Just in From The Anahuac Gator Fest

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A boat can get small ---- when you have company like this !  We turned him in this morning at GatorFest over in Anahuac and are currently in 1st place !

Tagged by Phillip Jureczki - a local Baytown and Chambers County business owner and avid hunter and fisherman - the storefront in the background of that picture is JJ's DryDock and Bait on GouHole Road right near the Hugo Park Boat ramp in Chambers County off FM 565 (correction) - a great place to store your boat and buy live bait / ice / fishing gear for fishing upper Trinity Bay.

Mitchell Pearce
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BB's Easy Peasy Red Beans & Rice

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2 large boxes of Zatarain's or Tony Chachere's red beans and rice
2# ground Chuck
1# pan sausage
1 large onion
2 large cans Rotel brand tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes
2 large cans pinto beans
2 large cans black beans
I package real bacon bits
parsley flakes

Cook the boxed beans according to instructions
Cook the meat and onions until brown
Cook everything else in a very large pot and add the boxed beans and meat when they are done.

Makes a lot of beans and rice and we always freeze a bunch for my work lunches

10 Years later - 9-11-2001

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Doing my part to remember all the victims of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks by godless heathen terrorists, who with a deviant form of religion justify killing almost 2000 innocent men, women, and children.
When they stand before the one true and living god, they will hear these chilling words, quoted from the King James Bible, Matthew 7:23: "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

 My salute goes out to all our fallen military and those who survive, and our police departments, and firefighters.  Last I salute all those loved ones who have suffered loss.  God bless America.

A Trip Up Cedar Bayou

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My buddy Jim McDonnel took his circa 1971 John boat up Cedar Bayou today, launching from the boat dock at Roseland Park.  We motored all the way to the I-10 bridges, occasionally bumping an underwater log as we neared the bridges.  We saw many different birds, including great blue herons, night herons, white egrets, caracara, anhinga,  cormorants, kingfishers, and vultures.

We also found about 5-6 boats completely destroyed.  I wonder who is responsible for their removal?

We discovered Cedar Bayou for the most part is unspoiled and beautiful.  It will be a real shame to see it ruined by the noise and traffic pollution caused by the proposed barge terminal.

Baytown Bert in a rare self-portrait

The bridges under I-10.  Its very beautiful here.

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The Rise and Fall of the San Jacinto Mall

Here's the video if you can't see the embedded version.  Someone put a lot of work into this and they deserve credit.  It's sad what happened to this Mall.

Kayaking on Goose Creek

My Bride and I took our tandem Ocean Kayak out on Goose Creek today, launching from the excellent boat dock behind the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center.

It was a perfect day to be on the water, with a light breeze and 75 degrees F.  Once on the water, we paddled north and passed under the Texas Avenue bridge, hailing a fellow attempting to catch a fish (none yet, he yelled).

We saw many cormorant, pelicans, egrets, great egrets, and herons, of various types.  The tide was coming in, but not being sure of where the channels runs, we ran through some water less than 12 inches from my hull.

I'm thinking if the barge terminal is installed on Cedar Bayou, Goose Creek will need to be dredged, but right now it's still good for kayaking and there's even a geocache on an island down close to the park street bridge, thanks to Larry Houston.

 
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Organized by the Pilot Club of Baytown Inc, the 13th Annual Alzheimer's Walk with the Health Science Field Search for the Cure

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Judy Wheat and Mayor DonCarlos

The advances of modern medicine, especially in the last twenty years, have superseded the expectations of even those who sought, or seek, a health science degree. Today's doctors, nurses, researchers and professors inspire today's youth to continue the search for the cure to Alzheimer's, among many other diseases. It is likely to be today's students that can find the cause and cure. Detection has become far more sophisticated and medical professionals are able to detect signs of Alzheimer's and treat it more effectively, before symptoms really even begin. Thanks to walks and fundraising events, like the 13th annual Alzheimer's Walk organized by the Pilot's Club, will add advanced therapies to the set of weapons we have to fight this disease. 

Friends.... You are invited to walk with us ..  We are only a few weeks away from the Alzheimer's Walk at Bayland Park.  It is a casual noncompetitive walk along the beautiful Bay.  We are walking to raise funds for research for the cure of Alzheimer's Disease.  Breakfast will be served following the walk, compliments of Jack Adcox, Bridgewater Events and Jerry Elmore, Executive Catering.  We have invited Baytown Mayor Steve Don Carlos to again begin our Walk.  and please share this invitation with your friends, family, and colleagues... send to your contacts on your email distribution list..Check out details on the attached flyer and the informative website addresses below...  thank you so very much....

Judy Wheat and the Pilot Club of Baytown

Saturday, October 15, 2011, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Bayland Park,
2651 South Hwy 146, Baytown, Texas

13th Annual Alzheimer’s Walk Organized by The Pilot Club of Baytown, Inc.

Please help us meet the Challenge of Conquering Alzheimer’s Disease
Please walk with us.
Bring your friends, family, & colleagues in support of families affected with Alzheimer’s.
Help a little!!  Help a Lot!!!
For mailing a donation, registration form is attached.
Make check payable to Alzheimer’s Association.
Your participation is vital to ending Alzheimer’s!
For information, call Judy at 281-424-7838 or Nancy at 281-422-5400.
Register with any Pilot member or register online at
http://www.pilotclubofbaytown.org/  or
 http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=454594
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LIfe by Levi McAllister

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Levi is a friend of mine and lives in Baytown, Texas.  He is currently serving our country in the US Navy.  Leave a comment for him on his YouTube page.
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A letter from Warren Fitts

I met Ken the Dauber a good while back after he got set up I gave him a visit and asked what he needed for his mission and I also let my Vietnam era Bro's know about Ken and some well needed donations came in from Vet organizations.. One day I was unloading some supplies and carrying things in, Ken caught me in back of studio and asked me some questions about my service..and then asked if anyone was KIA in my family tree..it was a little weird because my brother Bill has done our family tree of warriors who date back into revolution and many of the Fitts family tree served this country putting their life's on the line for Freedom from day one.

The first Fitts , Robert Fitts hit the American Shores in 1638 in Mass. and his existence in America had brought future generations of those who stood up for Protecting our country...the Fitts family were true Patriots with a proven history of support and leadership in all wars that faced our country...During the many era's of war many in my family tree were injured or gave the ultimate sacrifice..I told Ken about a cousin who was killed in Vietnam and about his family, Ken said I want to paint him and I said well he is from Massachusetts not Texas, he said that don t matter he is a my Hero..

 So I got permission from Richard A. Fitts son Richard A. Fitts JR for Ken the Dauber to paint SFC Richard A. Fitts who served with Special Forces MAC V SOG in Vietnam., and was MIA in Vietnam in 1968 til 1989 when him and his team were found and status changed to KIA and returned remains found were returned home and buried in 1990.. many articles put out did not mention Richards family left behind which  was his son Richard JR who was 2 years old when his Dad was MIA and his wife Vickie Fitts.

Anyway Ken the Dauber has taken a black and white photo and created a portrait of SFC Richard A. Fitts in a Vietnam Hero tribute .

You have asked me my story and like you Bert I did my job, you know its my family history that really drives me to never give up..and I am so proud to see such great warriors like Richard Fitts in my family tree...

Later, Ren

Cary Bayou Trail Bridges Are Being Replaced

The Cary Bayou Trail Bridges are closed beginning Friday 19, 2011 until October.  I asked Parks Superintendent Scott Johnson if he could give us a bit more info:

Bert, the contractor should begin construction on the bridge abutments later this week or early next week.  We are expecting the bridges to be delivered in 2 to 4 weeks.

We are figuring everything to be back to normal by October 1st at the latest sooner if the good construction weather holds (and it don’t look like the weather is going to change any time soon)

The new bridges will be 8 feet wide and we are looking forward to the improvements to the trail.  The granite (piles) will be used for the walking surface on the bridges and we have several spots on the trails that need some more granite.

Scott Johnson


The 3rd and remaining bridge is maintained by Harris County and will remain.

It's So Dry In Texas That...

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On my Facebook Page (Bert Marshall) I asked my friends to contribute original material to the question:  It's so dry, …

Here is what the posted.

Its so dry, I seen a coyote chasin' a rabbit and they was both walkin'.

Its so dry, yesterday my wormy dog was draggin' his rear end and set my grass on fire!

It's so dry in Baytown, the councilmen renamed it Dune.

It's so dry, no one is playing pocket pool!

It's so dry, I ate a popsicle and all it was , was wood.

It's so dry, they are seeding the clouds with photographs of dry ice.

It's so dry, dry docks are poppin' up in the middle of lakes.

It's so dry, "The Dog Days of Summer" is now a horror movie.

It's so dry, People are selling their stock in 'Arrid Extra Dry'.

It hasn't rained so long in Texas... everyone's sense of humor is dry.

It's so dry, the martinis aren't.

Its so dry, I have a big crack in my ............ front yard.

It's so dry, the DEPENDS signed up for unemployment!

It's so dry, even the dust devils are praying for rain.

It's so dry, I had a mosquito ask for a glass of water!

It's so dry, I have to use a fire hydrant for eye drops!

It's so dry, I have to lick my fingers, to lick my fingers, to turn a page.

It's so dry, I had to use Vagasil to blink!

It's so dry, two clouds were spotted at the local vocational school signing up for another   profession...no future in the rain biz

It's so dry, Dry Gulch, Texas has been renamed Very Dry Gulch.

And finally, this one comes out of Georgia:

It's so dry...talk about the weather...whoa..I just left a bar and I swear there was two frogs sitting on barstools....I walked up and said, "What are you guys doing in here?"...they said whadda ya mean?...it's the only place we can get a drink.

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18 Points Men Should Learn About Women

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I wrote this a few years ago and just uncovered it, so I'll repost it now.  BB

Recently, the question was posed about what men know about women.  Since I consider myself as qualified to answer this conundrum after nearly 30 years of marriage to a wonderful woman, I offered these hard learned lessons in woman logic.

My proof-reading fellow Baytown Sun forum poster, Dagney Taggart graciously offered confirmation to my 18 point assertion on women, (her comments appear in parenthesis)

1. Almost all women expect and appreciate fidelity in a man.

2. Shoes! For some reason beyond man’s comprehension, shoes are very important to women.

3. Women find it hard to apologize first, so for the sake of the relationship, men should sincerely apologize as many times as it takes allowing the woman to reenter the relationship gracefully.

4. Women value stability in a relationship over muscles.

5. Women love money. (I do love $$ in the sense that hubby has worked his tail off from day one, and been a good steward of the $ earned. He has built a secure, stable little world for us and our children. SO, I look at it a little differently than say someone who just wants to blow it all, and have a good time. AND I didn't love him ANY less during the lean years while he was still in college and we didn't have all the material things we have today. Sometimes, I even long for those simpler days).

6. The house is the woman’s domain. If men will realize this early on, it will bring peace to the home.

7. Women have an innate need to pamper themselves or be pampered.

8. Women need to be told they are beautiful on a regular basis.

9. Women need other women as a support group. This is very important to them.

10. Shopping to women is like hunting or fishing to men. Women love shopping.

11. Women tend to change the rules once a man complies.  (Guilty as charged.  I like to keep him on his toes. I prefer to think of it as "goal-setting". Gotta give a man somethin' to shoot for)!

12. Women tend to view all purchases as "saving money".  (Ha! Ha! AND it's true; provided we don't charge the item that's on sale... we NEED those things)!

13. Women see a mate as a life work in reconstruction.  (No....no... you misunderstand. It's "training", and I HAVE to say....after spending half my life w/ this man, he's there :) SO, now I change it up from time-to-time so as to keep him current on all previous "training").

14. The longer a woman is married, the more often she feels the need to re-feather her nest - home improvement.  (This correlates to the VAST remodeling knowledge you guys have gained over the years through our "projects" AND those hours you spent watching Bob Vila etc. We let you watch those SO you can competently complete said "projects").

15. PMS or Menopause? NOPE! It's you that have the problem Bubba!  (That's a touchy subject. Hubby and I have devised a system. When his breathing is getting on my nerves, I very sweetly let him know. That's his clue to tread lightly until I let him know I'm over it.  He truly does give me a WIDE berth and pretty much doesn't comment on anything).

16. Women are almost always right. Smart men figure this out quickly, or are forced to wait 5 or 6 days for reconciliation. (Although I've learned over the years, in the interest of marital harmony, to admit when I'm wrong. Something miraculous happened... he NOW admits when he's wrong).

17. Most women prefer to manage the money in a relationship. They see it as being a good steward of the relationships assets and secretly think the man will not handle it wisely.  (I think Hubby would do a fine job. He told me a LONG time ago; he'd seen the job and didn't want it. As long as he has some play $$$, he's content. (Play = golf, boat, fishing).

18. Smart women know how to word things to get what they want, so the man thinks it’s his idea.  (BINGO! I have my ways of "planting the seed", and before I know it...).

One wise and brave fellow dared to confess "When we consider the above habits of women closer, we can see they are not so terrible. Nobody is perfect, and partners should learn to compromise and be patient toward each other".

Dagney Taggart offered this:  "Men & women are complementary to each other. If we could all just see that each has unique strengths, talents, and weaknesses... used TOGETHER, you have something pretty REMARKABLE. I don't want to be masculine and I SURE AS HECK don't want him to be feminine"

Note:  Dagney Taggart is none other than Baytown Columnist Natalie Whatley.
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Porch Patrol eyes safer neighborhoods

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 12:00 am
By Ben Tinsley ben.tinsley@baytownsun.com

A pair of child advocates – one the mother of 1996 child murder victim Amber Hagerman – have created a new social network with a high emphasis on family values.

Porch Patrol, the brainchild of Angie Riley-Camp of Florida and Donna Norris of Texas, will hopefully connect like-minded individuals across the globe – including Baytown and other areas of Chambers and Harris counties, they said.

“We have all been involved in other social media sites such as MySpace and Facebook, and get so tired of the drama, negativity and games,” Norris said. “That is why we have Porch Patrol.”

Norris’ daughter Amber was 9 when she was abducted and murdered in Arlington in 1996. Her killer was never caught. Amber’s murder inspired the creation of the AMBER Alert system.

Norris and Riley-Camp – who work together – said they recognized the need for a centralized connection point for parents of today with the aforementioned “old fashioned family values.”

Porch Patrol launched on July 12, 2011, and now has 404 members, Norris said.

Like Facebook and MySpace, Porch Patrol allows users to inform one another about family, social, environmental, entertainment and personal interests through forums, groups, events, messages, wall posts and status updates.

“The times may have changed but a great many people still share the family values that most of us grew up with,” Riley-Camp said. “We have created an online neighborhood for people who share these values to connect using the technology of today to share the values of yesterday.”

Local Baytown writer Bert Marshall applauds the intentions of the Porch Patrol people but wonders if the site will work.

“Even though social websites like Facebook are trying to unite people together for a seemingly just cause, I doubt seriously if it will have the intended effect,” Marshall said. “The biggest impact it will have is a lot of people pushing the ‘like’ button.”

However, the focus isn’t completely on family values, Norris said.

Every member who registers will receive a free account with Amber Child Safety Systems to help protect their children.

Members are looking for volunteers to build neighborhoods.

“Ask your spouse, friends, coworkers, church members, neighbors, family, groups and anyone else you can think of who would appreciate this type of network to join us,” Norris said. “If each of us can bring in five new members and they can bring in five new members we can grow by leaps and bounds.”

But when it comes down to it, too much nostalgia may not be the best thing, Marshall said.

“I remember the days when people actually took responsibility for their actions and parented their children,” Marshall said. “It was called ‘maturing,’ but today folks are trying to regain their own youth instead, it seems, letting day care facilities or grandparents instruct and raise their kids while they work or live the high life.”

To inquire about the service please contact: Angie Riley-Camp; 727-244-8800
Fax: 727-584-1225; Email: contact@porchpatrol.com; www.porchpatrol.com

Note from BB: I have joined the website since I am very interested in protecting our neighborhoods across the country and my remarks to the Baytown Sun reporter should not be taken as negative, just skeptical of the success of the project.

Municiple Drainage Utility System is killing me.

Our fine city council voted in something called the MDUS which is short for the Municiple Drainage Utility System.  What this did was raise our water usage rate times 3, if you are a residential property.  Woe unto you if you are commercial.

I have an in ground pool and my bride is a Texas master gardener. Our yard is heavily landscaped and with the drought, we can either water our plants, or let thousands of dollars worth of plants and labor succumb to the heat.  We are choosing to add water to our pool and keep our yard alive.

July's water bill is $395.  I think the highest water bill I've ever paid was about $170.  This MDUS is killing those of us with pools, gardens, and landscaping.  Last month's was $337 and according to Bob Leiper, we will get yet another increase in October. Good job City Hall.