Where Did It Go? April 2010

With winter waning and the oncoming of spring, many of us are ready to “Celebrate the Waterfront Lifestyle” again so we are adding a new section to do just that and naming it after our old publication, “Tropicalattitude.” If you were around during that era, you know we covered beaches, bars, boating, wildlife, personal experiences, dining, cruising, diving, fishing, drinking, tropical locations, festivals and most anything to do with the waterfront living experience. It was a fun time and most everyone we encountered seemed to enjoy it. “So if it was so darn good,” you ask (as have several folks), “Why did you quit publishing it?” The reasons were strictly financial, which are actually very good reasons. Hurricane Rita hit right after our last issue and we lost a number of advertisers in Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula and unfortunately several others who had been damaged and couldn’t pay their advertising bill. That left us to make up the difference. Printing a 4-color glossy magazine is relatively expensive and because of these costs, the profit margin was already low so Rita was the proverbial straw that broke this camel’s back. Speaking of back, we’re back and looking forward to reliving some of those old stories and features as well as a lot of new ones including a recent visit to Roatan and the “Hole in the Wall” cafe. We’ll throw in some recipes from the tropics, occasionally feature some of our Beachin’ Beverages and maybe include some lyrics to some favorite island or Jimmy Buffett songs. He’s coming back in May, you know. There is also an article about the history of Voodoo and its influence in the Caribbean. We can’t all be at the waterfront all of the time but we can enjoy how it makes us feel Tropicalattitude - Page 13

Bustling with energy and full of personality, the City of Kemah knows how to celebrate the good things in life. Whether it’s live music or fresh seafood, the carnival rides and games on a hot summer night, or sailing, kayaking, or motor boating on her waters, Kemah on the coast has it down. But long before Kemah was known as an easy getaway for good times, it was the sea and commercial fishing that sustained this small city. In fact, at one time, Kemah, meaning ‘facing the wind’, was considered a shrimping town. Located in a half moon pocket on Galveston Bay, Kemah’s Gulf Coast boat building, commercial fishing and the businesses that served the oil and shipping industries kept the city going, even during the Great Depression when Kemah’s population dropped to 100. For the past 42 years, Kemah town leaders set aside a weekend to recognize the commercial fishing industry by conducting a fleet blessing ceremony wherein the

industry, its seagoing vessels and crews are celebrated and blessed by a priest. This year is no exception. On Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 2 pm, The 43rd Blessing of the Fleet parade and ceremony will take place on the Kemah Boardwalk. Thousands of waterside fans take in the spectacle as the parade of colorful, decorated commercial fishing boats and pleasure craft pass an officiating priest and minister from the back deck of the Cadillac Restaurant on the Boardwalk. The seagoing vessels receive a blessing in hopes of full nets and bountiful harvests during the fishing season, safe passage by crews and ongoing preservation and multiplication of the shrimp harvest. Psalms most commonly recited by the priest or on occasion minister are Psalm 104, verses 24-41 and Psalm 107, verses 23-32. The Blessing of the Fleet tradition actually began in the twelfth century in Mediterranean fishing communities, where it was considered a religious and civic

ceremony. Today it is held in coastal fishing communities throughout much of the world, where the ritual varies from fishing village to fishing village. It can be just a simple ceremony or may include dancing, feasting, and contests. In the City of Fremantle, Sicily, the first Blessing of the Fleet took place in 1948. A population of these predominantly Catholic fishermen brought the tradition of blessing the commercial boats and their harvests to the coasts of America. Some of our country’s most well-known Gulf ports are Biloxi, Mississippi; Bayou La Batre, Alabama; Tarpon Springs, Florida; and Kemah, Texas. The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony however isn’t restricted to these seaports. A few decades back, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, young Tom Hults, now the current Chairman of the Kemah Blessing of the Fleet, joined his parents and his brother on their shrimp boat as they paraded down the Pascagoula River in the local ‘Blessing’. Tom still remembers the pride he felt in being part of the Mississippi shrimp industry and riding in the parade.

Continued, pg. 6

“Where Did It Go?”A Fun and Informative Rag for Those Who Have Been Around the Block and Attended at Least One Rodeo

inside of every older person is a younger person asking,

Vol 2 nr 4April 2010

Tropicalattitude Returns

Gene Rutt

“The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false face for the urge to rule it.” - H. L. Mencken

Blessing of the Fleetby Mary B. Sheppard, Rodeo Queen

Photo byClaire Durkee Worthington

2 Where did it go April 2010

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April 2010 Where did it go 3

Fiddlin Around in Texas

Around 1969, Kenneth Henneke would often recruit some of the local musicians, to entertain their brother Knights of Columbus in Halletsville, Texas. About the same time, a neighboring community sponsored a fiddle jam session every year at their Community Center. It was such a success that the Halletsville Knights decided to put on their own event and named it the Texas State Championship Fiddler’s Frolics. The proceeds would go towards the building of a new Knights of Columbus Hall. The co-founder’s decided on the 4th Saturday in April (this year April 23,24,and 25) which would provide comfortable spring weather and the Lavaca County countryside would be blanketed with beautiful wildflowers for everyone traveling to the contest to enjoy. The first ever Fiddlers’ Frolics was held on April 24, 1971, at Weid Hall, just west of town. The Friday night preceding the Saturday contest would be a hospitality night for all the musicians and families who traveled to Hallettsville for the contest. This night proved to be a huge hit. It was the time when the knights could meet the contestants and their families, the musicians could jam and all could enjoy refreshment. Many new friendships were made at this “jam session” and to this day it is a reunion looked forward to each year. Saturday began the fiddling competition. A country-western dance follows after the contest on Saturday night. For many years, the co-founders made the rounds to every fiddle contest they could find across the state of Texas in order to promote the Fiddlers’ Frolics. The more they promoted the Frolics’, the more the competition grew into the prestigious contest that it is today. They strongly feel that the contest has grown into what it is today due to their interaction with all who attend this weekend, many hours of service by the devoted knights, and the wonderful families who support them. Over the years, numerous individuals, sponsors and the great city of Hallettsville have contributed greatly to the success of the Frolics. The Texas State Championship Fiddlers’ Frolics is now the largest fiddlers’ contest in the world, attracting the best fiddlers in the U.S. and around the globe. The event also features entertainment including guitar and banjo “pickin”, live cajun, bluegrass and country music, jam sessions and a songwriting competition. Inductions are also made into the Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame. Cooking teams come together to compete in the barbeque, sausage and bean cook-offs also held during the four-day event. More info at: www.fiddlersfrolics.com

The 15th Annual

Keels & WheelsConcours D’Elegance

May 1-2, 2010Lakewood Yacht Club

Seabrook, Texaswww.keels-wheels.com

W o o d e n K E E L s & C l a s s i c W H E E L S

Texas-Style Fiddling by Aaron Smithers – Texas Folk Life

Fiddling in Texas is a unique and honored tradition. Texas is home to numerous different cultural groups and the fiddle appears in many different musical traditions. A Texas fiddler from Amarillo named Eck Robertson entered musical history when he made the first Country music recording in 1922, playing the song “Sallie Gooden.” Eighty years later, Texas-style fiddle is the dominant technique used to perform at fiddle contests across the nation. Texas-style fiddle has evolved over hundreds of years. The fiddle was brought to America by the earliest colonists and was carried on to the farthest frontier. Fiddling continued on Page 10

Bob Wills

A woman’s work that is never done is the stuff she asked her husband to do.

4 Where did it go April 2010 first Sunday in May. “The heat in August discouraged spectators and participants, and people just didn’t want to be outside,” he explained. “Also, the shrimp season starts in May. By August, the boats have already been out and working for several months. More boats are participating now. The crews get their boats ready for the parade then go out to fish.” When asked about the addition of pleasure crafts to the fleet parade, Hults said it started when the number of commercial fishing boats began to dwindle. He added that the pleasure crafts always added a particular and pleasing element to the event. Commercial fishing in Galveston Bay has shrunk because the industry is going through tough times, and fewer and fewer boats each season are making a living. “Imported shrimp are selling cheaply because their production costs haven’t risen like local production costs have. Essentially, they are outselling local fishermen.” Hults says the market price today for shrimp is the same as it was 30 years ago. The rise in production costs coupled with new rules and regulations imposed by the parks and wildlife agencies create hardships for local fishermen as they face shorter seasons and smaller catches, resulting in many shrimpers dropping out. Those aboard their boats at the Blessing remain optimistic that the tide will change in the new season, resulting in bountiful harvests once again. Tom stresses involvement in the Blessing of the Fleet to help preserve this tradition and to show support for our local fishermen and for the seafood industry that supports our local community and economy “The conditions in Galveston Bay can at times be very dangerous. The fishermen take their lives in their hands to go out there every day and bring back the fish and shrimp that are served on plates in our restaurants.” The second part of the ‘Blessing’ Festival is the Texas Shrimp Gumbo Cook-off Contest, which takes place on Saturday, May 1, (8 am- 8 pm) in the Kemah Lighthouse District and is free to spectators. A fun new addition to the Festival this year is the 1st Annual Kemah Bluegrass Music Festival from Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2. Come and enjoy live Bluegrass Music and a bowl of shrimp gumbo as Kemah on the coast celebrates its commercial fishing heritage! For additional information, go to Kemah.net or contact Tom Hults at 713-5445-5246.

When his father moved the family to southeast Texas, he brought the idea of the Blessing of the Fleet with him, and eventually organized other seafood dock and boat owners into making the ‘Blessing’ an annual event in Kemah. Hults said that people still talk about the early years of the Kemah Blessing of the Fleet, when his parents helped chair the event and a traveling carnival, street dancing and bands were part of the celebration weekend. “The carnival was a great addition because it generated a lot of funds that were used to give prizes to the boats,” he said. There are never too many boats in the parade and this year, Hults, who is also President of Seabrook Seafood, is looking for more entries. He would like to see more involvement from local marinas. “We’re reaching out to area marinas to encourage their members to get in the parade. Ten dollars gets you an entry number. It’s a fun, low cost event for a good cause. After the parade, boats have the option to go back to the marinas for dockside parties.” Boats will rendezvous in Clear Lake at the entrance to the Channel at 1:30 p.m, and the procession will start down the channel at 2 p.m., passing in front of the crowds along the Boardwalk. This year the Texas Offshore Power Squadron (TOPS) will be participating as the color guard of the Blessing of the Fleet. The awards ceremony is staged later in the day at 4:30 at the Kemah Boardwalk Events Plaza, where trophies and prizes are awarded to the best decorated boats in each class, and ‘Blessing’ sponsors are recognized for their contributions. Tom has chaired this event for the past several years and continues to do it because of his own family history and commitment to commercial fishing. “I took on the chairmanship after we lost Ralph Yarborough, who along with the Elks Lodge did a phenomenal job in resurrecting the ‘Blessing’ weekend. Ralph took over when the Blessing of the Fleet had begun to lose its significance. After Ralph, I took it over to keep the momentum going.” Tom has made a few changes since taking over several years back, including moving the date of the Blessing of the Fleet from the first Sunday in August to the

From Blessing of the Fleet page 1

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Having been saddled with this expression for most of my life I figure I might as well make the best of it. Lots going on this month. As usual in the fall and spring, there are a lot of festivals. In central Texas is the Fiddlers’ Frolics, an event I’ve enjoyed off and on since its inception. I particularly enjoyed playing my banjo on the grounds in what we call “parking lot picking.” I am planning to go this year but I think my banjo strings are rusty and I know my fingers are, so I’ll probably just watch from the sidelines. In the Galveston Bay area we lead off May with the Blessing of the Fleet in Kemah and Keels & Wheels in Seabrook at Lakewood Yacht Club. There is also a triathlon coming to Kemah (P14) and they really need volunteers, so if you’re not buy the weekend of April 10, you might want to join the fun. I keep trying to avoid politics but our current government keeps making it more and more difficult to avoid. From the looks of the polls I think that most of will agree, regardless of our party or ideology, that congress is doing a lousy job. With Nancy Pelosi at 11% approval and Harry Reid at 8%, you get the feeling that their party is not too happy with them either. The politicians are not listening to the people and that’s not the way it’s supposed to be in this country of the people, by the people, and for the people. But I digress and my blood pressure is increasing so let’s talk about baseball, apple pie or cold beer exept that I’m not a huge baseball fan, am avoiding apple pie and what does that leave? The water is warming and the wind is dying so it’s also about time to wet a fishing line. If there are any avid fishermen that would like to comment about the sport monthly, let me know. Seems like I heard that’s going to be federally regulated too (more so than now.) Let’s hope not.

Gene Rutt - Publisher/Editor

HOW YOU CAN FIX CONGRESS!!!!!This is a non-partisan message to all Americans: conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, a large majority of us feel that Congress is doing a sorry job. As such we would like to propose a “Congressional Reform Act of 2010” that would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I know many of you will say, “this is impossible”. With their low approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.

We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American heroes.

Congressional Reform Act of 2010

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.

A. Two Six year Senate terms B. Six Two year House terms C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

“It’s the Bill of Rights & Constitution that we owe allegiance to. Not to a political party and not to politicians who wrap themselves in the Red, White & Blue while at the same time they destroy everything that that sacred flag stands for.”

You can only be disillusioned if you were once illusioned. - Charles Krauthammer

Stuck in a RuttLetter from the Editor

KING RANCH CHICKEN RECIPE“One Fine Southwest Casserole “

YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID BUT YOU CAN VOTE IT OUT

INGREDIENTS:1 chicken, boiled & deboned1 chopped onion1 chopped bell pepper1 can cream of mushroom soup1 can cream of chicken soup1 can Rotel tomatoes1 tbsp. chili powder1 tsp. cumin1 tsp. oregano10 oz. longhorn cheese1 pkg. tortillas

DIRECTIONS:Saute onion and bell pepper in small amount of butter. Mix soups in pan. Add tomatoes, mix and simmer. Pour onion and pepper into mixture. Line pan with tortillas.

Layer chicken, sauce, cheese and repeat one more time. Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees (or until bubbly).


Computer Tips

Marlene Jones Owner - Friendly Computers

WHY 3 INSERTIONS? Most buying decisions are emotional, rather than logical. Emotions are often influenced by the sub-conscious mind which best responds to repetition. Repetition is an important part of advertising. Why? Because, it is through repetition that you establish your credibility, establish brand familiarity, become the first thought when a need for your type of product or service arises, etc. You have to give the advertising a chance to work.

WHY AdVeRtiSe? Shoppers don’t have the store loyalty they once did. You must advertise to keep pace with your competition.

TO REACH NEW CUSTOmERS. Your market changes constantly. New families in the area mean new customers to reach. People earn more money, which means changes in lifestyles and buying habits. YOUR AUDIENCE IS A MOVING TARGET

WHEN SHOULD YOU ADVERTISE? Always! Good times and bad you’re trying to sell your products and services no matter what is happening to the economy. Hard times are not the times to quit advertising. Advertising should be the last item cut from your budget.

Ad RAteS - effective April 1, 2010

Full Page $399 per insertion for 3 months1/2 Page $263 per insertion for 3 months1/4 Page $149 per insertion for 3 months1/8 Page $ 99 per insertion for 3 months1/16 Page $ 59 per insertion for 3 months ADD 10% FOR SINGLE INSERTION ADD $20 FOR COLOR

Where did it go?P.O. Box 1460

Dickinson, TX 77539832-265-5691

[email protected]

Editor/PublisherGene Rutt

ContributorsGene Rutt

Marlene JonesCaptain B.G. Willie

Rodeo QueenClaire Durkee Worthington - Photographs

Account RepElizabeth Scott 832-454-1940Mary B. Shepperd 713-377-4248

A Fun and Informative Rag for Those Who Have Been Around the Block and Attended at least One Rodeo. We are essentially targeting 15,000 40+ readers each month from San Leon to Pearland and all points in between but have enough fun for everybody no matter their age.

Though hard to believe sometime, there are some great free things out there, at least in the way of computer software. When you get your new computer, look at these options before buying software. These are not cheap substitutes but quality products which replace brand name products with comparable quality and performance. This is often referred to as “open source” or “shareware.”

To get started, you need the basics: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Data Base and Presentations which are sold pack-aged as Microsoft Office Suite. Open Office is a free suite which packs powerful features and works with documents in Microsoft’s formats. It is not a perfect substitute but offers many of the features and most of the compatibility required for most users and is available on Macs as well. OpenOffice.org

Until now it has required Adobe Acrobat to create PDF documents. Although you can download the Acrobat Reader for free, the Acrobat program to create PDF’s has been relative-ly expensive. PrimoPDF is free, and lets you produce a PDF from any application that can print and can be read by Adobe Reader. www.primopdf.com

To edit and organize photos, Google’s Picasa is easy and efficient. It can also automatically identify the people in photos and lets you share photos in online albums and will do it auto-matically every time you import snapshots.

Two excellent free photo manipulation programs to replace the pricey Adobe Photoshop are THE GIMP and Paint.NET. They are image and photo editing software for Windows and both feature an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.

Because of the danger of downloading viruses or adware it is recommended to download these programs directly from their site or Download.com or PC World Downloads.

CITY OF KEmAH TO HOST ‘EXTREmE mAKEOVER: HOmE EDITION’

VIEWING PARTY ON APRIL 4TH

Kemah, Texas - The City of Kemah will host the Extreme Makeover: Viewing Party on April 4th, 2010 Easter Sunday evening, in the heart of the Kemah Lighthouse District. The Kemah Episode #719 will air on ABC at 7:00 p.m. cst (local affiliate Channel 13) with the festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and concluding at 9:00 p.m. The city will close 6th Street between Bradford and Kipp so patrons can view the show at party locations that include Bakkhaus Greek Restaurant, Palapa’s, Zone 504 Sports Bar and Monkey Bar. For family viewing, the Kemah Visitor Center will be open and serving complimentary popcorn and soft drinks, while supplies last. Viewing location outdoors will be behind the Kemah Visitor Center in the parking lot at 604 Bradford with a big screen TV, so bring your lawn chairs. Appearances by Larry and Melissa Beach, the recipients of the home, are scheduled to attend along with Blu Shields from Blu Shields Construction Company. There will be a ‘Behind the Scenes’ video that will air prior the show, compiled and courtesy of Wiredin.cc. Commemorative T-shirts will be given out as door prizes and a Moon Walk will be set up for the kiddos enjoyment. Come to Kemah and enjoy the multi-locations and street viewing party with the EM:HE volunteers and the Bay Area community celebrating together one more time. For any additional information or lodging call the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181. There is NO admission for the viewing party.


Casper’s Billiards21st Street & E. Bayshore San Leon, TX

281-559-1400

HOURSMon-Tues ClosedWed-Thurs 12 -10PMFri-Sat 12-12PMSun 12 -8PM

FULL BARFANTASTIC KITCHEN & NEW DINING AREA

Steaks - BBQ - Seafood - Burgers - Fries - Onion Rings

Billiards Digest has named Casper’s one of the top ten new billiard halls in America! It is a clean, comfortable place for pool players and spectators alike to gather and enjoy the sport of billiards. Two story establishment with 14 tournament tables and regular tournaments.

April 24 & 25Lonestar Classic 9 Ball

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TEACHER: Clyde, your composition on ‘My Dog’ is exactly the same as your brother’s. Did you copy his?

CLYDE : No, sir. It’s the same dog.

Libations for April

Please Drink Responsibility

A Little DinghyIngredients:

2 shots Parrot Bay rum

2 shots Malibu rum

Fill with 1 part Cranberry juice

1 part Pineapple juice

1 part Orange juice

Mixing instructions:

Pour the shots into a glass of ice. Then fill the glass with equal parts orange juice, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, an orange slice, and an umbrella.

EmbolismIngredients:

2 oz Spiced rum (Captain Morgan’s)

1 oz Grenadine

Fill with Coca-Cola


Add Rum and Grenadine to a glass. Fill with Coke. Ice optional.

Three Sheets to The WindIngredients:

1/3 Jägermeister

1/3 Rumple Minze

1/3 Tequila


Combine ingredients in a shot glass.

Tiki TorchIngredients:

Tang

Vodka


Fill glass halfway with Tang. Add Vodka until you can begin to taste the Vodka. Mix drink to taste.

A Salute to Tropicalattitude

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DRIVE ARCHITECTURETM

As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives. The rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks, ‘What happened?’ The pilot’s reply: ‘I don’t know, I just got here myself!’

Wheels and Keels has been one of the prime public events in the Galveston Bay area for 15 years. It is a combination of beauty and function, nostalgia and education, and generally a salute to the ingenuity of men and their machines. On May 1-2, 2010, the largest collection of classic cars and wooden boats in the United States will be on display at the beautiful grounds of the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, TX for the 15th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance. Educational and awe-inspiring, Keels & Wheels is an event for people of all ages, and a great chance to immerse yourself in automotive and marine history. Attendees come from virtually every corner of the U.S. and Europe to see this spectacular and unique display of classics, and of course, to enjoy our famous “Texas Hospitality.” These vehicles are timeless, and so are the memories you’ll share with your friends and family at this year’s event. There will be many vendors and sponsors on site, offering a wide variety of food, drink and merchandise for your convenience. Artists will also be displaying their work in the Art Court. This year marks the 15th anniversary, and will feature Alfo Romeo and a rare collection of Special Bodied Packards. Joining us again as Master of Ceremonies is Writer and Founder of Sports Car Market magazine Keith Martin. Noted for his onstage wit, warmth and deep knowledge of collectible cars, Martin has been an MC at Pebble Beach, the Meadow Brook Concours, the Kirkland Concours, the Sun River Festival of Cars and the Forest Grove Concours among others. This is his second year as MC of Keels and Wheels. Our co-host this year will be the South West Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS). Led by Chapter President Robert Black, the ACBS is responsible for providing the incredible display of vintage wooden boats seen at each Keels & Wheels Concours. ACBS enjoys an international membership of over 8000 enthusiasts dedicated to promoting a continued interest in the preservation of historic, antique and classic boats. Their goal is to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate, own, operate and enjoy the wonderful examples of the golden age of classic boat design and engineering. Become a member of ACBS. For more information: www.keels-wheels.com

CLASSIC WHEELS & WOODEN KEELS

A group of pensioners were discussing their medical problems at the Day Centre coffee morning.

‘Do you realise,’ said one, ‘My arm is so weak I can hardly hold this coffee cup.’

‘Yes, I know.’ replied the second, ‘My cataracts are so bad I can’t see to pour the coffee.’

‘I can’t turn my head,’ rejoined the third, ‘because of the arthritis in my neck.’

‘My blood pressure pills make my dizzy,’ commented the fourth, adding, ‘I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old.’

‘Well, it’s not all bad.’ piped up the first, ‘We should be thankful that we can still drive.’

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While I sat in the reception area of my doctor’s office, a woman rolled an elderly man in a wheelchair into the room. As she went to the receptionist’s desk, the man sat there, alone and silent. Just as I was thinking I should make small talk with him, a little boy slipped off his mother’s lap and walked over to the wheelchair. Placing his hand on the man’s, he said, ‘I know how you feel. My mom makes me ride in the stroller too.’

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to “Where do pets come from?” Adam and Eve said, “Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.” And God said, “No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love meeven when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.” And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, “Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.” And God said, “No problem. Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.” And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them. And they were comforted. And God was pleased.

And Dog was content and wagged his tail. After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, “Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.” And God said, “No problem! I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.” And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve. And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat’s eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings. And Adam and Eve learned humility. And they were greatly improved. And God was pleased. And Dog was happy. And Cat didn’t give a crap one way or the other.....

by Capt. B.G. Willie

AFT-TER THOUGHTS

NOW OPEN

Join us in 2010 on some of the most fantastic trips we’ve ever put together. These travel adventures are priced right and offer Texas First Bank members the experience of a lifetime! A few trips are listed below ----‘Trips are open to bank customers AND guests.’ Come join us for an awesome vacation!

• New York City• National Cherry Blossom Fest• Montana-Big Sky Adventure

• Shades of Ireland• Southern Charm Journey

Contact: Linda Holm - texas travelers Coordinatorphone: 409-945-2515 email: [email protected]

www.texasfirstbank.com/texas-travelers.php

TRAVEL ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME

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Norman and his lovely, blonde wife live up in Minnesota. One winter morning while listening to the radio they hear the announcer say, “We are going to have 4-6 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even numbered side of the street so the snowplow can get through.” Norman’s wife goes out and moves her car.

A week later while they are eating breakfast the radio announcer says, “We are expecting 6-8 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd numbered side of the street so the snowplow can get through.” Norman’s wife goes out and moves her car again.

The next week they are having breakfast again, when the radio announcer says “We are expecting 8-10 inches of snow today. You must park........” Just then the electric power goes out.

Norman’s wife is very upset, and with a worried look on her face she says, “Honey, I don’t know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the plow can get through?”

With love and understanding in his voice, like all men who are married to blondes exhibit, Norman says, “Why don’t you just leave the car in the garage this time, Sweetheart?

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Dickinson - Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath home with good curb appeal. Large living area with fireplace. Kitchen has lots of cabinet and counter space. Laundry room in the house. Large fully fenced back yard. $99,000

Dickinson 3/2/2 Master down with remodeled bathroom and oversized shower. Media room could be formal dining or gameroom. 2 bedrooms and updated full bath up. Backyard tropical paradise with palm trees decks, pool and spa. Recent pool heater and filter, skylights,sprinkler system and privacy fence. $154,700

San Leon - Cleared lots with culverts. Good locations priced from $20,000. Build your dream home. Unrestricted. Possible owner finance.

Highland Bayou Waterview 4/3/1.Pretty laminate and tile floors, big kitchen, large lots, corner property. $127,000. Possible owner finance.

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League City Waterfront Condo - 2/1 , Open, high ceilings, bamboo floors, all appliances, elevator, pool, workout room. Boat slips available. (Davis Rd) $107,000

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You think English is easy???

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?


I guess I’ve eaten Tilapia a few times through the years but never intentionally ordered or purchased it. I love fish but grew up eating catfish, trout, bass, redfish, crappie, etc. However, I recently had a chance to fry some Tilapia using the same technique I normally use with catfish. It was delicious, perhaps as good or better than the farm raised catfish I usually prepare. It made me wonder, just what is a Tilapia? I know I’ve never caught one or heard of anyone else catching one either, so where did they come from and why are they so popular? One good reason for their popularity to which I can now attest is the flavor. It was extremely light and non-fishy tasting. Recently it has become one of the most important “aquaculture” fish in the world. Tilapia are grown in large farms and produced for mass consumption throughout the world so the cost is relatively low compared to some fish. This small fish, (pronounced: tuh-LAH-pee-uh), originally comes from Africa where it has been used for thousands of years and actually consists of hundreds of related species. Tilapia is endemic to warm waters throughout the world. The aquaculture, or fish farming, of Tilapia is recorded in human history as far back as ancient Egypt. Tradition holds that the Tilapia was the fish that Jesus used to feed the five-thousand on the Sea of Galilee - thus one of its common names, “St. Peter’s Fish.” Tilapia is also referred to as “The Wonder Fish.” Tilapia eat algae and plants, they are not carnivorous and cannot build up pollutants and other toxins in their bodies - unlike the carnivorous predator fish species. Therefore, Tilapia is a healthier food for humans. Tilapia are hardy fish that can thrive in salt, brackish, or fresh water. When well fed and kept in warm water, there are no known diseases that can cause a large kill of the Tilapia stock. Their strong immune system guards against the infections that often wipe out whole populations of the more delicate species used in aquaculture. They can grow from fingerling to market size in just a few months and are more easily grown

than other foul fish species for either commercial or non-profit enterprises. They may be grown in open ponds cages submerged in ponds, aquariums, or tanks on land. Tilapia’s wide range of tolerance of environmental changes, including, water quality,temperature, salinity, population density, make them ideal candidates for aquaculture. Many other fish used for aquaculture, such as fresh water trout, are much more delicate and prone to disease when stressed by even relatively minor changes in their environment. With the proper training and approach, Tilapia aquaculture can provide a reliable harvest that is inexpensive to grow. Fresh Tilapia are farmed in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Honduras, Brazil and shipped fresh daily available for dinner instead of flounder, sole, haddock, cod, shrimp or Salmon. Tilapia is rapidly becoming one of the most popular seafood in the United States, with the National Marine Fisheries Service ranking it the fifth most consumed seafood. In fact, American’s annual consumption of tilapia has quadrupled over the last 4 years, from a quarter pound per person in 2003 to more than a pound in 2007. Researchers predict tilapia is destined to be one of the most important farmed seafood products of the century.

Editors Note: Research In 2008, ScienceDaily magazine reported: Farm-raised tilapia, one of the most highly consumed fish in America, has very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and, perhaps worse, very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The researchers say the combination could be a potentially dangerous food source for some patients with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases that are particularly vulnerable to an “exaggerated inflammatory response.” Inflammation is known to cause damage to blood vessels, the heart, lung and joint tissues, skin, and the digestive tract.

What’s a Tilapia? Waterfront Investment Grade Land on Clear Creek for Sale/Trade

I have 7 double lots that are 50’ x 200’ on Becky Lane at Woody St. They are waterfront on Clear Creek. The lots are combined as one city block. They were listed in 2006 for $120k when acquired, I have no other properties in the immediate area, so I wish to trade for other USA real estate, sell for a cash offer, owner financing available for any reasonable offer at 5% interest or trade for anything value, including R/Vs, Truck, Boat or Collector vehicles, 1031 options etc. The lots have an insured Clean/Clear/Lien free title and “MUST GO” I will listen to “ALL” offers personally.

281-812-7060 if no answer please leave a message.

April 15th Anniversary Rally

please join the Clear Lake tea party for a

tAKe BACK ouR CountRY RALLY!Thursday, April 15, 2010 at Clear Lake Park

Why is Health Care so important to the White House?

Why must we stop Cap & Trade?

Why should you stand with NASA and help keep the Manned Space

Flight program alive?

America in Crisis! We have drawn a line in the sand!

Come and Re-enact the Boston Tea Party.

Let’s pour the Tea in the Harbor

Enough is enough!

Location: Clear Lake park 5001 nasa pkwy, Seabrook, tXdate: thursday, April 15, 2010

time: 4:00 to 7:00 pMplease check our website for all the details:

e-Mail: [email protected]: www.clearlaketeaparty.com


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Every folk group in America, French, Spanish, Mexican, British, African, and Scotch-Irish, mastered the instrument while developing their own unique styles. The fiddle music which came to be known as Texas-style, was brought to Texas by Anglo immigrants in the early 19th century. The tunes they played were those of their homeland, known as “jigs,” “hornpipes,” and “reels,” and these terms are still used today. Settlers celebrated and preserved their heritage through music, but they also encountered Mexican songs, African American blues, and Czech and German polka. As these groups lived near one another, and played music with one another, they shared their cultural heritage with one another, and in the process formed a new culture. This is reflected in the music of the day. Musicians fit old English ballads with new lyrics to fit themes and experiences of the settlers in their new Texas homes. Settlers also composed new tunes to add to the body of music already played. Texas was unique among regions in the United States in its size, distance, and number of different ethnic groups. Social gatherings, like dances, celebrations after round-ups, Christmas gatherings, and other special occasions, provided an environment for people of different groups to come together and share their musical heritage. The main form of entertainment for these gatherings in Texas and across the south was the string band, led by the fiddle. String bands typically consisted of one or two fiddles, guitar, and banjo. The music was played to be danced to. Dances most often took place at a ranch house. Two rooms would be cleared of furniture and the musicians would stand in the doorway between the two rooms so the music could be heard in both. Texans also played fiddle music not meant for dancing. Fiddle contests have been held since fiddles first came to the New World. Record exists of a contest in the colony of Virginia in 1736. Fiddle contests traveled west with the pioneers and their music and were often incorporated into civic events or celebrations. By the late nineteenth century, fiddle contests became increasingly associated with Old Settlers Days and Confederate reunions. In the 1920’s Henry Ford took steps to revive “old-time” fiddling by sponsoring fiddle contests across the country as qualifying rounds for the national championship held in Detroit. Contests were fierce competitions which inspired innovation and improvisation in fiddlers in order to win favor with the judges and audiences. Texas-style fiddle music rose directly out of this contest tradition. Fiddle styles vary from state to state, and even more regionally within states. Individuals differ in the ways they hold an instrument, the way they bow the fiddle, level of improvisation, and even the number of strings played

(some fiddlers play only one string at a time while others play “double-stops,” the playing of two strings at the same time). Texas style fiddle is usually characterized by a long-bow technique and heavy syncopation. It is considered to be a blues influence. Using the long-bow technique makes for a very smooth playing style and clear noting, depending on the hand on the fingerboard for note changes. The best example of this fiddle style and the man most responsible for its worldwide popularity and heavy presence at fiddle contests was named Benny Thommason.

Benny Thommason grew up in a family of musicians. His father and uncle were probably a group of musicians called the Thommason Brothers who were some of the earliest recorded musical groups in Texas; making two records for Okeh in 1929. Fiddle contests are still held across the country, including Texas. They still provide a venue for fiddle players to observe, learn and enjoy fiddle music. In fact, Texas-style fiddle has become the dominant style in contests across the country. Fiddle contests from the Pacific Northwest to Florida are dominated and won by musicians playing Texas-style fiddle to this day.

Texas-style Fiddle Vocabulary and Terms Breakdown - A North American style of music traditionally played for folk dances, especially square dances.

Hornpipe A solo dance popular in the British Isles. The dance was kept up chiefly by sailors who danced to the music of the hornpipe (an obsolete folk instrument), thus the tunes became known by that name. Jig A lively, rustic English, Scottish, or Irish dance type, usually in compound double or triple time, with a characteristic rhythm.

Question : What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle ?

Answer : Not much! A fiddle usually has a lower arching bridge. Lowering the bridge causes the strings to be closer together and makes it easier to play more than one string at the same time. Most of the difference depends on the style of music being played. Violin music is usually classical. Fiddle music is usually folk.

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Stevie Wonder and Phil Mickelson cross paths at a popular meeting place. Phil turns to Wonder and asks, “How’s the singing career going?” Wonder replies, “Not too bad! How’s the golf?” Phil replies, “Not too bad. I’ve had some problems with my swing, but I think I’ve got that right now.”

Stevie says, “I always find that when my swing goes wrong, I need to stop playing for a while and not think about it. Then, the next time I play, it seems to be all right.”

Mickelson says, “You play golf?”

Stevie says, “Oh, yes, I’ve been playing for years.”

And Phil asks, “But, you’re blind. How can you play golf if you’re blind?”

Wonder replies, “I get my caddie to stand in the middle of the fairway and call to me. I listen for the sound of his voice and play the ball towards him. Then, when I get to where the ball lands, the caddie moves to the green or farther down the fairway and again I play the ball towards his voice.”

“But, how do you putt” asks Mickelson.

“Well,” replies Wonder, “I get my caddie to lean down in front of the hold and call to me with his head on the ground and I just play the ball towards his voice.”

Phil then asks, “What’s your handicap?”

Wonder says, “Well, I’m a scratch golfer.”

Incredulous, Phil says to Stevie, “We’ve got to play a round sometime.”

Wonder replies, “Well, people don’t take me seriously, so I only play for money, and never play for less then $10,000 a hold.”

Phil thinks about it and says, “OK, I’m game for that. When would you like to play?”

Stevie says, “Just about anytime, pick a night!”


Tropicalattitude“Celebrating the Waterfront Lifestyle”

“The Hole in the Wall on the island of Roatan in Honduras has to rank up there in the top ten of all-time great waterfront bars/ex-pat hangouts in the Caribbean. The ambiance is “funky” in the best sense of the word – too cool to be contained within walls.” So began an article by Susan Scott in the second issue of Tropicalattitude in the winter of 2001. Susan was currently living aboard her boat in Kemah while her husband sailed the seven seas as a merchant seaman. She also had a home in Roatan and so had first-hand knowledge of the bar. So what makes the Hole in the Wall so special? First, it’s open air and sets up on pilings over the water and is only accessible by boat. You have to thread your way through the 23-speed-bumped streets of Jonesville to the little harbor, then call or radio and they’ll send a boat to pick you up. The décor is best described as “tropical eclectic” and naturally there is a big red macaw presiding over matters. You’ll love the trinket and t-shirt collection that are nailed, tied and stapled to nearly every available post and wall. Feel free to sign your name and a message on one of the walls as a reminder that you stopped by! It was originated by Bob and Rhonda Lee while cruising on their catamaran out of California, they happened upon Roatan and Jonesville Bight. Rhonda said,”We fell in love with the people here and decided to stay.” Bob added “actually the boat wouldn’t go any further,” drawing attention to the half-sunken boat next to the bar. Rhonda has since passed away and Bob now runs the place with some friends. After reading the article I couldn’t wait to see it for myself. A couple years later a group of us were on a cruise that stopped at Roatan. Needless to say, the day we were in port was the day of the week it was closed. This last February we found ourselves headed there again so I checked. They now have a web site and are open seven days a week. I emailed Bob that we had published the article in 2001 and were coming his way. “Whoop de doo,” he must have thought, “they’re coming my way.” Since I knew it was pretty far away from the cruise ship port I also asked his advice about transportation and emailed the driver, Juan, as well. When I inquired about the price to drive to Hole in the Wall, he said $30 per person. Seemed kind of high for a taxi ride and in my cheapiness I nearly canceled out. I’m glad I didn’t, however. It turns out the $30 per person provided an almost all day tour of the island as well and he stopped at all the scenic points,

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whenever we wanted refreshments or needed a pit stop. During the trip I discovered and fell in love with a Honduran beer called Salva Vida (lifesaver). Juan also took us to some (optional) tourist spots such as the monkey jungle which we really enjoyed interacting with the little fellows. Most important is that the food was quite good and quite reasonably priced. Shrimp, fish, conch and lobster was offered in sandwiches or dinners, also burgers and tacos. The sandwiches average about $7 and the entrees $12. The most expensive item on the menu and the thing that Hole in the Wall is most famous for is the BBQ. It consists of BBQ Prime Beef Filet, Lobster or Shrimp, Harry’s World Famous Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Cole Slaw, Homemade Bread and Dessert! It’s all you can eat (until it’s gone!) for only $25! BBQ is served at 2pm on Fridays and Sundays but special arrangements can be made for other days of the week for groups of 12 or more. There were only four of us, so we ate off the menu. It was a lovely day, sitting in the shade drinking Salva Vida’s, enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings with a nice breeze blowing through. Would I go back? Can’t wait. http://roatanholeinthewall.com

Hole in the Wall, Roatan, Honduras by Gene Rutt


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Just the word “Voodoo” conjures up images of spells, dolls, strange potions, wild dancing and zombies. In actuality, however, though some of these have a place in it, Voodoo is a religion with many similarities to Catholicism. The practice of Voodoo is probably as old as the African continent itself. Sometimes written Voudou, Vodou or Voudun, the word itself means God Creator or Great Spirit. It has been greatly distorted and misused; human sacrifices, vampires, dripping blood and devil worship all make the stuff of spooky novels and Hollywood movies. Yet none of these originated with or ever belonged to Voodoo! Voodoo is a life affirming practice that encourages its participants to better understand the natural processes of life and their own spiritual natures. If one looks at the dictionary, Voodoo is likely to be defined as an ancient religion from Africa that involves the cult of Ancestors, of various animistic spirits, and the use of trances to communicate with such spirits. It is true that Voodoo did originate in Africa. Today it is practiced by millions throughout the world, in Africa, the Caribbean, Central, North and South America, in various forms, often with elements of catholicism mixed in. However, its main purpose remains as always to heal: to heal the individual in relationships within himself or herself, with others and ultimately with God. Around 1510 the slave trade began, slaves being taken from the West Coast of Africa (Gulf of Guinea) from what is now Senegal and Gambia to the Congo region. The slaves who were torn from their native lands brought with them their beliefs and regional practices. Many were first brought to the Caribbean islands to work the plantations and be forcibly Christianized. Their owners (“masters”) did not recognize the mystical qualities of their native ceremonies. Rather they considered them to be savages, incapable of abstract concepts or spirituality. Of course the denial of their humanity made it all so much easier to keep them as slaves. Yet in the terrible conditions of their enslavement, the Africans’ only hope lay in their very faith. Amidst broken tribes and families, they found unity and solace in God and ancient rituals. It certainly also gave them a deep

sense of inner freedom. Although African slaves came from many different regions, most influential were the tribes from Nigeria and Dahomey. In 1729 the Dahomey conquered their neighbors the Ewes and sold their prisoners to the slave ships often in exchange for European goods. Many from Dahomey were also kidnapped. Both tribes had incorporated snake worship into their rites and some priests of the religion unwillingly found themselves on route to Haiti and the new world. Within one generation of their arrival, these priests had already established temples (hounfors) and developed a following in spite of their captivity and severe opposition of the French and Spanish churches. The term Vo-Du came from the Fons of dahomey. The other great influence came from Yorubaland (Nigeria), the site of the sacred city of Ile-Ife. Among the Yorubas, the Loa (Lwa or Spirits) are known as Orisha. Other people that contributed to modern Voodoo in the new world are the Aradia, Nago, Ibo, Congo, Senegalese, Mandingo, Ethiopians, Sudanese and Malgaches. The Voodoos believe in the existence of one supreme God, a very abstract, omnipotent yet unknowable force. Below this almighty God, Spirits or Loa rule over the world’s affairs in matter of family, love, happiness, justice, health, wealth, work, the harvest or the hunt etc. Offerings are made to the appropriate Loa to ensure success in those areas. Each Loa has its preferred fruits or vegetables, color, number, day of the week, etc. The Loa also manifest through elements of nature such as the wind and rain, lightning and thunder, the river, the ocean, springs and lakes, the sky, the sun, certain animals, trees and stones. Furthermore every element of nature, animal, tree, plant, fruit or vegetable is sacred to a certain Loa or Orisha. Upon their arrival in the West Indies and the New World, the slaves found themselves unable to continue the practice of their ancestral rites, sometimes under penalty of death. But they quickly understood the essential similarities between their beliefs and those of the Catholics; the Catholics praying to their Saints to intercede to a higher God in their favor. That is in fact the exact criteria used to “make a Saint”, the ability to obtain miracles. Continued on Page 15

A Brief History of Voodoo

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Sargent is Unique… Imagine a place where you have the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, with the beach and the waves, surfers and beachcombers and at the same time, sprawling ranches and working cowboys. In addition, the San Bernard Wildlife Refuge and a birdwatchers paradise. The smell of the sea air and the whimsical music of the seagulls and pelicans flying overhead, then a few short miles away, the smell of fresh hay being cut and the sound of livestock grazing the pastures. Sargent is a Fisherman’s Paradise, whether in the Gulf or Matagorda Bay and then there is always the abundance of trout in Caney Creek. Boating, Fishing, Ranching, or Birdwatching, there is something for everyone in Sargent. The awesome sight of the barges traveling through what is soon to be Texas’ only Swing Bridge is something to behold. You never know what you might see being moved on these barges. Amazingly, it would take 600 railroad cars or over 2,000 trucks to haul the same amount of cargo as just one barge! Sargent has the beach, Intracoastal Waterway, canals and beautiful Caney Creek. All with access to the Gulf of Mexico. Few other places have such a diverse selection of waterfront property. Something of interest is the 8 mile granite revetment wall that was built along Sargent Beach. By the late 1980’s, it became apparent that erosion would cut through this barrier island and expose the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico, thus shutting down this vital waterway for barge traffic linking industry along the Texas Coast. The impact the GIWW has not just on the Gulf Coast and the state of Texas, but to the entire country, prompted a comprehensive study by the U.S. Corp of Engineers to determine what course of action to take. It was decided to build this “One of a Kind” wall, that now not only protects the GIWW, but also protects this little known beach and homes from the inevitable erosion that occurs in coastal areas. 88 million dollars was spent on this project that began in April 1995 and was completed in January 1998. Sargent is one of the best kept secrets on the Texas coastline. There is so much more to this hidden treasure. Connect with your dreams…

Come for a visit and “Explore the Undiscovered Charm of Sargent”!

Voodoo ContinuedA substitution took place: the Loa often taking the name and some of the attributes of the Saints. The elaborate ceremonies and costumes of the church also had great appeal for the Africans. The Africans and their descendants would not have seen it as a direct substitution rather than as an added path of expression of their deep-seated faith and beliefs. In the Spanish Islands, the new religion became known as Santeria (the worship of the Saints). In other islands and in New Orleans, the term Voodoo remained. Because of its unique blend of French, Spanish and Indian cultures, New Orleans offered a perfect setting for the practice and growth of Voodoo. In 1809 many Haitians who had migrated to Cuba during the Haitian revolution found themselves cast out and came to New Orleans. They brought with them their slaves who incorporated their rites and beliefs to those of the existent slave population - Africans previously brought to Louisiana by the Companie des Indes. Voodoo in Louisiana was enriched and revitalized. It also incorporated the worship of the Snake Spirit (Damballah Wedo / Aida Wedo). To the Africans Voodoo was not only their religion,

it was also their natural medicine, their protection and certainly a way of asserting and safeguarding a sense of personal freedom and identity. Today about 15% of the population of New Orleans practices Voodoo. Modern Voodoo has taken several directions: Spiritualist Reverends and Mothers who have their own churches, Hoodoos who integrate and work spells and superstitions, elements of European witchcraft and the occult, and traditionalists for whom the practice of Voodoo is a most natural and important part of their daily lives, a positive search for ancient roots and wisdom. The practice of Voodoo involves the search for higher levels of consciousness in the belief that -as indeed all of the ancient scriptures teach - it is we who must open the way towards the Gods. for when we call out from our hearts, the Gods hear and indeed are compelled to respond. Voodoo is a powerful mystical practice between (Wo)Man and God thus saving him/her from further estrangement from the very universe that (s)he is born into.

Kimberley GibbonsGulf Coast Realtors409/392-6358-cell832/645-7400-fax

[email protected]


281-534-GULF (4853) www.gulfcoastrealtors.net

Galveston- 4/2 for LeaseLarge Family room /gas fireplace. All bedrooms up. Appliances included.Updated kitchen. Utility room in house. Large fenced front & back yard. Available 04/30/10 Lease: $1700

El Dorado Way Condo 2/2Near I-45. Lots of light, open-concept, built-in bookshelves, wood burning fireplace. Appliances included. Pool, exercise facility, tennis courts and clubhouse for your convenience. For Sale $53,000 or Lease $700

La marque- 3/2 Open concept kitchen/living area.All appliances included. Energy efficient roof, decked attic, cul-de-sac. Optional surround sound and flat screen television. $183,900 w/a $2,000 BTSA

Teichman Rd Galveston 3/2 1/2 Gulf and bay views.Warm and inviting open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen/dining combo. Full Master Suite w/ 2 decks. Large gameroom downstairs. Easy access to I-45 and public boat ramp. $349,900

André was a harbor seal who spent his winters at the New England Aquarium in Boston and his summers in Rockport Harbor, Maine. Every spring for over 20 years the Seaquarium would release him and André would swim north to Rockport (150+ miles). It was always a high point for local residents when he reappeared. He was the honorary harbormaster. André was the subject of a feature film in which a Maine harbor master named Harry finds an abandoned seal pup and brings him home to care for him. Named Andre, the seal becomes an instant hit with Harry’s family, especially his daughter, Toni, a shy nine-year-old who bonds with the playful pup. Toni is more comfortable with animals than with kids. Her father is not very responsible, but he has a real gift for animals, and his wife manages to cope with the chaos and be “the only grown-up in the house.” When Andre is a year old, Steve releases him in the wild. To Toni’s delight, Andre repeatedly returns to the harbor to visit his human family. The seal is a delightful playmate, a sensational participant in “show and tell” at school, and a courageous life-saver, warning Harry away from a sunken mine when he is scuba-diving and rescuing Toni in a storm. The crowd-pleasing seal receives a barrage of media publicity, but not everyone is happy with him. The local fishermen blame the seals for their unusually low catches. One of them, a bitter man who hates Harry and his family, calls the Fish and Wildlife Administration. They send an inspector who insists that Andre must go. Finally, Andre goes to a Boston aquarium. But, set free every summer, he comes back to be with his family. Fearing for his safety, the family must decide to do what’s best for Andre A marble statue of André was dedicated at the Rockport harborside in 1978; André unveiled it himself. He died in 1986. André will never have a successor, says the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, because “the Department of Environmental Protection would never allow it.”

André the Seal

Galveston--Financial Institution 2760 sq ft! Great location corner of Broadway & 21st Street. 3 drive thru windows. Total remodeled inside with one conference room, 6 offices, vault, storage room, kitchen and bathroom. $500,000

Over 300 years agent experience serving Galveston County

Gulf Coast Realtors

CommercialResidential Investment

2000 Loop 197 Suite 111texas City, tX 77590409-945-7653

312 FM 517 Wdickinson, tX 77539281-534-guLF (4853)

CCISD-near Kemah Boardwalk and shopping. Easy access to 146. Updated interior paint and roof. Enjoy laminate wood, tile floors and a huge gameroom. $118,000

GOT HORSES? 2 -1/4 acres waiting for your ranch home and/or horses. Good investment property. Higher elevation of San Leon - partially fenced - $165,000

Casa Rio Dickinson Large townhome style condo on Dickinson Bayou. pool,tennis court, greenspace & waterfront picnic area. $106,000

Dickinson 2 office spaces for lease in high traffic location across from Dickinson post office,1700 sq ft and 1000 sq.ft....ready for tenant

Edwards Landing - San Leon - Canal front with Bay views, 2/2/2 plus workshop area, Granite countertops in kitchen, full deck facing canal, $222,500

www.gulfcoastrealtors.net

Find out what properties in your area sold for:www.propertyvaluesinyourneighborhood.com

2718 Oak ParkAdorable and Affordable.....updated cottage style home, 2 bedrooms plus a loft. 1 car garage and beer garden! Call for price!

League City office Space for rent--6100 sq ft space available $1.50 sq ft-will divide.. 1500 sq ft with 10 offices already built and ready to go! $1.50 sq ft.Faces Gulf Fwy.

LaMarque investment property - 3 houses on one piece of property, Front house is 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Other two: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Back house is on top of three car garage. Sold ‘’as is’’ Owner finance available. $119,000

QUAIL CIRCLE – Dove Meadowlaminate wood & tile floors.snuggle up in front of the gas log fplc.the split floorplan is spacious & the master suite has separate shower,jacuzzie tub,double sinks & it opens out into the covered patio.a recent roof,updated a/c & heat,recently replaced water heater & built-in microwave. $154,000

Crystal Lane - San LeonAbove ground pool,frnt covered porch,lg.back deck,culdesac. No hoa or deed restrictions.dbl skirting!inside amenites:woodburning fpl,wet bar,island kit. 2 living areas, master suite includes a huge bedroom,w/ separate study,spa like bath & huge walk-in closet! No water in Ike. $110,000

San Leon - Canal front lot with 2 sides of waterfront - restricted waterfront community - bring your own plans or build to suit. $85,000

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Documents

Where Did It Go? April 2010