A RAINY SUNDAY AT RANDOLPH

All the years my brother "T" was in the Air Force, I never got to go on a US Military Base to view an air show. Since Eisenhower Bank, a division of Broadway Bank (Jimmy's), has a branch on Randolph Air Force Base, we had the privilege of getting special passes to get in and into a special tent and seating area for the air show this weekend at Randolph. Alix was having a girls weekend with college friends, so Clark brought the little guys along for the day. We were all really excited, but me in particular. I've passed Randolph many times going to and from I10 on the way to Houston or Beaumont or wherever and seen the beautiful white/cream buildings with the red tile roofs. I always wondered what the base looked like after you got onto it. Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, is not a particularly pretty base, so I was curious about Randolph.

Clark and the kids picked us up in their car and we headed out to the base before 10:00 am. Upon driving up to the entrance of the base, we were easily ushered in without any means of security because of a special pass given to us. We were rather surprised we didn't even have to show any ID. We slowly drove through the base and headed toward the designated parking area to check in for this special pass and to be shuttled to the air strip. We didn't find out until later that other viewers without the special passes parked much further away and were brought in on buses. When checking in, we were told to put on these paper bracelets with green stars on them. They looked like a general's stars. When we arrived at the gate to the air strip, guards asked us for our military IDs and then, upon noticing our starred bracelets, said, "Oh...that's okay...go right in." We don't know what the bracelets meant, but they got us in everywhere and free food. It was really quite fun. Guess I'll have to ask "T" what it all means. It's probably nothing...just probably some particular guest pass.

After checking in, we all boarded a people mover buss and headed for the base. You can see below, we were ready to rock and roll. It was raining as we arrived on base, so...umbrellas in hand, we were off!


After entering the gates, we found our way to the special tent where we placed our belongings on a table and waited for the rain to slow before heading out to view some antique and other sample planes lined up along the tarmac. Everything was sooooooo wet. Jimmy didn't enter the planes with us...but rather held umbrellas and watched as Clark and I climbed aboard and hauled kids in and out, taking pictures as they oooood and awwwwwd.

Our Umbrella Stand

On the left was the navigators training stations
but they didn't notice for looking out the windows!



I couldn't keep up with the little guys!
Plus, I wanted to talk to the cute navigators telling us about the plane!
And I do mean cute!


He offered me a seat in his chair! Ooo lala!

This is the plain we just departed from where the navigators train.

Jimmy and the kids are checking the nose and wheels.

This small little jet could hold only one pilot

The steps were quite steep and Huston held tight while

checking out the plane

Pretty cool!

Man! This little girl is HEAVY!

Huston loved the Japanese planes because they had

a big red dot!

Talk about GUNS!

Check out the BULLETS on this baby!

However, this plane didn't look comfortable to ride in. No cushioned seats, bounced around on metal with machine gun firing...not my cup of tea but do appreciate those service men who were flying in them!

Huston checking out the small area under the plane where, I believe,a man (or two) sat and shot those two guns sticking out of that ball. It sure was a small area. Even Huston would have been uncomfortable. Very claustrophobic!

Black Beauty!

Huston couldn't WAIT to go see this plane. He saw the black and HAD to go see it. However, when he was to go UP...another story.

Ems is fascinated but Huston is a little leery of the height

A princess loves to look down on her subjects no matter where she is!

Check out that BOMB Ems!

An even BIGGER BOMB, Ems!

What would an air show be without cotton candy! Thanks Lovey!

Back in the people mover headed to the car...buckle up for safety little Ems!

In the car, headed home...

"Lovey, I've had enough of this dumb paper bracelet with the stars!"

We really didn't see but one plane fly over since the weather was so bad. But we did have a good time and the kids thought it was great. I hope we get another chance to see another show. I loved seeing the base and would love seeing a show with the formations and such. So Huston, let's get on Jim to keep us on the list for next time, DEAL?

IT'S ABOUT LIFE

You know, I don't know why I've been writing so much about shoes lately. But I guess they have just been on my mind. And shoes do, really, remind one a lot about life. Take the shoes I work out in. They are called Sketchers "shape ups". They are really not very attractive. Much like my bland golf shoes. A lot like the dreaded Naturalizers. They are black, leather, lace up (yuk - haven't worn lace ups since I was a child) and very sturdy (like most 80 year old's need). Yes, Sissy, I said like most 80 year old's need.








As you can see, they provide great support and have a very unusual sole. The sole is curved from back to front with a very thick center, in the arch area. Therefore, as one walks, you roll from your heal to your toe, back to front. It is quit difficult to walk backwards in these shoes without falling. However, to warm up, one does roll on the back of the shoe to stretch the back calf muscles.

I worked out last night for quite a while and this morning, I was really feeling the affects of my workout. It made me think about my shape ups. Wearing them is a lot like the way go through stimulating circumstances (as we call difficulties in BSF) in our lives. When things are good, balanced, on target...it is like we are standing upright in our shape ups, centered. You see, one of the benefits of the shape ups is that they not only help tone the muscles, but help with ones posture, keeping the back straight, shoulders correct, etc. in order to properly walk in them. So, if one is just standing in the shoes, you are usually standing in the center of the shoe, the large part of the sole that is thick, supportive, and your shoulders are back and you are standing straight. Things are good. If you are bent backward, you are out of kilter and might stumble or fall. If you are leaning forward, you must be moving and would need to straighten up in order to continue to move or else fall. A very interesting theory.

When stretching, one holds on to a stationary object and rolls onto the back of the heels of the shoe. This stretches the calf muscles. It's like holding on to the Lord (our constant and stable) while we are stretched in the stimulating circumstances of life. But these stretches warm us up and get us ready to move forward. We then, still holding on to the stationary object (again the Lord), roll forward, to loosen up the arches, toes and thighs. All this loosening up prepares us for the future and makes us stronger. But still, we hold on to the constant.

When we let go the stationary object and start walking on our own, the shoe becomes our stableing constant and continues with us as we have been trained to stand upright, stay centered, walk right, focus and know our constant (the shoes that are supporting us - ie the Lord) so that we can be shaped and made strong as we move forward through the everyday trials and joys of life.

Yes, shoes really are a look into a person's life. I guess we do need those bland looking ones in our lives. Though they are not frilly, pointy, jazzy, costly or stand out...we need those Naturalizers that keep us grounded, safe, comfortable and strong...that don't hurt us, but build us up and give us joy and happiness.

So...You go Sissy! Buy those brown pair!

Love,

TRULY PATHETIC!

I got an e-mail from my sister yesterday. The subject part at the top had a description titled, "I'm Old". I couldn't wait to hear what she had to say. I'm not sure what I thought she meant, but I surely wasn't expecting to hear her news. This was the "one liner" written in the e-mail.

"I am now officially OLD!! Saturday I bought my first pair of Natualizer shoes. I hated doing it (but the shoes are so comfortable)! And if they’d had them in brown I’d have bought those too! Awful!"

NATURALIZERS!!!!! Yeah...you read right...she bought Naturalizers! Now I just got finished writing about shoes on Monday. Remember, how my golf shoes I wore Sunday afternoon were bland? Well, I am truly sorry, but Naturalizers top my bland golf shoes! I guess when I wrote how, as we got older, our shoes became lower healed and more sensible, like when we were younger children, it never really occurred to me we were heading toward Naturalizers! I think our mother wears those! Don't you have to be 80 before you buy a pair?

Anyway, I'm glad my sister could only find them in black and could only buy one pair. Someone needs to do some serious talking to her. Yes, today's shoes do kill ones feet. But seriously...Naturalizers? What is this world coming to? My theory is this...wear a pair of ugly shoes, look ugly, feel ugly, act ugly...hence...ARE ugly. Therefore...wear a pair of cute shoes, look cute, feel cute, act really cute...hence...ADORABLE!

So...Sissy...throw those naturalizers OUT! (or at least only wear them for yard work!) Otherwise...for heaven's sake, don't wear them around adorable me!

BLAND

Bland. I guess that is really the most appropriate word to describe not only the shoes I wore in playing golf yesterday, but my game. I knew before I started out that it would be that way. After all, I've said it before...it's all about the shoes. "Cute shoes" is the name of the game. A woman's life can be described by her shoes, really. When she's young, her shoes are little "Mary Janes". Cute, black patten numbers. All shiny and sturdy. Just what a little girl needs. Sturdy, yet just a little pizazz but classic.

Then, she moves to more mature shoes...Keds for instance. Keds can be casual with a little flair in color. They can be worn casual with pants or short skirts. They can be worn to school or even a church group if a young girl likes. Keds are dependable, not too expensive, but can even be decorated to a young girls delight - such as rhinestones or glitter or fabric paint. Keds are good and affordable so girls can have several pair to mix and match.

Next, a teen moves on to sandals or espadrilles. These or cool and comfy shoes. rather "sexy" as they say. You can slip them off easily, go barefoot and slip them back on. Some are peep toe so their toenail polish can be seen. During the colder months, boots are the popular attire. Rubber boots for wet or really cold climate. Leather boots in all ranges are chosen by teens. Those that come above the knee, knee high, calf high or even ankle high are good. Whatever the height of the boot, the higher the heel, the better it seems. A teen and really strut her stuff with high heeled boots.

As a woman gets older, the heel gets lower again and again until she's back into little black flats (perhaps not patten) like she first had. More sensible and a lot more comfortable. Nothing to strut, only enough to move along.

Golf shoes are different though. There is a lot to golf shoes. Golf shoes MAKE a woman. If you can play golf...the shoes do the playing. You see, "cute shoes" make the woman feel appealing, strong, full of stamina, vibrant, able to strut her stuff around the entire 18 holes. They hold up in hot weather, cold weather, wet weather, flat terrain or even hilly. It doesn't matter to "cute shoes". They are tough, durable AND "cute"! With spikes...they grip, they hold you firm, they say, "hang on...I've got you babe!" "Cute shoes"...say LOVE ME..."bland shoes" ...say .......LEAVE ME!

So, I guess next time I play golf, I'll leave my bland shoes in my locker. Then my golf game won't feel so BLAND. Come hither "cute shoes". Get ready for some lovin!

'"BLAND"

BASEBALL AND DOGS

What a day it was! Saturday was Huston's T-ball game and the end of the season is nearing. I love going to his games. Though baseball is my least favorite game (usually I say I hate the sport...just don't get all the scratching, spitting, testosterone stuff), but I do love watching Huston and his team as they play. There is something about little 3 and 4 year old kids out on a field with little uniforms, not knowing what in the world they are doing, all running around like little ants chasing each other that just cracks me up.

Anyway, today was no exception. But, today was a little different for Huston. It began with Jimmy deciding to go to the game. Jimmy doesn't make as many games as I do. He goes to some, but sometimes, when his week has been full, stays home to work on the yard or other errands that need attending to. But today, being a beautiful day, decided to go with me. AND, being such a beautiful day, AND seeing that the game started at noon, he decided to drive the vet. We went first to Clark and Alix's to caravan with them to the fields. Jimmy decided that Huston could ride with him to the game since he liked to ride in "Jim's" race car. Best ride before the game and before Huston's shoes were all dirty....you know...gotta keep the car mats clean!

Huston was thrilled to ride with Jim to the game. However, he warned Jim on the way to be careful and not get stopped by the police and get a ticket. Hmmmm, wonder why he would mention that? Does he know someone that has happened to? Has he been in the car when that has happened to someone? Perhaps I should ask him? Very interesting!

I rode to the game with Clark, Alix and Emery. I rode between 2 car seats next to Ems. She was hysterical! Alix calls her her little dog. When she tells her to smile or do something cute, she does it on command. I think Clark was a little taken back at the comment. Alix and I got a little charge out of it though.
The game was really fun. Usually, Huston's team, the Cardinals, bat first. But this week, they fielded first. Listen to me....I'm really getting the lingo down now! Aren't you PROUD!

Anyway, last week Huston was first up to bat. Therefore, he batted last in the Cardinals lineup. Since everyone bats, there are no outs and each child runs all the bases, the last child to bat hits the ball and everyone runs all the bases. That means that Huston hit a Grand Slam! Two times! Yeah Huston! He thought he was the hero of the game. How fun!

But the most fun of all was snack time!!!!!!!! That's really all the kids care about. As long as they get their snack...that's what they play for. To heck with the rest of the stuff...speaking of little dogs....isn't that what dogs do tricks for...snacks? Hmmmm....Men should think about that!

Hey Huston, this ain't no Six Flags ride!
Hold on to your hat, the rides about to begin!

Lovey and Emy just rolling along

Okay Ems, you can play for just a minute...then, off with the equipment

Okay, here you are

Can you tell she dressed herself? Check out the

necklace & Christmas hair bow

Okay guys, now, hand on your heart for the pledge

I pledge what?

Now it's the dads turn to pledge good sportsmanship...sereously...are they so bad you have to make them pledge?

You mean I can't wear my shiny red hat out in the field?

It'll make a GREAT Halloween bucket!

Man...this is a lot of equipment for one guy!

Hey Lovey, can you get that cap for me?

Huston started out on second base. A little action happens in that position, but not as much as he would like. You know, catching the ball is everything to these guys. Catching it and holding on. They don't even want to throw it. In fact, if they could keep it, that would be okay.

H, you see that kid over there...throw him out!

See dad, this is how it's going down....

Two squatters

Here we go now

First time down and bunches to go....man, this is gonna be a long day!

Is he looking at the ball or is he just running sideways? Hmmmmmm.

Down again...but he'll let them fight over the ball this time.

Oops, there it goes!

Down again....call in the stretcher! Man, this game is ROUGH!

Hey, did it get dark or have I gone blind?

Maybe if I spread my legs further apart and straighten my legs I won't fall...never know!

Finally...time to go bat!

And he HITS down the left baseline....run Huston run!

And he heads for first...

rounds second...to third...

and HOME for Grand Slam #1 - YEAH Huston!

This next inning Huston played left field. Yawn! What a sleeper. He hated left field...no action. The DIRT was more interesting than the game. At one point, Huston and Clark were throwing dirt globs at each other. Way to go Clark! I told you...baseball is the most boring sport in the world...of course unless you are watching your grandchild be cute!

Hmmmm, this dirt looks very interesting!

If I dig this up, wonder what I will pull out?

Hey, what's back here in this grass? There's gotta be SOMETHING interesting way out here. The games a bore!

Man, the bugs are really out today!

Huston, just pretend to enjoy the game and pay attention...and what's that you dug up?

Okay, NOW it's time to go in and bat again.

2nd time up and he hits again down the third base line!

Rounding first base....

On to second and third

Charging home...

And he slides safely into home! YEAH!

SAFE! For another GRAND SLAM!

Hi 5's for all

Huston's favorite part - SNACK

Great game champ! Lovey and Jim can't wait until your next game. What a guy!