Reminder: Food Drive Today Stamp Out Hunger
We received a bag in our mail which can be used to put the non-perishable food items, I mention in my blog yesterday, into and leave at your mail box. I feel very strongly there is something wrong with the fact we have all these folks in the USA who are always hungry or are actually starving. If someone out there disagrees help me to figure why we have this situation. Our supposed leaders in Washington from both parties are completely dysfunctional. Folks like you and me need to take actions as these political idiots are ruining this great nation all to further their own personal fame and or pocketbook. People needing food include but are not limited to women, children, veterans and senior citizens.
The bag I received is pictured below and has items inside I collected this morning. I would put a lot more inside but the bag will break. We have too many folks who live right here who get confused if I just leave an unmarked bag loaded with stuff at the mail boxes. Some I know will think it was left for them! We have a central mail box system where several homes all go to one point to obtain there mail.
Reminder: Food Drive Today Stamp Out Hunger
Happy Mothers Day from Katy Texas
I want to wish all the Mom’s out there to have a special Happy Mother’s Day. If you have not yet contacted your Mom try something most folks don’t do these days by calling her. Save this text crap or email for your bro’s or sisters. If she lives close enough to you go visit her, take her to dinner and make sure you tell her how much you love her. Those gifts will mean more to her than some store bought item. If you can afford it buy some pretty flowers and give them to her in person.
My Mom passed away 30 years ago and I still miss her every day. I wish she was here so I could hug her and tell how much I love her. My mother-in-law passed away a few years ago and the whole house still mourns her passing. There is never a dry eye when we visit her grave. My wife misses her Mom to the point where I cannot even put words to express the situation as those words would do no justice. An old childhood close friend of mine Mom always treated me like a member of her family and I want to wish Mrs. Flashaar a Special Mother' s day wish from me. She fell a few months ago and is recuperating.
The point is as with all of us Mom’s are here and then they pass away. Many folks never take the time to make sure she knows how special she is to you. Don’t let that happen..
Happy Mothers Day from Katy Texas
La Centerra Katy Holds Summer Free Concert Series
La Centerra Katy Texas in Cinco Ranch is hosting its free summer live music concert series. These concerts are held on Thursday’s with the next being hosted on Thursday May 9, 2013. The series will last until Thursday May 23, 2013. The music begins at 6 PM and lasts until 9 PM.The music is being played in the center courtyard of La Centerra named Heritage Square. The weekly concerts feature local and regional artists which includes a mix of jazz, rock, country, reggae, latin dance and blues music plus poetic readings and interpretations.
La Centerra is a fairly large shopping and restaurant complex located at 23507 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Katy texas 77494 in Cinco Ranch with the office phone number 281-395-5533. This week the entertainment will include a cool mix of jazz, world music, and some poetic interpretation by Jawad who brings a special mix of smooth soul to anything.
This summer live concert series are being presented by La Centerra and its numerous retailers. Of course these events are always conditioned by the weather permitting statement and any reschedule dates will be posted on the La Centerra’s web site.
Everyone is invited. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the various restaurant and specialty retailers located in La Centerra.
This will provide local residents a great way to unwind from their weekly pressures and get ready for the coming weekend.
After attending the concert on any given Thursday as shown above, I would be very happy to get the opportunity to show you this beautiful Cinco Ranch neighborhood in Katy Tx. in person and explain why it is such a great place to live. As I mentioned in several different blogs,I live in Grand Lakes for several years. Grand Lakes i s very close in proximity to La Centerra and Cinco Ranch. Many Realtors who work this area and claim to be local experts do not even live close to the Katy area. Simply contact me and let’s get started while interest rates are still low. Call or text me, Bob Gilbert directly at 281-904-6772 or email me at bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com. Cinco Ranch residents attend Katy ISD schools.
La Centerra Katy Holds Summer Free Concert Series
Theater Summer Workshop held at Mayde Creek HS Katy
The Mayde Creek High School Theater Company is holding a special summer for students completing Kindergarten through the Fifth grade. The camp will start on Monday June 10 thru Thursday June 13 and continue on Monday June 17 through Thursday June 20, 2013. Each day the camp will start at 9 AM and last until 4 PM. If you are looking for something productive for children to do this summer consider this Theater Camp.
The production this year is “Robin Hood and His Merry Men”. All student attendees will be divided into separate groups based on age/grade level, song work, dance work and creation of costumes for the ultimate performance.Each attendee will deliver at least 2 lines of dialogue and older students will be playing larger roles in the Robin Hood production. The play performance will be held on Thursday June 20, 2013. The play starts at 4 PM and will last approximately 40 minutes. This performance is open to the public. All cameras are allowed without any restrictions.
The Workshop is held held at Mayde Creek High School which is located at 19202 Groeschke Road, Houston, Texas. Mayde Creek is one of the Katy ISD high schools.
The basic registration fee is $200 per student while it was $175 per attendee if registration was made prior to May 3. This fee covers all needed supplies, morning and afternoon snacks, various drinks each day and a T- shirt. Students will need to bring a bag lunch and must wear sneakers or tennis shoes. Special dietary needs have to be noted on the registration form. All proceeds from this camp will benefit the Mayde Creek Theatre Company and all checks for fees have to be made out to the same group.
If you would like more information contact Tammy reed at 281-237-3533 or Email her at tammyreed@katyisd.org. If you want more information about Mayde Creek High School click here to reach their web page on Katy ISD site.
Theater Summer Workshop held at Mayde Creek HS Katy
Water Aerobics Class in Katy at Peckham Park
A water aerobics class will be held on Thursday May 9, 2013 at Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy. The park’s address is 5597 Gardenia Lane Katy Texas. The class starts at 6 PM.
This will be a one hour class and is intend to burn off calories by using water low impact exercise to do it. Participants should be able to burn off unwanted calories and if the exercise program is continued weight will be lost.
Peckham Park is part of Precinct Three managed by Commissioner Steve Radack of Harris County Texas. the park consists of approximately 33 acres and also has a walking or running trail that is .77 of a mile.
I do know the Harris County Park District does conducted these types of classes on a recurring basis. This exercise class in my mind is a great way to get ready for summer and to get back into a regular exercise program. All attendees have to be residents of Harris County Texas. We live in Fort Bend County and therefore would not be able to actually attend these excellent events. Katy and surrounding area residents can reside in Fort bend County, Harris County or even Waller County.
I would be very happy to get the opportunity to show you these beautiful areas in Katy Tx. in person and explain why it is such a great place to live. As I have mentioned in numerous blogs I live in Grand Lakes and have since 1999. Mnay Realtors who work the Katy market area do not even live in or near to Katy. Simply contact me and let’s get started while interest rates are still low. Call or text me, Bob Gilbert directly at 281-904-6772 or email me at bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com. Grand Lakes as well as several other neighborhoods residents attend Katy ISD schools.
If you want additional information call 281-391-4428 or go to there web site.
Water Aerobics Class in Katy at Peckham Park
Katy Realtor Fleeced by Turkish Cab Driver
I have to admit I was totally outsmarted by a Turkish cab driver during our recent vacation trip to Istanbul. We were warned by a Hyatt employee In London prior to going to Turkey who is Turkish to watch out for all their cab drivers as they are very slippery characters. It is hard to describe how these individuals drive but let me say all of them zig zag through traffic at high rates of speed on a constant basis. They drive forward and backwards up and down hills or whatever at the drop of a hat. they also go the wrong way on one way street without even flinching. They usually have their head sticking out the drivers side window as they are looking for the smallest potential crack to squeeze their vehicle into so as to beat another driver(s). Seeing these characters in action driving in absolutely some of the worst traffic in whole world is both dangerous and something one has to see to believe. Wait a second did I tell all that their is no such thing as lanes or lines or anything on the streets of Istanbul. Riding in a cab is sort of like being a passenger in a high speed road race.
Ok Mr. Big City raised boy how did you let this Turkish cab driver fleece you? It was easy for him and I thought I had Harry Houdini pulling the slight of hand right in front of me. I was paying this driver after we were returning to our hotel. This driver instead of dropping us off at the Grand Hyatt said something unintelligible that he had to let us off somewhere close but not at the hotel. It turns out that the unlicensed cab drivers will not venture into or onto the major hotel grounds. This driver pulled into a bus stop and we had empty busses all around us. I took out my wallet and grabbed a 50 Turkish Lira bill ( about US $27) and driver as fast as Ali Baba and the Forty thieves reached across the cab and grabbed the bill. I said hey and as fast as a New York second he had switched the TL 50 for a TL 5 bill. He said to me you gave me a TL 5 and not a fifty TL and yelled this at me. Wrongo Bongo but I was in a bad place and situation. The cab drivers in Istanbul all seem to know the police very well. We were in an area loaded with buses and frankly due to hip replacement surgery a few years ago I cannot run.
Quickly I decided not to make an issue out of this but just get rid of him by paying him. He asked for US $20 bill and I gave it to him The day before being May Day found the local police and swat squads beating up May Day demonstrators and hauling several off to jail. Water cannons and large night sticks and big shields were a constant sight. The local TV news were loaded with pictures and the area where the Grand Hyatt is located was blocked off from almost all traffic. Obviously, I do not speak Turkish and I did not want to deal with this crazy cab driver and or the Turkish police. I am sure he would have started a fight with me if I made an issue out of his stealing TL 45 from me. If we would have been on the Hyatt grounds or anywhere in the world where they speak English I would have confronted him and called the police. Sometimes it is better to live to see another day instead of fighting a dangerous system.
The picture above is of this character taken while driving his cab. If you happen to travel to Turkey and Istanbul be on constant guard and alert of these cab drivers.
Katy Realtor Fleeced by Turkish Cab Driver
Murphy’s Law is Alive and Well here in Katy
Yes Sir the Murphy’s Law is definitely alive and thriving here in Katy Texas at our abode. We just arrived last night from a truly great and fun vacation and when my wife went to start her car this morning it was a big no go or as my father-in-law says all the time ’No Bueno”!
The car’s battery was completely dead and I could not even get any of the doors open except the drivers side door which Yolanda opened when she tried to start the car. The battery is physically located in the rear of the car next to the spare tire in a wheel well which is below the the small SUV’s trunk space. I tried to charge the battery for several hours and no go at all. Autozone has a battery that will fit but they will not install a new battery for this car as it is too labor intensive when replacing and the computer has to be reset. I needed to drive to my full time job office but no way now. I was able to jump the car with my charger and it is running right now on our driveway. Our car repair friend will be happy when he sees me on Monday morning! Welcome home to the Gilbert’s!
Let me do a quick review of what we have had happen the last month or so at our home so folks can understand my frustration. Our washing machine went out and Sear’s had to order a part as it is covered by a service contract. We had no washing machine for over two weeks and let me tell you it was a huge pain. .The Sear’s guy screwed up as the part he ordered was not the right one and the washer could have been fixed right away. We had one evening to do all our laundry before leaving for our trip. Our dishwasher was out of commission for several days and what a major hassle that turned out to be. It needed almost a whole new machine. Luckily it was covered by a Sear’s service contract. It would have been cheaper for Sears to install a brand new machine.
The garbage disposal also started leaking several days ago and had to be replaced. The lock on our front door will not lock or unlock the door. I will need to call my locksmith friend who bailed me out last year on Monday. The pool or money pit in our backyard needed another dose of costly repairs about two weeks ago. Did I mention the handle on the master bath shower which turns on and off the water broke and the whole mechanism for the shower needs replacement. I will call the plumber who fixed the disposal to replace this system but someone needs to baby sit while he does the repairs in our master bath. I did buy the a kit at Home Depot and I hope it fits. The shower mechanism in the second bath on the first floor also needs to be replaced.
When it rains it seems like it is pouring when it comes to all these repairs. I am sure there is something I forgot to mention and gosh I can not wait for the next problem! (NOT) I know man up and stop whining!!
Oh well as they say in France “C’est la vie mon ami”!
Murphy’s Law is Alive and Well here in Katy
Arbor Day in Texas is Observed on Friday April 26, 2013
Each state can set a specific day to celebrate Arbor Day. That day in Texas is the last Friday in the month of April which this year is Friday April 26, 2013. The last Friday in April is also the National Arbor Day and is observed and celebrated in 28 different states.
Arbor Day activities are all related around trees and planting trees. Trees as we all have become aware of are very important part of the Mother earth’s eco-system. The Arbor Day Foundation is the primary driving force for celebrating this day and planting millions of trees all across the US during any given year.
I joined the Foundation back in January and they sent me some very interesting material and 5 baby Crape Myrtle trees. The picture below show my baby trees planted in our yard in Katy Texas I also received a special Arbor Day new pamphlet. I found some statistics about the Arbor Day Foundation that I think are very revealing being:
* The Foundation distributes more than 7 million trees to members each year.
* More than 5 million trees are planted each year in the Nation’s forests.
* More than 3,400 municipalities, urban counties and military bases meet or exceed the standards for tree planting and care to earn the title “Tree City USA” designation.
All of us can go online using the link I provided above to buy trees directly from the Foundation. One way for you and your family to celebrate Arbor Day and help the environment is to buy some trees and plant those trees where they can be used.
Arbor Day in Texas is Observed on Friday April 26, 2013
Katy Rotary Club Hosts Wild West Brew 2013
This is the second annual Wild West Brew Fest hosted by the Katy Texas Rotary Club. The event will be held on Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Villagio Town Center. Villagio is located at 22756 Westheimer Parkway Katy Texas. The Center is on the northeast corner of Westheimer Parkway and Peek Road.
Attendees get the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon filled with food, music and sampling specialized craft beers. The VIP section opens at 1 PM and the general admission starts at 2 PM.
The event chair and a member of the Katy Rotary Club David Loesch has been quoted as saying “The Wild West Brew Fest is the only event of its kind in Katy.”. “This event will feature 30+ specialty craft brewers from various Texas distributorships, all bringing a minimum of 3 taps per brewer.” If you are a beer drinker this event should be of interest to you. I believe David is correct with his statement about the Brew Fest being the only one of its kind in Katy and the surrounding areas.
Numerous local food vendors will be participating in Restaurant Row. The band Horizon will provide live music entertainment. Horizon has been playing at local venues for the last 15 years. A new attraction this year is a game tent for all to have some additional gaming fun.
Ticket sales will be limited to 3,000 and there will be only 300 VIP tickets sold.Brew Fest ticket levels include VIP and general admission and in 2013, guests have the option to pre-purchase an additional drink card with their ticket.
Prices are as follows:
VIP: $60 each in advance (limited number available), $70 at door
VIP with drink card: $69 each
General Admission: $25 each in advance, $30 at door
General Admission with drink card: $34 each
Designated driver: $15 each
VIP access includes a commemorative tasting cup, access to the VIP lounge where VIP guests will have the opportunity to check out the Tap Wall and vote on the best decorated/designed tap, plus early entry at 1 p.m.
This event benefits the whole Katy Community as the funds will be used by the Rotary Club for several excellent local groups. The net proceeds will benefit the Katy Rotary Club and its projects including providing college scholarships and supporting area nonprofit organizations.
Additional information is available concerning the Wild West Brew Fest, by visitingwww.katybrewfest.com. Additional information about the Rotary Club of Katy, is available by visiting www.katyrotary.com.
I want to express a special Shout Out to Molly Smart who Emailed me the details of this event. Thank you Molly..
Katy Rotary Club Hosts Wild West Brew 2013
Celebrate Earth Day by Hosting a Picnic in Katy and Around the World
Monday April 22, 2013 is known in many quarters as Earth Day. Organize a picnic and invite others to attend. This is called naturally Picnic for Earth and it is a celebration of the planet we live on; the air and food it provides to all of us and we all need to think and stop abusing Mother Earth.
The Nature Conservancy is hosting events all over the entire world to celebrate Earth Day and make as many folks aware of the importance of protecting our natural resources provided by Mother Earth. The picnic can be simple or elaborate. The event is open to all. I know this post is probably too late for organizing an official picnic but certainly folks can go home and have at a minimum a picnic in their backyard or wherever.
The key here is to go outdoors and enjoy food and company of other people. Think about how you and your family and friends can help the save Mother Earth cause.
Illustration courtsey of Dover Cards.
Celebrate Earth Day by Hosting a Picnic in Katy and Around the World
Churchill Farms Fulshear Texas is Developing Quickly and Selling Homes
I have a client who is building a new home in Churchill Farms in Fulshear which is immediately adjacent to Katy Texas. I have written blogs in the past about this wonderful neighborhood. I went out there today to check how my clients new home was progressing and to look at the progress the neighborhood is making at being developed.
Churchill Farms is located off of FM 1463 between FM 1093 and Interstate II -10. If you take I-10 wset and get off at FM 1463 and follow FM 1463 for approximately 5 miles or so Churchill farms will be after passing both Firethorne and the far western section of Cinco Ranch.
Churchill Farms is being developed by Taylor Morrison and Beazer Homes. Homes are selling very quickly in this neighborhood. The new recreation center is under construction and should be ready for activity sometime this summer. The whole neighborhood continually changes at a rapid rate.
My client bought a new home ( starts with dirt) and hopefully will be completed by late July or early August in time for the starting of school. Churchill Farms residents attend Katy ISD schools.
This neighborhood is one of my personal favorites and my client is building the second home I have sold in this neighborhood.
I would be very happy to get the opportunity to show you this beautiful neighborhood in Fulshear Tx. in person and explain why it is such a great place to live. Simply contact me and let’s get started while interest rates are still low. Call or text me, Bob Gilbert directly at 281-904-6772 or email me at bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com.
Churchill Farms Fulshear Texas is Developing Quickly and Selling Homes
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Fun on a Almost Friday Morning
I hope everyone is wearing their running shoes on Friday April 19, 2013 or have their hearts and minds in the right place to support all the victims of the senseless cowardly act that occurred at the Boston Marathon this week. In addition, we all need to offer our prayers and thoughts to the poor folks who are suffering and dealing with the problems from the explosion outside Waco Texas.
I found this video on the Led Zeppelin Ultimate fan Page onFaceBook . This video is Led Zeppelin playing live music and playing their own instruments in Paris ( what a novel concept!) Enjoy as it is "Communication Breakdown" and "Dazed and Confused" from 1971. I thought this great fun stuff and enjoy after the week this country has endured!
It would not for some reason let me embed this video so you have to click on the link to find the video and music.
Fun on a Almost Friday Morning
Don't Mess with Texas Trash-off in Katy
The Keep Katy Beautiful organization is sponsoring the city-wide garage sale Saturday, April 20, 2013 in yards and garages covering the whole City of Katy. If you want to participate register your sale address at the Katy City Hall Annex, 5718 Second Street or fax 281-391-4017 or email kkb@cityofkaty.com Click here for additional information and the registration form.
Keep Katy Beautiful will also celebrate the “Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off”, Saturday, April 20, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Antioch Baptist Church. The Church is located at 655 Danover St. Katy Texas 77494-1227 and phone is 281-391-2263. Electronic recycling is available as well as Dumpsters for heavy trash, as tires, paint and batteries will not be accepted Call for additional details at 281-391-4840. Please click here for a list of acceptable items for disposal.
I am showing on Saturday but if time allows I might have to grab some of the throw away junk cluttering our garage.
I would be very happy to get the opportunity to show you old Katy or any neighborhood in the unincorporated areas surrounding Katy Tx. in person and explain why it is such a great place to live. Simply contact me and let’s get started while interest rates are still low. Call or text me, Bob Gilbert directly at 281-904-6772 or email me at bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com. Grand Lakes residents attend Katy ISD schools.
Don't Mess with Texas Trash-off in Katy
Musician Josh Wilson Perform at Chick-fil-A Katy
On Tuesday April 16, 2013 musician Josh Wilson will perform at the Chick-fil-A located at 369 Mason Road Katy Texas with their phone being 281-579-9460. The fun starts at 6:30PM.
This Chick-fil-A franchise is owned by Rusty Wylie and this store plus the store on Westheimer Parkway in Katy also owned by Mr. Wylie does many community events.
The function tonight will include music, fun, food and games.
If you would like more information about musician Josh Wilson go to his web site and if you want information about Chick-fil-A in Katy go here.
This should be a fun event to attend and listen to Josh’s music. I have never heard his music but this live music with no admittance charge.
Musician Josh Wilson Perform at Chick-fil-A Katy
Grand Lakes Neighborhood Katy Hosts Garage Sale Saturday April 20, 2013
The semi-annual Grand Lakes community in Katy Texas garage sale is being held on Saturday April 20, 2013. I believe the sale will start at 7 AM and last until 2 PM. The Grand Lakes web site did not detail times and I am basing the time on my memory.
Grand Lakes can be reached by taking Highway 99 or Grand Parkway South and getting off at Fry Road. Turn left at Fry and go under highway 99. Grand Lakes will be on bothe the right and left. There is also a section west of 99 which would require you to turn right at Fry Road and go past all the shopping on both the right and left. Eventually after the McDonalds on the right you will see the entrance on the right hand side of the road.
If you want to register and be included in the map handouts contact Tina Hagger at 281-395-5369 or Email her at thagger@comcast.net.
This is usually an excellent sale. We live in Grand Lakes and have many items we should be selling at this sale. I just as usual do not have the time to deal with this sale.
I would be very happy to get the opportunity to show you this beautiful neighborhood in Katy Tx. in person and explain why it is such a great place to live. AS I mentioned above I live in Grand Lakes. Simply contact me and let’s get started while interest rates are still low. Call or text me, Bob Gilbert directly at 281-904-6772 or email me at bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com. Grand Lakes residents attend Katy ISD schools.
Grand Lakes Neighborhood Katy Hosts Garage Sale Saturday April 20, 2013