Saturday, July 31, 2010

COTA for Harley Duffer 5k

Over 200 runners showed up this morning in Wills Point, Texas to run for Harley Duffer. Here are the top 3 finishers in each age group. The Children's Organ Transplant Association website has information for how you can help.


My time was 33:52 my best yet.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Skywatch Friday-No Rain

The rain just missed us Wednesday. From the Terrell airport, this is the view to the northeast, nice looking clouds but no rain.


We made it to Friday, and its almost the end of July.....the year is zipping past.

There is a short AP story about Bruce Garner from Terrell making the rounds. I can't wait to read more about him in Sundays Terrell Tribune. Check out his smile.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Rain is behind us

Our mini cool front and wet weather has passed. The clouds were dark yesterday but in town we didn't get any rain. The National Weather Service forecasts a small chance of rain today. The temperature will be climbing over 100 starting Friday and lasting through at least next Wednesday. Summer is back.


When I first joined the City Daily Photo family back in 2007, there was a photographer who had a pay-pal account set up asking for people to contribute to her trip to Paris. I think she had collected $30, which probably was from her Mom. Not sure how far that $30 got her.

I am really wanting to go to Austin for the swearing in of the Texas Legislature in January 2011, but there is no way I can afford it.

See where I am going?

I am going to be posting a pay-pal account for donations to help me get to Austin. I know I can count on you for only $10......... How about $5?......How about $1 and the name of a good place to eat in Austin?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Staying hydrated

We have been running 4 or 5 days a week. I am trying to build up to running a 5k without having to walk any of it. Since we can't have a water station on the course we laid out, we have to improvise. At the end of a 1.7 mile loop we take a break for water that we try to keep out of the direct sun. The only problem is we have to stop running to take a drink. Not sure that helps my running without walking or stopping.

We got our run in last night after the rain. We got .25 inches yesterday afternoon, lets hope we get a little more rain today.


I don't think something like whats going on in Bell, CA. could happen here, at least I hope it couldn't happen. Are cities in California required to post budgets online? People complain in Terrell, Texas about how tax money is spent, but they at least have the option to view and comment on the City budget. Here is the budget for 2009-2010 for Terrell. You like the picture on the cover?

I need to quit complaining about going to garage sales.

The Terrell Photo Walk Flickr group has over 225 pictures posted. Is there a winner in the bunch?

Memo to CBS: Enough of the Brandon and Rachel show. Big Brother is turning into Big Bore.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Dr. LE Griffith Home

This is the side view of the Dr. LE Griffith Home. The grounds and basement of this home were open to photo walkers Saturday. Brian has a shot posted from the front.


Terrell got a little more rain yesterday. At the airport they recorded .10 inches, not much but every bit helps. Rain in the forecast again today? Lets hope so.

Do you like the food at pro sports stadiums? Maybe you should pack a lunch.

Terrell ISD is introducing Gold Cards for Terrell citizens age 65 and older. Check Terrell ISD for more details.

If you have Facebook, check out the Terrell Daily Photo page.

The next 5k is set. Brian and I will be running in the McKinney Historical Run on August 7th. Last year they had over 500 runners. I hope to finish in the top 300.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Terrell, Texas Monday Morning Mashup

Saturday, like many places around the world, Terrell, Texas was home to one of Scott Kelbys World Wide photo walks. I think there were 22 people took part in the Terrell walk. My photo today is looking down the 28 foot well in the basement of the LE Griffith home. More of my pictures are on my Facebook page. Other walkers have been posting some of their photos to the group flickr page.



The next fun event for photos will be the Flights of our Fathers Fly-In on September 17th & 18th at the #1 BFTS Museum and the Terrell airport. Make plans to be there. I added a link to their webpage.

I got a new phone last week. I traded in my old blackberry for a LG Rumor Touch. It may not be as fancy or have as many functions as the bb, but it works for what I want it for, so I am happy with it.

Terrell got a little rain yesterday afternoon.

Can Josh Hamilton make a run at the triple crown?

The town of Combine fires almost its entire police department? They say they will rely on the County Sheriff to patrol their streets. How much will that cost the county and do I get to vote on it?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

My shots from downtown

I was having so much fun walking around talking to people that I really didn't get many pictures of downtown. Here are a couple of my shots. I still haven't looked at the shots from the LE Griffith home.



Saturday, July 24, 2010

2010 Terrell Photo Walk

This morning I participated in the Terrell Photo Walk that was part of Scott Kelbys World Wide Photo Walk. I hope everyone enjoyed had a good time and got a lot of pictures. I caught this shutterbug in the reflection of the American National Bank building.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Skywatch Friday-Summer time

It's summer time and everything should be moving slow. People are on vacations, no school zones to drive through, and hot weather. But, instead of a lazy summer, this one seems to be going by at 100 mph.

I would rather have me a lawn chair and sit on the edge of this lake. At least it is Friday.


Find other Skywatch Friday sites here.

Dallas Cowboys training camp opens today.

Anyone want to join me and put a bid in for the Texas Rangers?

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Crater of Diamonds State Park

On our way back from Missouri we stopped off at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. No luck finding diamonds, just rocks and dirt.


Just a few days till the Terrell Photo Walk. Visit Brian's page for more info.

I added more hummingbird pictures to the flickr page.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds outside my Moms house in Missouri.


Still looking for something to do Saturday morning? Join us in Terrell for the Photo Walk. Brian has details on his site.

Jimmy Johnson on Survivor? That could be interesting. The coach not the NASCAR driver.

So far, those predicting collapse for the Texas Rangers are out of luck. They are 5-1 since the All Star break. They have a 5 game lead over the Angels and have a chance to put more distance between them and the 2nd place team. Seven of the next ten games are against the Halos. My Cardinals are 6-0 since the break. Could it be a Cardinals vs. Rangers World Series?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Too Hot to Handle

A few crowd shots taken after Sunday mornings Too Hot to Handle 5K/15K race. I was in for 5K. It was a fun race, but probably not my favorite course. There were lots of goodies after the race though.






Today is July 20th, my birthday is August 19th. That makes today the start of my birthday month.....right?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Terrell, Texas Monday Morning Mashup

Today's shot is from the rodeo Saturday night in Wills Point, TX. It was fun, but got dark pretty quick. A small rodeo album from Saturday night is up on the Facebook page. Have you hit the "like" button yet?



Huge Terrell Tigers news broke Saturday, Jherrod Stiggers will play basketball at the University of Houston. Below is a shot of Jherrod from last year. I noticed its the same picture on the link, no big deal though. Jherrod also stars on the varsity football team.



Yesterday Brian and I ran a 5K race at Norbuck Park in Dallas. I was disappointed with my time, over 2 minutes slower that my previous race. I finished in 37:13 and in 659th place. The race started at 7:45 but it was still hot. Guess that's why its called Too Hot to Handle. We have haven't decided what the next race will be.

The meteorologists at KDFW Fox 4 in Dallas have been questioning the temperature gauge in Terrell. It seems Terrell's temperature has been reading the hottest in the area and in some cases the hottest in the State. Fox 4 tells us the National Weather Service said the gauge is working properly, it's just HOT.

I must have missed this while on vacation. The State of Texas is facing a budget shortfall. For a time is seemed the State Hospital in Terrell wouldn't lose any beds in budget cuts, but I found this last night. It looks like the state may eliminate 183 beds over 5 hospitals. Hopefully, I am reading it wrong and Terrell will not lose any beds or jobs.

Join us in Terrell this Saturday on the 24th for the Terrell Photo Walk. Register by following the link on the right. Brian has more information.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Saturday night rodeo in Wills Point, TX.

Last night Brian and I went over to Wills Point to watch the rodeo. We visited with Cilla her Mom and Shannon for a bit, Shannon is a big dog. I got a few pictures that turned out ok. Here is one.

Today its the Too Hot to Handle 5K race in Norbuck Park.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Saturday finally

Just one week until the Terrell Photo Walk. Sign up by following the link to the right. Or just show up at the corner of Frances and Moore at 9AM.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Undefeated so far

A crowd of about 2 dozen were on hand last night as Terrell Athletic Director Chris Gilbert introduced Terrells newest varsity coaches. Introduced first was the new girls varsity basketball coach Mike Halac. Coach Halac, who described himself as a gym rat, said his team will be prepared for the season and no one will outwork his team all season. He is a strong believer in weight training telling the girls they will be in the weight room 4 days a week getting bigger, stronger and faster. He expects the team to be very successful.

Below Coach Halac introduces himself to the crowd.


The second coach introduced was Gage Davis the new varsity baseball coach for the Tigers. Coach Davis came to Terrell from the successful Rockwall Heath program. He described himself as a baseball fanatic and has been preparing for his first chance to be a head coach since he was little. He acknowledged the work accomplished by former Coach Rush and said he wants to build on what he started. Coach Davis said he is here to win playoff games, not just make the playoffs.

Coach Davis during the meet and greet.


I am ready for the new school year.


Thursday, July 15, 2010

Out and about


Tonight at 6:30 you can meet the new baseball and girls basketball coach for the Tigers at the TAC.

Have the acting bug? Terrell Actors Playhouse is holding auditions on July 25th for Death of a Salesman. More information here. You can also find them on Facebook as Terrell Actors Playhouse.

I have a 5K this Sunday, but my running this week has been a chore. I cant seem to get it together. I hope I can at least finish in under 35 minutes.

Still time to register for the Terrell Photo Walk on July 24th. Follow this link to sign up.

Books and Crannies in the old Iris Theater building will be having a ladies spa day also on the 24th from 12-5. Make a day of it in Terrell. Contact Books and Crannies for more details.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Do not disturb


That was how I was feeling last night. I love technology, but it seems lately it doesn't love me.

I have DirectTV that has been losing signal every night at 9:50PM. It doesn't lose the signal of all channels, just the ones I want to watch. The primary TV in the house works fine, never losing the signal when mine does. Its out all night. Last night it went out on the All Star Game.

My blackberry has been turning itself off, always at the wrong time. Once it starts turning off, it keeps turning off until the battery is dead. Then it started telling me I had a corrupt memory card. I lost everything I had on the card.

I use the blackberry as an MP3 player when I run. With it on the fritz, I started using an old MP3 player. The MP3 player wouldn't play the music, it said the music was in an invalid format. At least it had FM radio. I ran 30 minutes, heard 3 really bad songs and the rest was commercials. Now I remember why I have XM in the car.

I got a IPod nano last night, it took 3 hours to download itunes, locking up my computer the entire time.

The marker in the picture is a marker for a buried telephone cable in town......telephone cable, whats that?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

This is what I wanted...

for dinner last night. I settled for Taco Bell.



I could eat White Castle every day of the week. The frozen burgers are no match for getting them fresh in a restaurant.....Yes, I had 6 of them.

Terrell AD Chris Gilbert emailed me yesterday that Gage Davis will be introduced as the new baseball coach Thursday. He comes from the successful Rockwall-Heath program that went 40-3 last year. The new girls basketball coach is Michael Halac from Sachse High School. He will also be introduced Thursday night.

Sign up for the Terrell Photo Walk by following the link to the right. Brian has details of the walk. Added this year is access to the basement of the LE Griffith home. It features an indoor well. Brian and I checked it out last night. If you like history, you have to see this place. Sign up and bring a friend.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Terrell, Texas Monday Morning Mashup

Vacation is finally over. Time to climb out of the cave and get back to work. This is looking out of the cave at Keener Springs, MO.


It was nice to have all of that time off, but I am ready to go back to work (yeah, right).

I was able to take a very short trip to Cahokia, Illinois, the town I grew up in. Everything looked smaller, I guess everyone always says that. I don't have to go back now for another 20 years.

This week Tiger fans will find out who will be the new Tigers baseball and girls basketball coach. The district will hold a meet and greet Thursday the 15th at 6:30.

If you have not signed up for the Terrell Photo Walk yet, what are you waiting for?

Confirmed yesterday for the photo walk, we will again have access to the LE Griffith home on 1st Street. A lot of people in Terrell have never had the chance to walk the grounds of the home. Now is your chance, sign up using the Worldwide Photowalk icon on the right, and join us at 9am, July 24th on the corner of Francis and Moore with your camera. Brian has more information on his site.

Sunday the 18th is the next 5K race. Its at Norbuck Park in White Rock Lake. Its called Too Hot to Handle. It starts at 7:30AM so hopefully the heat will not be that bad.

I added a few vacation photos to the Flickr page. I still have a few hundred to go through.

Join me on Facebook and suggest the page to your friends.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Parks College, Cahokia, IL.

I grew up in Cahokia, IL. It's a small town on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River across from St. Louis. Parks College was part of life in Cahokia, it was an aviation college that was part of St. Louis University. In 1997 the College was moved across the river to the main campus of SLU. The buildings in Cahokia have remained abandoned and left to vandals and nature.

I couldn't resist getting a few pictures of the place. A police officer stopped in, checked on us and what we are doing. He said there were plans to convert one of the buildings into a new police station, but the cost to renovate was to great. They have built a YMCA on part of the campus.



I added more pictures from the college on flickr.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Skywatch Friday-Missouri

The Missouri sky as the sun was setting. This was taken in St. Clair, Missouri on July 3rd.


Other Skywatch Friday sites can be found here.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Nothing stays the same...well almost nothing

Made it back from the short trip up to Missouri. We made a side trip to Cahokia, where I grew up and graduated high school. I don't think I had been back to Cahokia in over 20 years. The town sure looks different. One thing I remember was the police patches. I remember this patch from the late 70s early 80s when we would get told to go home when it was getting close to curfew. An officer was nice enough to let me take a picture of his patch.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Homemade Peach Cobbler

Made with fresh peaches from Ham Orchards in Terrell. Brian's Grandmother is a great cook.


Vacation update, lots of pictures taken in Missouri, seems the heat followed us up here. They sure need the rain. Looking forward to getting back to Texas.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Grace St.

This is Grace St. in Terrell. I love the shade provided by the nice green trees.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Monday Morning Mashup

Not much for the Monday Morning Mashup. Today is a holiday for most, since the 4th fell on a Sunday. Still on vacation, visiting family. Why do the days seem so short when you are on vacation, but seem to drag when you are in the office?



The visit in Union was good, lots of pictures taken. Today off to Cahokia then to Poplar Bluff.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July

This is the historic Aldinger Cartwright House on Griffith Ave. in Terrell, Texas. The home was built in 1883. The Aldingers who now own the home restored the house in 2008. They documented the restoration project here. They also keep a blog about events held at the house, including hosting a reception for our current US Congressman Jeb Hensarling.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Work Continues

Work continues on the old post office. American National Bank purchased the building and has been renovating the interior and replacing the windows.

Still looking to make holiday plans? The Tribune has a run down of activities in Terrell beginning with today's Patriots in the Park celebration.

Don't forget to sign up for the Terrell Photo Walk on July 24th. Click the link to the right to sign up.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Skywatch Friday-Vacation begins

Vacation starts today. I am going to try to post from the road, but if I cant, I have posts ready to go.

This is another shot taken with my blackberry on the way home from work Thursday.


More Skywatch Friday sites are here.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Theme Day-Reflections

Today is Theme Day in the CDP world. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

This is the Chapman building being reflected in the American National Bank building on Moore Ave in Terrell. Join us for the Terrell Photo Walk on July 24th and see what types of reflections you can get. The building has a lot of windows with different shapes. Click on the World Wide Photo Walk link on the right side of the site.