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.

Goose Creek's Del Mont Hotel

.
Back in the late 1920's or maybe 1930 a hotel was built on the corners of W. Defee and N. Ashbel streets. It was the Del Mont hotel ad as you can see, it is still very much uinchanged. albeit no longer a hotel. I have been contacted by the wonderful historian Trevia Beverly requesting information on this building.

Ms. Beverly is a real sweetheart and I've had the pleasure of working with her on two histrical markers right here in Baytown. She is one of the many experts at the Harris County Historical Commission and a professional genealogist.

According to the note I received, the owners daughter states: "I believe the hotel was built somewhere in the mid 1920s and was the first hotel in Baytown. It has been owned by my father since the mid 1970s. My grandparents lived there and operated it as a hotel for temporary housing for Exxon turnaround employees. My grandfather operated his carpentry shop out of one half of the building before purchasing the building across the street from the hotel where he had a thriving antique furniture business".

In the next few days I am going to photograph the old building in greater detail than these, my older photos. Any and all information and memories of the Del Mont hotel can be submitted via the comments section of this blog or directy to me here: baytownbert at gmail.com
.

Red light camera election ruled invalid

.


Question (for Baytown's mayor Stephen DonCarlos):  Mr. Mayor, will this affect Baytown?

Answer: Bert-We don’t know yet. Our ATS suit is in State District Court, not Federal, so we don’t yet know if this ruling will set a precedent. Also-we have a slightly different fact situation for the Court  to consider. Needless to say, we are monitoring the situation. SDC.
.

Original Baytown Seafood Building Blackened!

Building 6-17-11 after a fire destroyed it.

Original Baytown Seafood Restaurant Burns Down: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Well, I imagine there was the smell of charred shrimp and blackened fish in old Pelly the other night and many might have thought it was business as usual, but wait, what? The old building was going up in grease-perfumed smoke?  There is definately something fishy about this.

Well, it's not like it was any real loss, since the battered old building was vacant and set to be demolished like a Friday night side order of oysters...but it was the original location and I suppose some folks might be floundering in sediment, er, uh, I mean sentiment. Adios old beat-up building.

Update: 6-23-11  Building is down.  New building is behind it.

Note: I've eaten there many times and since no one was hurt or hurting, I just wanted to have a little fun with the story.
.

Coleman's Carwash on N. Main

 

Well, I see Coleman's Carwash on N. Main here in beautiful Baytown is up for sale  Good deal.  That particular car wash was one more beauty before it was sold to these people.  It started down hill almost immediately.  The landscaping alone must have cost a fortune and I don't believe it's been tended to since the Coleman's bought it.  It looks like a jungle from the road, all grown up and everything.

Each time I've stopped in there, something wasn't working properly, notably the wax option.  Pity, but maybe someone will buy the place and restore it to its former state.  North Main surely does not need another business that looks trashy.

Massey Tompkins Gets A Sidewalk!

Massey Tompkins is getting an upgrade!  New sidewalk from SH-146 to North Main and it's about time.  Baytown, if you haven't noticed is very hostile towards people on foot and bicycles.  I applaud the city for making this possible.  Next, I would love to see our new councilman Bob Hoskins get a sidewalk and shoulder down McKinney Road.  That place has lots of foot traffic and is flat out dangerous for children going to one of the convenience stores.  Don't even try to ride a bicycle on that road either.  I speak from experience.
.

BNC- 1st Nurture Nature Class - Geocaching

A small group of future geocachers met today at the Baytown Nature Center, 6213 Bayway Drive for the first class in a monthly education series called the Nurture Nature Series.


The Nurture Nature Series is the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 am. The program is free with the regular admission of $3 (children under 13 are free) to the Nature Center. “Reptiles” will be the next topic in the series on July 2. Interested in participating? Call 281-420-7128 to RSVP and make sure your space is reserved.

Larry Houston was the guest speaker.  In geocaching circles, he is known as HoustonControl and is a mover and shaker in the Houston area with over 4400 "finds" and a 110 "hides", some of which are in the Baytown Nature Center proper.  Larry has also earned a Platinum Earthcache Master badge, awarded by the GSA (www.earthcache.org) and has geocached in 7 countries around the world. He is Baytown's resident expert geocacher.

 

After Larry ran through the history of geocaching and the basics, he turned it over to me (geocaching name: BaytownBert) and I talked about what to carry with you when you go out on a geocaching adventure.  Everything from bug spray to emergency supplies.

Following up was a cacher from La Porte known as JustDucky2, who explained what "trackable items" were and even sported a tattoo with a trackable serial number.  Trackable items are special dog tags or coins with a dedicated set of alpha-numeric characters that travel from geocache to geocache and are recorded on geocaching.com, when found by geocachers.

We then broke off into groups and went and looked for some of HoustonControl's permanent geocaches inside the park and a few he put out just for this workshop - which are not recordable.  All and all, we had a great time and everyone attending left with a ready to hide geocache furnished by BaytownBert, with the promise to hide it after they had recorded their first 50 "finds".

Nature Center Program to Explore Geocaching!

 .
Looking for a great opportunity to get outdoors and learn more about nature? A new monthly program, the Nurture Nature Series, held at the Baytown Nature Center (6213 Bayway Dr.), offers something for anyone looking to get out and enjoy nature while exploring the local area. The series premieres Saturday, June 4, from 10 – 11 am, with an introduction to the fun and entertaining sporting activity known as geocaching.

Larry Houston, a local geocacher, will discuss geocaching and share information on groups and websites where people can participate in this popular pastime. For the uninitiated, geocaching is a “hide and seek” game where players use GPS-enabled devices in an attempt to locate hidden containers, known as geocaches. After finding a cache, they may then log their find and interact with others online.

Houston will lead a geocache hunt for interested participants to search for some of the caches hidden within the Nature Center (there are over 25 caches hidden inside the park). The Nature Center will have 12 handheld GPS units available and participants may also bring their own. Geocaching apps are available online for both iPhones and Android phones.

“This is a wonderful hobby suitable for the entire family,” said City of Baytown Public Affairs Coordinator and local geocacher, Patti Jett, whose family of four has logged over 430 geocaches. “Everyone loves finding a hidden treasure, especially kids. This is something we can do together – getting outside and actually seeing places we might never go otherwise.”

With over 1.3 million registered geocaches active world-wide, and hundreds located in the Baytown area, playing the game is as simple as heading out the front door.

The Nurture Nature Series is the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 am. The program is free with the regular admission of $3 (children under 13 are free) to the Nature Center. “Reptiles” will be the next topic in the series on July 2. Interested in participating? Call 281-420-7128 to RSVP and make sure your space is reserved.
.

Ken "The Dauber" Pridgeon revisited

Paintings a Memorial to Fallen Heroes: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

It was my pleasure to be visiting with Ken at his new studio when Fox News 26 Houston reporter Ned Hibberd and cameraman came by for an interview.  In my book, Ken is as much of a hero as the "boys" he paints.  Ken is bringing healing to thousands upon thousands through this gigantic effort.

Texas Avenue Streetscape Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

I drove down to old Goose Creek today for the Texas Avenue streetscape ribbon cutting ceremony and wow, it really looks nice.  Rather than go into a bunch of rhetoric, I’ll share some photos.  In attendance were Congressman Gene Green, Mayor Don Carlos, all of our city councilmen, city officials, Patti Jett, Craig Muessig, and my favorite artist, Ken “the Dauber” Pridgeon.

Chatting with Chief of Police Dougherty, I jokingly asked him to arrest Larry Houston for aggravated ignorance (Larry and I are geocaching buddies and the Chief’s neighbor).  Representing the National Memorial Ladies, was Cheryl Whitfield who was there to support Ken Pridgeon’s Fallen Heroes studio opening.  You can follow her efforts here.

I also saw a number of business folks namely Linda Stewart of the Red Fox restaurant, Don Coffey and wife, local artists Bobbie Sutphin and Jim McDonnel.  Nick Woolery kicked off the ceremony and I shared greetings with City Manager Bob Leiper and his able and friendly assistant Kevin Troller.  Well, I’m in trouble now for naming names, but suffice it to say there were a lot of concerned Baytown folks helping to move Baytown forward.



The street looks beautiful and it’s a proud moment for all of us who want to see the area rebuild.

The Passing of an American Hero - Zeb Wilcox

I hate to hear about the passing of Mr. Wilcox. I am a teacher at Rider High School in Wichita Falls. I was honored by Mr. Wilcox presence at our school to recount his experience on the USS Indianapolis. I can still remember the sense of brotherhood I felt as his buddies Guy Morgan and L.D. Cox spoke to us. I was honored to visit with them privately and they were most gracious to sign a newspaper article that was written about them. I later had the article framed and it hangs in my classroom.
As I teach WWII, I always point to that article and tell their story that they told me. Today as I was packing up my stuff as I do every year, I saw the framed article and again read it. I decided to look up these American heroes as I have annually done to see how they were doing. It was sad to see the passing of Mr. Wilcox. It was because of Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Cox that I decided to ask my own Grandfather about his experience which he had not shared with anybody but my grandmother. It was one of the greatest moments of my life when he shared his experience of WWII with me and one that I will never forget.
He passed away on my Birthday Sept. 29,2010. Taps played which was truly an emotional moment for me. I can only imagine the emotion for Mr. Morgan as he played Taps for his friend.I wish I could have been there for Mr. Wilcox funeral and paid my respects for his service for our country and the education he gave to our students and myself about the war.
I will honor Mr. Wilcox memory all my teaching days by telling his story and the story of his brothers during WWII. Rest in Peace Mr. Wilcox and God Bless!!


Scot Green
US History Teacher
Wichita Falls Rider High School

The Baytown Little Theater - The Lost Tribe

I am embarrassed to say I have never attended a single play at the Baytown Little Theater …until today and boy howdy, I was impressed! It is truly one of Baytown’s best kept secrets and that is a shame and a sin because it is a first class act – no pun intended.

The production du joir is “The Lost Tribe” written by Jeff Stolzer and expertly directed by Kim Martin. This play has won the author three major awards and after watching it, I can see why. My mother, yours truly, and my bud Jared “Ike” Eikhoff attended, along with my brother TJ Bustem and his bride. After all, my nephew and their son, Ryan was one of the characters in the play.

The story unfolds inside an old barber shop in Los Angeles in 1998 and involves the barber, his wife, son and a cast of interesting characters. It was billed as a drama, but had humorous moments also. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I kept myself open and thoroughly enjoyed the fine acting.

The lead role is the barber Henry Cohen expertly portrayed by Jim Wadzinski. Now, I am not familiar with this man, but every move he made and every expression was first class – and then there was his accomplished delivery. What we witnessed today was nothing short of expert acting. I felt I was watching people live out their lives – not acting.

His wife Ruth Cohen played by Sue Gage was also top notch acting. Her performance brought tears to my eyes, it was so exacting. I have met people like her character and they are a blessing and a curse, but never dull.

Each character brought a piece of the package and each scene flowed like water. I am totally sold on the BLT now. I may even come see this one again; it was that good and I'm sure I didn't get everything the actors offered.

Follow the schedule here for the Baytown Little Theater.

Chopping a Perfectly Good Bumper

.
I do the chop on the bumper using the VDP Bumper conversion kit from River City off-road in 30 minutes!

Jeep Madness Defined!

Do you know the difference between Jeep madness, Jeep denial, Jeep envy, Jeep lust, and Jeep phobia?

What Is Jeep Madness?

Well...that's a good question. It's a bizarre malady that affects normal individuals, converting them from logical folks to obsessive/compulsives that drive their friends and family crazy. The symptoms vary, but commonly reported items are: extreme nervousness while driving on-road, mindless drivel about 35's and Detroits?!?, uncontrolled spending binges, reduction of vocabulary, a $50.00/month magazine habit, putting a Barbie Doll head on the CB antenna, covering the Jeep with vinyl stickers, parking one tire on the cement parking stop, driving through every mud hole, putting ARB's on the Lawn mower, and refusing to drive the family van.

What Is Jeep Envy?

Jeep Envy is a latent condition that exists, in some form, in everyone. Here's how it surfaces: A guy in a purple Monster Off-road Zephlyer 26 Proto is cruising down a country road and along comes a red 84 CJ Laredo with 35" BFG's. The Zephlyer driver immediately has this nauseous feeling in the pit of his stomach, realizing for the thousanth time that, yes, (sob!) "I shoulda bought a Jeep"! This is repeated constantly by the unjeepicated masses as they watch Jeep after Jeep cruise by. Okay, here's another one: This cool looking, 46 year old, bald, overweight dude with a new TJ is happily enjoying all the Jeep envy that is directed at him, when abruptly a lifted YJ rolls up next to him, shattering his delusions of supremacy. This krunk TJ owner grins, waves, and promptly begins plotting to drain his retirement and put it into his rig! Jeep Envy with a healthy dose of Jeep Madness!

What Is Jeep Denial?

Jeep Denial is rampant! I find it hilarious! Haha! All those folks with little pictures in the back window of their trucks of a little guy peeing on other trucks. Sheesh! When you drive up, they start yelling like Marines! FOOORDs rule, or something stupid, like that. Haha! Deep in their hearts, they know a MacDaddy when they see one. Sometimes I pull up to a redlight next to one of those deny'ers and a big ol' grin sneaks onto my face...allovasudden, I hear those tires start to squeal as that big tire'd rig goes scootin' off tryin' to get away... haha...man, it's the bomb!!!

What Is Jeep Lust?

Jeep Lust!!! Really! This is the affliction that I love to encounter. "Hey! Is that your Jeep? Wow! It's really nice! I'm going to get me one". Oh, yea! Seems like a coupla times a week! Haha! Gotta love those folks that know!

What Is Jeep Phobia?

Jeep phobia! Oh my Gaw! This pitiful condition culminates after a nefarious off-brand driving 4 wheeler, gets stuck AND has been guilty of trash talking Jeeps! Haha! I always warn these critters to watch what they say concerning Jeeps, cause there WILL come a time when they will suffer Jeep Phobia! Waaa! Here comes a Jeep to pull me out...waaa! This is why you never see a little guy peeing on a Jeep in a pickup's rear window. They have the fear, all right!

This article is from my original writings I posted on the now defunct www.JeepMadness.com which Chrysler's lawyers forced me to terminate about 12 years ago.
.