Saturday, December 31, 2011

Finish strong

I finished 2011 just as I started, running the "I am Superman 5K" in Rockwall, TX.  Last years race was held on January 1st, this year it was December 31st.  This year turned out pretty good for me.  I lowered my 5K time from 33:34 to 30:12.  I ran my first races longer than 10K, the longest was the San Antonio Rock n Roll half marathon.  I also have lost over 20 lbs since my birthday on August 19th.




BYU takes Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

BYU players pose with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl trophy
Tulsa played well enough to win the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl if the game was two 29 minute halves.  Tulsa had a 14-3 lead with less than a minute to go in the first half when they muffed a punt that allowed BYU to score and cut the lead to 14-10 at halftime.  Leading 21-17 with 4:18 remaining in the game, Tulsa punted to BYU who took over at the Tulsa 47.  BYU quarterback Riley Nelson led the Cougars down the field and hit BYU game Most Outstanding Player Cody Hoffman for a 2yd TD pass with only 11 seconds remaining.  Hoffman finished the game with 8 catches, 122 receiving yards and 3 TDs.

BYU WR Cody Hoffman scores the 2nd of his 3 touchdowns

Tulsa WR Bryan Burnham makes a one handed catch on the sidelines

Best viewed in full screen mode.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Skywatch Friday-Year end reflections


Other Skywatch Friday photos are here.

I am off to take pictures at the Armed Forces Bowl today. BYU vs. Tulsa, it should be a fun game.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Roadside Attraction

I wonder what kind of interest there is in a vacuum cleaner museum?


The vacation is over and its almost time to get back to work.


Tomorrow is the 9th Annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.  Purchase tickets here. The game will feature BYU and The University of Tulsa.  This years game is being played at Ford Stadium at SMU.  Kickoff is 11AM.


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Barn Charm

A Missouri barn on the side of the highway.  Visit Tricia's site, Bluff Area Daily for other Barn Charm shots.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Early Christmas gift

Gas has taken a dip to $2.90 a gallon.  Just in time for some Christmas traveling. 


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wranglers lasso the Tigers





The Tigers hosted the West Mesquite Wranglers last night at the Complex.






The Wranglers won 94-30.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Almost ready for Christmas

Santa has been hitting the weights. This is Hard Bodes gym on Moore in Terrell.


This is a short work week. Hopefully it goes by fast. Most schools have already closed, traffic should be light.

Looking for a fun run over the break?  Sign up for the "I Am Superman 5K" in Rockwall on Dec 31st.

Here is another race that look like it will be fun. March 3rd, 2012 is the MWH 8th Annual Trinity River Levee Run.  The course has been changed this year to include running over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge which will opening that weekend to traffic.  Here is a link to the race course.

I'm going to scan through my pictures from the last year to hopes of finding my picture of the year.  I may ask for your help in deciding.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Santa C.L.A.W. 5K

It was a great morning for a 5K run.  This morning on the grounds of First Monday in Canton, it was the 2nd Santa C.L.A.W. 5K Run for Rescue. CLAW rescues animals from kill shelters and works to find homes for them. More info can be found here. Before the 5K was a 1 mile dog jog.  Cilla met us out there and she will have pictures posted on her site later this weekend.  I'll be sure to put up the link.


Friday, December 16, 2011

Terrell Citizens Police Academy graduates eight


Prior to attending the Terrell Citizens Police Academy class, my impression and thoughts of the police department was probably the same as everyone else. Where are they when I need them? What are they looking for? I am not doing anything wrong, am I?

Last night, Academy Class Coordinator Corporal Rhitt Jackson and Terrell Police Chief Jody Lay presided over the graduation of the Terrell Citizens Police Academy. The course met once a week over a 10 week period, and I attended along with 7 other members of the community. The purpose of the Academy is to provide a general overview of police operations and try to dispell any myths surrounding police officers. The class instruction included basics of forensics, communications, records and intelligence. “Hands-On” instruction included police vehicle operation, building searches and firearms.

Officer Hamill gave us a tour of the patrol officer’s office; their squad car. We were allowed to get behind the wheel of a squad car and pull over fellow class members. The purpose was to understand that each traffic stop is different and they are never routine.

Officer Hauger, with the help of a few Terrell firefighters, showed us how to search a building and the difficulties they face when conducting a building search. We each were given the opportunity to search the Terrell Service Center building with the firefighters hiding in the building, playing the bad guys. When it came time for me to do my search, I knew there were people in the building and it was only an exercise, but I still had a feeling of anxiety.

Captain McKeown and Officer Hauger gave instruction on firearms and took us out to the gun range for a few hours of firearms training. It’s amazing to see the destructive force from the different types of handguns and the rifle.

My hat's off to all the men and women of the Terrell Police Department, uniformed and civilian. All of the officers and civilians gave up their free time to speak to us and give us an idea of what their daily work is like. Each individual was knowledgeable about their subject, professional and approachable. It's not a job I could do, but after taking the class, I feel I can help by being an advocate for the department and its officers.

Chief Lay said there are two major issues that the department faces; staffing and space. Terrell has received funding for two additional officers, but they are still understaffed. While it does affect the workload, it doesn't affect the readiness of the force. We were able to tour the jail and the station. The space they use is tiny. I'm not sure upgrading or remodeling the building would work. They need a new facility, and I would support any effort to get one built.

The Chief also said they would like to run at least one class a year, maybe two. If you live or work in Terrell, I would recommend attending one of the Academy classes. If you're not from our area, check your local police department to see if they have a Citizens Police Academy. It's time well spent. Oh, and it's free.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

I love the rainy nights


I think there is a song in there.

Tonight is the graduation of our Citizens Police Academy class.  I'm kinda sad to see it end.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Monthly Street

This will be the last monthly street picture, I was able to post a picture once a month.

Please take a minute to vote for my blog in a Best of North Texas contest.

I got an email yesterday from someone who is tasked with putting together a visitors guide book for Austin, TX.  They wanted to use one of my pictures of 6th street for the cover of the book.  Of course I said yes.  Once it comes out I will try to get a copy of it.


Here are the previous Monthly Street pictures.

November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

Congratulations to the Terrell Lady Tigers basketball team.  They defeated Forney in OT.

Come out to the First Monday grounds in Canton this Saturday for the Santa C.L.A.W. 5K run.



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Field Trip

One of the fun parts of the Terrell Citizens Police Academy class was our trip to the gun range.  After some instruction by the officers we were able to shoot hand guns, rifles and a few tried the shot gun. The purpose of the day at the range is to let us know what types of weapons our police officers have available to them, what each weapon is capable of, and what types of weapons the bad guys use.  This Thursday is our class graduation.  Friday, I'll have a write up on my thoughts of the class.







Monday, December 12, 2011

Almost got away


This could have turn out bad. The rider was riding backwards by choice. He almost ended up in the lap of the spectators.  I added more photos from the Terrell Christmas Parade on the Facebook page.

I enjoy the Christmas parade, but Terrell needs to have a parade to complement the Heritage Jubilee in the spring.


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Terrell Tigers band


The Tiger band is always a crowd favorite at the Terrell Christmas parade.  More pictures of the band are posted on the Facebook page. Texas Daily Photo has a clip of the band playing on their Facebook page.


Saturday, December 10, 2011

Christmas parade time

The weather was great for the annual Terrell Christmas Parade. 


Friday, December 9, 2011

Skywatch Friday-Ready for the Weekend


Today is our annual Christmas Lunch at work.  They spring for us to go to a fancy restaurant. This year its a seafood/fish place.  

The Tigers dropped both of their games in the Herman Furlough Tournament yesterday.  They have another chance to get a win tonight.

The weather forecast hasn't changed for tomorrows Christmas parade.  It will be cold, but dry.

Last night was the last night of class for the Terrell Citizens Police Academy.  I have enjoyed the class and learned so much about police work. We have one more field trip and graduation next Thursday.

One of our classes was about drugs.  Unfortunately, it's major problem all over.  There was a drug bust in a local hotel, a few days ago.  This bust was handled by the Sheriff's office.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas decorations

Some of the decorations on Moore Ave. in Terrell.


Terrell's Christmas parade, with the theme "I'll be home for Christmas" is this Saturday.  It starts at 10AM and runs down Moore Ave. Its always fun, bring the family to town, watch the parade, eat and get some shopping done at our local businesses.

The Herman Furlough Memorial Basketball Tournament begins today in Terrell. The Terrell team tips off at 4PM against Dallas Samuell.  At 5:15 North Mesquite takes on Dallas Adamson.  At 6:30 the loser of the early game takes on Dallas Pinkston, and the final game of the day at 7:45 is the loser of the second game against Wilmer Hutchens.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A little rain helps

On September 15th, I posted these pictures of the lake at Ben Gill Park.  Today's photo is from last night after a weekend of rain.  It wasn't enough to put a dent in the drought, but it filled our little lake up. This was taken from the small bridge.


The Lady Tigers basketball team won their first game of the season last night against North Garland.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Chicken Fried Craving

After getting back home Sunday and getting cleaned up, it was off to Cole Mountain for their Chicken Fried Steak, and its not CFS without mashed potatoes, cowboy beans and tabasco.


Terrell boys basketball team hosts their annual basketball tournament beginning Thursday.  This is a chance to watch some of the Dallas ISD schools in action.

Saturday is the annual Christmas parade in Terrell.  The early weather forecast shows dry and cold.

Monday, December 5, 2011

White Rock Marathon and Bowling season

Yesterday 25,000 runners braved rain, wind and cold 40 degree temperatures to run in the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon.  You didn't have to run 26.2 miles.  They also had a half marathon and a 5 person relay.  The company I work for sponsored a relay team that Brian and I were able to be a part of.  Brian started the race, leg 1 was 5 miles.  I ran leg 3, the longest leg.  Its listed on the course map as a 6.5 mile run, but its really just over 7 miles.  By the time each runner was finished they were soaked from head to toe.  As a team we completed the marathon in 4:39:29.   Maybe next year I will try to run the half.

Its 6AM and still raining.  Terrell has received just over 2 1/4" of rain since Saturday morning.  We need every bit of it.


Once I got back to the finish line I went out and watched runners as they approached the finish line.  Just looking at this picture gives me chills again.

LSU vs Alabama in the BCS Championship game.  I would rather see OK State in the game, but it doesn't matter.  LSU would win against any team its put up against.

I like the Fiesta and Rose Bowl match-ups, but the Orange and Sugar do nothing for me.  I like all three area bowl game match-ups.

Cotton Bowl-Kansas State vs. Arkansas, these teams were a combined 20-4, losing to OK, OK State, LSU and Alabama.

TicketCity Bowl-Penn State vs. Houston.  Organizers of this 2nd year game must be thrilled to get these two teams.

The last area bowl game is the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl-BYU vs. Tulsa.  Both teams like to score.

Teams that finish with only 6 wins should not be eligible to go to a bowl game.  The organizers of the Kraft Fight Hunger bowl must be thrilled with their game. They will pit 6-6 Illinois, who lost their last 6 games against 6-7 UCLA.  The teams were so excited they both fired their coaches in the last few weeks.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Keep your eye on the ball


More photos have been uploaded to the Terrell Daily Photo Facebook page.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Quick hit-Forney runs away from Terrell

Terrell Fire Department held their annual K-Toys for Tots flag football game this morning.  This year they invited the Forney Fire Department to take them on.  Terrell was no match for Forney's quickness.  The final score was Forney over Terrell 32-6, or maybe 38-6......who keeps score anyway.


I'll have more photos from the fun on Facebook later tonight.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Skywatch Friday-Rainy weekend ahead

As the sun was setting last night the rain clouds were moving in.  Rain is in the forecast off and on starting last night through Sunday night.  Hopefully the weekends events will all go off without a hitch.  To view other Skywatch Friday sites click here.

Saturday morning the Terrell Fire Department will take on the Forney FD in a flag football game.  Admission is one unwrapped toy benefiting K-Toys for Kids. Start time is 11AM at Terrell Memorial Stadium.

Also tomorrow morning is The Survival Race being held at Cousins Paintball in Forney.  This is the same location that held Warrior Dash in 2010.  I am sure for the race, the more rain the better, lots of mud!

Saturday afternoon is the Terrell Social Science Clubs annual Christmas Home Tour.

Sunday morning is the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon.  I am running with a relay group from work.  Brian will run the first 5 miles.  I have the third and longest leg at 6.5 miles.  There are three other runners from work taking legs 2, 4 & 5.  The weather is suppose to be mid 40s and wet.

The Terrell boys varsity basketball team won their opening game in the Royse City tournament.  They beat Sulphur Springs 39-27.  They play Rockwall Heath this morning in a second round game.



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Theme Day - Action Shot

December 1st is Theme Day in the CDP world. 

                                               Click here to view thumbnails for all participants