The League City Polar Bear club

We officially have a pool.

Construction was complete prior to our Cozumel trip but the pool had to "cure" for a week before we were allowed in the water. This worked out perfectly since we were on vacation for the week.

Now the problem is the water is a COLD 72 degrees. We have bought solar rings to help bring up the temperature. Hopefully in a week or two the temperature will be more comfortable.

No worries...we are donning our wet suits to brave the water.

Happy 49th Craig

What a way to usher out your 40's; if I do say so myself.

Last week we spent a wonderful fun filled week in Cozumel. We enjoyed some SCUBA diving and time with dear friends.

Little did Craig know when Laurie and Albert arrived on Sunday we conspired to celebrate Craig's 49th birthday at Senor Frog's.

On Friday, after all dives were finished for the week, we decided to walk to the town square to do a little souvenir shopping for our kids. It just so happens Senor Frog's is conveniently located in the town square so Laurie, Albert and I told Craig we would like to have a margarita at Senor Frog's. Craig can not turn down a good margarita, so he agreed.

Laurie and Albert cornered the waiter as we came in and told him of Craig's birthday. First the waiter brought Craig a shot of tequila and made us all party hats and "name" tags.

We enjoyed margaritas (I had daiquiris), a plate of nachos and being silly. I swear I laughed harder than I had in a long time.

I'm not sure but we might could have embarrassed our kids on this one but we had a good time letting our hair down.

After all...

What happens in Cozumel stays in Cozumel!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like A POOL!

Pool construction is in overdrive. Hurricane Ike didn't cause any delay. Luckily the gunite was applied 2 days before the evacuation and the pool had to "cure" for 10 days so everything is on schedule.

Last Saturday at 7:30 a.m. the tile and coping installers arrived to unload rocks for the waterfall, flagstone for the coping and the tile. The work was completed by that afternoon.

Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. the electrician arrived to wire the pump and filter.

Tuesday a small clean-up crew arrived to remove forms and do the make ready for the deck work.

Today the concrete/deck installers formed the deck and reed bar. City inspectors will inspect the work tomorrow and concrete is scheduled for Monday.

All that remains is the concrete and cool-deck application, acid wash clean-up to interior of pool and finally the plaster.

Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, the pool will be completed and ready to enjoy in approximately 2 weeks; just in time for our first snowfall!!

What We Did On Our Hurricane Evacuation

Craig and Kyle did what they could to keep their minds off the Hurricane.

Ike Update

Hurricane Ike came and went in a hurry.

While the neighborhoods around us look like a war zone, our home and neighborhood was spared destruction. As a matter of fact when we came back after the storm we were very surprised. A few homes lost some shingles and fences but for the most part you could hardly tell there was a storm. The pine tree in our yard was blown over. (We didn't like the tree anyway so we were not heart broken.) Our fence is still standing; not one section was blown over.

Just to the east of our neighborhood is a different story. Near the bay is tremendous destruction. Many areas are still without power. Trees are down, power lines are down, yachts and boats are in the roads. We have only seen the pictures on television because there is a 24 hour curfew..no one in or out. I honestly would feel like a vulture driving around seeing others misfortune.

Galveston is in ruins. It will most likely be months before anyone is allowed on the island.

Never fear it will be rebuilt. The people who live in and around the water love it. It is their home and it will survive.

It will takes some time but the Houston/Galveston area will be back better than ever.

I'm Always Digging Holes

A few years back, Josh's friends asked him "What does your mom do?". His answer was " she digs holes." He was being sarcastic but there was also truth in his answer.

The reason is, I love being in the yard either planting something or digging something up to move to another location. It is very therapeutic and it is a great way to clean your pores; No need for an expensive facial. Plus, there's nothing better than getting a little dirty and sweaty. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.

To my dismay we have hired a hole dug in our backyard....it's a pool!!!

As long as Hurricane Ike doesn't delay the construction too much we should be swimming by the end of September or early October.

I really think if I would have had a few good weeks of weather and a good shovel I could have saved us a little money on the dirtwork. Josh just might agree.

Slowly but Surely

Our home is slowly getting organized. We still have some boxes in the garage but they are mainly boxes of books. Everything we need is already unpacked so the rest will be done at our leisure.



View looking into kitchen and breakfast room.

View of family room with hallway sitting area to left.

Craig's office

Was a dining room but we are not dining room people so we changed it into a piano/sitting room.

Left side is the hallway sitting area; right side the entry to piano/sitting room.

Looking down hall into den

Josh's room

Kim's room

Exercise room

That's all folks!