Firing up a Chaparral...

Too wet to drive the Chaparral 2E, but it sounds good, we try to run again on Friday, 29 May. The guy in the shorts and black shirt looks familiar :>]

Memorial Day

C.W. Craig, 1923-2006
45th Infantry Division: Italy, France
WWII 1943-1946

Springboard Center Grand Opening

Video of The Springboard Center grand opening [thanks to Jimmy Patterson]

Irish ancestral serendipity.....

Craig family home, Castlecatt, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland

A month ago I wrote that I found out the name of the small town in Northern Ireland where my Dad's grandfather emigrated from, Castlecatt, and that I had just Googled up names there and found the Craig Cottage B&B and that I had written the owner Rosemary seeing if she could help me learn a few things about my family.

Well Rosemary has sure come through, referring me to her older uncle, Robert and his friend Nevin Taggert. Nevin, I've learned, in many emails is rather the local historian, and I get the feeling he's helped many Irish expatriate families get in touch with their pasts. Amazingly it turns out that Robert's wife, Margaret, quite possibly is a distant cousin; not from the Craig family but from the Wallace side of my family [from whence is derived my first name]. That side of our family name stopped with my Great/Great Grandmother Ellen Wallace who married Robert Howard Craig on 18 August 1859 in the First Presbyterian Church in Bushmills, County Antrim [something that Nevin found out for me]. Margaret Thompson's old family name is Wallace and Nevin tells me he thinks all the Wallace's in the area are from one family.

I've enjoyed meeting such great people far away and people whose sense of family and history runs deep. Nevin has gone so far as to visit several places around Castlecatt that he knows are related to my family history, taking photos for me. Like the photo above which he took yesterday. The yellow house was my Great/Great Uncle Samuel Craig's home, my Dad's grandfather's brother Sam who built the home about 1900. Nevin also sent a photo of Margaret wearing the Wallace family ring inherited from her grandmother. Amazing.

Keni Thomas | Ranger, musician, good guy...

My friend Keni Thomas at the Houston Rodeo.

Fallen Heroes..

Late last year, Mayor Wes Perry asked me to help him think of meaningful ways the City of Midland could honor our local/area soldiers who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. We've done several small things, but we were looking for something more permanent.

We were mulling over several ideas when serendipity intervened. Several months ago my friend Connie Nelson called to say that through her country music contacts, she had a professional portrait artist friend in Nashville, Corey Frizzell, who wanted to honor our fallen soldiers by doing portraits of them to present to their families. Connie asked me if I had any ideas to assist Corey in getting his "Fallen Heroes" project off the ground. And boy did I!

After consulting with Wes and other city officials I asked Corey if he would be willing to render portraits of all eleven area service members who have given their lives for America, to be placed in a prominent public memorial. As you watch the video clip, below, of Corey presenting his first portrait last week, know that soon he will be working on our Permian Basin Fallen Heroes. Corey is noted for his works of country music stars, including his famous uncles Lefty and David Frizzell.

Corey's story can be seen here as he presents his first portrait to the mother of a fallen Marine. Corey presents portrait

Machine.......heal thyself!

Now this is strange.....but true.

A week or so ago, I reported that I had injured my back while lifting my lawnmower out of the trunk of my car. Dumb idea, but thanks to the Midland High sports trainers, my back is much better. I had taken the mower to our other family home to touch up the grass there until we can find a suitable yard guy.

What I didn't report was that after all the effort to get the mower to the other house....I couldn't get it started. I had just used it at my home a week before, but when I tried to start it at the other house, the pull cord would not budge an inch. I tried gently nudging it out and I tried furious jerking...no movement at all; which is when I packed it up, came home and injured my back getting it out of the car.

The mower is about 9 years old, but I keep it in good shape so I was befuddled as to this sudden malfunction. My first thought was that perhaps the motor had seized up, but it was working fine when I shut it off the previous week. The second, and more logical thought, was that the starter cord had become entangled inside the mower, something I thought I might try fixing myself, although my confidence in this was shaken when my friend CJ, the air conditioning guy, told me he tried this once and that there is a very strong spring inside the cord assembly that nearly took his hand off when he had tried this same repair years ago.

But, early this morning I thought I'd at least get it out, take the cover off and see what I could manage to see. The mower has been inside the tool shed untouched since I painfully put it there last week. Before I disassembled anything, I thought I might just give the cord a tug to remind myself of the problem.....when I did, it pulled smartly out and the mower started right up as if there had never been any problem at all, so I proceeded to mow the yard.

Now in medical and psychological illnesses I've heard of spontaneous remission, but I never had any idea that a machine could heal itself. I'm still really perplexed, but as my neighbor said, and I had thought aleady, just be grateful. And I am.

Easy to be hard......

Weird dream spawns eclectic memories......

Blogging anniversary...or two

The remembrance of my anniversary into blogging is not a high priority, but I should note it I suppose, if not a little late. Officially Streams came into being on March 9th 2002 with these sage remarks. Before that, however, my official entry using actual blogging technology came about in an earlier effort entitled, "Pedro's Dreamland" starting on June 18th, 2001.

And, even before I found "Blogger" and started using their ready made technology I had been producing a similarly formatted effort called "The Adventures of Pedro" which premiered on March 20, 2001. I produced this daily using photos and short stories of my dull daily life, using a new hand produced html page each and every day. Obviously this was some effort, so when I found that the newly introduced "Blogger" could do the same thing, the technology intrigued me and I starting using it. The old "Adventures of Pedro" are still up and can be seen here [all links at bottom]. These completely fabricated stories which started as a joke were, really, some of my best work and I actually had quite a following of readers.

What started out in 2001 as complete fun and moronic entertainment got lost, for awhile, in becoming too serious as blogging grew into a national pasttime and I had the mistaken impression that people really cared what I had to say on the deep issues of the day. So now, and maybe this is why I'm still around when others have tired of the effort; I post items that interest me, only when......I have items that interest me. I don't worry about putting up something everyday nor care much about entering into the fray of big stories. And generally I am more diligent about my daily photos at Eclectic Photography. But for those who occasionally still wander in after 8 years of blogging.....thanks.

Older....but not too damn much wiser

Here's a helpful hint for those of around my age...over 35. Don't try and pick up a lawn mower and put it into the trunk of your car.

I'm looking after my folks vacant house a few blocks away which includes keeping the yard up. For the last two years we've had a young guy doing it, but seeing greener pastures and larger yard jobs, he let us go. I have a temporary yard guy, but he only comes occasionally, so early Tuesday morning I thought I'd take my lawn mower over and clean things up a bit. Since it's only blocks away I don't mind setting my mower in the trunk for the short trip. I had done this once before.....after Tuesday I won't do it again.

I got the mower in and out at the other house and back into the car with not much problem. The mower is moderately heavy but nothing a He-Man can't handle, the problem is that it's unwieldy. Back at my house, as I was lowering it to the ground I was hit with PAIN. I'm used to some pain, but this was PAIN, the kind where you see bright lights and feel sick and about to faint kinda' PAIN. Lower back PAIN. The kind of pain that mostly paralyzes you and I had visions of the neighbors having to carry me in.

But I finally limped inside, took a bottle of Aleve and somehow got changed and went to a meeting. I found that if I stood up, straight up, I was able to function. So I stood up most all day and then went to photograph a baseball game that night. All the standing and moving, I suppose, loosening things up where I felt a little better by then and at bed time.

Here's my second tip. When you sleep all night on an injured back, don't try and jump out of bed in the morning. I tried.....and almost cried the PAIN was so bad, the back having tightened up again overnight. Luckily, with my sports connections at Midland High, I am able to avail myself of the Bulldog's professional training staff and equipment, which is what I did Wednesday morning along with a call to the world's best trainer, Doc Dodson. The trainers gave me a going over and recommended some helpful tips, especially about sleeping. I just love a pillow between my knees all night. But today it's somewhat better if I mind what I'm doing like not bending over, turning quickly or sitting crooked. I'm trying to teach D. Daphne Dog how to tie my shoes.

500 Wins...

Congratulations to Midland High School baseball coach Barry Russell on achieving his 500th career coaching win last week. A big accomplishment considering, at Midland High, it includes 11 consecutive playoff appearances, 10 straight seasons with 23 or more wins-- including owning all or part of the District Championships in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006. The Bulldogs were the Texas State 5-A Champions in 2001 and state semi-finalists in 2006.

On Wednesday night Coach Russell was honored with a dinner by players, fans and the baseball booster club....cake and all! Photo Slideshow..

Heritage explained.....

And now I know of the genes responsible for my fondness for the military......and whiskey!!

Over decades, my Mom did extensive genealogical work on her family and my Dads, all without the Internet. She called people all over the states and wrote to people in Europe. Her family went back to North Carolina in the early 1700's, getting her in the DAR. My Dad's came from Germany on his Mom's side, and from Northern Ireland, after migrating from Scotland, on his father's side. His Grandad's name was Robert Howard Craig. They actually went to N. Ireland twice and met some distant relatives.

Recently she gave me a lot of her work which included the Obit of my Great Grand Uncle, Sir James Craig M.D. who became the President of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland. He was also a knight...always nice to have one knight in the family. It listed his birthplace as Castlecatt, County Antrim, thusly telllng me where my Great Grandfather came from. I knew we came from County Antrim but not the exact village. It is about 3 miles from Bushmills....and we know what they make there. Thus my obvious love of whiskey, though I haven't had a dram in 15 years.

So, with the Internet I decided to see what I could find out about Craig's in Castlecatt and Bushmills. Finding no official town websites I ended up writing to a couple of B&B's in the area figuring they'd be nice people....and they were. One actually owns The Craig Cottage B&B right up the road from Bushmills. She tells me that there are still Craigs galore in the area. Another lady who owns the Primrose Inn in Castlecatt sent me a lead on the war memorial to the WWI dead from Bushmills listing several Craigs...and a Wallace. My Great Grandfather married a Wallace from around Bushmills. And so now we know where my name, Wallace Howard Craig, came from....my Great Grandparents, Robert Howard Craig, and wife Ellen Wallace

These are the WWI dead, sharing my family names, from the Memorial to the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, a central County Antrim unit raised for the war. Look at the dates of death for the first three.....all the same day at the battle of the Somme.

CRAIG, Rifleman, SAMUEL, 1712. 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Co. Antrim 1st July 1916. XI. M. 5.
CRAIG, Rifleman, ALEXANDER, 614. 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Co. Antrim 1st July 1916. Pier and Face 15 A and 15 B
WALLACE, Rifleman, ALEXANDER, 19242. 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. 1st July 1916. Age 26. Husband of Amy Wallace, of 5, Gilmore St., Ballymena, Co. Antrim. Pier and Face 15 A and 15 B
CRAIG, Lance Corporal, JAMES, 47837. 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Co. Antrim 11th April 1918. Panel 138 to 140 and 162 to 162A and 163A

Here's an interesting website detailing the history of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles ........

Doc Dodson Field...

Probably no person has done so much for sports..and kids in Midland over a longer period than Doc Dodson. Doc was the legendary athletic trainer at Midland High School for decades where he touched the lives of countless students and still does to this day. He touched my life early on, being my drivers education instructor when I was 13 years old and it's a privelage to be his friend today. Saturday morning, Doc was honored by having a Little League baseball field named in his honor. A memorable morning among his family and friends. Here is my photo slideshow.

Water "criminals"....beware!

I live a few houses up from "D" Street which is well traveled and also a "drainage" street for water runoff. For years there has been a daily flow of water running down the street from a neighbor's watering system and for years I have been reporting this to the zoning department of the City of Midland. I've come to know Ms. Mancha the enforcement officer, quite well.

Lest you think I'm a nitpicker about a little sprinkler water....this is not a little water; it's a lot of water. Click the picture above for a larger view and you'll see the water flowing into the distance; and it goes for another 3 blocks beyond what you can see here. Actually the water comes from high volume bubblers in a bermed planting area so the water runs rapidly and directly downhill into the street. In the mornings when the offender's system is running [which it does daily, 365 days a year] the water in "D" St. is about 4 feet wide and runs as a stream for about 6 blocks, turning onto Douglas Ave. until it finds a drain which is about a quarter of a mile from the source. In the Spring and Fall the wet street accumulates leaves and trash; in freezing winter weather it turns to solid ice, a feature that the morning's traffic of high school kids love to spin out in. Worst of all this permanent water inflicts great damage on the asphalt constantly creating numerous deep potholes. I've come close to breaking my car's suspension by driving through one of these 6 inch deep holes hidden by the water. Some years ago, an acquaintance reported that he almost broke his ankle while walking his dog; stepping into one of the water hidden cravasses. City repair crews are a constant sight on "D" Street costing who knows how much.

About 2 months ago I once again reported the problem to Ms. Mancha and today, although the wheels of government turn slowly, there was action. A friend, who knows of the problem, called to tell me that she had seen a NewsWest 9 news crew at my corner looking at the street and filming. And bless the Lord, upon pulling the story up online, there was Ms. Mancha with the news guys describing how the city intends to get tough on these types of contiuous violations. Here's the Text and video story... some of it filmed at my corner.

How are things in Iraq...?

Don't expect the President to call a news conference and give these amazing responses from Iraqis in an ABC/BBC News poll. Read the responses on the link, but 65% of Iraqis say that things are going well in their lives and 84% say security in their local area is good and not a concern. And in the area I'm familiar with, Kurdistan, I guarantee the numbers are better than this. They're building luxury condos and malls in Kirkuk and Arbil. No, the President probably won't be advertising this.

Good St. Anthony....

I have an old friend, a good Catholic girl, who taught me years ago that when you've lost something that seems gone forever, if you will say the little prayer.....

"Good St. Anthony, please come 'round
somethings lost and can't be found"

the thing lost will be reunited with you. As you may know, St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost causes.

On Monday my Mom called very distressed that she had lost her wedding ring of 63 years. She had called the Manor Park maintenance man to come to her home to help look, going so far as to take the disposal apart. All to no avail. We had been to the Celtic Fair the previous weekend, where she had tried on a few rings. My fear was that the wedding ring had come off at the Fair held in the large Midland County Horseshoe Exhibit complex, and that it was gone.

But on Monday evening I took a moment to say three "Good St. Anthony's" just in case. On Wednesday evening Mom called and the first thing I asked her was, "any sign of the ring". Her exact words were, "Oh, it's like a miracle! I happened to open my desk drawer to get an envelope and I noticed the ring under some papers".

We have no earthly idea how the ring got into the desk, but I have a clue as to how it was found.....

My Real Life Tour

I spoke with friend Michael Peterson tonight about bringing his "Real Life Tour" back to Midland this year. The video talks about what the tour is....and who Michael is. If you missed Michael last year, hopefully you can catch him soon this year.

Award Winner......

Congratulations to our friend Jeanne Cooper, who last week was given the AMEE Award by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for "excellence in her craft and contributions to the fields of media and entertainment".

The Emmy Award winning star of The Young and The Restless is also the national spokesperson for Midland's Springboard Center. In her acceptance speech, Jeannne named The Springboard Center as one of her two chief national charities. Ms. Cooper will be in Midland on May 8th to help open the Center.

Pesky visitor..

When the doorbell rang, Daphne thought it was Art the postman. Instead it was that dumbass Mr. Potato Head again!!

First and Last....

My first rose..and hopefully the last ice!