Something's a little fishy 'round here!

Guess what we did this past weekend?

Yep, a Galveston fishing trip. Beautiful weather, huge fish, dinner at Gaido's and lots of time together as a family. Perfect!

Excuse my lack stylish fashion - it was a fishing trip, after all! Besides, that 32 pound black drum didn't care what I looked like as I landed him. All. By. My. Self! They are slimy fish, though, which is why Bud is holding him for me.

As a side note, I was amazed at how great the clean up and recovery efforts are going in Galveston after the hurricane this past fall. I was more impressed with all that had been done than by what hadn't been done. Contrary to the "doom and gloom" reports we still occasionally see on the news. It's certainly a community to admire!

For the all the details about our trip and lots more pictures, visit Bud's blog, Reel Fun Saltwater Fishing. And, while you're there...

Wish Bud a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He's almost as old as me today. Ha! (I love you, Bud!)

Want to help?

Many of you have asked me for ideas of how you can help with relief efforts for people on the Texas coast. I'm assuming you mean monetary donations - not that you are wanting to load up the minivan and head for our coast with your tool belt and shovel in hand.

In times of trial, Texans are known to drop everything, roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to help their neighbors. In that spirit, Texas Governor Rick Perry established the Texas Disaster Relief Fund, A Non-Profit Corporation, to provide a rapid conduit between donors and communities in need.

Through the Texas Disaster Relief Fund, you can help, too! If you would like to make a donation by mail, please make your check payable to Texas Disaster Relief Fund and mail to:

Office of the Governor

Texas Disaster Relief Fund

P.O. Box 12878

Austin, TX 78711-2878

To donate online by credit card visit: https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/tolapp/disasterfund/home.do

For more information, please call 1-866-292-5357.

The federal employer’s identification number (EIN) for the Texas Disaster Relief Fund, a Nonprofit Corporation is 20-3875068. The corporation is a 501(c)(3) corporation, managed by the Office of the Governor.

On behalf of all Texans - thank you!

Ike is coming!

Ike is nearing landfall on our Texas coastline. Our hearts are hurting for our "home away from home" - Galveston. It is disturbing to watch the news videos showing the destruction and damage that has already occurred on the island... and it is only going to get worse. It is frightening to know that almost 50% of Galveston's population has decided to ignore the evacuation orders and have remained on the island. We've been there during a tropical storm, and I can tell you from personal experience that trying to face down a hurricane like Ike is risking life.

(Updated: We learned on our late local news that many more residents of Galveston Island did decide - at the last moment - to evacuate. Whew! But, approximately 20% still remain - and that's still too many.)

Ironically, our suburban town is one of the evacuation sites for Galveston evacuees. Hundreds (thousands?) of Galveston islanders arrived by buses overnight last night. Many of our schools have been turned into temporary homes for these people. Tears well in my eyes as I think about these people and what it must be like for them to sit in these gymnasiums and field houses... for them to watch the same destruction that I am viewing on the news. Makes me want to go hug them all.

The weather predictions for our area have actually improved over the last 12 hours or so. We'll still have high wind and some rain but should avoid the really bad weather. We're stocked with food, water, batteries and other necessities. We're good to go.

Pray for the people of coastal Texas.