9 Houston We Have A Problem....Not!

Did you know...? The Houston City Statistical area covers 12,476 miles, an area larger than Maryland (12,297). It lies along the route of the proposed I-69 NAFTA Superhighway linking Canada, the US and Mexico- or How to move that Swine flu even faster. I hadn't been to Houston in over 20 years and was floored at what has been going on in the 4th largest US city. We were amazed at the super sized highway and freeway system- 575 miles of of very wide (we counted one area with 10 lanes wide/going one way) up above much of the city. Atlanta take note. Freeway names: more than a number. Every freeway has at least 2 names and some as many as 7- to say we were baffled by this phenomena was an understatement. Decoding the nicknames became a "fun" game for Buba. No problem with the floods and Buba enjoyed noticing the beyond super sized US and Texas Flags flying everywhere. Raising the benchmark of what he has in mind for his eventual Texas "farm". I am sure his flag will be bigger than his trailer. :)

We stayed with "Tex" , Don and Chewey. Thank you so much for that fine Texas Hospitality. Tex was my roommate at Colorado State and then Univ. of Texas- she taught me about Tex Mex, real BBQ and college football Texas style, convincing me to transfer to UT. As a matter of fact Don played (half back) at UT during our tenure. And as he remarks "wish we had helmets". Go Longhorns! Tex was also a bridesmaid at our wedding 33 years ago. Remember those fuchsia dresses and hats? More reminiscing about college fun and the wild spring break trips to Vegas etc. We miss our Farrah Fawcett Wing Hair and glad platforms are back.

We also had the chance to visit my cousins Ronnie and his wife Terri (43 years!) and Penny. The last time we saw them was at the family reunion in 1994 in Branson Mo. It was fun to catch up and Ronnie was especially proud to show his jumbo Serbian National Coat of Arms tattoed colorfully on his upper arm. ? What were you thinking Shack (his nickname-maybe that's why the tattoo, to remind us he is a Serb)? Must be some of that middle age crisis thing. Ronnie, will forever be young at heart. Mr. Personality plus- always a favorite cuz of mine!

And cousin Penny is graduating in December with a special ed teaching degree. At 56 years of age I say you go girl! You have more focus and concentration skills than I do these days!

FISHER HOUSE AT DEBAKEY VA MED CENTER
Driving on to the Texas Medical Center locale/property blew us away-over 1000 acres. I didn't realize it is the largest medical center in the world-46 member institutions. 28.3 million square feet and in the building stage- on the road to 40 million by 2012- construction going on everywhere. Employing close to 100,000 people in over 100 buildings serving over 5.5 million patient visits. There are more heart surgeries at TMC than anywhere else in the world. Another example of everything is bigger in Texas. And speaking of Heart we had the pleasure of meeting Frank Kelly, Fisher House Manager. Frank is retired Air Force and was formerly the house manager at Keesler AFB Fisher House. Although a Florida Cracker like Buba, he has taken to the Texas lifestyle and people. He opened up this Fisher House over 4 years ago and has been the Whirling Dervish ever since-not only does he manage Fisher House but also off site housing for 45 families. Hey, do you think we need another Fisher House at this jamming Medical Center? This center serves over 120,000 Veterans in the southeast Texas area.....clinic visits logged over 900,000. Although vets from around the country are referred for specialized treatment....especially cardiovascular surgery. DeBakey is located on 118 acres and was built in 1991....in recognition of Dr. DeBakeys's tireless efforts on behalf of our nations Veterans, President Bush had the name changed to the DeBakey VA Med Center in 2003. This Fisher House, via Dr. Merandi (sp.) and Pres. George H.W. Bush, raised the money to build it in 38 days. Way to go Texans- see a need and make it happen.
The average length of stay at this Fisher House is 10.5 days and there is always a waiting list. This is a 21 room house with 3 people taking care of all these families and their many needs....and don't forget the off site courtesy quarters for 45. Frank's persona permeates the house- kindness, caring, the love of God and country is evident. He is reminded everyday how "lucky" his is. While not loving his 47 mile ride to Fisher every day, he is grateful for the opportunity to help others. What does Frank need? More volunteers to help him out! We had the opportunity to meet one, Brenda. A great gal who needs to be cloned. So you Houstonians out there...how bout a hand? Answering phones, gen office help and a big smile are all that is needed to help out. I know Frank would welcome your call.

So thank you Houston for a great visit. Besides- we can't forget Houston's where ZZ Top was formed and we all know there are no coincidences.

Day 7 1/2 Reflecting on The Big Easy and Life....

We used to like partying in New Orleans but apparently that was many years ago. Do our tastes change that much as we get tired and worn out? My first visit was in 1974 as a college senior buzzing over from The University of Texas/Austin for Mardi Gras. My "friend" at the time, Robert, had a Lotus Europa Twin Cam car (aka speedy demon) and we were stopped by the Louzianna PooPoo about every 20 miles "Boy, you got long hairr and a ferin car, you betta step out of that car cause you may be in a heap o' trouble". It took forever to make that drive to New Orleans. Today those tricky Louzianna Pooleese have Pick Up trucks. No foolin my Buba. As a college student, Yuppie and even a young/wanna be hip Mom the French Quarter was a blast.

Last night? Finding the "right" restaurant kept us occupied for most of the evening followed by walking Bourbon Street for 15 mins. noting the wacky people, girlie shows, loud loud music pouring out of the gin mills, Karaoke on steroids, tacky souvenir shops, T-shirts with beyond gross sayings on them and weird looking people had us shaking our heads...this used to be fun? Well, I guess I can equate that with liking Boones Farm Apple Wine at one time too. But make no mistake the food is still the finest and we almost od'd on the Oysters every which way. Even had to have them for Breakfast....of course followed by the classic Du Monde Beingnets Donuts and Cafe Au Lait. So off we head for Houston...or do we? Record rainfall (over a foot of rain overnight) and the place is flooded. Buba says "Rain Schmain. Forge Ahead!"

Oh and about that $89 room rate...the overnight parking was $32! Buba has got to learn to read that fine print.

And one more thing, I now have figured out to hook up my lap top and get connected while Buba is at the wheel. It's really pretty cool once you get the hang of typing and bumping along. He likes it as it takes my mind and tongue off his driving. Of course we now have Pleep the "Monk-ee" to wave at those pesky nutty drivers.

Days 6 & 7 Biloxi Keesler AFB then on to Nawlins

Keesler AFB

Keesler Air Force Base/81st Medical Group. Prior to Katrina/2005 Keesler was the big dog medical group in the Air Force. Much rebuilding still evident as we drove on base to the Fisher House. The catchment area includes not only Mississippi but Florida and Louisiana- the Gulf Coast area. A Department of Defense medical facility serving both the VA and Air Force Hospital. They are returning to pre Katrina ops including the teaching programs...never thought about what a long term impact a hurricane can have on a military base??

The smell of freshly popped popcorn wafting from the Fisher House immediately put a smile on Keith's face. We were greeted with a firm handshake by the house manager Larry Vetter. After retiring from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer he became the House Manager at Keesler 11 years ago. To say he runs a tight ship really describes him and this house. This Fisher House opened in 1993 and was also effected by Katrina- they closed for 6 months in 2005 while the hospital was closed. Larry takes "no reservations" and has a waiting list most of the time. He allows his patients/families to stay as long as they need to. It was fun to hear that Southern mannerism of him being referred to as "Mr. Larry". God love the south! And yes Mr. Larry is from West Virgina and mighty proud of it...the license tag on his truck gives that belief away! It's fun to meet each house manager, once again the personality coming through in the persona of the House. Mr. Larry is quite the chef and takes great pride in shopping and cooking for his guests. What's your specialty Mr. Larry? "Everything! But I make a mean Shrimp Boil that you'll have to come back for a taste." He enjoys receiving Commissary Gift Cards for his guests- just learned about another way to volunteer/participate in Fisher House DOD.

So Mr. Larry why do you stay on as a Fisher House Manager? Pam, it's a rewarding job. Helping the VETS and their families. I not only get to give but I "get".

Thank you Mr. Larry for all that you do for our VETS and their families. We appreciate you! God Bless.

New Orleans

Another first....we have heard about all these Internet "bargains and deals" never had the time or wherewith all to participate. But hey, we're retired- we can play. So Keith goes on line, to Bookit.com and finds us a "luxury mystery room" in New Orleans for $89. Are you kidding? Mystery as in dump? Why won't they tell you the name of the Hotel? 4 star hotel? what, on a scale of 10? So we take the plunge and "book it"- to our surprise and delight, up pops "you have been booked at the Intercontinental New Orleans". That really was quite the bargain. So no Motel Six last night....but the trip is young. We spent the rest of the day at The National WWII Museum. Remember the D Day Museum they opened down here a few years back then converted it 2 years ago to the WWII Museum? Quite impressive as a first phase of an overdue tribute to the Veterans of that war....every service, every campaign, every hero. Why did they house the D Day museum in New Orleans and not DC? Because Louisiana wanted to showcase the famed Higgins Boats which were manufactured here at 7 different plants. Then one thing led to another and Congress expanded the Museum to include all of WWII. While on one hand I would have liked to have a proper WWII Museum ( to match that glorious WWII Memorial) in DC, maybe it's a good thing to have this Museum in another place. Keith the WWII buff enjoyed the authentic photographs and display on planning on the invasion of Japan...the magnitude of it and comparison of it to the invasion of Europe all made unnecessary due to Japan's surrender after Hiroshima. I cried like a baby thinking about my Dad/Navy/Pacific, my second Dad (Chris)/Army Air Corp/New Guinea to the Philippines, Keith's Dad/Army in Burma, our Uncles and others- "The Greatest Generation" who served their country when called. While it is not the fanciest of museums it is surely one of the most heartfelt. Check it out http://www.nationalww2museum.org/.

FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY: WHO IS THE "WE" IN "WE THE PEOPLE"?

Days 4 & 5 Pensacola / Mullet Throwing Contest/St. Andrew Antiochian Church

Fish Fly at Flora-Bama? Murph was so excited we were visiting the weekend of the Annual Mullet Toss. Sticky, slimy, sweaty....folks tossing fish with a gizzard. He had our Flora Bama sky boxes (beach chairs with an umbrella) all lined up. Come on Pam and Keith, where else can you go to pay somebody so you can throw a dead fish that's been sitting in the sun all day?" Merle Haggard had the theme song covered..."I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink". We managed to beg off and promised we would contribute to the local economy in another way.

We did have fun with the Murphy's (Annie's family, THE Heidkamps, have been family friends from Chicago for over 30 years). We were given "Pleeps" the traveling monkey (for those of you who were Three Sheet aficionados). Annie swears that Pleep is very effective and useful when one is driving....when someone cuts you off or some such maddening driving you just wave Pleep's tail at them. Much better than cussing or using a particular finger...and we are starting to learn the various GPSes.....still don't quite get why that l

ady in the dashboard takes us through crusty neighborhoods and then drops us off 1 mile away from the real destination?

On the other hand we did recoop Murhp's love by convincing Annie to get him a Lazy Boy for Father's Day. Whewwwww. Thank you Annie and Murph. It's always a ball visiting you and Keith particularly thanks you for the Turtle Ice Creme Pie. Never mind the 1000 calories per slice.

St. Andrew the Apostle Antiochian Orthodox Church

We also had the joy of attending Father Bleam's Liturgy Sunday morning. What a lovely church- about 2 years old, housed in a former protestant church, composed of many members of former faith traditions (converts). We learned that Father, a former carpenter, along with a few church members, actually

made the Iconostasis! Way to go Father! Services are conducted in English appealing to many "non-ethnic" folks. The Antiochian Orthodox Church traces its origins to the church in Antioch, the capital of ancient Syria that was established by the apostles Peter and Paul. Though the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was founded in the late 19th century to serve immigrants from Syria and Lebanon, today it embraces Americans of all races and cultures. Father David Bleam gave a beautiful sermon on the Apostle Thomas- and his "twin", doubting Thomas. Father spoke about having faith without "seeing" or proof. The A Capella choir was awesome. Their many hours of practice was evident. We joined everyone at the coffee after the service and were welcomed with open arms to share our journey and the mission of OCMC. Keith enjoyed visiting with Sam Waite, the President of the Parish Council and I enjoyed bending "Khourie" (Priest's wife) Nora's ear about being part of a mission team. We invited them to the dedication ceremony of OCMC's new Missionary Training and Admin. Building on May 21...just down the road in St. Augustine (Keith did try to point out down the road meant about a 6 hour car trip). The coffee time felt so good- to connect with the church members....and it reminded me that our Parish priest has said that part of our stewardship of being a good church member and Christian is FELLOWSHIP....not just hit and run (attend liturgy then run out the door rather than gather with fellow church members to get to know them and sharing our love of GOD). Keith and I are guilty of this ...seemed like we always had something to do or somewhere to go after church and we were in a hurry. What I learned at St. Andrew is all the Fellowship that I have missed by not having "coffee" with my own church members. Thank you Father David, Khourie Nora and Sam for the lesson. Again, many thanks for such a wonderful welcome. CHRIST IS RISEN!

Day 3 She's a Tallahassee Lassie

We had the pleasure of visiting Renate and Keith Baker in Buba's College town. Renate worked with me at Anro for years then fled to Tallahassee. Something about "a person can only take so much". Dr. Baker is retired from Tax Watch. I suggested he come out of retirement and head up to Washington. It went from suggesting to begging then pleading. They live in the most glorious setting in the country which included a howling coyote (talk about a midnight wake up call stirring every dog within 5 miles up to join in the singing) and no drive way. Pulling in there at night with no lamp post and no driveway made for an dramatic entry. You would think with 3 GPS systems on board we would not get lost. Hmmm, something about reading the directions so we know how to operate one of them was mumbled. 3? Car, Garmin and my Blackberry. We have learned that we need to stick to day time driving as our "new" eyes are still very fuzzy at nite.

Thank you Bascom Palmer and no they did not heal up in a month as promised. And thank you Renate, Keith and Java (most adorable pooch, a pug that is also nick named Leaping Lizard and trained us not to leave shoes on the floor) for a wonderful time including visiting Florida State and the Bobby Bowden shrine, oops I mean statue where Buba went to genuflect, Florida A and M (FAMU/historically all black college with a very impressive campus-relevant today??), our state Capitol (Keith keeping the child window locks on so I couldn't shout out to our legislatures my opinion of how they are doing) and most of all the FRIED PICKLES. I suppose if I didn't hog the order of those salty delicacies I would not have the Hillary Clinton ankles today.

Then on to the Eglin Air Force Base for a visit and checking out the space for the soon to be built Fisher House. Did you know Eglin is the largest AFB in the world? After Keith "badged" his way on to the base and making me promise not to act out with my camera or lips we drove and drove and drove around the base. Then it was time for lunch and I figured where else but the Officer's Club would I eat? I tried to "badgeRR" my way into the Officers Club but no soap. Badges? Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges! Somehow they had already heard about my ankles. We did walk the space of the soon to be built Fisher house and immediately recruited their first volunteer, our friend Annie Heidkamp. This is our first Dept. of Defense Fisher House (as opposed to the Veteran Hospitals previously visited) location. You would be proud of Eglin as it is clean, park like, well taken care of and appears to be high tech. What do they mean by special ops?? I told Buba that I thought calling the Sale at the PX a special opp was very cleaver. Let's go Buba, maybe you could pick up a GPS we can actually work.....

Day 2 Double Hitter- 2 Fisher Houses in one day!

Thursday 04/23/2009 - Keith @ the Blog Controls

We hit the road to the Bay Pines VA near Saint Petersburg, FL. We managed to traverse the Sunshine Skyway without incident and arrived at the beautiful BPVA Fisher House where we were met by the house's Commander in Chief, Richard Kipplings. It didn't take long for us to rename Richard "Mr. Enthusiasm", for he truly loves his job. Richard gave us a great tour of the house and explained the special requirements of dealing with the mainly "senior citizen veterans" that make up the bulk of the BPVA's patient base. Richard was very complimentary of his volunteer staff as well as the outstanding support he receives from the VFW and other veteran's organizations in the area. BPVA has a special place in my heart as my father was a patient here around 1950, and I remember visiting him while he was receiving treatment for a WWII related illness. Thank you Richard for all that you do at Fisher House, especially all the love and support for all us old vets. I'll dig out that photo of my father taken during his time at BPVA and get you a copy. St. Pete folks, feel free to give Richard a call for your own tour and/or with any volunteer possibilities....727-319-1350

Shortly after leaving the BPVA I received a call from my sister Ginger who we visited the previous day and introduced her to what Fisher House is all about. Ginger informed us that she had shared the Fisher House mission info with the pastor and others at the church where she works in Anna Marie Island. The pastor had authorized a generous donation to Fisher House BPVA and the church's Men's Club was also on board for additional support. Way to go "Sis", I love you.

Then on across the bridge to Tampa' James A Haley Veteran's Hospital Fisher House where we met Paula Welenc the house manager. Paula, retired Air Force, not only charmed us, she left us in awe of her magic at this Fisher House. This VA Hospital is what is known as a poly trauma center for active duty and retired soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The hospital specializes in traumatic brain injury and spinal chord injuries. Paula's military background combined with her profession of social work provides unique leadership at this Fisher House. We had the opportunity to meet some of her volunteers as well as view her "wish list". She taught us "flexibility is the key to being a Tampa Fisher House Volunteer". Hello Tampa, feel free to call Paula for the many opportunities for Volunteering, Fund Raising and supporting this magnificent Fisher House. 813-910-3000

A double hitter day for sure! Then on to visit my baby sister in "Live Oak" Florida near the Swanee River- the cross roads to the panhandle. It was great to see my nieces Christy and Amy, Butch, Samuel and Emma Rae. I especially got a kick out the pet chicken-by the end of the week there are enough eggs for an omelet!

North To Alaska

Bearly Bliss. 33 years on May 8th! Guess Which one is Keith?

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
A friend of ours heard about our "journey of faith, fisher, forests, family, friends and fun" and suggested we set up a Blog. A what? So here we are....on the road again with Bocahontas and Buba. Blessed with the freedom of time, we were inspired by two of our favorite causes. So we organized a road trip to Alaska which should not only be fun but also an opportunity to spread the good word about The Fisher Houses , The Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Programs and some of our National Parks. We are participating in a 2 week Mission in Tyonek, Alaska with the OCMC group in June. Feel free to check out the planned trip on the calendar link. Caribou Cabins? Blue Moose? Tundra Lodge? and our soon to be "favorite" Motel 6. Any and all suggestions, prayers and good karma are welcome and very much appreciated....poor Buba, in a car with Pam for 5 months. Lions, and tigers and bears oh my! Toggle down to the calendar and see where we are over the next months. We ask for your prayers.

Grab yourself a cold one and come along for the ride. Enjoy and laugh along with us viewing the daily blogs which are archived on the left side of this page in chronological order. We started April 22- Happy Trails!

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

THE FISHER HOUSE

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation, through the kindness of donations received, provides "comfort homes" that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable America's military families to be together during extended treatment for serious illness or lengthy physical sessions....very much like the Ronald McDonald homes for families of children in a similar situation. We were first introduced to Fisher House while visiting Brooke Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. We were so moved by the dedication and love of the staff and volunteers that we returned for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently there are 44 Fisher Houses (more in the works) and our goal is to visit all of them and spread the good word to family and friends. Please feel free to peruse their website for a detailed explanation about the Fisher House Foundation and programs. Perhaps you will be inspired by the work this group does on behalf of our Armed Forces.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION CENTER (OMCC)

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is the official foreign mission agency of all the Orthodox Jurisdictions (i.e. Greek, Russian, Serb etc.) The goal of the OCMC is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ where it presently does not exist and to establish vibrant Orthodox Eucharistic Communities throughout the world. We have had the privilege and pleasure to admire the work of this organization (headquarters located in St. Augustine, Florida) for years and now that we are retired we have the blessing to participate. We are on the road to Alaska to join a Mission Team in Tyonek for a couple weeks to do some construction and teaching in an Athabascan Indian Village. "If I had a hammer"...you'll be happy to know I deep sixed the acrylic nails in anticipation of caulking and painting. :) Please take a peek at the OCMC web site for details on all of the programs they are involved with throughout the world. And do stop in to see Father Martin and his kind and loving staff when you are in St. Augustine! We will also be visiting family, friends and Orthodox Churches while on the road to share the marvelous work of the OCMC.

THE NATIONAL PARKS

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land. People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama.

The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others. Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.

We hope to see you soon in a national park and invite you to explore the ways we can help you preserve what’s important in your hometown.

FABULOUS DAY ONE!

First day was fabulous! Stopped by Jane's (Our Wisdom Class Leader/Teacher) "ashram" in Myakka area (Saras ota). Keith waxed nostalgic as he lived there at the state park as a boy (Dad was a park ranger). Jane and Brad gave us a great send off ""being the possibility of serving others and making a difference. " I am booking their place for a week when we return!

Next stop, lunch with Ginger Braune, Keith's sister. We had a fun lunch on the pier at Anna Maria Island- the water so clear, beautiful sunny day, guys fishing off the pier....this small town is very much the old Florida- quaint and no McDonald's! Good to see you Ginger- loved the Grouper (Keith questioned the waitress, is this real grouper or that counterfeit stuff they peddle in South Florida as Grouper).

And to cap off a fab day we spent the evening/nite with The Rosiek's....our favorite Polish boy from Detroit. They live in Ellenton (down the street where several of Keith's family are burried...yep under Oak treees-Keith's family arrived in Florida in the mid 1800's) on a canal. We met Mike years back, when he was a customer (Jabil) of ours and we fell in love with his politics and love of hunting. Of course having a fantastic wife named Pam and a big yellow lab named Daisey cinched the relationship. Thanks Mike, Pam and Daisey-enjoyed the visit! We are off to the Fisher Houses today....