May 2010 Archives

As we celebrate this fine Memorial Day weekend here in Galveston with our friends and family, we should take a few moments to remember and honor those who died while in active duty.  These fine men and women gave their lives for what they believed and that is no small thing.

The story I think about today is that of Edward Lea because it pertains directly to Memorial Day and Galveston.  Edward was a young naval officer in the United States Navy in 1862.  Edward's Father, Albert Lea (a Naval Academy grad himself), advised his son at the outbreak of the Civil War to abandon the "old flag" or "it is not likely that we will meet...unless face to face in battle".  Well Edward had no intention of abandoning the United States even if it meant sacrificing the love of his family.

When Edward took the first officer's position on the Harriet Lane, he helped capture Galveston for the US in late 1862.  In early 1863, he had no way of knowing that his father Albert was working with the Confederacy to recapture Galveston.  Albert Lea was serving as a lookout downtown when the waterfront battle began.  After an unlikely victory by the Confederate States, Albert came aboard the enemy ship as he had heard that his son might well be serving on it.  When he found his son aboard, the reconciliation was almost instant.  They spoke of good things like the health of the family back home whom Edward had not seen in years.  Men were asking Edward questions but his only response was "My father is here."

The dying came fast.  You see, during the battle, Edward had been shot multiple times and his wounds were mortal.  His very unlikely conversation with his father was his last.  He died right there on the ship which served his country.  That very ship now belonged to his father's country.  The enemy was all around him but he was still able to find peace with his father.

In a ceremony that had officers from both sides in attendance, The elder Lea read the following:

"Allow one so sorely tried in this his willing sacrifice to beseech you to believe that while we defend our rights with our strong arms and honest hearts, those we meet in battle may also have hearts as brave and honest as our own. We have buried two brave and honest gentlemen. Peace to their ashes; tread lightly over their graves."

In the Trinity Episcopal cemetary on 40th st, Edward Lea's remains lie beneath a very simple gravestone with an Anchor and a Sword engraved that reads "My Father is Here".

Have a Great Memorial Day.

So I'm hearing rumblings of a chance for an active hurricane season this year.  I'll tell you this 2010.  That pisses me off (and worries me).  But you can make it up to me by letting our Island cruise through Season H (that's what I'm officially branding hurricane season from now on).  Something about el nino calming down to eat a taco or two and the warm Gulf temperatures are aiding the prediction.

But just like every Season H all we can do is wait it out.  And make sure we're prepared for whatever this year throws us, whether it be a spitball or a hard fast one high and tight (I know, I know... lousy baseball metaphors...  but hey, they're effective, no?).

For those who don't customarily prepare each year for the dreaded Season H, be sure to visit the City's website for a preparedness guide.

So get ready fellow Islanders.  June 1st looms.
 

So IBC was invited to join in a special Dolphin Baywatch Tour last Tuesday and boy were we treated right!  Captain Mike and his wife Uthai, along with the crew including Dave and Katie Jo took us on a very relaxing, seasick-free adventure out in the Galveston harbor.  AND, we DID see dolphins! 

**This was also the first boat ride for the Mondo offspring - still in-utero!**

We also got an up-close view of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra that was playing that evening along the waterfront - AND they put in an order for a beautiful Galveston sunset for us as well - what a great way to wind down a Tuesday evening!

**Tours are narrarated and 45 minutes in duration - $10 adults, $5 for kiddos, 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm at 21st & Harborside behind Willie G's!

(Photo notes: Mikie and Willie as we pull out of the dock behind Willie G's...see Will impressed when we get out near the rigs...Mondos on board... Mikie chooses a good seat next to the lifering!..)
 

So I think we're all officially recovered from the 2010 Galveston Island Beach Revue.  Most of us were zombies for a week after the event, but it was well worth it!  Again, I'd like to thank all of our truly amazing sponsors - really without their support, this just couldn't happen (being that none of us are, as of yet, nearing the "independently wealthy" mark) and we LOVE that this is a Galveston event, supported by Galveston businesses!

Part of this year's Beach Revue festivities was our Surf & Sand Weenie Roast.  Unfortunately the weather was extremely uncooperative during the roast (monsoons and hot dog buns don't really mix) BUT there was a silver lining for all of those uneaten hot dogs that had nobody's tummy to live in - if only for a day....  (are hot dogs like twinkies - do they "hang around" for eons before finally decomposing?)  And, our wonderful volunteers from the Junior League of Galveston County were troopers amid the foul.... Um...weather....  (that's a slightly inside joke for the JL vols that were present at the weenie roast!)

Well, our buddies at MOD hooked us up with Galveston's Jesse Tree.  Jesse Tree is a non-profit organization that connects people with the health care, social services and ministerial resources they need to rebuild their lives and uplift their spirits.  They also offer food fairs every week...  A perfect home for our errant hot dogs!

So, IBC put their elbow-high rubber gloves on, tied up their apron strings and set out to cook some dogs last Saturday morning out on the west end (okay, so it was 64^th Street, but that's west of 61^st Street!).  Apparently it just isn't in the cards for IBC to cook these dogs though, and due to a kitchen malfunction we were unable to actually cook the little buggers.  BUT, the good ending to the story is that the dogs found a home at the Jesse Tree and will help fill quite a few hungry Galveston tummies!  

Mrs. Mondo and I are expecting a little BOI bundle of joy this October.  And she wants to say hello to Galveston Island.  Say hi Baby Mondo...

 

Gee whiz, kids.  The 2010 Galveston Island Beach Revue is next week!  Wow, it's here already!

I hope everybody has yanked out their swim suits and sunscreen because it's time for summer with a hint of mischief.  So be sure to join us next weekend.  In case you're just hearing about this, here's the run-down:

Friday, May 14th, from 5-7pm poolside at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa - The Galveston Island Beach Revue "Meet and Greet" with free munchies and a cash bar; come out and mingle with some of this year's contestants and spectators.

Saturday, May 15th, from noon-2pm on the beach in front of the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa (Seawall and 20th St) - The Galveston Island Beach Revue "Surf-n-Sand Weenie Roast" with complimentary hotdogs provided to beach-goers; tips appreciated.

And then, Saturday, May 15th, starting at 2pm in front of the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa (Seawall and 20th St) - The Galveston Island Beach Revue Main Event - The Bathing Beauties Contest with two categories, modern and vintage; family-friendly and free to attend and only $15 to enter as a contestant.

It's gonna be swell folks.  I guarantee it.  You might not have more fun all summer.

And as always, check out www.galvestonbeachrevue.com for all the details.

See you there...

 

This is the second edition of IBC's monthly column for Galveston Monthly.  You can pick up a Galveston Monthly free at many local locations across the Island.

With green energy and sustainable living all the rage, sometimes it's hard to imagine how these trends apply here in Galveston where an estimated two-thirds of the Island's buildings are historic.  But living "green," conserving energy, and having a healthy and historic home is totally possible.  In fact historic homes have many sustainable features already built into their design! 

To illustrate that energy efficient and healthy historic homes are possible and affordable, the Galveston Historical Foundation embarked on its Green Revival project in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the 1772 Foundation.  Back in February, GHF moved a small Ike-damaged cottage across town to its new home at 3101 Avenue Q.  This project is transforming an Ike-damaged 19th-century cottage into a public show house that conforms to the highest national standards of the "green" building movement.  Specifically, this project will "demonstrate how the energy efficient properties inherent in historic design and original fabric can work in tandem with sensitively planned modern systems to conserve resources as well as heritage."

As an owner of an Island home built circa 1870 (that the Mr. and I are still working on), we've tried to be diligent in our renovation to maintain the historic integrity of our cottage but also figure out ways to maximize our energy efficiency.  For example, we knew that removing our original 140 year old windows would severely damage our home's aesthetic and was far too costly.  After some research and visiting GHF's Preservation Resources Center, we found out that various affordable options are available.

While specifics may differ for each building, we had issues with heat gain and air infiltration.  Options to combat these problems include exterior or interior shutters and transparent films (not tinted) that line the glass panes to reduce heat gain and block up to 90% of infrared heat.  Did you know that compared to the performance of brand new energy efficient windows on the market today, historic windows with basic weather stripping and treated with a heat gain film can match the efficiency of a new window and preserve the look and the integrity of your historic home?  And of course the best piece of news - this is much cheaper than new windows!

Overall, now is a great time to take advantage of Galveston's gorgeous spring to tackle some of these projects on your home here on the Island.  Even better:  the Green Revival home will be open this month where you can find out even more ways to improve the health and efficiency of your historic home!

The project's unveiling will be at this year's GHF 36^th Annual Homes Tour held the first two weekends in May.  Once the renovation is complete, the house will be opened to the public again this summer for various educational opportunities.  For more information on GHF and the Green Revival Project, visit www.galvestonhistory.org.  For more information on Islander By Choice, visit www.ibcgalveston.com