Farmer's Market

After cleaning out the fridge post-Ike it was time to restock with some healthy foods. We decided to load up at the almost completely Hispanic farmer's market, Canino's. I don't have a lot to compare this to, but this place has to be one of the biggest farmer's markets anywhere. If you're looking for lots of great fruits and vegetables for cheap and your Spanglish is at least so-so like mine this is the spot.

The Mustache

There are a lot of things you can do after a hurricane that you normally wouldn't when you lose your power. You can catch up on sleep, play dominoes and hangout by candlelight. When your power is out at work and you're working from home there's one thing you must do. Grow a mustache. Yesterday our Mexican friend Johnny told me that I look like a Mexican. I think that is as big a compliment as he could give a guy.

Hurricane Ike

While there was not any damage at my house, we did encounter some stinky trash during clean-up. I had to put on a special mask to avoid gagging and help Alex.

Not a good picture, but there were several branches around the yard and all around the neighborhood. Power was restored at my house on Wednesday night.

Tour de Pink 2008

We enjoyed our first bike ride this morning. We rode the Tour de Pink, a ride benefiting Pink Ribbon Project that supports breast cancer research and survivors through the arts. There were multiple mileage options and we chose 23 miles, and we were on mountain bikes. We were exhausted by the end, but it was a really great experience. I am ready to get a road bike now and want to join a bike group in Houston. I'm not sure if Alex is as pumped as I am yet, but I am ready to ride!! After the race there were many things going on; the main stage had a few bands, a preview of a musical about cancer and other dancers and performances. The MC of the events was Cynthia Cooper, former Comet and now head coach of Prairie View A&M women's basketball. Coop was very entertaining and we were able to meet her and take a picture. All in all it was a great time and I think we'll be doing it again.

Go Alex, Go!
Nice and refreshed after a pit stop where we got ice cold pink bandanas to cool off with.

Cooooooop!

Brontasaurus Ribs

College football season is here so I had to break out the smoker. I've only done pork ribs before so I figured I'd try some beef for a change. They were good, but I think I'll stick with pork from now on.

Eat your heart out Fred Flintstone.

Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

-Marinate chicken breast in Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing, cilantro, salt and pepper
-Grill chicken, corn and bell peppers
-Mix with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and any other vegatables you want to add
-Add a little more salad dressing
-Dig in

Poooooooor Sam :(

We spent the Labor Day weekend in New Braunfels with cousin Stacey and Carl. Sam came along and he spent a lot of time with River, Carl & Stacey's yellow lab. He really likes her, but I think she got tired of him...we left them alone for a while and came back to find Sam's bed shredded with the cotton stuffing scattered about. Fortunately, Sam is not too picky and still slept in it all weekend.

"That's okay, River. I'll be dreaming about you." -Sam

Happy Anniversary --51 years

Happy anniversary to Granny Liz and Jimbo! They celebrated their 51st anniversary on Saturday night with family in Victoria. Alex and I were not able to atted, but I did get to talk to Granny and wish her a happy day. Fifty one years...pretty amazing! I found a photo of Granny and Jimbo from our family cruise last year. We went on a 7 day Carribean cruise last summer to celebrate 50 years; it was a great trip.

Granny & Jimbo
Dad, Mom Carol and me-- squeeze together!!
My parents, Howard and Carol, on the cruise (2007).