I've waited 2-1/2 months for these ducklings to arrive. Once a week I walk along the bayou to see what has progressed. Two weeks ago I saw an old mallard male, the largest duck I have ever observed, with his young bride and her poor ugly duckling. Luckily, papa knew what he was doing, because young mama proved clueless in her parenting skills. Being a city gal, I have never seen ducks fly up close, because most of these city ducks have clipped wings. Not papa, he proudly spreads those wings and flies down into the water next to mother and child when they get a bit out of his comfort range.
This week I spotted another mama duck with 8 ducklings. Most were ugly ducklings, yet one fluffy yellow duckling stood out among the crew. I'm sure nature takes care of those ugly ducklings, by making them the color of the murky bayou water and giving them a respite from all the other creatures that would like a tasty morsel. Already a neighbor reports there are only 6 ducklings left. At my worksite, huge buzzards lurk near the young ducklings, waiting for some fresh meat. Here on the bayou, the neighbor suspects the large bass and other fish enjoy a rare delicacy. The neighbor reports bass, crappie, catfish, and other large species here in our little bayou and cove, although like me, he refuses to eat them because of the runoff pollution coming from our city streets.
Life in the Bayou City...beautiful in small ways!
Showing posts with label houston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label houston. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Friday, August 1, 2008
Everything Changes in a Day
Hi Readers - I am sorry it has been so long since I have posted. I have been involved in a long-term project at work, which zapped all of my writing creativity.
Yesterday, my company laid off at least 20 people. I, luckily, was not one of them, and have accepted a new job (finally!) with a small company that enjoys teaching and providing services involving technical writing. Yea! It's been a long two years since I home-schooled myself in technical writing through the local community college.
Seeing your co-workers laid off is sad. It's something that I've witnessed several times over the years. Some people are happy and joyful to leave, some are crying in the hallways, and the few men I've seen laid off appear almost suicidal. I suppose men focus so much of themselves into work that they never think of other aspects of their lives providing happiness, such as family or hobbies.
As for myself, I am never bored...I juggle being a single mom, dealing with my mother diagnosed with Alzheimers, keeping my house in semi-order, cooking meals for the growing teenager, providing taxi service to all of the teen's friends, and THEN...I work 40+ hours a week. Sometimes the job seems like a respite from the rest of my life.
For those of you looking for jobs, take the time to post a resume on monster.com. Also follow-up on every lead, recruiter, newspaper ad, and finally (or maybe more importantly, make this STEP 2 after posting on monster)...CALL everyone you know, especially professionally, and let them know you are looking for a job. Telling colleagues and friends you've been laid off is your choice.
Good luck in your job search, and if you need advice about living in Houston, please e-mail me. It may look inviting to live here, yet commuting alone and the electricity bill can eat up at least 50% of your paycheck.
Take care,
Terre
Yesterday, my company laid off at least 20 people. I, luckily, was not one of them, and have accepted a new job (finally!) with a small company that enjoys teaching and providing services involving technical writing. Yea! It's been a long two years since I home-schooled myself in technical writing through the local community college.
Seeing your co-workers laid off is sad. It's something that I've witnessed several times over the years. Some people are happy and joyful to leave, some are crying in the hallways, and the few men I've seen laid off appear almost suicidal. I suppose men focus so much of themselves into work that they never think of other aspects of their lives providing happiness, such as family or hobbies.
As for myself, I am never bored...I juggle being a single mom, dealing with my mother diagnosed with Alzheimers, keeping my house in semi-order, cooking meals for the growing teenager, providing taxi service to all of the teen's friends, and THEN...I work 40+ hours a week. Sometimes the job seems like a respite from the rest of my life.
For those of you looking for jobs, take the time to post a resume on monster.com. Also follow-up on every lead, recruiter, newspaper ad, and finally (or maybe more importantly, make this STEP 2 after posting on monster)...CALL everyone you know, especially professionally, and let them know you are looking for a job. Telling colleagues and friends you've been laid off is your choice.
Good luck in your job search, and if you need advice about living in Houston, please e-mail me. It may look inviting to live here, yet commuting alone and the electricity bill can eat up at least 50% of your paycheck.
Take care,
Terre
Sunday, May 4, 2008
New Park in Downtown Houston
http://www.discoverygreen.com/
It's not Central Park in New York, only a mere 13 acres, yet I wanted to share with you one of Houston's newest parks in Downtown Houston, Discovery Green Park. The park is located in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, and I'm definitely looking for an opportunity to drive downtown and take a look.
The Houston Proud committee has been very proactive during the last 10 years, and has rapidly updated the downtown area including the addition of Minute Maid Park (first known as Enron Field and the new home of the Astros) and Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. Other developments include the Main Street electric train which runs all the way from the University of Houston Downtown down through the Texas Medical Center and the Reliant Center, home of the Houston Texans.
Now if we could re-focus some of this Houston Proud money on developing a reliable mass-transit system. If we could have rapid transit trains down each major freeway corridor, I think we'd be ready to bring this city into the current century. First vote - the I-10 West Corridor - hint, hint - someone listen up!
It's not Central Park in New York, only a mere 13 acres, yet I wanted to share with you one of Houston's newest parks in Downtown Houston, Discovery Green Park. The park is located in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, and I'm definitely looking for an opportunity to drive downtown and take a look.
The Houston Proud committee has been very proactive during the last 10 years, and has rapidly updated the downtown area including the addition of Minute Maid Park (first known as Enron Field and the new home of the Astros) and Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. Other developments include the Main Street electric train which runs all the way from the University of Houston Downtown down through the Texas Medical Center and the Reliant Center, home of the Houston Texans.
Now if we could re-focus some of this Houston Proud money on developing a reliable mass-transit system. If we could have rapid transit trains down each major freeway corridor, I think we'd be ready to bring this city into the current century. First vote - the I-10 West Corridor - hint, hint - someone listen up!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Beautiful dusk at Terry Hershey Park
Attention exercise enthusiasts - Terry Hershey Park continues to be a great place to go relax !
In my last post, I mentioned how my mother had just finished two months of illness. Unfortunately, she had a heart attack over the weekend and has landed back in the hospital again.
Of course, getting that phone call puts a shock in one's system. Last night, I decided to go enjoy walking through Terry Hershey Park and get some of that stress out of my system. I walked along the trails from about 7:55 - 8:30 p.m. At 8:10 on the dot, all of the trail lights came on.
The park maintains wildflowers along the banks of the bayou and among some of the berms or hills along the trails. Black-Eyed Susans, dandelions, natural grasses, and cat tails were abundant everywhere.
Enjoyable sites inlcuded people playing with their dogs, a man and his son throwing a baseball back and forth, and a family of 6 making a full team. Yet another family of 4 biked upwards from the bayou level to the upper level with the oldest child outpacing mom and dad, and the youngest riding in a toddler seat just in front of mom, who definitely got the raw end of the deal.
As I left the park at 8:30, the bugs and mosquitoes started buzzing. Reminder to self - take bug spray next time!
Get out and enjoy this local treasure of a park...Cheers, Terre
In my last post, I mentioned how my mother had just finished two months of illness. Unfortunately, she had a heart attack over the weekend and has landed back in the hospital again.
Of course, getting that phone call puts a shock in one's system. Last night, I decided to go enjoy walking through Terry Hershey Park and get some of that stress out of my system. I walked along the trails from about 7:55 - 8:30 p.m. At 8:10 on the dot, all of the trail lights came on.
The park maintains wildflowers along the banks of the bayou and among some of the berms or hills along the trails. Black-Eyed Susans, dandelions, natural grasses, and cat tails were abundant everywhere.
Enjoyable sites inlcuded people playing with their dogs, a man and his son throwing a baseball back and forth, and a family of 6 making a full team. Yet another family of 4 biked upwards from the bayou level to the upper level with the oldest child outpacing mom and dad, and the youngest riding in a toddler seat just in front of mom, who definitely got the raw end of the deal.
As I left the park at 8:30, the bugs and mosquitoes started buzzing. Reminder to self - take bug spray next time!
Get out and enjoy this local treasure of a park...Cheers, Terre
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Economy in Houston
Hello everyone! I'm back after almost two months of caring for a sick loved one. See my other blog, "Frugal, Single Mom" for details.
Houston always has one of those economies that maintains no matter what is happening in the rest of the world. As an almost native Houstonian, it can be depressing at times, because it is hard to maintain friendships when your coworkers are being rotated in and out of jobs every two years. Luckily for me, some of my oil and gas coworkers from years ago have finally landed back in West Houston, and I shake their hands vigorously and get a five minute update whenever I happen to bump into one of them.
The Houston economy, at least in my opinion, is leveling out. I've called one of the local recruiting agencies lately (mainly because I'm so put out with my current job), and was told to "stay put", at least for now. That means, I've got to sit and eat crow for at least another 4 months.
Unleaded gas this week hit $3.50/gallon. My car gets 22 mpg compared to many of my coworkers who get 15 mpg or less because they drive SUVs. When gasoline goes to $4.00/gallon, I told myself that I would start staying at home, walking more, or riding the bus, but the reality becomes that Houston is 2 weeks away from 90F or higher temperatures. Sigh!
All that glitters is not gold. There are a lot of hidden costs to living in Houston...sales tax 8.25%, long commutes to your job (sometimes 60 miles roundtrip per day), high crime rates depending on where you live, TRAFFIC +++ (that's a HUGE understatement), no reliable commuter system, and it's hotter than hell here in the summer time with electric bills at $225.00 + through October.
So, my advice to those who feel lured to move to Houston this summer...stay put! Unless you have a lot of money saved up, have a great car, or are willing to live in substandard housing conditions or overly priced housing (with a high crime rate), don't make the trip.
I'm sure our mayor, who I dearly love, would paint a rosier picture. I'm Houston Proud, but not Houston Stupid. Good luck to everyone during this tricky economy!
Houston always has one of those economies that maintains no matter what is happening in the rest of the world. As an almost native Houstonian, it can be depressing at times, because it is hard to maintain friendships when your coworkers are being rotated in and out of jobs every two years. Luckily for me, some of my oil and gas coworkers from years ago have finally landed back in West Houston, and I shake their hands vigorously and get a five minute update whenever I happen to bump into one of them.
The Houston economy, at least in my opinion, is leveling out. I've called one of the local recruiting agencies lately (mainly because I'm so put out with my current job), and was told to "stay put", at least for now. That means, I've got to sit and eat crow for at least another 4 months.
Unleaded gas this week hit $3.50/gallon. My car gets 22 mpg compared to many of my coworkers who get 15 mpg or less because they drive SUVs. When gasoline goes to $4.00/gallon, I told myself that I would start staying at home, walking more, or riding the bus, but the reality becomes that Houston is 2 weeks away from 90F or higher temperatures. Sigh!
All that glitters is not gold. There are a lot of hidden costs to living in Houston...sales tax 8.25%, long commutes to your job (sometimes 60 miles roundtrip per day), high crime rates depending on where you live, TRAFFIC +++ (that's a HUGE understatement), no reliable commuter system, and it's hotter than hell here in the summer time with electric bills at $225.00 + through October.
So, my advice to those who feel lured to move to Houston this summer...stay put! Unless you have a lot of money saved up, have a great car, or are willing to live in substandard housing conditions or overly priced housing (with a high crime rate), don't make the trip.
I'm sure our mayor, who I dearly love, would paint a rosier picture. I'm Houston Proud, but not Houston Stupid. Good luck to everyone during this tricky economy!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A brief respite
Intermittent greetings from Houston. I'm experiencing a few home PC problems, so hang with me while we blast our way through summer electric bills.
Would you believe that we had 49% humidity in Houston yesterday and the high was only 88F? It was almost like fall is in the air.
The rain? Yes, it will be back by the weekend. When we Houstonians get weather like this, we get out and enjoy. I personally took an afternoon break outside, and then came home and played outside with my plants.
Would you believe that we had 49% humidity in Houston yesterday and the high was only 88F? It was almost like fall is in the air.
The rain? Yes, it will be back by the weekend. When we Houstonians get weather like this, we get out and enjoy. I personally took an afternoon break outside, and then came home and played outside with my plants.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Rain ends, humidity stays
The good news...our low pressure system that had hung over Texas has moved on! The bad news...the humidity remains stiffling and you can barely catch your breath when you walk outside, even in the shade. Welcome to a real Houston summer!
Luckily the change in weather means we Houstonians can now go about our normal summer activities...swimming, napping, finishing the spring cleaning we put off, shopping Walmart at 3:00 a.m., driving around with our air conditioning on, and stopping by Sonic to get a HUGE icy drink to keep us sipping and hydrated all day.
Anyway, it's my Friday off, so I'm going to go enjoy.
Luckily the change in weather means we Houstonians can now go about our normal summer activities...swimming, napping, finishing the spring cleaning we put off, shopping Walmart at 3:00 a.m., driving around with our air conditioning on, and stopping by Sonic to get a HUGE icy drink to keep us sipping and hydrated all day.
Anyway, it's my Friday off, so I'm going to go enjoy.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Glug, glug, there's sludge in the tub
Wow! A full week worth of rain here, causing chaos all over town. Nothing serious, just enough to cause the second shower to spew out a smattering of sludge, rocks and sediment at the 9:00 o'clock hour tonight. Guess I'll be spending the day on the phone tomorrow trying to get a plumber over here!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Unexpected Cool Front, Preparing for Higher Temps
What a nice welcome, change! Just when I thought summer was here for good, we had a blast of dry air that is making for wonderful nights of sleep, and a bit of extra energy to get everything done. We've been waking up to temperatures in the low 60's for the last two mornings, with another luxurious two mornings of cool, dry air promised.
Summer in Houston proves challenging at best. May and June usually stay in the low 90's with incredibly stifling humidity. July brings temperatures up into the high 90's, sometimes with some dry spells that almost make night time livable. Then comes August and September, with extremely high humidity, the threat of tropical storms and highs in the low 100's. The low 100's may not sound extreme to those living in drier climates, yet you add that dose of high humidity and it literally sucks the breath out of your lungs at 5:00 p.m. each afternoon. You pray for rain storms, then cringe afterwards as the returning sunshine creates a mucky sauna in front of you, steam rising off the urban pavement.
Some people thrive in this hot climate, especially those from the Midwest USA who hate the eternal cold they experience living on the Great Lakes. Me? I become a relic of my caved air conditioning, crawling out only early in the morning or after sundown when the temperatures slowly crawl into the upper 80's or 90's. I do a lot of sewing, laundry and home improvement in the summertime, especially since I'm nearly bonkers from staying in. Insomnia is also a problem, something you'll notice as others like you visit their local Walmart (screaming kids in tow, no less) at 2:00 a.m.
And, back to the present, my calla lilies are starting to bloom, large yellow blossoms that easily fall when the southern winds start to hit them. This year, I've added some dollar store bulbs...gladiolas, etc. to the mix. It will be interesting to see what blooms next. Stay cool ! Terre
Summer in Houston proves challenging at best. May and June usually stay in the low 90's with incredibly stifling humidity. July brings temperatures up into the high 90's, sometimes with some dry spells that almost make night time livable. Then comes August and September, with extremely high humidity, the threat of tropical storms and highs in the low 100's. The low 100's may not sound extreme to those living in drier climates, yet you add that dose of high humidity and it literally sucks the breath out of your lungs at 5:00 p.m. each afternoon. You pray for rain storms, then cringe afterwards as the returning sunshine creates a mucky sauna in front of you, steam rising off the urban pavement.
Some people thrive in this hot climate, especially those from the Midwest USA who hate the eternal cold they experience living on the Great Lakes. Me? I become a relic of my caved air conditioning, crawling out only early in the morning or after sundown when the temperatures slowly crawl into the upper 80's or 90's. I do a lot of sewing, laundry and home improvement in the summertime, especially since I'm nearly bonkers from staying in. Insomnia is also a problem, something you'll notice as others like you visit their local Walmart (screaming kids in tow, no less) at 2:00 a.m.
And, back to the present, my calla lilies are starting to bloom, large yellow blossoms that easily fall when the southern winds start to hit them. This year, I've added some dollar store bulbs...gladiolas, etc. to the mix. It will be interesting to see what blooms next. Stay cool ! Terre
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Bach Society, Sunday, April 29th
Here's a listing for the next Bach Society concert. Christ the King Lutheran Church is located near the Rice Village area which is full of small cafes and bistros, boutiques, bookstores, etc. Plan to arrive a couple of hours before the concert and enjoy the surrounding neighborhood.
On April 29 at 5:00 p.m., the Bach Society at Christ the King Lutheran Church will present the distinguished organist Martin Rost of Stralsund, Germany, in the dedicatory concert of Christ the King Church's new continuo organ. This concert, part of the Bach Society's Chamber Music series, is entitled "A Musical Journey across Europe" and includes secular music by composers from Germany, Spain, Italy, England, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and elsewhere.
Built by the firm of Taylor & Boody of Staunton, Virginia, the new organ has one manual with five stops:Gedackt 8'Blockflöte 4'Principal 2'Hohlquinte 2 2/3'Regal 8'It will have many uses; primarily it will be featured as a continuo organ in cantatas and orchestral works. It can also play beautifully some of the solo organ repertoire that is written for one manual alone.
The concert will take place in the parish hall at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Boulevard at Greenbriar. There is no admission charge; a free-will offering will be received to support the series. For more information visit our website at http://www.bachsocietyhouston.org/ or call (713) 523-2864.
On April 29 at 5:00 p.m., the Bach Society at Christ the King Lutheran Church will present the distinguished organist Martin Rost of Stralsund, Germany, in the dedicatory concert of Christ the King Church's new continuo organ. This concert, part of the Bach Society's Chamber Music series, is entitled "A Musical Journey across Europe" and includes secular music by composers from Germany, Spain, Italy, England, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and elsewhere.Built by the firm of Taylor & Boody of Staunton, Virginia, the new organ has one manual with five stops:Gedackt 8'Blockflöte 4'Principal 2'Hohlquinte 2 2/3'Regal 8'It will have many uses; primarily it will be featured as a continuo organ in cantatas and orchestral works. It can also play beautifully some of the solo organ repertoire that is written for one manual alone.
The concert will take place in the parish hall at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Boulevard at Greenbriar. There is no admission charge; a free-will offering will be received to support the series. For more information visit our website at http://www.bachsocietyhouston.org/ or call (713) 523-2864.
Monday, April 23, 2007
BP MS 150 a Success, In More Ways Than One!
About 12,000 avid cyclists turned out this weekend for the BP MS 150, a 180 mile charity bicycle ride that supports multiple sclerosis. Sources include today's Houston Chronicle, in addition to personal accounts by family members who diligently attempted to drive safely through the throng of riders, while seeking BBQ and a burger in Fayetteville, Texas.
In Friday's Chronicle, there was mention that the ride is the most successful of its type in the U.S. and raised more than $1.8 million last year.
Since I don't want to plagarize from the Chronicle, click below to read a heart-warmer about how this charity event impacts people's lives for the better. We need a happy story to start the week, don't ya think?
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4738433.html
In Friday's Chronicle, there was mention that the ride is the most successful of its type in the U.S. and raised more than $1.8 million last year.
Since I don't want to plagarize from the Chronicle, click below to read a heart-warmer about how this charity event impacts people's lives for the better. We need a happy story to start the week, don't ya think?
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4738433.html
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Cool TV Show - "Into the Wind" - Monday, April 23rd on PBS
I meet lots of cool people working in the oil industry. One of our Blackberry consultants at work enjoys long powered paragliding. I personally thought this was lite-flite airplanes, but I missed this one by a mile!
Here's what my friend Chris has to say about the show:
"Into the Wind" will air on PBS Houston Monday April 23, 2007 @ 10:00 pm (Central Time). Mark your calendar and tune in, tell your friends, set your DVR, Heck, buy the DVD :-)
http://www.into-the-wind.com
"Into the Wind" is a year long powered paragliding adventure. Shot on location in scenic Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Mexico. "Into the Wind" will put you in the pilot's seat and take you on a journey of discovery where two new pilots learn to fly. This documentary features travel, surreal cinematography from the air, and awesome soundtrack, and even a sense of humor, making "Into the Wind" a must see for all audiences.
Here's what my friend Chris has to say about the show:
"Into the Wind" will air on PBS Houston Monday April 23, 2007 @ 10:00 pm (Central Time). Mark your calendar and tune in, tell your friends, set your DVR, Heck, buy the DVD :-)
http://www.into-the-wind.com
"Into the Wind" is a year long powered paragliding adventure. Shot on location in scenic Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Mexico. "Into the Wind" will put you in the pilot's seat and take you on a journey of discovery where two new pilots learn to fly. This documentary features travel, surreal cinematography from the air, and awesome soundtrack, and even a sense of humor, making "Into the Wind" a must see for all audiences.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
I-10 Construction Blues: "The Pit"
The local news is calling this intersection "the pit". What am I referring to? The horrible intersection at Interstate 10 West and the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8).
The old sky high ramps from the Beltway 8 feeding onto I-10 are coming down to make way for new feeder ramps that will accommodate the new eight lane monolith that will eventually become the new I-10.
I don't know why Texas DOT couldn't have planned all of this out 20 years ago, as it seems a HUGE waste of time and money, not to mention a big headache for Houston commuters. I certainly wish that Houston METRO had put a train, monorail or some form of mass transit down one of our busiest corridors. It certainly might have kept me working downtown.
Fellow commuters, plan carefully...this intersection will be "the pits" for approximately the next eight months, and it does flood when we get heavy rains.
For more info, connect to Houston Transtar: ttp://traffic.houstontranstar.org/construction/construction_report.aspx
The old sky high ramps from the Beltway 8 feeding onto I-10 are coming down to make way for new feeder ramps that will accommodate the new eight lane monolith that will eventually become the new I-10.
I don't know why Texas DOT couldn't have planned all of this out 20 years ago, as it seems a HUGE waste of time and money, not to mention a big headache for Houston commuters. I certainly wish that Houston METRO had put a train, monorail or some form of mass transit down one of our busiest corridors. It certainly might have kept me working downtown.
Fellow commuters, plan carefully...this intersection will be "the pits" for approximately the next eight months, and it does flood when we get heavy rains.
For more info, connect to Houston Transtar: ttp://traffic.houstontranstar.org/construction/construction_report.aspx
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Diane Bish, Sunday, Mar 25th, 7 p.m.
Renowned organist Diane Bish will be performing live in concert this Sunday night, March 25th @ 7 p.m.
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
11140 Greenbay Street
Houston, TX 77024
phone: 713-365-2807
http://www.chapelwood.org/
Map it! using http://maps.google.com/
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
11140 Greenbay Street
Houston, TX 77024
phone: 713-365-2807
http://www.chapelwood.org/
Map it! using http://maps.google.com/
Sunday, March 18, 2007
One Christ, Many Traditions, Even in our Music
As an adult, I've spent the last 20 years of my life as one of "God's Frozen Chosen", meaning I'm one of those awful Presbyterians. Hopefully by now you are laughing with me.
I surrounded myself in church-sponsored music series over the weekend, one being Dave Cacere's jazz concert Friday night at Memorial Drive Presbyterian and the other one being at the opposite side of the spectrum, at the Organ Vespers hosted by the Bach Society at Christ the King Lutheran Church tonight.
Dave Cacere's jazz concert was wonderful. I'll try to talk more about the team of musicians that made up his quartet sometime in a future post. The whole band gave their utmost to the music, heart and soul. Being a lifetime musician myself, most recently a choir member and a backup alto to a local country gospel performer, I can tell you there's a huge difference in how one performs...either you put your whole body into your music and give from your soul, OR you can be a spectator at your own performance.
Dave Cacere gave it all, body and soul. Whether it was through his saxophone playing "Helen's Dilemma" an originally composed piece which describes his observation of a relationship between siblings; or, an impromptu vocal featuring the full range of his voice in "Darn That Dream", you felt the sincerity and emotion that goes with being a musician. I hope Dave felt drained after that concert, because that's what it feels like when you've given your all to a performance.
I was sorry to hear that this was Dave's last performance here in Houston, as he moved to New York about a week ago. It will be interesting to see what his future brings, and I'll certainly be looking for him as one of the up and coming jazz musicians currently on the scene.
I'll write more later about the Bach Society concert, and elaborate on the style of the church that goes with the performances. Have a great week! Terre
I surrounded myself in church-sponsored music series over the weekend, one being Dave Cacere's jazz concert Friday night at Memorial Drive Presbyterian and the other one being at the opposite side of the spectrum, at the Organ Vespers hosted by the Bach Society at Christ the King Lutheran Church tonight.
Dave Cacere's jazz concert was wonderful. I'll try to talk more about the team of musicians that made up his quartet sometime in a future post. The whole band gave their utmost to the music, heart and soul. Being a lifetime musician myself, most recently a choir member and a backup alto to a local country gospel performer, I can tell you there's a huge difference in how one performs...either you put your whole body into your music and give from your soul, OR you can be a spectator at your own performance.
Dave Cacere gave it all, body and soul. Whether it was through his saxophone playing "Helen's Dilemma" an originally composed piece which describes his observation of a relationship between siblings; or, an impromptu vocal featuring the full range of his voice in "Darn That Dream", you felt the sincerity and emotion that goes with being a musician. I hope Dave felt drained after that concert, because that's what it feels like when you've given your all to a performance.
I was sorry to hear that this was Dave's last performance here in Houston, as he moved to New York about a week ago. It will be interesting to see what his future brings, and I'll certainly be looking for him as one of the up and coming jazz musicians currently on the scene.
I'll write more later about the Bach Society concert, and elaborate on the style of the church that goes with the performances. Have a great week! Terre
Hurrah! I've finally found a reliable Houston Fine Arts calendar!
I'll still continue to post events happening in West Houston and also relating to my favorite passions: Choral and pipe organ music.
Please check out this link I've found at artshound.com. This particular tab is for free events, however there are tabs at the top of the site listing all fine arts events in Houston. Enjoy!
http://www.artshound.com/index.php?app=events&cat=free_events
Please check out this link I've found at artshound.com. This particular tab is for free events, however there are tabs at the top of the site listing all fine arts events in Houston. Enjoy!
http://www.artshound.com/index.php?app=events&cat=free_events
Friday, March 16, 2007
And I-10 closes again this weekend
Please see last weekend's post for more information. Once again, I will post the link for local traffic info: http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/construction/construction_report.aspx
Monday, March 12, 2007
Organ Vespers: Sunday,Mar 18th,5 pm
The Bach Society presents Organ Vespers on Sunday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m., featuring Christoph Keggenhoff, Domkantor of the historic cathedral in Speyer Germany.
In observance of the 300th anniversary of Dieterich Buxtehude's death (1637-1707) he will play an all-Buxtehude program.
Christoph Keggenhoff founded and directs the Schola Cantorum Saliensis, a vocal ensemble that specializes in performing medieval music, especially Gregorian Chant and related repertoire. He teaches at the institute for Church Music in Speyer. He is an official organ consultant for the diocese of Speyer, and an elected member of the advisory board for the Organization of German Organ Consultants.
He has recorded five CD's of organ music and Gregorian Chant on the Organum Classics label. On the Sunday following his visit to Houston he will play a concert in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Rice Boulevard and Greenbriar.
There is no admission charge; a free-will offering will be received to support the series.
The Bach Society's 2006-2007 season is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County.
For more information:
Bach Society
Christ the King Lutheran Church
2353 Rice Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005
Telephone: (713)523-2864
E-mail: info@BachSocietyHouston.org
Jazz - Friday Night 3/16, 7:30 pm
Dave Caceres in Concert
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
The concert series continues in March with a program by MDPC favorite Dave Caceres.
Dave has been a frequent guest to the 9:45 service as a saxophonist, and he brings his jazz quartet of prominent recording artists to the Sanctuary for an evening of jazz, R & B, and Gospel music. Not only is Dave a talented instrumentalist, but also he has a great voice, and he will be singing classics by Ira and George Gershwin, Billie Holliday, and Sting. The quartet will play music from the movie Moulin Rouge, as well as original compositions by Caceres. The concert is Friday night, March 16 at 7:30. Please invite your friends.
No Childcare will be available for this event. For more information, please contact the music office at 713 490 0946.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
The concert series continues in March with a program by MDPC favorite Dave Caceres.
Dave has been a frequent guest to the 9:45 service as a saxophonist, and he brings his jazz quartet of prominent recording artists to the Sanctuary for an evening of jazz, R & B, and Gospel music. Not only is Dave a talented instrumentalist, but also he has a great voice, and he will be singing classics by Ira and George Gershwin, Billie Holliday, and Sting. The quartet will play music from the movie Moulin Rouge, as well as original compositions by Caceres. The concert is Friday night, March 16 at 7:30. Please invite your friends.
No Childcare will be available for this event. For more information, please contact the music office at 713 490 0946.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I-10/Energy Corridor Construction Blues
What a construction boom we are having here in the Energy Corridor. I enjoyed the rare opportunity of driving around the neighborhood today and noticed construction cranes on Dairy Ashford @ Eldridge near the Omni West Houston and Conoco-Phillips. This appears to be a new office space available for lease. My guess...it will fill up long before construction ends!
Conoco-Phillips also recently completed a multi-level parking garage, in addition to having a surface lot for their employees adjacent to the Conoco gas station.
In the WestLake Park area south of I-10, BP has started construction on a new parking garage after recently having constructed a new surface lot for their employees. Also, more retail areas are planned west of the BP complex. And supposedly in the works, BP plans on replacing their current daycare center with another BP building. Not to worry parents...a new daycare is on the way.
And certainly not to be forgotten...the Interstate 10 (I-10) construction project. Currently core areas of construction span from the Energy Corridor (I-10 @ Highway 6) all the way to the 610 Loop.
Drive carefully in the area. I'll try to add traffic links as I have time.
Enjoy the boom (while it lasts...said sarcastically by a long-time O&G veteran.) Cheers! Terre
Conoco-Phillips also recently completed a multi-level parking garage, in addition to having a surface lot for their employees adjacent to the Conoco gas station.
In the WestLake Park area south of I-10, BP has started construction on a new parking garage after recently having constructed a new surface lot for their employees. Also, more retail areas are planned west of the BP complex. And supposedly in the works, BP plans on replacing their current daycare center with another BP building. Not to worry parents...a new daycare is on the way.
And certainly not to be forgotten...the Interstate 10 (I-10) construction project. Currently core areas of construction span from the Energy Corridor (I-10 @ Highway 6) all the way to the 610 Loop.
Drive carefully in the area. I'll try to add traffic links as I have time.
Enjoy the boom (while it lasts...said sarcastically by a long-time O&G veteran.) Cheers! Terre
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