No matter what others may say, Houston has become a mighty romantic place to hang out, if you like art and ethnic food.
Check in and stay for a long romantic weekend at the Hotel ZaZa, smack dab in the center of the Museum District and only a few blocks from all things medical in Houston. Newly renovated, I recommend shopping online for one of the ZaZa’s spacious suites overlooking their sparkling Mediterranean-inspired swimming pool. Check for deals on any ZaSpa packages.
Besides the obvious, like Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts directly across the street from the ZaZa, this international city also has an often-overlooked sampling of art created and collected with a spiritual perspective.
For instance, there’s the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which was created to rescue a set of stolen and ransomed frescoes. By 1992, the city of Houston and the Menil Foundation had teamed up to become the stewards of the frescoes, which forever belong to the Church of Cyprus. The church is reclaiming them, so they will be going home soon.
Don’t miss the Rothko Chapel, an internationally known draw, with its focus on human rights. If you are traveling with traditionalists, prepare them for the minimalist flavor of the chapel, so they can experience quiet with a meditative heart.
“It has become a pilgrimage for thousands of visitors who are drawn by its importance both as an artistic masterpiece and as a gathering place for people of all religious beliefs,” according to Rothko literature.
I recommend a visit to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, only a few blocks from Hotel ZaZa and the Rothko Chapel. If you are there on a Sunday, visitors are welcome to join worship. On other days of the week, priests are gracious and hospitable about informing respectful visitors about the significance of icons in Greek Orthodox tradition.
If you are a bibliophile, stop by the book store while you are at the church for a thorough selection of all things related to icons and icon painting, along with great choices in Greek heritage and the history of Greek immigration to America.
As long as Greek is on the art tour, why not take in cultural cuisine, too?
Choosing one or two items off the extensive menu at Byzantio Café and Bar is impossible. So, meet friends and order a huge spread to try it all.
Every bite is delicious, from the lamb souvlaki to the hummus to the gyros, and especially the tzatziki sauce.
With neighbors and regulars laughing and greeting each other across the restaurant, Byzantio feels like a great big Greek American family reunion.
And since you are having an art holiday, don’t miss the photography on the walls. Personal and expressive, we especially enjoyed the depictions of the local belly dancers who perform at the restaurant every Thursday night.
Belly dancing; a perfect excuse to start a romantic weekend in Houston early.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Empty Suitcases
We only keep what we give away.
When a young mom gave birth to her first son, she received lots of presents from friends who knew she didn’t have anything for a boy.
One gift stood out, though. Rather than buy a gift, this friend, the mother of two older boys, went to her own sentimental box and gift-wrapped a Baby’s First Christmas bib and a beautiful piece of art from her own nursery.
A few months later, at the crack of dawn, the young mother received a phone call. The friend’s house had burned down in the night.
In the days that followed, it became clear that the only mementos her friend would be able to retrieve, like pictures of her children, were going to be the ones she had given away to grandparents and friends, including a bib and a piece of art from her own nursery.
I know this is a true story because my friend gave me the bib and the art when my son was born.
Recently, a lady told me a story about her husband, which illustrates the truth about hilarious giving.
This family makes regular trips to a beloved third world country, but on their first trip, they were overwhelmed by all the physical needs that go unmet daily in that place.
As they were packing to return home that first time, her husband suddenly flipped over his suitcase and dumped all the contents on the bed.
“We are giving this all away,” he announced with excitement.
Knowing how Americans travel, I can easily imagine a suitcase stuffed with blue jeans, t-shirts, button-downs, and several pairs of shoes, all things of extreme value in a country where people often go hungry and barefoot.
Having made many friends in the weeks they were there, they immediately found folks who received the goods joyously.
“Who wants this shirt? Who needs flip flops?”
Imagine the excitement as they tossed each item across a room crowded with folks who had gathered to see them off.
Her husband left with empty suitcases, but I bet his heart was full.
And imagine how he blessed his own wife and kiddoes.
We only keep what we give away.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
When a young mom gave birth to her first son, she received lots of presents from friends who knew she didn’t have anything for a boy.
One gift stood out, though. Rather than buy a gift, this friend, the mother of two older boys, went to her own sentimental box and gift-wrapped a Baby’s First Christmas bib and a beautiful piece of art from her own nursery.
A few months later, at the crack of dawn, the young mother received a phone call. The friend’s house had burned down in the night.
In the days that followed, it became clear that the only mementos her friend would be able to retrieve, like pictures of her children, were going to be the ones she had given away to grandparents and friends, including a bib and a piece of art from her own nursery.
I know this is a true story because my friend gave me the bib and the art when my son was born.
Recently, a lady told me a story about her husband, which illustrates the truth about hilarious giving.
This family makes regular trips to a beloved third world country, but on their first trip, they were overwhelmed by all the physical needs that go unmet daily in that place.
As they were packing to return home that first time, her husband suddenly flipped over his suitcase and dumped all the contents on the bed.
“We are giving this all away,” he announced with excitement.
Knowing how Americans travel, I can easily imagine a suitcase stuffed with blue jeans, t-shirts, button-downs, and several pairs of shoes, all things of extreme value in a country where people often go hungry and barefoot.
Having made many friends in the weeks they were there, they immediately found folks who received the goods joyously.
“Who wants this shirt? Who needs flip flops?”
Imagine the excitement as they tossed each item across a room crowded with folks who had gathered to see them off.
Her husband left with empty suitcases, but I bet his heart was full.
And imagine how he blessed his own wife and kiddoes.
We only keep what we give away.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A Texan In Paris
“Remember: English is the language of domination,” shouted our tour guide.
Then, demonstrating a football stiff arm, he explained our strategy for getting safely past aggressive city taxicabs.
“Dominate!”
In a group that represented the US, Canada, England, and Australia, we were fitted for bikes. The shiny red bikes had names like Cupcake and the blue ones had manly names like Road Runner. And Road Kill.
“That guys is from Texas and I bet 10 Euros, he is Pine Cove trained,” I whispered to my daughters as our Fat Tire Tour in Paris began.
What are the odds? My daughters didn’t believe me.
“I’m tellin’ ya, I bet he’s from Fredericksburg,” I insisted.
Paris is a cosmopolitan city, a place where people from everywhere come to bask in the richness of some of the best art collections in the world.
It is also the capital of a country that designates a whole government agency to preserving the French language from English intrusions.
Not an easy task in an age of “Le Ipad.”
My oldest daughter pedaled up front and began small talk.
Turns out I was wrong about one thing.
The guy was from San Antonio.
His camp name was Opa; Andrew is his real name.
You might be wondering how I recognized the Pine Cove influence, but only if you have never met a Pine Cove Christian Camps counselor.
Maybe it was the way he knew how to make it fun for everyone else.
Maybe it was the attentive way he made his customers feel like friends.
Pine Cove has this way of turning men into servant leaders.
I hate to admit this, but Texas A&M didn’t hurt him any either. When we met, Andrew was finishing up a stint with Fat Tire Tours, then beginning a career in California doing something fancy. I can’t remember what exactly.
One thing I know, with a servant’s heart and a ton of confidence, Andrew is sure to be successful.
Maybe domination isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think about successful servant leaders or international detent.
But when it comes to competing in a global market, having an attitude and a skill set that stands out - because it is based in faith, not fear - is exactly what we want for our kiddoes. Andrew was easy to pick out of the crowd.
So I say, “Dominate.”
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Then, demonstrating a football stiff arm, he explained our strategy for getting safely past aggressive city taxicabs.
“Dominate!”
In a group that represented the US, Canada, England, and Australia, we were fitted for bikes. The shiny red bikes had names like Cupcake and the blue ones had manly names like Road Runner. And Road Kill.
“That guys is from Texas and I bet 10 Euros, he is Pine Cove trained,” I whispered to my daughters as our Fat Tire Tour in Paris began.
What are the odds? My daughters didn’t believe me.
“I’m tellin’ ya, I bet he’s from Fredericksburg,” I insisted.
Paris is a cosmopolitan city, a place where people from everywhere come to bask in the richness of some of the best art collections in the world.
It is also the capital of a country that designates a whole government agency to preserving the French language from English intrusions.
Not an easy task in an age of “Le Ipad.”
My oldest daughter pedaled up front and began small talk.
Turns out I was wrong about one thing.
The guy was from San Antonio.
His camp name was Opa; Andrew is his real name.
You might be wondering how I recognized the Pine Cove influence, but only if you have never met a Pine Cove Christian Camps counselor.
Maybe it was the way he knew how to make it fun for everyone else.
Maybe it was the attentive way he made his customers feel like friends.
Pine Cove has this way of turning men into servant leaders.
I hate to admit this, but Texas A&M didn’t hurt him any either. When we met, Andrew was finishing up a stint with Fat Tire Tours, then beginning a career in California doing something fancy. I can’t remember what exactly.
One thing I know, with a servant’s heart and a ton of confidence, Andrew is sure to be successful.
Maybe domination isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think about successful servant leaders or international detent.
But when it comes to competing in a global market, having an attitude and a skill set that stands out - because it is based in faith, not fear - is exactly what we want for our kiddoes. Andrew was easy to pick out of the crowd.
So I say, “Dominate.”
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Highway 155 Dives
Okay, folks, the lake is calling East Texans.
Yep, the sun is shining and it’s time to drive the byways, take in the wild flower covered rolling hills, and head to the country. If you are going my way, down Highway 155 towards Lake Palestine, here are the places we love to eat.
Starting at Loop 323 and heading for Frankston:
Scooter Pete’s. Browse past all the motorcycle paraphernalia and belly up at owners Denise “Nisee” and Pete Mauk’s Iron Horse Grill for a fabulous breakfast served ‘til 11pm or order the Andre Burger, a cheeseburger topped with a fried egg, all day long, Mondays through Saturdays. You can order it with a side of some of the best hash browns in East Texas. 903.581.0810
Noonday Store. What would we do without our regular fix of their addictive chicken sandwich smothered in grilled green peppers and onions, their Angus beef hamburgers, or one of their daily plate lunch specials? I get cravings for the cobblers. Order ahead and take homemade yeast rolls for parties. 903.534.9498.
Purple Pig. My favorite thing on the menu is the tender slices of slow-grilled turkey breast, but I bet you’ll also love the barbeque beef, pulled pork, or the random nights when owner Shane Swan boils up crawfish. 903.825.6800.
Star Bar-B-Q. Just past the last bridge, as we say in these parts, don’t blink or you’ll miss Lane Mills’ barbeque joint where ribs etcetera share the grill with pulled pork. They just added a new deck, but check out the recliners inside, too. Cigars are welcome and draft beer is served. 903.876.2209
Lake Palestine Marina. Most romantic destination in our area if your idea of a romantic meal out is a steamy cup of coffee accompanied with a perfect omelet, bacon, and hash browns soaked in ketchup. All with a view of the lake. Larry and his wife have years of experience in the resort business and it shows in their hospitality. 903.825.3600.
Maxwell’s Drug Store. Old folks like me remember when the best place to get a chicken salad sandwich was at the soda shop at any small town pharmacy. The problem is, most modern pharmacies no longer have food counters. Unless you are in Frankston, of course. The Soda Shoppe, at he back of Maxwell’s, features daily lunch specials like homemade chicken enchiladas or baked pork chops, but who can resist their chicken salad? 903.876.2323.
If your idea of a dive is icky, dirty, or out of the way, these spots are not for you. Or if you are looking for honky tonks.
I’m defining “dive” here as unexpected, fun, family-friendly, AND definitely clean; or I’d never talk my husband into stopping.
Our family hopes you support these 155 Dives. See ya there!
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Cheap Media Strategies for Non-Profits
Our East Texas neighbors in Bullard are already gearing up to host a Veteran’s Day extravaganza again this year called the Red, White, and Blue Festival to honor our vets.
Even though the grand finale of all this planning is still months away, the first big question is how to get the word out. Implicit in this task is the same problem faced by all people doing good deeds; there’s never enough money!
Which got me to thinking that I should share some basics here about how to get attention for your community project without breaking the bank.
-Call up the local paper and offer them a feature idea about one of your people. Offer to set up the interview, then, provide a fact sheet about your nonprofit beforehand via email.
-Write letters to the editor about your non-profit. Let folks know how they can help, either by volunteering or making donations. Be sure and thank people publically after any events.
-Plan newsworthy pre-events. Nearly all non-profits plan events these days in order to fundraise, if for no other reason. It is better to think in terms of events that serve a need in the community. Invite folks to participate in special events and contests leading up to a main event.
-Ask local school principles to announce your event during morning announcements.
-Post videos on Facebook or Youtube and encourage your friends to click on them and share them around.
-Contact the local TV stations about being on their interview programs. Surprisingly, they are often looking for people who are willing to get up before dawn and talk about community service.
-Keep signs simple. Design them so they can be used again next year. I like thank-you posters after the fact that sponsors can keep up year round.
-Save money by using email first. Only spend postage on those who don’t have email addresses or on big, beautiful invitations. One exception, send formal thank you’s via post; they are oh-so-much nicer to receive among all the usual bills and junk mail.
-Invest in a user-friendly website. It’s worth the money.
Finally, choose wisely when spending your media dollars. For events, you will want to broadcast via TV or radio. Be sure and check their websites as you decide, so you can get more bang for your buck. It’s a good idea to supplement with a newspaper ad because it won’t cost nearly as much.
If its brand name identity you are cultivating over the long haul, then newspaper is a better choice because of the cost factor. Plus, people get used to seeing your ad and they begin to count on it for it for your address, email, and website.
By November, most of these ideas will be Red, White, and Blue tested. In the meantime, please share your ideas here, too. Our non-profits can use all the help we can give them.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Road Trip Romance
With family-filled summer days over, I vote for a romantic getaway.
Okay, everyone knows that guys and gals have totally different ideas about what’s romantic, right?
So when my friend spelled it out recently, I got out my pen and pad and took notes.
“Just buy Dorritos,” she began.
According to her theory, our significant others get tired of being told to eat healthy meals. When their sweetheart hops in the car with a cooler and a grocery bag packed with junk food, that means it is time to cut loose. Vacation. Road trip. Romance.
And all this time, I thought putting veggies on the table was a loving gesture meant to communicate that I hoped to keep him with me awhile.
This time of year is a great time for a road trip when beach towns take on a whole new laid-back attitude because it’s still hot enough to enjoy a shady umbrella and a good book, but the crowds have cleared out. In fact, hotel and condo rates drop as much as half mid-September. A mere 6 to 10 hours from now and you could be listening to the gentle pulse of the waves and treating yourself to a platter of fresh sea food.
To get your manfriend in the right frame of mind, here’s the food that communicates freedom and romance for the car ride according to my anonymous expert, a friend who suggests these “seven steps to a healthy relationship” (besides nacho-flavored Doritos):
-butterfingers,
-Ruffles potato chips,
-a cooler filled with Mountain Dew, and
-plenty of country western music which is the number one national favorite, apparently.
Step #6: Stop for Barbeque. “I don’t know what the deal is with THAT,” she says.
Step seven is funniest, though, as far as I’m concerned.
She has a firm opinion about a sure way to make the trip go faster.
“Buy copies of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Bizarre, and GQ,” she says. Then as your sweetheart drives along, read exerts and ask innocently, “Would you like this?” or “Do you want to try this while we’re on vacation?”
Well, no wonder the trip goes fast, right?
You better keep an eye on the speed limit because your sweetheart’s foot will be getting heavier and heavier and his mind won’t be on the junk food.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Okay, everyone knows that guys and gals have totally different ideas about what’s romantic, right?
So when my friend spelled it out recently, I got out my pen and pad and took notes.
“Just buy Dorritos,” she began.
According to her theory, our significant others get tired of being told to eat healthy meals. When their sweetheart hops in the car with a cooler and a grocery bag packed with junk food, that means it is time to cut loose. Vacation. Road trip. Romance.
And all this time, I thought putting veggies on the table was a loving gesture meant to communicate that I hoped to keep him with me awhile.
This time of year is a great time for a road trip when beach towns take on a whole new laid-back attitude because it’s still hot enough to enjoy a shady umbrella and a good book, but the crowds have cleared out. In fact, hotel and condo rates drop as much as half mid-September. A mere 6 to 10 hours from now and you could be listening to the gentle pulse of the waves and treating yourself to a platter of fresh sea food.
To get your manfriend in the right frame of mind, here’s the food that communicates freedom and romance for the car ride according to my anonymous expert, a friend who suggests these “seven steps to a healthy relationship” (besides nacho-flavored Doritos):
-butterfingers,
-Ruffles potato chips,
-a cooler filled with Mountain Dew, and
-plenty of country western music which is the number one national favorite, apparently.
Step #6: Stop for Barbeque. “I don’t know what the deal is with THAT,” she says.
Step seven is funniest, though, as far as I’m concerned.
She has a firm opinion about a sure way to make the trip go faster.
“Buy copies of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Bizarre, and GQ,” she says. Then as your sweetheart drives along, read exerts and ask innocently, “Would you like this?” or “Do you want to try this while we’re on vacation?”
Well, no wonder the trip goes fast, right?
You better keep an eye on the speed limit because your sweetheart’s foot will be getting heavier and heavier and his mind won’t be on the junk food.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Orphaned Front Door
It was love at first sight. A relationship of convenience.
I wanted a new front door and I could afford the aged pine Louisiana beauty with no glass that came with two cypress sidelights included at no extra charge.
This particular door is a survivor. I could tell right away, leaning against the wall with all the other abandoned doors; it had a lot of inner beauty that could easily be overlooked. It looked forlorn. With moldy water-lines, I wondered if it had survived Katrina.
When we set the sidelights next to it, all three pieces looked happier; almost giddy. As giddy as doors can be when missing their window panes. Missing panes must be something like missing teeth for humans.
I took my orphan door family home and began the work of restoring them to their original glory. Or something like that.
In the process of reinventing my door, I learned some important life lessons.
- After trying to sand the fuzz off of cypress for a few hours, I re-visited my strict “no power tools” policy and invested in the cheapest electric sander at Noonday Hardware. Do other women hate power tools only because their husbands’ are way too heavy?
-By the time my builder saw my door family, I was too emotionally invested to re-consider because during all the hours of sanding I developed a respect for each line of the grain. Is this how all wood-workers feel?
-“I will not let my insecurities define who I am” is my motto, but I discovered that I get paralyzed when projects cost more than $100 dollars. Does everyone have a fear factor about messing up a project with a three digit price tag?
On the other hand, in this case, a little DIY doubled the value of the original investment.
-Having to custom fit the recycled door meant dollars went to local craftsmen. My builder kept his carpenters busy an extra half-day doing the custom trim.
-Adopting someone else’s cast-offs, meant I met a bunch of new folks, including Mona and Ferdinand at Antique Woods, 184 Pershing Hwy in Sunset, Louisiana where they had a fabulous selection at great prices.
Also, I met Chris, Toby, and Karen at Columbus Art Glass, 2625 University Blvd, in Tyler who spent more time talking colors with me than it took them to actually cut the glass when I finally decided. We narrowed it down to a mere eight different colors, all based on the symbolism in Russian Greek Orthodox iconography which is, okay, rather customer-specific, right?
Hopefully, the new front door with the colorful panes will serve to remind family and friends that our home is a sanctuary from the trials of a cold, cruel world where not only doors, but also humans, can sometimes feel orphaned.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
I wanted a new front door and I could afford the aged pine Louisiana beauty with no glass that came with two cypress sidelights included at no extra charge.
This particular door is a survivor. I could tell right away, leaning against the wall with all the other abandoned doors; it had a lot of inner beauty that could easily be overlooked. It looked forlorn. With moldy water-lines, I wondered if it had survived Katrina.
When we set the sidelights next to it, all three pieces looked happier; almost giddy. As giddy as doors can be when missing their window panes. Missing panes must be something like missing teeth for humans.
I took my orphan door family home and began the work of restoring them to their original glory. Or something like that.
In the process of reinventing my door, I learned some important life lessons.
- After trying to sand the fuzz off of cypress for a few hours, I re-visited my strict “no power tools” policy and invested in the cheapest electric sander at Noonday Hardware. Do other women hate power tools only because their husbands’ are way too heavy?
-By the time my builder saw my door family, I was too emotionally invested to re-consider because during all the hours of sanding I developed a respect for each line of the grain. Is this how all wood-workers feel?
-“I will not let my insecurities define who I am” is my motto, but I discovered that I get paralyzed when projects cost more than $100 dollars. Does everyone have a fear factor about messing up a project with a three digit price tag?
On the other hand, in this case, a little DIY doubled the value of the original investment.
-Having to custom fit the recycled door meant dollars went to local craftsmen. My builder kept his carpenters busy an extra half-day doing the custom trim.
-Adopting someone else’s cast-offs, meant I met a bunch of new folks, including Mona and Ferdinand at Antique Woods, 184 Pershing Hwy in Sunset, Louisiana where they had a fabulous selection at great prices.
Also, I met Chris, Toby, and Karen at Columbus Art Glass, 2625 University Blvd, in Tyler who spent more time talking colors with me than it took them to actually cut the glass when I finally decided. We narrowed it down to a mere eight different colors, all based on the symbolism in Russian Greek Orthodox iconography which is, okay, rather customer-specific, right?
Hopefully, the new front door with the colorful panes will serve to remind family and friends that our home is a sanctuary from the trials of a cold, cruel world where not only doors, but also humans, can sometimes feel orphaned.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Lots of Paint, Glue, and Icky-Sticky Stuff, Discovery Science Place
One of the things I like about Discovery Science Place in downtown Tyler is the folks there let me think I’m volunteering to teach.
With over 90 camps to choose from this summer there’s a little something for everyone. For more details, go to www.discoveryscienceplace.org.
The kid in me loves any opportunity to get gooey in the name of education, so, I volunteered to do a one-day science camp that spontaneously combusted art, science, history, and lots of paint, glue, and other icky-sticky stuff.
The truth is I learned more than I taught. Of course. Isn’t that the way it always is?
Preparing for the day-long seminar was already instructive as I tried to tie all the loose ends of my activities together with info from history and science.
Fifty years of learning and yet, I found gigantic gaps in my knowledge. How can this be!
Just exactly why does ketchup shine up copper pennies instantaneously?
I suppose this is trivia, really. Nothing earth-shaking.
On the other hand, in the name of adults everywhere, pride demands that I maintain some semblance of knowledge.
The reality of six uninterrupted hours with smart kids and their questions began to take shape in my mind. My confidence shrank in the face of my ignorance. I began to grasp for straws
What was I thinking? I muttered unintelligibly with a cloudy, bewildered look in my eyes.
To calm myself, I decided that this summer I would observe a real teacher simultaneously handle the science and the room full of smart kiddoes, rather than taking on the daunting task for a week myself.
So, just in case you have smart kids in your life and you, like me, feel the need to project the illusion of being well-educated, in order to maintain the adult-to-child balance of power, here’s your chance to send them off to science camp and let them come home excited and full of facts.
You won’t even have to admit that you are learning, too, as they tell you all about the experiments, projects, and fabulous teachers.
By the way, the penny/ketchup experiment we did scientifically proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that kiddoes love science in direct proportion to how messy it is.
Even though I googled penny, ketchup, copper and science experiments, I still don’t know why copper reacts to ketchup.
But not to worry, I’ll get another chance soon. DSP has a full docket with over 40 teachers brave enough to teach- or is it play- science, art, music, cooking, and culture this summer.
And of course, there will also be the folks like me, generally helping out while trying to be invisible when the smart kids ask questions.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
With over 90 camps to choose from this summer there’s a little something for everyone. For more details, go to www.discoveryscienceplace.org.
The kid in me loves any opportunity to get gooey in the name of education, so, I volunteered to do a one-day science camp that spontaneously combusted art, science, history, and lots of paint, glue, and other icky-sticky stuff.
The truth is I learned more than I taught. Of course. Isn’t that the way it always is?
Preparing for the day-long seminar was already instructive as I tried to tie all the loose ends of my activities together with info from history and science.
Fifty years of learning and yet, I found gigantic gaps in my knowledge. How can this be!
Just exactly why does ketchup shine up copper pennies instantaneously?
I suppose this is trivia, really. Nothing earth-shaking.
On the other hand, in the name of adults everywhere, pride demands that I maintain some semblance of knowledge.
The reality of six uninterrupted hours with smart kids and their questions began to take shape in my mind. My confidence shrank in the face of my ignorance. I began to grasp for straws
What was I thinking? I muttered unintelligibly with a cloudy, bewildered look in my eyes.
To calm myself, I decided that this summer I would observe a real teacher simultaneously handle the science and the room full of smart kiddoes, rather than taking on the daunting task for a week myself.
So, just in case you have smart kids in your life and you, like me, feel the need to project the illusion of being well-educated, in order to maintain the adult-to-child balance of power, here’s your chance to send them off to science camp and let them come home excited and full of facts.
You won’t even have to admit that you are learning, too, as they tell you all about the experiments, projects, and fabulous teachers.
By the way, the penny/ketchup experiment we did scientifically proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that kiddoes love science in direct proportion to how messy it is.
Even though I googled penny, ketchup, copper and science experiments, I still don’t know why copper reacts to ketchup.
But not to worry, I’ll get another chance soon. DSP has a full docket with over 40 teachers brave enough to teach- or is it play- science, art, music, cooking, and culture this summer.
And of course, there will also be the folks like me, generally helping out while trying to be invisible when the smart kids ask questions.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Father’s Day: A True Apology is an Act of Courage.
A true apology is an act of courage.
I was so fortunate to grow up in a home where apologies were modeled at intervals, when appropriate, by a dad who took his parenting responsibilities seriously.
I only appreciated this phenomenon, when, as an adult, I began to recognize how many of my friends had NEVER heard an apology from their dad. EVER.
Sure, my dad lost his patience with three rowdy kids from time to time. But, I never remember a time when he didn’t follow a cross word with a heartfelt apology.
For instance, in typically generous fashion, my parents decided that the thing to do was drive all three kids to Disney World. Yeah, they were habitually naive about how well-behaved their kiddoes would be in the car.
Having patiently ignored and endured two days of bickering, interrupted by complaining, my parents nerves were beginning to fray about the time we reached the freeway in California during rush hour. Finally, my dad turned around and chewed us out.
All was silent in the car.
Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by the flashing lights and siren behind us that can mean only one thing; my dad was fixing to get a ticket.
As kids, it seemed like an act of God.
Amazingly, after the officer pulled away, my dad did the truly miraculous, no, heroic thing and apologized to us kids for losing his temper.
On a side note, I don’t think any one of us kids apologized for our attitudes. Personally, I remember gloating inwardly, just demonstrating again that children want justice for everyone but themselves.
There are plenty of ways to apologize which are cowardly. We’ve all experienced the kind of apology that only dodges responsibility.
So, what makes a true apology?
-Take responsibility for what you did or said. Simply and clearly, “I am sorry that I….”
-Don’t point out the other person’s faults. Period.
- Saying the words “Will you forgive me?” gives the person the chance to decide.
-Accept their answer. That’s it. If they need more time, then that’s their responsibility. You are free.
The reason the three rowdy backseat siblings like to laugh now about the time our dad got pulled over, instead of say, complaining to a psychologist, is because Dad had the guts and integrity to apologize to us. Wow.
Just a quick acknowledgement that he lost his patience with us. That’s all it took to convey a world of good mental health to his kids.
This Father’s Day, if your kids have never heard you apologize, please change the ebb and flow of your relationship by acknowledging the things that weigh on your conscience.
Give your kiddoes a heart to laugh.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
I was so fortunate to grow up in a home where apologies were modeled at intervals, when appropriate, by a dad who took his parenting responsibilities seriously.
I only appreciated this phenomenon, when, as an adult, I began to recognize how many of my friends had NEVER heard an apology from their dad. EVER.
Sure, my dad lost his patience with three rowdy kids from time to time. But, I never remember a time when he didn’t follow a cross word with a heartfelt apology.
For instance, in typically generous fashion, my parents decided that the thing to do was drive all three kids to Disney World. Yeah, they were habitually naive about how well-behaved their kiddoes would be in the car.
Having patiently ignored and endured two days of bickering, interrupted by complaining, my parents nerves were beginning to fray about the time we reached the freeway in California during rush hour. Finally, my dad turned around and chewed us out.
All was silent in the car.
Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by the flashing lights and siren behind us that can mean only one thing; my dad was fixing to get a ticket.
As kids, it seemed like an act of God.
Amazingly, after the officer pulled away, my dad did the truly miraculous, no, heroic thing and apologized to us kids for losing his temper.
On a side note, I don’t think any one of us kids apologized for our attitudes. Personally, I remember gloating inwardly, just demonstrating again that children want justice for everyone but themselves.
There are plenty of ways to apologize which are cowardly. We’ve all experienced the kind of apology that only dodges responsibility.
So, what makes a true apology?
-Take responsibility for what you did or said. Simply and clearly, “I am sorry that I….”
-Don’t point out the other person’s faults. Period.
- Saying the words “Will you forgive me?” gives the person the chance to decide.
-Accept their answer. That’s it. If they need more time, then that’s their responsibility. You are free.
The reason the three rowdy backseat siblings like to laugh now about the time our dad got pulled over, instead of say, complaining to a psychologist, is because Dad had the guts and integrity to apologize to us. Wow.
Just a quick acknowledgement that he lost his patience with us. That’s all it took to convey a world of good mental health to his kids.
This Father’s Day, if your kids have never heard you apologize, please change the ebb and flow of your relationship by acknowledging the things that weigh on your conscience.
Give your kiddoes a heart to laugh.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Gift of Silence
Sunlight poured through the windows of the third floor room in the monastery where twenty novice artists bent over icons, working carefully to apply the paint-like substance made by a master iconographer from red clay, water, and egg yolk. Filling the air were the ancient chants harmonized for centuries by monks in monasteries throughout Europe and the near East.
Silently, prayerfully meditating on God’s own nature, the artists carefully prepared the surface for gold leaf to enliven the halo, designating the central figure as a heavenly-inspired personage.
Purposefully, the artists endeavored to make all of the icons identical so that the message would be preserved accurately.
In fact, the artists left each finished icon unsigned simply because a signature might be a distraction from the symbolism intended to draw the viewers’ attention to, in this case, the mighty warrior-angel who expelled Satan from heaven, Archangel Michael.
The artists worked on hand-crafted wooden boards which were prepared with twenty coats of plaster, sanded smooth between each coat by the nuns of a similar sisterhood.
For hours on end, icon students learned the centuries-old technique as an instrument of devotion; as in the Middle Ages when monks devoted their lives to keeping the gospel message alive by spreading the message via icons and illuminated texts to civilizations that were most often illiterate.
Today, students can gather in a scattering of places around the US for instruction by masters who have been trained by one lone man who brought the process to the US and developed a school in New York after leaving the USSR when that government was committed to destroying all Russian icons. At that time, those who understood the ancient technique, because of their association with the Greek Orthodox Church, were often persecuted.
Now, once a year, the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, hosts an iconography workshop. For one week, students gather from all over the US to be trained in the ancient art.
The Center is a peaceful place because the Jesuit priests who live there adhere to the principles of St. Ignatius’s spiritual exercises that are best experienced with quantities of silent contemplation.
Jesuit priests prayerfully provide quiet hospitality throughout the year to folks who come for silent retreats. Bells interrupt the silence at regular intervals, announcing meals and daily Mass.
It is impossible to describe my feelings as I began to inscribe the pure white board with the black lines of the icon’s pattern, symbolizing sin’s pattern on the beauty and purity of God’s creation. Amid the silence, each stroke of my brush reminded me again of how grateful I am to belong to Him.
Meditation is a lost art in our culture.
There is something purifying and healing about silence. Awe-inspiring.
This holiday, amid the clatter of the season and as the New Year begins, why not take a few hours to give your soul the gift of silence?
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Silently, prayerfully meditating on God’s own nature, the artists carefully prepared the surface for gold leaf to enliven the halo, designating the central figure as a heavenly-inspired personage.
Purposefully, the artists endeavored to make all of the icons identical so that the message would be preserved accurately.
In fact, the artists left each finished icon unsigned simply because a signature might be a distraction from the symbolism intended to draw the viewers’ attention to, in this case, the mighty warrior-angel who expelled Satan from heaven, Archangel Michael.
The artists worked on hand-crafted wooden boards which were prepared with twenty coats of plaster, sanded smooth between each coat by the nuns of a similar sisterhood.
For hours on end, icon students learned the centuries-old technique as an instrument of devotion; as in the Middle Ages when monks devoted their lives to keeping the gospel message alive by spreading the message via icons and illuminated texts to civilizations that were most often illiterate.
Today, students can gather in a scattering of places around the US for instruction by masters who have been trained by one lone man who brought the process to the US and developed a school in New York after leaving the USSR when that government was committed to destroying all Russian icons. At that time, those who understood the ancient technique, because of their association with the Greek Orthodox Church, were often persecuted.
Now, once a year, the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, hosts an iconography workshop. For one week, students gather from all over the US to be trained in the ancient art.
The Center is a peaceful place because the Jesuit priests who live there adhere to the principles of St. Ignatius’s spiritual exercises that are best experienced with quantities of silent contemplation.
Jesuit priests prayerfully provide quiet hospitality throughout the year to folks who come for silent retreats. Bells interrupt the silence at regular intervals, announcing meals and daily Mass.
It is impossible to describe my feelings as I began to inscribe the pure white board with the black lines of the icon’s pattern, symbolizing sin’s pattern on the beauty and purity of God’s creation. Amid the silence, each stroke of my brush reminded me again of how grateful I am to belong to Him.
Meditation is a lost art in our culture.
There is something purifying and healing about silence. Awe-inspiring.
This holiday, amid the clatter of the season and as the New Year begins, why not take a few hours to give your soul the gift of silence?
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tyler is Bustling with Fun
Back in the 60’s and 70’s, the young people liked to complain that there was nothing to do in Tyler.
In those days, Tyler wasn’t exactly a one stoplight town, but let’s just say that the street lights went to blink mode after 10:00 p.m. That’s a fact. If you are old enough to remember when small children could safely ride bikes on Loop 323, then, like me, you are getting old, my friend. Even way back then Tyler had two golf courses.
These days, Tyler is bustling. There are so many things to do that it is nearly impossible to list them all. So I put together the eclectic list of things I like best about my old home town.
#1 $2 roses sold by street vendors. Why not buy 10 dozen?
#2 Dance lessons with Sal. Sal Landerus is not paying me for endorsing his lessons, but he really ought to get some benefit from trying to turn a duck into a swan on the dance floor. As I tripped through the lessons my husband gave me for Christmas, I discovered that even if a person never learns to dance just trying is invigorating.
#3 The Freeman’s collection of sculptures. At 1520 Rice Road, Chris Freeman, a dentist by trade, and his wife have created and installed a collection of about twelve pieces. If you have developed an appreciation for contemporary art, you will be thankful for what they have made available to anyone willing to walk to the back of his office.
#4 Water skiing on Lake Tyler. Find some friends with a boat and make them take you skiing because Lake Tyler, now that the drought is over, is once again the prime spot for jumping a wake.
#5 Take a class at TJC. My favorites are Spanish, welding, or anything in the Art Department. Why not come to town one or two nights a week and add a skill to your resume or chase a dream? Anyway, being in town for class gives you a perfect excuse to take in some of the other adventures on this list.
#6 Marvin United Methodist Church. Find your way into the sanctuary downtown and take a moment to savor the beauty of their stain glass windows, not to mention the carved, wooden panels and pews. It won’t cost you a thing, but time and a little reverence.
#7 Scuba. Men love this sport because once they complete the course, they are then required to purchase lots of expensive new gadgets. I suppose this is a good place to mention golf again, speaking of expensive hobbies.
#8 Farm-fresh produce. Aren’t we blessed to live in a place where there is always something fresh from the farms around East Texas? Right now, tomatoes are still on some vines and there are pumpkins to look forward to.
#9 Eat out. With so many restaurants to choose from it seems unfair to name any. Here are my favorites; all locally owned: Potpourri House, The Peking, El Charro, Pico De Gallo, The Tortilla Factory, The Noonday Store, and Bruno’s.
#10 The Obvious. I can’t imagine that there is any child in East Texas who has missed the following fabulous museums and sights, but just in case, be sure to visit Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Museum of Art, Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum and Country Store, Goodman Museum, The Rose Garden, and last, but not least, Discovery Science Place.
With its historic homes, cultural variety, beautiful parks, great restaurants and great shopping, Tyler is a perfect place to take a mini vacation before school starts. Or clip this list and stow it in your dash. Then, next time you have to go to Tyler for business or appointments, let it inspire you to make an adventure out of an ordinary trip to town.
Either way, I hope these ideas will encourage you to take another look at a beautiful East Texas destination.
Now, if my readers will send me their ideas about the courses they love, I will make amends for not knowing a thing about golf, by creating a “Readers’ Favorite East Texas Golf Courses List.”
In those days, Tyler wasn’t exactly a one stoplight town, but let’s just say that the street lights went to blink mode after 10:00 p.m. That’s a fact. If you are old enough to remember when small children could safely ride bikes on Loop 323, then, like me, you are getting old, my friend. Even way back then Tyler had two golf courses.
These days, Tyler is bustling. There are so many things to do that it is nearly impossible to list them all. So I put together the eclectic list of things I like best about my old home town.
#1 $2 roses sold by street vendors. Why not buy 10 dozen?
#2 Dance lessons with Sal. Sal Landerus is not paying me for endorsing his lessons, but he really ought to get some benefit from trying to turn a duck into a swan on the dance floor. As I tripped through the lessons my husband gave me for Christmas, I discovered that even if a person never learns to dance just trying is invigorating.
#3 The Freeman’s collection of sculptures. At 1520 Rice Road, Chris Freeman, a dentist by trade, and his wife have created and installed a collection of about twelve pieces. If you have developed an appreciation for contemporary art, you will be thankful for what they have made available to anyone willing to walk to the back of his office.
#4 Water skiing on Lake Tyler. Find some friends with a boat and make them take you skiing because Lake Tyler, now that the drought is over, is once again the prime spot for jumping a wake.
#5 Take a class at TJC. My favorites are Spanish, welding, or anything in the Art Department. Why not come to town one or two nights a week and add a skill to your resume or chase a dream? Anyway, being in town for class gives you a perfect excuse to take in some of the other adventures on this list.
#6 Marvin United Methodist Church. Find your way into the sanctuary downtown and take a moment to savor the beauty of their stain glass windows, not to mention the carved, wooden panels and pews. It won’t cost you a thing, but time and a little reverence.
#7 Scuba. Men love this sport because once they complete the course, they are then required to purchase lots of expensive new gadgets. I suppose this is a good place to mention golf again, speaking of expensive hobbies.
#8 Farm-fresh produce. Aren’t we blessed to live in a place where there is always something fresh from the farms around East Texas? Right now, tomatoes are still on some vines and there are pumpkins to look forward to.
#9 Eat out. With so many restaurants to choose from it seems unfair to name any. Here are my favorites; all locally owned: Potpourri House, The Peking, El Charro, Pico De Gallo, The Tortilla Factory, The Noonday Store, and Bruno’s.
#10 The Obvious. I can’t imagine that there is any child in East Texas who has missed the following fabulous museums and sights, but just in case, be sure to visit Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Museum of Art, Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum and Country Store, Goodman Museum, The Rose Garden, and last, but not least, Discovery Science Place.
With its historic homes, cultural variety, beautiful parks, great restaurants and great shopping, Tyler is a perfect place to take a mini vacation before school starts. Or clip this list and stow it in your dash. Then, next time you have to go to Tyler for business or appointments, let it inspire you to make an adventure out of an ordinary trip to town.
Either way, I hope these ideas will encourage you to take another look at a beautiful East Texas destination.
Now, if my readers will send me their ideas about the courses they love, I will make amends for not knowing a thing about golf, by creating a “Readers’ Favorite East Texas Golf Courses List.”
Attention Motorcycle Mamas
Attention all Motorcycle Mamas. Now is the time to straddle a bike with your leather-lovin’ sweetheart and rumble on down the highway. Brmm, brmmm….
I couldn’t help but be jealous as my chunky SUV pulled up next to a revved up couple on their shiny black and chrome horse recently in Bastrop, Texas.
There’s a glorious little historic triangle between Bastrop, Goliad, and Victoria that just begs for the feel of the wind in your face. Every turn in the road brings new vistas of green Texas farmland complete with quaint farm houses, camera-worthy courthouses and libraries, and, for lovers of colonial art, Catholic missions and cathedrals.
On the way home, travel Hwy 237 between La Grange and Brenham, for scenery that is something like a mix between the 1800s and First Monday, centered around Round Top, but spreading out for miles along the highway.
If you take to the trail in Central Texas don’t miss these memory-making experiences:
-Bastrop’s main street, which is lined with historic store-fronts now showcasing boutiques, antique stores, and cafes, feels like Jesse James could show up any minute.
The Bastrop Visitor’s Center, in a bank building from the 1800s, has maps and local history lessons dating back to 1821 when Stephen F. Austin first formed his “Little Colony.” It will be no trouble finding a place to park your bike so you can wander the tree-shaded streets hoping to experience any ghosts from this town’s historic past.
-The Mission Espiritu Santo, with kid-friendly exhibits and folks weaving cloth from cotton and wool, was home to Franciscan friars who, after daring attempts to convert cannibalistic tribes, made their home in the beautiful sunlit mission near Goliad from 1749. It is the same spot where Santa Anna once led his troops up the steep limestone incline of the San Antonio River to attack the Texicans.
-Rumble through Victoria’s downtown, pausing to visit the courthouse and the Catholic Cathedral.
- Someone should give those folks in Round Top a medal! Just when we thought Texas was turning into one big metroplex, here’s a whole community of folks caringly preserving the wooden farmhouses of the 1800s along a single-lane, country highway cutting through green, grassy farmland.
Round Top hosts internationally respected musicians on a monthly or weekly basis, thanks to the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, plus, there’s shopping.
They also claim to be one of the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in America” and I, for one, can’t think of a better excuse to return for a weekend and verify personally that they are telling the truth.
With all that open air and open road, not to mention music, architecture, and culture is it any wonder that even SUV Mamas find their pulse racing? Brmmm…
I couldn’t help but be jealous as my chunky SUV pulled up next to a revved up couple on their shiny black and chrome horse recently in Bastrop, Texas.
There’s a glorious little historic triangle between Bastrop, Goliad, and Victoria that just begs for the feel of the wind in your face. Every turn in the road brings new vistas of green Texas farmland complete with quaint farm houses, camera-worthy courthouses and libraries, and, for lovers of colonial art, Catholic missions and cathedrals.
On the way home, travel Hwy 237 between La Grange and Brenham, for scenery that is something like a mix between the 1800s and First Monday, centered around Round Top, but spreading out for miles along the highway.
If you take to the trail in Central Texas don’t miss these memory-making experiences:
-Bastrop’s main street, which is lined with historic store-fronts now showcasing boutiques, antique stores, and cafes, feels like Jesse James could show up any minute.
The Bastrop Visitor’s Center, in a bank building from the 1800s, has maps and local history lessons dating back to 1821 when Stephen F. Austin first formed his “Little Colony.” It will be no trouble finding a place to park your bike so you can wander the tree-shaded streets hoping to experience any ghosts from this town’s historic past.
-The Mission Espiritu Santo, with kid-friendly exhibits and folks weaving cloth from cotton and wool, was home to Franciscan friars who, after daring attempts to convert cannibalistic tribes, made their home in the beautiful sunlit mission near Goliad from 1749. It is the same spot where Santa Anna once led his troops up the steep limestone incline of the San Antonio River to attack the Texicans.
-Rumble through Victoria’s downtown, pausing to visit the courthouse and the Catholic Cathedral.
- Someone should give those folks in Round Top a medal! Just when we thought Texas was turning into one big metroplex, here’s a whole community of folks caringly preserving the wooden farmhouses of the 1800s along a single-lane, country highway cutting through green, grassy farmland.
Round Top hosts internationally respected musicians on a monthly or weekly basis, thanks to the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, plus, there’s shopping.
They also claim to be one of the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in America” and I, for one, can’t think of a better excuse to return for a weekend and verify personally that they are telling the truth.
With all that open air and open road, not to mention music, architecture, and culture is it any wonder that even SUV Mamas find their pulse racing? Brmmm…
Attention Motorcycle Mamas
Attention all Motorcycle Mamas. Now is the time to straddle a bike with your leather-lovin’ sweetheart and rumble on down the highway. Brmm, brmmm….
I couldn’t help but be jealous as my chunky SUV pulled up next to a revved up couple on their shiny black and chrome horse recently in Bastrop, Texas.
There’s a glorious little historic triangle between Bastrop, Goliad, and Victoria that just begs for the feel of the wind in your face. Every turn in the road brings new vistas of green Texas farmland complete with quaint farm houses, camera-worthy courthouses and libraries, and, for lovers of colonial art, Catholic missions and cathedrals.
On the way home, travel Hwy 237 between La Grange and Brenham, for scenery that is something like a mix between the 1800s and First Monday, centered around Round Top, but spreading out for miles along the highway.
If you take to the trail in Central Texas don’t miss these memory-making experiences:
-Bastrop’s main street, which is lined with historic store-fronts now showcasing boutiques, antique stores, and cafes, feels like Jesse James could show up any minute.
The Bastrop Visitor’s Center, in a bank building from the 1800s, has maps and local history lessons dating back to 1821 when Stephen F. Austin first formed his “Little Colony.” It will be no trouble finding a place to park your bike so you can wander the tree-shaded streets hoping to experience any ghosts from this town’s historic past.
-The Mission Espiritu Santo, with kid-friendly exhibits and folks weaving cloth from cotton and wool, was home to Franciscan friars who, after daring attempts to convert cannibalistic tribes, made their home in the beautiful sunlit mission near Goliad from 1749. It is the same spot where Santa Anna once led his troops up the steep limestone incline of the San Antonio River to attack the Texicans.
-Rumble through Victoria’s downtown, pausing to visit the courthouse and the Catholic Cathedral.
- Someone should give those folks in Round Top a medal! Just when we thought Texas was turning into one big metroplex, here’s a whole community of folks caringly preserving the wooden farmhouses of the 1800s along a single-lane, country highway cutting through green, grassy farmland.
Round Top hosts internationally respected musicians on a monthly or weekly basis, thanks to the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, plus, there’s shopping.
They also claim to be one of the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in America” and I, for one, can’t think of a better excuse to return for a weekend and verify personally that they are telling the truth.
With all that open air and open road, not to mention music, architecture, and culture is it any wonder that even SUV Mamas find their pulse racing? Brmmm…
I couldn’t help but be jealous as my chunky SUV pulled up next to a revved up couple on their shiny black and chrome horse recently in Bastrop, Texas.
There’s a glorious little historic triangle between Bastrop, Goliad, and Victoria that just begs for the feel of the wind in your face. Every turn in the road brings new vistas of green Texas farmland complete with quaint farm houses, camera-worthy courthouses and libraries, and, for lovers of colonial art, Catholic missions and cathedrals.
On the way home, travel Hwy 237 between La Grange and Brenham, for scenery that is something like a mix between the 1800s and First Monday, centered around Round Top, but spreading out for miles along the highway.
If you take to the trail in Central Texas don’t miss these memory-making experiences:
-Bastrop’s main street, which is lined with historic store-fronts now showcasing boutiques, antique stores, and cafes, feels like Jesse James could show up any minute.
The Bastrop Visitor’s Center, in a bank building from the 1800s, has maps and local history lessons dating back to 1821 when Stephen F. Austin first formed his “Little Colony.” It will be no trouble finding a place to park your bike so you can wander the tree-shaded streets hoping to experience any ghosts from this town’s historic past.
-The Mission Espiritu Santo, with kid-friendly exhibits and folks weaving cloth from cotton and wool, was home to Franciscan friars who, after daring attempts to convert cannibalistic tribes, made their home in the beautiful sunlit mission near Goliad from 1749. It is the same spot where Santa Anna once led his troops up the steep limestone incline of the San Antonio River to attack the Texicans.
-Rumble through Victoria’s downtown, pausing to visit the courthouse and the Catholic Cathedral.
- Someone should give those folks in Round Top a medal! Just when we thought Texas was turning into one big metroplex, here’s a whole community of folks caringly preserving the wooden farmhouses of the 1800s along a single-lane, country highway cutting through green, grassy farmland.
Round Top hosts internationally respected musicians on a monthly or weekly basis, thanks to the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, plus, there’s shopping.
They also claim to be one of the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in America” and I, for one, can’t think of a better excuse to return for a weekend and verify personally that they are telling the truth.
With all that open air and open road, not to mention music, architecture, and culture is it any wonder that even SUV Mamas find their pulse racing? Brmmm…
Going International? Go Lightly
Who can stand the airport these days?
Wouldn’t it be great if teleporting were not just the stuff of science fiction? What a dream to travel internationally, or even in the US, without the hassle of baggage checks and baggage handlers!
My personal philosophy is “If it doesn’t fit in my back pack, it doesn‘t make the trip!”
What can I say? I’m sorry, I have trust issues. The idea of strangers rifling through my luggage behind the scenes makes me shudder. I refuse to check baggage.
When I was growing up, my parents had their own hard and fast rule for travel, “You bring it, you carry it!”
All of which adds up to make me a very light packer.
There are plenty of things you can do to lighten your suitcase. Here are some ideas for how to pack for a two week vacation in a small rolling suitcase that fits under the seat, plus a back pack:
-Only go to the beach. Just kidding.
-Always pack your swim suit in your purse. Seriously. Why would you take a chance with the item that is the most difficult thing in the world to fit? It represents hours spent in the dressing room, why would you trust it to behind the scenes Baggage Riflers? Not that they would actually want to steal a middle-aged woman’s swim suit, I’m not paranoid, well, but you never know.
-Put your purse in your back pack, along with a small book, a small camera, a paper back novel, and your zip lock bag of liquids.
-Wear a versatile, comfortable jacket and your walking shoes on the plane. Wearing them will free up room in your suitcase, plus the temperature on the plane will always be predictably unpredictable.
-Speaking of shoes, tennis shoes and baseball caps may mark you as an American. Take a hat, but choose one that can be shoved in a pocket and come out retaining its shape.
-Bring cheap, neutral clothes that you can leave behind when you return home.
-Leave your good jewelry at home and invest $5 dollars or less in something fun, colorful, sparkly, and obviously fake. Take sparkly flip flops to match for the beach or a short walk to dinner.
- Get a haircut and leave the curlers at home, along with all the other appliances Americans think they need. Take a vacation from hours spent getting ready and experience natural glamour.
-Pack a fold up duffle bag in the bottom of your suitcase. When it’s time to come home, put your souvenirs, and your swim suits of course, in the duffel and carry them on the plane. Then, it is okay to check your rolling suitcase full of your dirty, cheap clothes.
If you have more practical ideas about international travel or light packing to share, I would love to pass them on.
Wouldn’t it be great if teleporting were not just the stuff of science fiction? What a dream to travel internationally, or even in the US, without the hassle of baggage checks and baggage handlers!
My personal philosophy is “If it doesn’t fit in my back pack, it doesn‘t make the trip!”
What can I say? I’m sorry, I have trust issues. The idea of strangers rifling through my luggage behind the scenes makes me shudder. I refuse to check baggage.
When I was growing up, my parents had their own hard and fast rule for travel, “You bring it, you carry it!”
All of which adds up to make me a very light packer.
There are plenty of things you can do to lighten your suitcase. Here are some ideas for how to pack for a two week vacation in a small rolling suitcase that fits under the seat, plus a back pack:
-Only go to the beach. Just kidding.
-Always pack your swim suit in your purse. Seriously. Why would you take a chance with the item that is the most difficult thing in the world to fit? It represents hours spent in the dressing room, why would you trust it to behind the scenes Baggage Riflers? Not that they would actually want to steal a middle-aged woman’s swim suit, I’m not paranoid, well, but you never know.
-Put your purse in your back pack, along with a small book, a small camera, a paper back novel, and your zip lock bag of liquids.
-Wear a versatile, comfortable jacket and your walking shoes on the plane. Wearing them will free up room in your suitcase, plus the temperature on the plane will always be predictably unpredictable.
-Speaking of shoes, tennis shoes and baseball caps may mark you as an American. Take a hat, but choose one that can be shoved in a pocket and come out retaining its shape.
-Bring cheap, neutral clothes that you can leave behind when you return home.
-Leave your good jewelry at home and invest $5 dollars or less in something fun, colorful, sparkly, and obviously fake. Take sparkly flip flops to match for the beach or a short walk to dinner.
- Get a haircut and leave the curlers at home, along with all the other appliances Americans think they need. Take a vacation from hours spent getting ready and experience natural glamour.
-Pack a fold up duffle bag in the bottom of your suitcase. When it’s time to come home, put your souvenirs, and your swim suits of course, in the duffel and carry them on the plane. Then, it is okay to check your rolling suitcase full of your dirty, cheap clothes.
If you have more practical ideas about international travel or light packing to share, I would love to pass them on.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Volunteers Serving Up Patriotic Festival
The weather turns crisp, we wait in line to vote, and our hearts start remembering to count the blessings of living in a free country. Humbly, we realize that these freedoms are brought to us by people willing to give the ultimate gift to their fellow countrymen.
In honor of our veterans, Bullard civic leaders are busy preparing this year’s Red, White, and Blue Festival which happens November 7th and 8th, the weekend after the elections.
Bullard folks are hoping you’ll come out to honor our vets. If you do, here are the behind-the-scenes folks to thank for this event which promises to be saturated with boot-tapping music.
Teresa Adams Wilks, of Adams Insurance Agency, has served as Committee Chairman.
City manager, Larry Morgan, has covered innumerable facilities and logistics issues, along with plain old-fashioned trouble-shooting.
Music biz guru, Mike Alexander of Salt Creek Productions, lined up an impressive array of professional performers this year. But that’s not all, folks, he also organized the Talent Search, his brain child, and will be doing all the stage and sound engineering. Mike also serves as this year’s Chamber president.
Larry Melhart of Melhart Allstate Agency, with the help of Judge Danny and Sandy Ray, is the guy to thank for the fabulous parade in the works.
Darlene McKay of Remember When, has put her retail skills to work lining up vendors in what promises to be an impressive array of food and shopping.
If you like car shows and tractor shows, you’ll want to thank Stephanie Moore of Bullard Collision. And you’ll definitely want to make plans to come out and see all the vehicles.
When you see Miss Armed Forces holding a bouquet, know that Sue Hornbuckle of Flowers by Sue has worked tirelessly to help organize and plan the event.
Sherri Glover of Glover Bookkeeping & Tax Svc, has kept the committee up to the minute on income and expenses.
Lori Melinger, along with Cindy Dotson of KLTV, tackled the job of getting the word out to the media and the public.
Last, but by no means least, Chris Thompson of Snow Coney Island, with the help of his wife, Mary Beth, bravely and prayerfully headed up the sponsorship committee to inspire giving in spite of a faltering economy, proving that folks in Bullard are just plain generous.
Finally, teachers and leaders at both Bullard ISD and Brookhill have pitched in to make both the Patriotic Poster and Essay Contests a success, not to mention the students who participated and the parents who encouraged. Be sure and look for our display of all the beautiful posters.
These are the volunteers who have generously given their time for months in order for Bullard to host this tribute to our Veterans.
And while we are talking about people to thank, the event wouldn’t be possible without generous donations from our sponsors.
Major sponsors this year are Brookshire’s and Sam’s Club.
Other generous sponsors include: Salt Creek Productions, Trinity Mother Frances Health Systems, East Texas Medical Center, WRL Construction, and many more.
If you happen to see any of these volunteers or our sponsors, be sure and thank them. For more info about the Red, White, and Blue Festival go to www.bullardtexaschamber.com.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at htt://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
In honor of our veterans, Bullard civic leaders are busy preparing this year’s Red, White, and Blue Festival which happens November 7th and 8th, the weekend after the elections.
Bullard folks are hoping you’ll come out to honor our vets. If you do, here are the behind-the-scenes folks to thank for this event which promises to be saturated with boot-tapping music.
Teresa Adams Wilks, of Adams Insurance Agency, has served as Committee Chairman.
City manager, Larry Morgan, has covered innumerable facilities and logistics issues, along with plain old-fashioned trouble-shooting.
Music biz guru, Mike Alexander of Salt Creek Productions, lined up an impressive array of professional performers this year. But that’s not all, folks, he also organized the Talent Search, his brain child, and will be doing all the stage and sound engineering. Mike also serves as this year’s Chamber president.
Larry Melhart of Melhart Allstate Agency, with the help of Judge Danny and Sandy Ray, is the guy to thank for the fabulous parade in the works.
Darlene McKay of Remember When, has put her retail skills to work lining up vendors in what promises to be an impressive array of food and shopping.
If you like car shows and tractor shows, you’ll want to thank Stephanie Moore of Bullard Collision. And you’ll definitely want to make plans to come out and see all the vehicles.
When you see Miss Armed Forces holding a bouquet, know that Sue Hornbuckle of Flowers by Sue has worked tirelessly to help organize and plan the event.
Sherri Glover of Glover Bookkeeping & Tax Svc, has kept the committee up to the minute on income and expenses.
Lori Melinger, along with Cindy Dotson of KLTV, tackled the job of getting the word out to the media and the public.
Last, but by no means least, Chris Thompson of Snow Coney Island, with the help of his wife, Mary Beth, bravely and prayerfully headed up the sponsorship committee to inspire giving in spite of a faltering economy, proving that folks in Bullard are just plain generous.
Finally, teachers and leaders at both Bullard ISD and Brookhill have pitched in to make both the Patriotic Poster and Essay Contests a success, not to mention the students who participated and the parents who encouraged. Be sure and look for our display of all the beautiful posters.
These are the volunteers who have generously given their time for months in order for Bullard to host this tribute to our Veterans.
And while we are talking about people to thank, the event wouldn’t be possible without generous donations from our sponsors.
Major sponsors this year are Brookshire’s and Sam’s Club.
Other generous sponsors include: Salt Creek Productions, Trinity Mother Frances Health Systems, East Texas Medical Center, WRL Construction, and many more.
If you happen to see any of these volunteers or our sponsors, be sure and thank them. For more info about the Red, White, and Blue Festival go to www.bullardtexaschamber.com.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at htt://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Favorite Antique Stores in East Texas
Ah…a cool breeze stirs East Texas.
Reminding me that Thanksgiving will be here soon; Thanksgiving being my favorite of all the holidays, in part because no gift-buying is required.
Thanksgiving is also my deadline for Christmas shopping because I refuse to stand in lines or ruin a perfectly delightful Thanksgiving holiday with stress over unfinished shopping.
And since it is still early enough to feel no pressure, now is the perfect time to grab a couple of friends and make a day of shopping.
In Bullard, Darlene McKay offers an ever-changing collection of grandmotherly-type furniture that she finds herself and prices to sell at her store, Remember When, at 202 Main Street. Walking into the old red-brick building in downtown is an experience to stimulate your creativity, mixing china tea-sets and antique collectibles with hand-crafted gifts, like beaded purses or pillows. If you start early you can “Wake up at Jake’s,” the coffee shop across the highway.
In Frankston, stop by Pandora’s Box, at 302 N. Hwy 155. This fabulous store is a maze of decades and styles including a collection of Texas-themed horse décor and another room showcasing china with antique linens. Always unexpected, last time I stopped by, for instance, there were more than a dozen framed Christmas tree mosaics made of buttons and sequins from the 50s. My favorite part is outside, where the owner, Patty Lookabaugh, stocks antique and hard-to-find plants with all variety of garden decor.
Next stop is Ethel’s in Tyler. Just north of downtown at 513 Bois D’Arc Ave, it is worth the drive if you are looking for furniture of any variety because Ethel keeps an extensive collection and she is always ready to sell in order to make room for her next find. She also tends to find great lamps and amateur art, including an impressive collection of amateur portraits of African-american faces. If you need something in particular, it is worth visiting with her.
While you are downtown, don’t wait until the last minute, pick up your tamales now at the Tyler Tortilla Factory at 513 N Border Ave. Call ahead, 903-595-0873 and order my favorite, the chicken ones. Remember to bring a cooler and ice packs for the drive home.
Last stop, Edom, Texas. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander the Blue Moon nursery, where organic gardening meets a very practical philosophy. Here you will find a gift shop to regale any gardener on your list, plus a thousand simple, inexpensive ways to add zest to your own yard, especially perennials.
If you time it right, you can still peek in at The Potters Brown because someone on your list surely deserves a gift of this beautiful art form, hand-crafted locally by the husband and wife team who are nationally-recognized potters.
By now, it is dinner which can mean only one thing: comfort food at The Shed, in Edom. Top of your day and your dinner with a slice of their home-made, meringue-topped delights.
After such a successful day of shopping, you can look forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, you already have tamales in your freezer.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Reminding me that Thanksgiving will be here soon; Thanksgiving being my favorite of all the holidays, in part because no gift-buying is required.
Thanksgiving is also my deadline for Christmas shopping because I refuse to stand in lines or ruin a perfectly delightful Thanksgiving holiday with stress over unfinished shopping.
And since it is still early enough to feel no pressure, now is the perfect time to grab a couple of friends and make a day of shopping.
In Bullard, Darlene McKay offers an ever-changing collection of grandmotherly-type furniture that she finds herself and prices to sell at her store, Remember When, at 202 Main Street. Walking into the old red-brick building in downtown is an experience to stimulate your creativity, mixing china tea-sets and antique collectibles with hand-crafted gifts, like beaded purses or pillows. If you start early you can “Wake up at Jake’s,” the coffee shop across the highway.
In Frankston, stop by Pandora’s Box, at 302 N. Hwy 155. This fabulous store is a maze of decades and styles including a collection of Texas-themed horse décor and another room showcasing china with antique linens. Always unexpected, last time I stopped by, for instance, there were more than a dozen framed Christmas tree mosaics made of buttons and sequins from the 50s. My favorite part is outside, where the owner, Patty Lookabaugh, stocks antique and hard-to-find plants with all variety of garden decor.
Next stop is Ethel’s in Tyler. Just north of downtown at 513 Bois D’Arc Ave, it is worth the drive if you are looking for furniture of any variety because Ethel keeps an extensive collection and she is always ready to sell in order to make room for her next find. She also tends to find great lamps and amateur art, including an impressive collection of amateur portraits of African-american faces. If you need something in particular, it is worth visiting with her.
While you are downtown, don’t wait until the last minute, pick up your tamales now at the Tyler Tortilla Factory at 513 N Border Ave. Call ahead, 903-595-0873 and order my favorite, the chicken ones. Remember to bring a cooler and ice packs for the drive home.
Last stop, Edom, Texas. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander the Blue Moon nursery, where organic gardening meets a very practical philosophy. Here you will find a gift shop to regale any gardener on your list, plus a thousand simple, inexpensive ways to add zest to your own yard, especially perennials.
If you time it right, you can still peek in at The Potters Brown because someone on your list surely deserves a gift of this beautiful art form, hand-crafted locally by the husband and wife team who are nationally-recognized potters.
By now, it is dinner which can mean only one thing: comfort food at The Shed, in Edom. Top of your day and your dinner with a slice of their home-made, meringue-topped delights.
After such a successful day of shopping, you can look forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, you already have tamales in your freezer.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Day Tripping to Carthage
“East Texas Oil and Gas Blast, Feel the Energy!”
Great line, huh? And what timing, given that all the politicians are talking about energy now that prices at the pump are way up.
Well, we have to give our East Texas neighbors in Carthage credit for doing their part to keep us independent of foreign oil, by celebrating our rich oil and gas history with a festival.
Why not fill up the tank and mosey over to Carthage for the fun?
The Saturday, October 11th event, promises all day entertainment, from 10am to 5pm, including performances by special guests, Tony Booth and Johnny Lee.
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is in Carthage, of course, and worth a visit all by itself. But there’s plenty more to do while you are there.
There’s also the Old Jail Museum, built in 1891, featuring restored jail cells on the second floor and the Leila Belle LaGrone Family History Center, an active genealogical research library housed downstairs.
Blast special events will include arts and crafts, a pie contest, a car show, and hourly drawings for prizes.
But each and every Saturday night in Carthage means live music at the Esquire, an old downtown movie theater which is now the home of the Country Music Hayride, where “All shows are geared towards providing good family entertainment,” according to the East Texas Tourism Guide. When there’s a fifth Saturday night in the month, music is usually gospel.
While you’re in town, check out the historic downtown where music chimes all day long, and the streets are lined with boutiques and antique stores.
There’s the Emporium on the Square, at 102 N. Marshal/Henderson, specializing in antiques, sporting a nice collection of rhinestone jewelry.
At Blessings, 110 E. Main St., gifts have a faith-filled message; I bought ribbon-trimmed dish towels and tucked them away for stocking stuffers. Lunch is served daily at quaint tables in the back.
Speaking of lunch, there’s also the Texas Tea Room, 100 E. Sabine, where volunteers serve up fresh sandwiches and soups at reasonable prices in an effort to support the Heritage Museum which is devoted to the history of Panola County. Above the tea room, the museum is a tip o’ the hat to inhabitants of the county, including Native American artifacts, photos of early community leaders, and a history of education in the county.
Save room for desert because the Fudge and More Store, at 106 W. Sabine, serves fresh, buttery fudge to chocolate-seeking customers, prepared after-hours each evening by owners, Dean and Brenda Jones. My favorite was a chocolaty concoction of pecans and toffee filling, but the traditional toffee was good, too.
Carthage is also home to Panola College, where the manicured, park-like campus could even inspire an old person like me to re-enroll for classes.
With so many cafes to choose from, lunch could be just another excuse to come back and visit Carthage again, not to mention the shopping and the museums in this history-loving little Texas town.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Great line, huh? And what timing, given that all the politicians are talking about energy now that prices at the pump are way up.
Well, we have to give our East Texas neighbors in Carthage credit for doing their part to keep us independent of foreign oil, by celebrating our rich oil and gas history with a festival.
Why not fill up the tank and mosey over to Carthage for the fun?
The Saturday, October 11th event, promises all day entertainment, from 10am to 5pm, including performances by special guests, Tony Booth and Johnny Lee.
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is in Carthage, of course, and worth a visit all by itself. But there’s plenty more to do while you are there.
There’s also the Old Jail Museum, built in 1891, featuring restored jail cells on the second floor and the Leila Belle LaGrone Family History Center, an active genealogical research library housed downstairs.
Blast special events will include arts and crafts, a pie contest, a car show, and hourly drawings for prizes.
But each and every Saturday night in Carthage means live music at the Esquire, an old downtown movie theater which is now the home of the Country Music Hayride, where “All shows are geared towards providing good family entertainment,” according to the East Texas Tourism Guide. When there’s a fifth Saturday night in the month, music is usually gospel.
While you’re in town, check out the historic downtown where music chimes all day long, and the streets are lined with boutiques and antique stores.
There’s the Emporium on the Square, at 102 N. Marshal/Henderson, specializing in antiques, sporting a nice collection of rhinestone jewelry.
At Blessings, 110 E. Main St., gifts have a faith-filled message; I bought ribbon-trimmed dish towels and tucked them away for stocking stuffers. Lunch is served daily at quaint tables in the back.
Speaking of lunch, there’s also the Texas Tea Room, 100 E. Sabine, where volunteers serve up fresh sandwiches and soups at reasonable prices in an effort to support the Heritage Museum which is devoted to the history of Panola County. Above the tea room, the museum is a tip o’ the hat to inhabitants of the county, including Native American artifacts, photos of early community leaders, and a history of education in the county.
Save room for desert because the Fudge and More Store, at 106 W. Sabine, serves fresh, buttery fudge to chocolate-seeking customers, prepared after-hours each evening by owners, Dean and Brenda Jones. My favorite was a chocolaty concoction of pecans and toffee filling, but the traditional toffee was good, too.
Carthage is also home to Panola College, where the manicured, park-like campus could even inspire an old person like me to re-enroll for classes.
With so many cafes to choose from, lunch could be just another excuse to come back and visit Carthage again, not to mention the shopping and the museums in this history-loving little Texas town.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Overcoming Scuba Aversion
“Oh that was just a sand shark. They don’t even have teeth,” she said with a soothing smile.
I wanted to believe her. The big, blue sea beckoned.
Most folks have an instinctive aversion to scuba. Too much equipment.
Scuba is closely related to swimming and swimming is, after all, one of those water sports where the motto, “Less is better,” means a practical bathing suit is better than a fancy or skimpy one. Less distraction from the pure delight of being in the sun and water, right?
It follows that cumbersome scuba equipment, while necessary, would be a distraction.
Of course, when it comes to scuba diving, there is that worrisome problem of needing oxygen to live. For me, it always seemed logical to enjoy water sports on top of the water where human lungs function best.
Not to mention sharks. They seem more real under water, don’t they? Like they have the home team advantage. Even sand sharks.
Scuba was not even in my vocabulary until I went snorkeling.
Who knew there was so much social life under the surface? Snorkeling gave me a ring-side seat to the underworld circus of fish and sea creatures too numerous to name.
From the moment I got a glimpse of the sun fish flitting under the surface, I knew I would need a tank to get close enough to satisfy my curiosity.
If you are trying to get a scuba-phobe to immerse with you, here are some things that may help encourage a new scubie to bite the bullet. Oops, mentioning biting in the same column as sharks seems counterproductive.
-First, the tanks are a lot lighter under water. When you use up all the air, the tank actually tends to make you float to the surface. I find this somewhat reassuring.
-It is great for families; scuba is a great way to keep your kids involved with you and stuck together for hours at a time, in a pursuit so fascinating and complicated that they forget to whine or complain. That is, until they finally come up for air and remember suddenly that they are totally starving.
-The underwater world is an incredible expression of God’s creativity. The variety and beauty of the fish alone, not to mention the other creatures or the vegetation, are enough to make you take a second look at the infinite variety of the people He made.
-Learning something new keeps old folks young. And it is great exercise.
-Scuba masters have been through rigorous training themselves. They seem to enjoy checking all the equipment as many times as you like, which in my case is annoyingly often. Like Texans know the best fishing holes, Dive Masters often know the underwater terrain in their neighborhood and can make sure you see lots of action.
-If you reserve an excursion off the coast, you’ll get to ride in a big boat under a big blue sky on the wide-open turquoise water to the dive site.
When we got back from my first blue water dive recently, I trolled for sand shark on the internet. Guess what? Sand sharks do have teeth. They can even be dangerous!
It’s just a good thing I couldn’t take my lap top on the boat.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at cathykrafve@gmail or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
I wanted to believe her. The big, blue sea beckoned.
Most folks have an instinctive aversion to scuba. Too much equipment.
Scuba is closely related to swimming and swimming is, after all, one of those water sports where the motto, “Less is better,” means a practical bathing suit is better than a fancy or skimpy one. Less distraction from the pure delight of being in the sun and water, right?
It follows that cumbersome scuba equipment, while necessary, would be a distraction.
Of course, when it comes to scuba diving, there is that worrisome problem of needing oxygen to live. For me, it always seemed logical to enjoy water sports on top of the water where human lungs function best.
Not to mention sharks. They seem more real under water, don’t they? Like they have the home team advantage. Even sand sharks.
Scuba was not even in my vocabulary until I went snorkeling.
Who knew there was so much social life under the surface? Snorkeling gave me a ring-side seat to the underworld circus of fish and sea creatures too numerous to name.
From the moment I got a glimpse of the sun fish flitting under the surface, I knew I would need a tank to get close enough to satisfy my curiosity.
If you are trying to get a scuba-phobe to immerse with you, here are some things that may help encourage a new scubie to bite the bullet. Oops, mentioning biting in the same column as sharks seems counterproductive.
-First, the tanks are a lot lighter under water. When you use up all the air, the tank actually tends to make you float to the surface. I find this somewhat reassuring.
-It is great for families; scuba is a great way to keep your kids involved with you and stuck together for hours at a time, in a pursuit so fascinating and complicated that they forget to whine or complain. That is, until they finally come up for air and remember suddenly that they are totally starving.
-The underwater world is an incredible expression of God’s creativity. The variety and beauty of the fish alone, not to mention the other creatures or the vegetation, are enough to make you take a second look at the infinite variety of the people He made.
-Learning something new keeps old folks young. And it is great exercise.
-Scuba masters have been through rigorous training themselves. They seem to enjoy checking all the equipment as many times as you like, which in my case is annoyingly often. Like Texans know the best fishing holes, Dive Masters often know the underwater terrain in their neighborhood and can make sure you see lots of action.
-If you reserve an excursion off the coast, you’ll get to ride in a big boat under a big blue sky on the wide-open turquoise water to the dive site.
When we got back from my first blue water dive recently, I trolled for sand shark on the internet. Guess what? Sand sharks do have teeth. They can even be dangerous!
It’s just a good thing I couldn’t take my lap top on the boat.
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at cathykrafve@gmail or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
What to Do First in Romantic Miami?
It turns out that Miami is one of my favorite places in the world. Who knew?
I guess I pictured the Miami that Hollywood invented, filled with drug-dealers and scantily dressed floozies.
Turns out Miami is the perfect place to travel with your family. Or, as we recently found out, it’s a great place for a romantic getaway.
Of course, who can argue with any place that features sunshine glistening off of turquoise water and sandy beaches, combined with fun stuff to do, delicious restaurants, and live music?
Here are just a few of our favorite things about Miami:
-The aquarium. Yes, and I am old enough to remember and be impressed by the original set of the TV series, “Flipper.”
-South Beach. The sandy, white beaches are fringed by water so clear you can see for yards and so gentle, that your smallest children can walk out that far without ever getting into trouble. Plus, there is public access through parks that have restrooms and outdoor showers; parks so picturesque that they frequently make the cut as sets in movies and TV shows.
-South Beach shopping. Still in your bathing suit, wander into any of the famous designer stores or, my favorite, choose from all the shoe stores whose windows boast shelves of fancy, colorful shoes and purses at discount prices.
-The Vizcaya. This historic mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay once belonged to the guy who owned American Harvester and sent his decorator all over Europe, furnishing his summer home in layers of history by way of antiques. It is also a self-sustaining, eco-friendly agricultural estate.
-Los Ranchos at Bayside. A Nicaraguan restaurant serving thin-cut steak served with three sauces, my favorite of which is a parsley and garlic sauce. Steaks come with fried green plantains which are crisp like potato chips, fried sweet plantains which are similar to sweet potatoes, and pinto gallo, a traditional way of preparing pinto beans and rice. Don’t miss the Yucca or the Nicaraguan tamales.
-The Café Versailles in Little Havana. A classic Cuban restaurant serving flaky, buttery pastries unique to Cuba that bring to mind Paris but are filled with tropical jellies like mango or guava. Here, elderly Cuban gentlemen dressed in nice slacks and dress shirts line up at the window outside for the Cuban coffee. Inside reasonably-priced Cuban specialties are served on white table clothes. Plan to order in Spanish because the waiters aren’t necessarily bilingual.
-Puerto Sagua on South Beach. Try the fish soup or the pushed Cuban sandwich. Similar to French bread, Cubans make their soft, crusty loaves fresh every day, then fill them so full of ham, turkey and a mild, melted cheese that the sandwich has to be pushed down to hold together.
-Catch an outdoor concert. Walk outside any day of the week in South Beach and you’ll stumble onto a live concert at any of the restaurants where tables spill over onto the sidewalks. Order dinner and enjoy the musical benefits of the local culture. If you are so inclined, you can even smoke one of the other benefits of Miami culture, hand-rolled Cuban-style cigars.
Outside of Texas, there are few places in the world that I want to visit twice. It turns out Miami is on my short list of places to return to again and again. Bienvenidos a Miami!
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at CaeKrafve2@aol.com or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
I guess I pictured the Miami that Hollywood invented, filled with drug-dealers and scantily dressed floozies.
Turns out Miami is the perfect place to travel with your family. Or, as we recently found out, it’s a great place for a romantic getaway.
Of course, who can argue with any place that features sunshine glistening off of turquoise water and sandy beaches, combined with fun stuff to do, delicious restaurants, and live music?
Here are just a few of our favorite things about Miami:
-The aquarium. Yes, and I am old enough to remember and be impressed by the original set of the TV series, “Flipper.”
-South Beach. The sandy, white beaches are fringed by water so clear you can see for yards and so gentle, that your smallest children can walk out that far without ever getting into trouble. Plus, there is public access through parks that have restrooms and outdoor showers; parks so picturesque that they frequently make the cut as sets in movies and TV shows.
-South Beach shopping. Still in your bathing suit, wander into any of the famous designer stores or, my favorite, choose from all the shoe stores whose windows boast shelves of fancy, colorful shoes and purses at discount prices.
-The Vizcaya. This historic mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay once belonged to the guy who owned American Harvester and sent his decorator all over Europe, furnishing his summer home in layers of history by way of antiques. It is also a self-sustaining, eco-friendly agricultural estate.
-Los Ranchos at Bayside. A Nicaraguan restaurant serving thin-cut steak served with three sauces, my favorite of which is a parsley and garlic sauce. Steaks come with fried green plantains which are crisp like potato chips, fried sweet plantains which are similar to sweet potatoes, and pinto gallo, a traditional way of preparing pinto beans and rice. Don’t miss the Yucca or the Nicaraguan tamales.
-The Café Versailles in Little Havana. A classic Cuban restaurant serving flaky, buttery pastries unique to Cuba that bring to mind Paris but are filled with tropical jellies like mango or guava. Here, elderly Cuban gentlemen dressed in nice slacks and dress shirts line up at the window outside for the Cuban coffee. Inside reasonably-priced Cuban specialties are served on white table clothes. Plan to order in Spanish because the waiters aren’t necessarily bilingual.
-Puerto Sagua on South Beach. Try the fish soup or the pushed Cuban sandwich. Similar to French bread, Cubans make their soft, crusty loaves fresh every day, then fill them so full of ham, turkey and a mild, melted cheese that the sandwich has to be pushed down to hold together.
-Catch an outdoor concert. Walk outside any day of the week in South Beach and you’ll stumble onto a live concert at any of the restaurants where tables spill over onto the sidewalks. Order dinner and enjoy the musical benefits of the local culture. If you are so inclined, you can even smoke one of the other benefits of Miami culture, hand-rolled Cuban-style cigars.
Outside of Texas, there are few places in the world that I want to visit twice. It turns out Miami is on my short list of places to return to again and again. Bienvenidos a Miami!
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at CaeKrafve2@aol.com or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
Travel the Florida Keys
Twenty-five years later, my husband and I decided it was time to celebrate our marriage with a fancy trip.
“It’s a miracle,” he said every time anyone commented on our marital accomplishment.
You would think I’d feel insulted hearing that over and over again as we traveled down the Florida Keys.
Not so. There’s just enough truth in the comment to be funny. After all, I was there for those same twenty-five years together, miraculously enough.
We both know Who gets the credit for keeping us committed to each other and to the process called marriage.
Given that marriage is one long negotiation, we wisely decided on a destination that produced no squabbling; the beach.
It turned out to be a judicious choice, even given Florida’s propensity for hurricanes. Days were balmy and lazy, filled with sunshine, surf, and seafood.
Here are the places along the way that deserve consideration for honeymooners, families, or old lovers, like us.
-Palm Island. There’s no car access to the island, so prepare yourself to be taxied over in a gorgeous wooden motor boat named “Bess” or “Truman” after the presidential couple who made Palm Island one of their favorite fishing get-aways. Executive Chef, Luis A Pous, is the #2 chef in the world, apparently. I have no idea where #1 works, but the food on Palm Island was terrific. I also enjoyed dancing under the stars to live music.
-Deer Key. The last remaining 700 or so of their own special species are making a comeback here in this tropical paradise. These tiny deer know they are loved, so they think nothing of coming up and nuzzling humans.
-Casa Marina in Key West. Recently updated, this jewel of a resort hotel has two swimming pools over-looking the Atlantic and luxurious, crisp linens.
-Turtle Kraals. Sit upstairs on the deck, watch the sun set, and enjoy nachos even Texans can appreciate while you watch the yachts come and go at the marina.
-Southpoint Scuba. Its tempting to laze by the pool all day and take in the innumerable restaurants in Key West, going from lounge chair to table and back again, but don’t miss an amazing chance to get scuba certified in a matter of two days on the #3 choral reef in the world.
-Graffiti’s. It is hard to narrow down the best boutique shopping in Key West, simply because there are so many stores and they were all running sales while we were there. My pick is Graffiti’s where the owner sells his own design of Speedo-style trunks for men. However, if I write too much about the swim trunks I bought there for my husband, I may not make it to our twenty-sixth.
The total drive time from Miami to Key West is an easy four hours; that is, if there is no threat of hurricane. The locals tend to view hurricanes as an excuse to have hurricane parties.
I’ve already started negotiating for another relaxed trip to the beach for our thirtieth. I’d wait to our golden anniversary, but it will be miracle enough just to live that long.
If only marriage were just one long trip to the beach. Wouldn’t that be grand!
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at cathykrafve@gmail.com or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
“It’s a miracle,” he said every time anyone commented on our marital accomplishment.
You would think I’d feel insulted hearing that over and over again as we traveled down the Florida Keys.
Not so. There’s just enough truth in the comment to be funny. After all, I was there for those same twenty-five years together, miraculously enough.
We both know Who gets the credit for keeping us committed to each other and to the process called marriage.
Given that marriage is one long negotiation, we wisely decided on a destination that produced no squabbling; the beach.
It turned out to be a judicious choice, even given Florida’s propensity for hurricanes. Days were balmy and lazy, filled with sunshine, surf, and seafood.
Here are the places along the way that deserve consideration for honeymooners, families, or old lovers, like us.
-Palm Island. There’s no car access to the island, so prepare yourself to be taxied over in a gorgeous wooden motor boat named “Bess” or “Truman” after the presidential couple who made Palm Island one of their favorite fishing get-aways. Executive Chef, Luis A Pous, is the #2 chef in the world, apparently. I have no idea where #1 works, but the food on Palm Island was terrific. I also enjoyed dancing under the stars to live music.
-Deer Key. The last remaining 700 or so of their own special species are making a comeback here in this tropical paradise. These tiny deer know they are loved, so they think nothing of coming up and nuzzling humans.
-Casa Marina in Key West. Recently updated, this jewel of a resort hotel has two swimming pools over-looking the Atlantic and luxurious, crisp linens.
-Turtle Kraals. Sit upstairs on the deck, watch the sun set, and enjoy nachos even Texans can appreciate while you watch the yachts come and go at the marina.
-Southpoint Scuba. Its tempting to laze by the pool all day and take in the innumerable restaurants in Key West, going from lounge chair to table and back again, but don’t miss an amazing chance to get scuba certified in a matter of two days on the #3 choral reef in the world.
-Graffiti’s. It is hard to narrow down the best boutique shopping in Key West, simply because there are so many stores and they were all running sales while we were there. My pick is Graffiti’s where the owner sells his own design of Speedo-style trunks for men. However, if I write too much about the swim trunks I bought there for my husband, I may not make it to our twenty-sixth.
The total drive time from Miami to Key West is an easy four hours; that is, if there is no threat of hurricane. The locals tend to view hurricanes as an excuse to have hurricane parties.
I’ve already started negotiating for another relaxed trip to the beach for our thirtieth. I’d wait to our golden anniversary, but it will be miracle enough just to live that long.
If only marriage were just one long trip to the beach. Wouldn’t that be grand!
Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at cathykrafve@gmail.com or http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.
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