August 2009 Archives

You know the awful feeling you get when you wake up suddenly, remembering "Oh my gosh.  I left my car parked downtown last night" (ahem, for whatever reason, pink-raincoat-wearing cowgirls at Molly's included...) and it's already way past that special time in the morning that the parking ticketers have done a clean sweep along Postoffice Street leaving a trail of those horrible bright green little envelopes in their wake??  Well, since Ike hit nearly a year ago, we've become quite complacent NOT having to worry about getting ticketed as the parking meters all "ate it" in the flood and paid parking on the streets hasn't been enforced. 

The free-for-all style parking system we've been enduring these past 10 months has had its ups and downs.  Yes, it's fantastic to park for free - and not worry about getting ticketed.  BUT, as much as I disliked getting ticketed or having to pay to park, I realize, especially now, that the need for a parking system - whatever that might be - is obvious.

Folks that work downtown, live downtown, operate businesses downtown, and visit downtown are all vying for the same parking spots, and for some folks, once gotten, spaces are often un-relinquished for up to 8 hours or more.

Well, city council has voted and the new meters are coming...  The Downtown Galveston Strand Seaport Partnership expects them to be installed downtown within the next 6-8 weeks - the GDN expects that it could take "several months".  Don't hold your breath though - you know how these things tend to go - everyone spell with me: D-E-L-A-Y.  AMPCO is the new company who'll be installing, maintaining and whatever else-ing the new meters and it'd be up to them and the City whenever the meters actually go in...

Although I was under the impression that the downtown might have access to free Wi-Fi with these meters, the GDN reported today that they will not.  That stinks - let's hope that's inaccurate.

Beware; they say paid parking will also be enforced on Sundays...

Shame on Paul Burka.  Again.  I've already felt disgust for him since his first article in Texas Monthly back in November 2008.  You can read my response here.  His newest article is no better.  Perhaps worse.  The man is a BOI.  But he acts like he's allergic to the Island.  Or his vision is constantly blurred when he travels back to his hometown.

In my opinion (take it what it's worth), Paul Burka is wrong in his depiction of Galveston in its current state post-Ike.  His examples of a lackluster economy don't seem to be quite accurate.  In fact, I know Islanders who are doing quite well in their business ventures.  Even if the Strand is desolate (that's according to Paul Burka).  All in all it just puts a really filthy taste in my mouth to read his article.  I don't like Paul Burka.  Read the article for yourselves and let us know what you think.

 

What is the appropriate alert level color for an unaccompanied, seemingly abandoned (don't worry, Vu the fishies weren't abandoned - they were given a good home inside bellies!) cooler of random fish tails hangin' out in front of our favorite Galveston watering hole? 

Eh, they 'aint botherin anyone - let's take a picture!!!!  You just never know what adventure you'll encounter on Sailing Saturdays on the Island.  Hey Neil - Pat Benetar wants her headband back whenever you're done with it. 

 

And this time i'm not talking about our new T-shirts. (Although the fronts are very cool especially if Adrienne is wearing one!)  When i went outside this morning I couldn't believe it.  It was actually sub 90 degrees.  I know this isn't going to last long so I beg you to go out and enjoy this one.  Bike around the neighborhood.  Go throw a baseball or a frisbee.  Build a snowman.  Go walking around downtown (while you're downtown stop by the shop to say hello).

The heat will be back so take advantage.

Don't forget artwalk tonight!

 

1:45 pm update:  nevermind, its hot.

No matter how long you live in Galveston, you still get to experience plenty of "firsts."  Whether it's the first time you went to the beach or watched a cruise ship depart or arrive.  Or the first time you went through one of the historic districts or your first hurricane.  It could even be the first time you visit certain establishments.

Well, just recently, Mrs. Mondo and I were invited to lunch at the Pelican Club.  For those of you who don't know, it's the members only portion of Gaido's.  I know.  Swanky, right?  Not only do you have to be a member, but you must make reservations too.  There is a dress code involved, so break out your collared shirts and sport coats gentlemen.  But it's worth it.  Private seating.  Special chefs to prepare your cuisine.  Top-notch service.  Fine dining tastes really, really good.

You're probably wondering who the Mondos know in order to get a foot in the door, right?  That's a secret.  A good secret never reveals its source.

So, for shame, I must admit that my mind slipped yesterday while writing about events going on during ArtWalk.  How I forgot this, I'll never know.  Great IBC's and friends (who moved from Las Vegas roughly 5 years ago), Clyde & Kimberley Wood, will reopen The Witchery on Saturday, August 22!

Previously the shop which offers metaphysical books, gifts, and more was housed at 2510 Market Street.  Post-Ike, they are now among the great retailers and restaurants along Postoffice Street at 2116 Postoffice Street (a couple of doors down from Mod Coffee & Teahouse).

You may have noticed ongoing renovations at the building all summer along, including a great new paint job, but the inside workings have remained a secret behind brown paper lining the windows.  All we get to see for now is a "coming soon" sign.

But, if I know the Wood's and judging from the shop's previous location, the items will be awesome, unusual, and plentiful, and the interior will be incredible - no detail is ever left untouched.  Definitely check them out - there is something for everyone and plus, I've heard, bagpipers will be welcoming back this great local business Saturday evening.

We used to keep a wooden bowl at the shop that we'd throw our loose change in.  The thing was pretty big - about the equivalent of one of those wooden salad bowls that you pair with the oddly large wooden fork and spoon.  On a slow day near the end of August 2008, Michael decided he'd take the time to roll the coins in their appropriate coin sleeves and take 'em over to the bank to exchange for "real money".  

Whoa is change filthy.  His hands were brown after rolling all those things, but the accomplishment was obvious - there was a great, organized pile of the different sized rolls of coins, all ready to go.  There must have been over $100 bucks in there.  Well, as it turned out, we somehow got sidetracked time after time from bringing those rolls to the bank.  Then came IKE. 

As you might imagine, the change was pretty much forgotten as we surveyed the damage and tried to separate our worldly possessions from the salty, slimy, poo-filled sludge that covered them and blanketed the Island.  BUT, we did think enough to dump the bowl of nicely rolled coins into a bucket of fresh water with some bleach ('cause there was plenty of THAT on hand - bleach went on everything in those days - "is it green?  bleach it!"...  "does it stink? bleach it!"...  "has this been bleached yet?  i don't know - better bleach it!"...) and there it sat.

So....  That was in September.  What month are we in now - August right?  Okay, so after their 11 month soak, here's what they looked like:

Let me just say Michael and I were thoroughly impressed with the ability of the 6th Street Arlan's Market coinstar machine.  Not only did it not bat an eye to the crusty-coated change, it also managed to work efficiently despite the screw, lone button and rubber band that some thoughtful patron had left in the centrifuge before us.  AND, it was kind enough to spit back one of our unidentifiable Sacagawea dollars!

Look at how much fun my man was having - and check out that bargain on bagged ice:

So lots going on this Saturday during ArtWalk that I thought I'd pass along. . .

1st - check out the still new art gallery, Local Color Galveston "Where Local Artists May Expose Themselves."  Mondo and I visited the owners, Katy & Darren Cleveland a while back.  Loved the new space and really enjoyed meeting these new IBCs and their children.  Great addition to the art scene and the great people scene on the Island.  You can find them at 120 20th Street in downtown Galveston (down from Somewhere in Time).

2nd - the Galveston Art Center (who are sponsors of ArtWalk) will be in their temporary new location on 25th St. in the old Maceo Spice storefront.  Remember to go check them out too.

3rd - Did you know that a few weeks ago in the beginning of August, 18 teams of architects and designers from the Houston area got together at Rice University to look at Gtown's Seawall?  Their task was a design competition around a site along the Seawall that is a "hingepoint" between downtown and the beach.  Competitors had 8 hours to come up with a design idea that works for locals and tourists! The 18 designs are going to be on display for one night only during ArtWalk!  Go check it out!  Apparently many of the designers and judges will be there.  It's from 6pm to 9pm (during ArtWalk) on this Saturday, August 22 at 2326 Strand (in the fantastic Sealy-Hutchings Building next to Luigi's)  Check out the group who organized this awesome idea, Rice Design Alliance at www.ricedesignalliance.org
 

When Mondo and I moved to the Island and into our newly purchased 1870 vernacular Greek Revival, we knew we'd be in for lots of work that would have to be fueled by love, passion, and sometimes sheer force of will.  We quickly realized that we'd have to add more money to our list (almost always the case) and better food than could be microwaved.  See, our house was a foreclosure.  Great deal you may be thinking.  Sure, it was.  Of course the house was also listed as "renovated."  Haha.  Some of you already know what we knew when we first looked at this place.  Sometimes the Island plays loose and fast with terms like "renovated" and "restored." 

 Long story short.  We.had.no.kitchen. 

Now, don't think we don't know that tons of people before us braved far worse.  One gentleman bought a building with no roof and camped inside while he restored the building around him.  That is a testament to the love and ingenuity of Islanders.

Even though our roof was in good shape, the kitchen turned out to be a life lesson in knowing what you want.  It took us a lot longer than it should have - 10 months - mainly because we had a hard time deciding what we wanted our kitchen to look like.

We had to eat though.  And microwaving and frying on an electric skillet (thanks to my great in-laws) helped a lot.  But, without our downtown's Bistro LeCroy, we may never have survived on microwave dinners and pudding pouches alone. 

That first week in the house (which also had a busted furnace), it was a cold December evening, and we were already craving real food.  So we drove downtown looking for hot food out of an oven.  And there she was: Bistro LeCroy at 2021 Strand.

Great food, great ambiance, and great people.  Tommy and Barbara, the two owners who also happen to be cousins, welcomed us.  The staff was just as welcoming - Victor and Gina Galvez not only were great staff, but we now count them as friends too.  We soon became regulars, and unfortunately for our waistlines, continued dining at the Bistro long after our cozy kitchen was up and running.

When Ike hit, Tommy and the building owners, Dale and Diane Olson, stayed for the storm trying to salvage what they could.  For a while, we were afraid that our kitchen away from home would not return.  But they have.  They now have been open for a week, and we've filled our bellies twice.

You have to check it out.  Great food.  Great people.  And great new additions not only to the menu but to the restaurant.  Dale and Diane are BOIs and Ball High School sweethearts (I must say that I also count them as IBCs - they chose to come back to the Island after years in California).
 

Before the Buccaneer Hotel was destroyed New Year's Day 1999, several folks, including the Olson's, salvaged tons from the old building including beautiful, hand painted wood trim.

The Olson's, Tommy, & Barbara have incorporated this historic woodwork inside the restaurant and also installed original doors from the old Ursuline Academy.

Go by and grab a bite to eat.  If not running around, Tommy and Barbara will probably be at the family table (straight back from the front, on your right if you come in via the atrium).  Say hello and have Tommy tell you some of the history of that great place from the Civil War, the 1900 Storm, and even stories of reported hauntings.  Maybe you'll become a regular too.

Ok.  What gives?  Here we are in mid-August and not a named storm to be found.  Don't take me the wrong way here.  I am NOT complaining.  But just like in baseball when a pitcher is working himself into a no-hit/perfect game situation, nobody's supposed to mention anything about it.

Well I'm talking about it.  Hurricane season 2009 is in full force and not a single named storm to date.  However, at the moment, there is potential out there.  And no.  I'm not begging or even offering to the thought of a storm heading our way.  I just want to acknowledge the matter at hand.  And make sure we're all thankful that we've been blessed with a worry free season thusfar.

Perhaps if we collectively let out the breath we've been holding so far this season (and face east), we could create enough wind shear to knock any potential storms off course.

So cross your fingers.  Say your prayers.  Rub your rabbit's foot.  Spray your monkey with water.  Just do something to keep the shutout going.

 

Every once in a while, you have one of those days that reminds you of the when the beloved blue haired "Simpson's" character proudly exclaims "EVERYTHING IS COMING UP MILHOUSE!!!".  Well my friends and readers, I enjoyed such a day yesterday.  It started out by happening to be our day off from work (Tues. & Wed.) and enjoyed a great day with my wife. 

We went over to Will's house and I started playing some foosball (yes Will has a professional table at his house) when Adrienne decided to play against me.  Well, I was triumphant for the first time ever against her although we've only played each other a few times (maybe 140 matches or so).

  Riding my victorious high, I challenged Zac to play me by warning him that I was 'feeling it' and reminded him of my previous unprecedented win.  He scoffed and sarcastically admitted he was scared.  For those of you who don't know, Zac is among the best of foosball players on the island and, in my opinion the best.  Well the best got taken down yesterday by a score of 5 - 4.  With mouth agape, he was gentleman and congratulated me.

I would have never guessed that later on in the same evening, I would look back on these victories as merely games.  After having a great dinner with the Ethridges' (thanks again Brian, Kristen, and Carrie) and while we were in the area, we decided to check out Crazy Oaks because our friend Cat was bartending.  After playing a couple games of pool, someone suggested a "dance off".  Well the rules were the ladies chose partners and they couldn't choose their mate.  Well Kristi Bigley and Yours Truly took down the victory along with a bucket full of Crazy Oaks gifts (thanks Cat!).  Our key to victory: lots of spinning and one wardrobe malfunction.

A great day indeed!

 

No that's not us.... (but we would have beaten them too! )

 

Thanks to this weekend's Krewe of Thalasar shenanigans, we'll be welcoming back the prodigal son, Robert Paterno to the Island.  Paterno was behind putting together the very first HUMAN CHECKERS game, played back in 2007 at Saengerfest Park on 23rd and Strand.  It was quite a scene.  The whole spectacle drew a large crowd and it was a blast.

IBC would like to welcome EVERYONE out to Saengerfest Park again this Friday evening at 6:15pm for the 2nd run of HUMAN CHECKERS!  Please come wearing your choice of red or black shirt and we'll figure out teams when we get there.

Don't forget that Saengerfest Park is beverage-friendly, so feel free to bring a cooler of refreshments if you'd like!  (Battle is hot, my friends) 

**After human checkers, we will follow up with an official IBC HAPPY HOUR, so don't miss it!  Come out, have fun and enjoy Galveston's beautiful downtown with us!**

Although I'm thrilled that we finally got some rain here on the Island Saturday night/Sunday morning (Popeye and Ginger were super excited to see their plastic doggie pool filled with fresh, cool rain water Sunday morning and hopped right in, then ran around the house dripping everywhere... as they do...), it was not a pleasant surprise to enter the (new) shop to find our desk (which was actually an Ike survivor that was generously given to us by Kristy Mitchell - how's Seattle treating you, Doctor?!) COMPLETELY inundated with water.  Stinky water at that.

The lesson here is that, when nearing desperate drought conditions, schedule roof repairs.  I can guarantee that the rain will come - but only once your roof is opened to the world.

 

<<UPDATE (AUGUST 11, 2009): The City of Galveston has lifted the TCEQ required Boil Water Notice for all areas on Galveston Island west of 81^st Street, including Treasure Island in Brazoria County.  City officials are instructing area residents and business owners to flush their own water lines by turning on indoor and outdoor faucets, both hot and cold taps, and allowing water to run for several minutes.  Similarly, citizens are advised to discard several trays of ice cubes from automatic icemakers.>>

According to this morning's city press release, an electrical fire that broke out at the airport pump station in the wee hours of the morning is to blame for "significant damage to the electrical circuit" that powers the water service facility to the Island, west of 81st Street.  City officials believe the fire started as a result of latent Hurricane Ike damage

Although (as of 5pm today) water service had been restored to the west end, all areas west of 81st Street are STILL on a boil water notice (for drinking and cooking).  Once the City has sampled and tested the water in accordance with TCEQ regulations, the notice should be lifted. 

At that time, residents and business owners will need to flush their own lines by turning on indoor and outdoor faucets, both hot and cold taps, and allowing water to run for several minutes.  

Stay tuned for updates about the boil notice being lifted...  

Mrs. Mondo and I recently watched a scary movie based on true events.  The movie's story did a pretty decent job of putting the ol' scare in us.  It never fails that when you watch something fearful, you start to notice every little noise and question it.  Was that the dog?  Or did our house just become haunted?  Of course it doesn't help that our house is over 130 years old.  And who knows what happened in it over all those years.

But the movie got me remembering when we first moved in and some of the things that happened.  Spooky things.  Not necessarily hauntings.  But spooky, yes.  One example is a picture I took with our digital camera.  For some reason, this particular picture of a half glass door (window is on the upper half of the door) showed a strange and creepy blur in the glass in the form of a female silhouette and her hand reaching through the door.  Okay.  So you kinda had to stretch the imagination to make it all work.  But it was spooky enough.

Then, I decided to film the same door with the digital camera.  Wouldn't you know it, something in the form of a person appears to peer out quickly through the window and then pull back.  Creeped us out, it did.

After those two incidents, we haven't really observed anything noteworthy of ghost activity.  There was a period of time that I woke up almost every night at around 3 a.m.  That had me on edge since the 3 a.m. hour is considered by many as the "witching hour."

After talking with friends and neighbors, it turns out Galveston is full of spooks and hauntings.  Several of our neighbors report somewhat regular activity in their houses.  I've always told myself that I would enjoy the thrill of living with haunts.  Experiencing the supernatural has always intrigued me.  But I don't know that I'd want to deal with it on a regular basis.  Unless it was something out of a Disney movie.

Now I dare ask the fine folks of Galveston to share some personal hauntings, spirits, or weird "energy."  Perhaps this should have waited until Halloween time, but oh well.  So tell me.  Is your place haunted?  Do you feel like someone is watching you (other than the local transient peering in through the window)?  Does your skin crinkle with fear?  Share with the class...

 

d) all of the above.

Although some of us might remember the "snarfs" from the Thundercats in the 80s, wikipedia suggests "snarfing" is information theft in wireless networks.  My personal favorite take on "snarfing", however is Jim Troutman's version: being dragged behind a boat - on a surfboard-  in Galveston Bay.

Above left: Adrienne, above right: Mikie, above bottom: Troutman. 

Russian Soccer Fans Urged to Drink Whiskey to Ward Off Swine Flu Virus (summary: drinking = good health, at least no swine flu)

Go green - go in the shower (summary: peeing in the shower makes you ecologically sensitive)

Collectible COLBERT Space Patch Sells Out (summary: this is what it takes to get America interested in Space exploration: cartoon images of Stephen Colbert. yikes.)

 

My cousin, also one of my best friends since I was a wee one, just had a beautiful baby boy.  Collin came about 4 weeks early, but I figure that must just be an O'Keefe trait - getting a head start on the world!

In addition, one of my 2 favorite brothers (yes, those two from NC and FL that "crashed the gate in '08") ALSO had a gorgeous baby boy 3 months ago and, as promised here's a testament to how cute Ledger really is... 

left: Shaun (daddy) and baby Collin Castor O'Keefe.

right: Ledger Wayah Culpepper.

 

... smells like baby powder in here...