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 Colo
rado 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.
We stayed with "Tex" , Don and Chewey. Thank you so much for that fine Texas Hospitality. Tex was my roommate at Colo
rado 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.
