You are in the hands of unparalleled orthopedic care.
Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/orthopedics
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
oPEN DAILY STARTING AT 11AM. fOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES AND EVENTS!
Live music. great food. lake front view.
2613 1/2 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, Texas, 77586
Lone Star Rally returns to Galveston November 6-9, 2025
For many motorcycle enthusiasts around the country, the month of November means one thing: Time to head to Galveston, Texas for Lone Star Rally!
In its 26th year, the country’s largest 4-day motorcycle event, Lone Star Rally, attracts as many as 400,000 riders and revellers from every state in the US, and some international travellers as well. With a strong sense of community and camaraderie, Lone Star Rally has long been a favorite destination not just for motorcycle riders and vendors who cater to the motorcycle market, but those who appreciate a large-scale event that brings people together to celebrate freedom and the spirt of adventure motorcycles represent.
Even musicians like Whey Jennings, who has performed at several past Lone Star Rally events, admits it’s the people that draw him back to Galveston every year. “Everyone there in Galveston is so nice. From the residents I meet, to the people working there, to the people from all over the US. I bring my wife and kids with me every year and they love it too. It’s such a laid-back atmosphere and with the beach right there, it’s a great time,” Jennings said.
Galveston-based bands Tilluride and Zach Tate.
A spectacle of tailpipe thunder, LED lights and motorcycle machine magic, Lone Star Rally is a free event and requires more than one day to absorb all there is to see and do. Rally events, vendors, and shows occupy two main areas stretching from 17th to 25th streets, Harborside to Mechanic in downtown Galveston, and on The Seawall from 21st to 25th streets.
Loaded with retail and food vendors, displays, special event areas, two official live concert stages, food trucks and open-air beverage bars, the Rally has something for everyone.
You don’t have to love motorcycles or ride one to enjoy the Rally. Families and non-motorcycle riders are welcomed to take part in all that Lone Star Rally has to offer. Free Custom-built motorcycle exhibitions from Choppers to every version of Harley Davidson you can imagine to historical displays of classic motorcycles are scattered around the Rally areas (visit LoneStarRally.com for exact locations, dates and times of all events and shows).
Hundreds of music artists have graced Lone Star Rally’s two official stages over the years. Performances have included national and international stars from Charlie Daniels and Lee Greenwood to Brett Michaels and Vince Neil. The stages have also held local Texas - Houston and Galveston - acts like Kevin Fowler, Pat Green, Zach Tate, Kelany, Tilluride, and many more.
This year’s Rally promises to deliver another outstanding line-up of music artists from a variety of genres including rock and country tribute acts, original and cover bands performing free concerts from Noon to Midnight each day.
Returning for this year’s rally opening night festivities will be Kevin Fowler on Nov 6th on the downtown Miller Lite Stage. Other acts on board for this year’s Rally include Montgomery Gentry, Creed Fisher (with special Veteran’s Day week tributes), Jackyl and dynamic tribute acts, Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and 80’s rock tribute, Hairball, on their 25th anniversary tour. Also returning are local Houston/
A two-day classic car show also happens on the Harborside pier overlooking the ship channel. Car and motorcycle, audio and visual accessory booths and events are happening throughout the rally as well. A Tattoo contest, custom bike building exhibitions and contests, the annual Miss Lone Star Rally contest as well as the local classic rock DJ “Outlaw Dave” Ranch Ride and Parade, through the streets of Galveston, are all part of the Lone Star Rally extravaganza.
Even if bikes and cars aren’t really your ‘thing’, the Island of Galveston and all its shops and restaurants, not to mention the beach, are all open and ready to serve Lone Star Rally attendees with the world-class food and historic destination service they’ve become known for around the globe. Shopping the vendor booths and taking in a music show or two on the Beach Central Stage lawn (you can bring beach chairs and blankets) while overlooking the Gulf or walking The Strand to marvel at both the historic architecture and literally thousands of motorcycles lining the streets of downtown Galveston are just two ways to spend quality time at the legendary Lone Star Rally in the world-famous town of Galveston.
Visit LoneStarRally.com for specific event times, dates and locations.
Creed Fisher will appear at this year's Rally
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
The Strand in Galveston, Texas
Totally Bayish with Kippy Caraway
Lunar Rendezvous Fashion Show 2025
State of The Ports
Lunar Rendezvous
Diamond ball 2025
Totally Bayish with Kippy Caraway
BUILDING LEGACIES. PRESERVING WEALTH. EMPOWERING FAMILIES.
Since 1997, Sucré-Vail Wealth Advisors has guided successful families, professionals, and business owners with strategies designed to preserve wealth, minimize risk, and create lasting financial legacies. Our family office approach blends deep expertise in fiduciary fee-based investments, estate planning, and family wealth governance-help clients achieve clarity, confidence and continuity across generations.
LET US HELP YOU WRITE YOUR FAMILY’S WEALTH CODE!
16862 Royal Crest Drive, Houston, TX 77058
888-286-9991 info@sucrevailwa.com www.sucrevailwa.com
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight
Express Employment
Professionals
20 YEARS OF CONNECTING TALENT AND OPPORTUNITY
Making an Impact in the Houston Bay Area
For 20 years, Express Employment Professionals has been helping people find their next opportunity while helping businesses build strong teams. Mark and Mona Conrad opened the Express Employment Professionals franchise office in Friendswood in 2004 and recently added Karina Canales as a co-owner. The locally owned office blends community focus with the resources of a global network of over 850 offices across the U.S. and Canada.
Our Mission in Action
Express provides a full range of workforce solutions, including temporary and contract staffing, professional search, evaluation hire, and onsite services. The team operates with a clear mission: to help people succeed at worklife. As Mark Conrad explains: “Our business has always been about more than filling jobs. We want to help people succeed in life. That starts with integrity, ownership, teamwork, compassion, and ambition—values that guide every decision we make.”
Express Employment Professionals
People-First Approach
What sets Express apart is a focus on long-term success. Programs like Express for Life ensure support continues beyond placement, offering mentorship, resources, and access to an alumni network. Associates build lasting connections and develop careers that thrive. Our ISO-9001 certification reflects a dedication to consistent, high standards through careful talent matching and ongoing quality checks.
Recognized for Excellence
Express Employment Professionals has earned widespread recognition for its commitment to excellence—named to Forbes’ 2025 America’s Best Temporary Staffing Firms list, ranked in the Top 10 Temporary Placement Firms yearly since 2006, and recipient of the Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction Diamond Award (2020–2025). The Houston Bay Area office has also been recognized as one of Houston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For five years in a row and has consistently achieved Circle of Excellence awards within Express.
Impact That Lasts
While awards are meaningful, the real reward is seeing lives transformed. Whether helping a job seeker land their first opportunity, guiding a professional to the next stage of their career, or helping businesses thrive with the right talent, Express creates results that matter.
Looking Ahead
As the Houston Bay Area office celebrates two decades, the focus remains strong: serving the community, maintaining excellence, and helping people and businesses succeed. With local roots and a global network, Express continues shaping the future of work—one opportunity at a time.
Contact Express Employment Professionals –Houston Bay Area 211 E. Parkwood, Suite 210, Friendswood, TX 77546. 281-648-4200
(left to right): Trey Layton, Maribel Flores, Michelle Alvarado, Mark Conrad, Karina Canales, Skyla Sonnenburg, Jackie Rivera
The Family Wealth Code
By Rick Clapp
In 1997, local financial mavens Henry Vail and Margaret Sucré-Vail founded Sucré-Vail Wealth Advisors, bringing together over four decades of combined experience in wealth management. This dynamic duo blended their expertise - Henry with a strong background in estate planning and Margaret as a fiduciary leader in the financial industry - to form what has become an award-winning organization.
As registered investment advisors, their mission was clear: to serve high-net-worth clients, with a special focus on physicians and medical professionals. From the start, Sucré-Vail Wealth Advisors stood apart by being strictly fee-based, a commitment to transparency that has guided clients with integrity for more than 25 years.
Over the years, their reputation has grown as they helped countless families navigate the complexities of wealth preservation and intergenerational asset management. Henry and Margaret developed a distinctive approach rooted in open communication, education, and personalized strategies tailored to each client’s values and goals.
Their emphasis on legacy planning—preparing not just portfolios, but people—earned them recognition and respect throughout the region. Margaret’s thought leadership has been featured in Forbes Business, where she identified a growing problem: retiring baby boomers inheriting or building sizeable wealth without a clear plan for continuity. This insight inspired her to author The Family Wealth Code: A Playbook for Lasting Family Wealth and Unity.
your legacy, foster unity, and ensure your family’s financial continuity. As the old saying goes, “Do nothing, get nothing.”
The book addresses one of the greatest challenges facing families today: the staggering fact that 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation and 90% by the third. Margaret emphasizes that the key to reversing this trend lies in collaboration, transparency, and structured family planning. Too often, parents avoid sharing financial information out of fear, discomfort, or concern about entitlement. Yet, as Margaret notes: “It is imperative that your family does not shy away from sharing financial information with loved ones. Your family wealth code is not just numbers—it’s a crucial guide to preserving your legacy.”
Every family is unique, and Margaret underscores the importance of involving heirs, proxies, or trustees to prevent chaos and infighting. As she often reminds clients, “Controlling your wealth from the grave prevents conflict in the living.”
The Family Wealth Code provides practical strategies to protect
Congratulations to Margaret Sucré-Vail—her book The Family Wealth Code debuted as a #1 Amazon Bestseller, cementing her as a trusted voice in helping families protect wealth.
And the momentum doesn’t stop there. Rumor has it that a companion workbook is already in the works—designed to be used by financial planners, institutions, and family-focused organizations as a practical guide to implementing the principles of The Family Wealth Code in real-life planning.
Margaret Sucré-Vail
Receives Highest Rating for Heart Surgery Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital has earned the highest rating for heart surgery from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
The three-star rating for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) recognizes Memorial Hermann Southeast for excellent patient care and outcomes following this procedure to treat coronary artery disease. The recognition places its heart and vascular program among the elite hospitals for heart bypass surgery in the United States and Canada.
Coronary artery bypass grafting involves rerouting blood around blockages from atherosclerosis, or buildup of fatty plaque, in or a narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart. Typically, this procedure is referred to as “open-heart surgery” and can carry significant risk for complications, as patients are often put on a heart-lung bypass machine during the surgery to mechanically circulate blood throughout the body.
The STS’s evaluation of Memorial Hermann Southeast’s safety protocols, complication rates and long-term outcomes, as reported by the hospital to the Society through the STS National Database, revealed high-quality care and low complication rates following CABG surgery
conducted between January 2022 and December 2024. The STS National Database gathers information from more than 3,800 participating physicians, including surgeons and anesthesiologists from more than 90% of groups that perform heart surgery in the United States. STS public reporting online enables participants to voluntarily report to each other and to the public their heart surgery scores and star ratings, allowing patients and their families to make informed decisions about their care. Only about 20% of hospitals that report to the STS database receive a threestar rating.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this distinguished rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for our coronary artery bypass graft surgery program,” said Noel J. Cárdenas, FACHE, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital. “This recognition is a testament to the expertise of our entire cardiovascular team at Memorial Hermann Southeast and underscores our commitment to providing the highest quality, safest and most effective cardiac care to our patients.”
“Achieving an STS three-star rating is a huge honor, representing the culmination of intense efforts to optimize all aspects of cardiac surgery care, with a relentless attention to detail, and focus on quality,” said Cesar Nahas, MD, associate professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and medical director of the cardiac surgery program at Memorial Hermann Southeast. “This achievement highlights the collective efforts and quality of the entire team involved.” Memorial Hermann Southeast has provided residents of Houston’s Bay Area with quality cardiovascular care since opening at its present location in 1986.
The hospital launched its cardiac surgery program in January 2018— merely seven years ago—and has, in that short time, achieved this national recognition.
Both Cárdenas and Dr. Nahas attribute the hospital’s rapid climb to a collaborative approach among affiliated physicians and to the hospital’s commitment to bring the
advanced cardiovascular care of larger academic centers to communities like the Bay Area.
Memorial Hermann Southeast continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies, including hybrid operating rooms in which minimally invasive endovascular procedures may also be performed.
“This recognition is a testament to the expertise of our entire cardiovascular team at Memorial Hermann Southeast and underscores our commitment to providing the highest quality, safest and most effective cardiac care to our patients.”
- Cesar Nahas, MD -
The hospital also has three advanced catheterization labs, a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CV-ICU) and a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation facility. And as part of Memorial Hermann Health System, Memorial Hermann Southeast offers access to its affiliated team of skilled and experienced cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, clinicians and researchers—many of whom are part of UTHealth Houston. Together, they are innovating technology and techniques that continue to advance heart
health in the Bay Area.
The hospital recently celebrated a significant milestone by performing the program’s1,000th open-heart procedure.
Cárdenas reaffirms the hospital’s pledge to continue elevating heart surgery and cardiovascular care in the community. “Memorial Hermann Southeast is committed to helping residents of the Bay Area attain top-notch quality cardiovascular care close to home,” he says.
“This prestigious recognition of our heart surgery program’s quality and safety by The STS propels us to keep advancing cardiovascular care for people living and working in the Bay Area.”
For more information, visit: memorialhermann.org/heart-get-started
and Drinks! Watch for events and specials every month!
Recipe
DIRECTIONS:
By Robyn Weigelt
INGREDIENTS
4 chicken breast
1/3 cup dried cranberries 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 cup fresh spinach
6 ounces brie cheese
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Toothpicks
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Lightly grease a baking pan
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to cut a pocket to stuff
Mix spinach, slice brie and cranberries together in a bowl then stuff each breast . Insert toothpicks to secure each breast.
Rub chicken breast with olive oil, then season with granulated garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.
Sear both sides of breast in a skillet for 2-4 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to greased baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes
MEANWHILE IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN combine 1/2 cup cranberries,balsamic vinegar, honey and dijon mustard. Heat slowly until slightly thickened. tomatoes, and cilantro.
Drizzle over plated chicken breast when serving .
Mark Cavanaugh: Integrating Safety into the Orion Spacecraft
By Sumer Loggins
Before astronauts venture around the Moon on Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo, Mark Cavanaugh is helping make sure the Orion spacecraft is safe and space-ready for the journey ahead.
As an Orion integration lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, he ensures the spacecraft’s critical systems— in both the U.S.-built crew module and European-built service module—come together safely and seamlessly.
With nearly a decade of experience at NASA, Cavanaugh currently works within the Orion Crew and Service Module Office at Johnson. He oversees the technical integration of the European Service Module, which provides power, propulsion, and life support to Orion during Artemis missions to the Moon. His work includes aligning and verifying essential systems to keeping the crew alive, including oxygen, nitrogen, water storage, temperature regulation, and spacecraft structures.
In addition to his integration work, Cavanaugh is an Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) manager. The MER is the engineering nerve center during Artemis flights, responsible for real-time monitoring of the Orion spacecraft and real-time decision-making. From prelaunch to splashdown, Cavanaugh will lead a team of engineers who track vehicle health and status, troubleshoot anomalies, and communicate directly with the flight director to ensure the mission remains safe and on track.
Cavanaugh’s passion for space exploration began early. “I’ve wanted to be an aerospace engineer since I was six years old,” he said. “My uncle, who is also an aerospace engineer, used to take me to wind tunnel tests and flight museums as a kid.”
That passion only deepened after a fifth-grade trip from Philadelphia to Houston with his grandfather. “My dream of working at NASA Johnson started when I visited the center for the first time,” he said. “Going from being a fifth grader riding the tram on the tour to contributing to the great work done at Johnson has been truly incredible.”
Turning that childhood dream into reality did not come with a straight path. Cavanaugh graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2011, the same year NASA’s Space Shuttle Program ended. With jobs in the space industry in short supply, he took a position with Boeing in Houston, working on the International Space Station’s Passive Thermal Control System. He later supported thermal teams for the Artemis Moon rocket called the Space Launch System, and the Starliner spacecraft that flew astronauts
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams during their Boeing Crew Flight Test mission, before a mentor flagged a NASA job posting that turned out to be the perfect fit. He joined NASA as the deputy system manager for Orion’s Passive Thermal Control System, eventually stepping into his current leadership role on the broader Orion integration team. “I’ve been very lucky to work with some of the best and most supportive teammates you can imagine,” he said.
Cavanaugh says collaboration and empathy were key to solving challenges along the way. “I’ve learned to look at things from the other person’s perspective,” he said. “We’re all working toward the same incredible goal, even if we don’t always agree. That mindset helps keep things constructive and prevents misunderstandings.” He also emphasizes the importance of creative problemsolving. “For me, overcoming technical challenges comes down to seeking different perspectives, questioning assumptions, and not being afraid to try something new—even if it sounds a little ridiculous at first.”
Outside of work, Cavanaugh fuels his love of speed and precision by riding one of his three motorcycles. He has even taken laps at the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas. When he’s not on the track or in the control room, Cavanaugh gives back through student outreach.
“The thing I always stress when I talk to students is that nothing is impossible,” he said. “I never thought I’d get to work in the space industry, let alone at NASA. But I stayed open to opportunities—even the ones that didn’t match what I originally imagined for myself.”
Mark Cavanaugh with his mother, Jennifer, in front of the Artemis I Orion spacecraft following the thermal vacuum test
Mark Cavanaugh stands in front of a mockup of the Orion spacecraft inside the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Mark Cavanaugh supports an Artemis I launch attempt from the Passive Thermal Control System console on Aug. 29, 2022, in the Orion Mission Evaluation Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Mark Cavanaugh riding his motorcycle on the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas.
Plans . . .
By Pastor Brad Heintz
Have you ever made a plan that didn’t quite turn out the way you expected?
Maybe it was a trip that got canceled, a career path that took a different turn, or even just a day that went sideways. I have all of these happen to me and some in the same week.
We plan, but life has a way of surprising us. That’s why one of the most quoted verses in the Bible brings such comfort:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Those words were spoken to people who were living in a hard season of life. They had lost the war, their church and their homes — exiled, they were challenged, discouraged, and uncertain. God reminded them: I have not forgotten you. My plans are still good.
But God didn’t stop there. Just two chapters later He makes another promise: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:33
God’s plan was not just to bring His people back home. His bigger plan was to bring His people closer to His heart. Rules written on stone could be broken. But love written on the heart would last.
Fast forward to Jesus, who was once asked about the greatest commandment. He didn’t give a long list. He summarized all the commandments into just two:
1. Love God with all your heart.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
That’s the plan. That’s the future God had in mind all along—His people living out love.
So what does that mean for us? It means we don’t have to figure everything out before following God. We don’t have to map every detail of our future. Instead, we trust His plan, we open our hearts to His Word, and we choose to love God and love people each day.
And when we do, we find that His plans are bigger, better, and more hope-filled than anything we could have drawn up ourselves. Join me in-person or on-line as Living Word takes a fresh look at the Ten Commandments this fall and learn that God has plans for us to bring us closer to His heart.
Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™
Houston Metro Go Texan Committee NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Subcommittee
Veterans Day
Chili & Gumbo Cookoff
November 15, 2025 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
8 a.m. check-in for cook teams
Jackie's Bar and Grill, 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX 77565
All ages welcome! Silent auction, cornhole tournament, bake sale and music entertainment! Prize awards for winners! Cash bar - no outside drinks allowed
Cook Team Registration & Guidelines Link
$50 - (FMV $0) For Cook Teams Only 12 x 12 space and 1 chili entry
Cornhole Tournament
Registration Entry Link
Individual - $15 (FMV $0) Team of 2 - $25 (FMV $0)
Cookoff Add-on
$25 - (FMV $0) For Cook Teams Only Extra entry of dessert$25 (FMV $0)
Entry tickets: Includes tasting kit!
Ages 21 & Up - $20 (FMV $0)
Ages 11 - 20 - $10 (FMV $0) 10 & Under - Free (FMV $0)
Join us for a flavorful fundraiser benefiting local high school seniors. Indulge in a culinary adventure with bourbon-infused chili, authentic gumbo & mouthwatering desserts, all prepared by talented cook-off teams! Six donor levels available ranging from $100 - $2,500. Thank you for your support!
For more information, contact Christina Kershner at 832.859.9707 or NASAhmgt@gmail.com
Scan QR code to purchase tickets or donate online!
To purchase tickets or for donor opportunities, visit: https://secure.rodeohouston.com/Donate/Home/Index/?code=HMGTNASACookOff $320,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO CLEAR CREEK ISD & FRIENDSWOOD ISD SENIORS IN MAY 2025 THROUGH THE RODEO’S CONTINUED EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT!
Proud to Support The Longhorn Project
Birthday Celebration for Henry and Andrew Wilson
Shelly with 1994 T-shirt from the first "Pelican Project" that she co-founded
RICK'S PICKS
Emmeline Dodd and Ron Ammons
TX Rep. Dennis Paul and wife Eliza
Singer Jason Alcorn
Mr. & Mrs. Steve McCauley (Longhorn Breeders)
Classic Café: A Sea brook Le gend Turns 4 0
By Rick Clapp
In the heart of Seabrook, Texas, nestled between a boat marina and a repurposed metal barn, stands a culinary institution that has weathered storms, economic shifts, and the test of time. The Classic Café, born in 1985 from the bones of a Marine Supply and Hardware store, is more than a restaurant it’s a living legacy.
The story begins with two visionaries: Brad Emel, a seasoned restaurant manager from League City’s 407 Main Street Grill, and By Baldridge, a savvy accountant and businessman. Roommates at the time, they saw potential in the rugged shell of Baldridge’s hardware store. With Emel’s expertise in restaurant design and Baldridge’s financial and business acumen, the duo embarked on a transformation that would redefine dining in Seabrook.
Construction began in April 1985, led by Emel and contractor Bill Daniels. By September, the Classic Café opened its doors seven days a week with a name inspired by its chic black-and-white interior. Originally slated to be called Seabrook Country Club, Emel’s last-minute change gave birth to a brand that would become iconic.
The café’s early success was fueled by a perfect storm of opportunity and vision. When The Kettle, a popular breakfast spot, closed near the Kemah Bridge, its trained staff migrated to the Classic Café, bringing experience and energy. Emel, with input from musician and manager Steve Stultz, crafted a menu that blended American classics with K-Paul’s Cajun-Creole flair blackened fish, gumbo, fried shrimp, and more.
One of the Classic Café’s most endearing stories features local astronauts Rick Hauk and David Walker. During the early days of menu development, Emel realized he needed a wine list but knew very little about wine himself. As fate would have it, Hauk and Walker were enjoying lunch at the café when Emel asked if they had any expertise. Their enthusiastic “yes” launched an impromptu tasting session that stretched from 3 PM until 2 AM. Together, the trio sampled bottle after bottle, crafting what would become the café’s first and highly praised wine list.
NASA contractor Gary Wheeler added a touch of artistry, painting a vibrant New Orleans musical mural that still graces the café’s walls. “He did it for a few drinks and a meal,” Emel recalls with a smile.
The journey was not without hardship. Hurricanes, road construction, and NASA layoffs especially after the Challenger disaster threatened the café’s survival. But Emel responded with grassroots marketing, community engagement, and launching community events like the Seabrook Celebration and Pelican Party, which helped inspire the Pelican Path created by Marci Friday.
What truly sets the Classic Café apart is its family atmosphere. Many staff members have worked there for decades, some across generations. Amy Auterson, niece of original manager Steve Stultz, started at 18 and now manages the restaurant. The Harris family has served across three generations. Bartender Leah Harris says, “We are a family here and have been serving families for generations.” Longtime server Edie Burns, with 38 years of service, adds, “We love to see them come in ‘Hangry’ and leave ‘Happy.’ That’s always my goal.”
Emel’s and Baldridge’s Classic Café has been recognized and received numerous awards but none more prestigious than the 1993 SE Economic Business Development Award for Best Business of the Year. Its success is rooted in consistency, quality, and a well-trained, loyal staff. “Hot food must be hot, cold food must be cold,” Emel insists. “Consistency is everything.”
Emel’s talent extends to understanding people’s desires and trends in food. “The trend when we started was Cajun blackened dishes, then chardonnay wine, then pasta became popular, next was KETO dishes, and now it’s about protein and vegetables. The irony is that our most popular items are fried items and our number ‘uno’ is our fried shrimp.’
The weekly specials that keep customers coming back:
• Monday: Red Beans, Cornbread & Grilled Pork Chop
• Tuesday: Chicken à la King
• Wednesday: Meatloaf & Fried Catfish
• Thursday: Crawfish Enchiladas with all the fixings
• Friday: Red Snapper fried, grilled, or blackened
Over the years, Classic Café has welcomed a host of notable guests, including actors Gene Hackman, Lou Ferrigno, and Terri Garr; athletes Lou Dunbar, Akeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler; and icons like Dr. Red Duke, renowned trauma surgeon and founder of Life Flight in Houston, and Racehorse Haynes, legendary Texas criminal trial attorney.
Emel and Baldridge proudly recognize their longtime employees: Seth Benson, Edie Burns, Hector Casaba, Carlie Tidwell, Delwin Milla, Elias Gomez, Leah Harris, Alejandro Lopez, Jose Lopez, Shelby Manuel, Amy Auterson, and Brandi Tucker
They also honor cherished customers and community members who have supported the café through the years: Kinky Hoephner, Jimmy Di Bello, Mike & Beverly Duncan, Carl Barber, Lavfold Family, Mary Gale, Marian De Hart, Wendell & Pat Wilson, Lois Morehausen, Hunter Fritzpatrick, Mike Peterson, and all the loyal patrons who make Classic Café a home.
As the Classic Café celebrates over four decades of service, it stands as a living testament to vision, resilience, and the power of genuine hospitality. Founders Brad Emel and By Baldridge, together with their devoted team, have cultivated more than just a restaurant they’ve created a welcoming haven that transcends state lines. What began as a local gem has grown into a destination beloved by travelers, food lovers, and families from across the country. Whether you are a long-time regular or a firsttime visitor passing through, the warmth, charm, and sense of belonging at the Classic Café make everyone feel like part of the story. It is not just a place to eat it's a place to connect, celebrate, and come home to, no matter where you are from. Here’s to the next 40 years of flavor, family, and unforgettable memories!
PRP Entertainment Celebrates 45 Years of Success
By Rick Clapp
The legendary PRP Entertainment celebrates 45 years of turnkey entertainment. "What began with me volunteering to spin 45 and 33 records at a fundraising teen dance for St. Luke's Catholic Church, turned into an Entertainment Legacy" said Pampolina. “We had to borrow records and all the equipment to make this event happen and happen it did.” The event was so successful that other events followed with Pampolina at the helm.
Phil Pampolina is a seasoned sales executive combined his business acumen and skills as wells as his passion for music into a lucrative venture right from its inception.
PRP Entertainment expanded their DJ and high energy music at dance events into other types of functions such as weddings, private parties, corporate events, bar and bat mitzvahs, and more. He credits his daughter Carla for expanding the birthday events. Phil Pampolina began taking his young six-year-old son Damon to accompany him to a variety of functions. Son Damon did not take long to catch the “Saturday Night Fever” so to speak. Like his father, he, too, fell in love with the same music and vibe.
Damon Pampolina not only had the passion, he had a keen eye and a talent for business. He learned quickly and saw where trends in entertainment were going. Furthermore, Damon was naturally talented and athletic as well.
He began entertaining in grade school and could emulate Michael Jackson’s moonwalk to a T. His talent did not go unseen: a local Disney talent scout saw him perform in talent shows beginning in the first grade. Though he auditioned for Disney in the fourth grade, he later learned of his selection while in the seventh grade.
Damon Pampolina was part of the original cast of The New Mickey Mouse Club. “It was the same nucleus that included Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake. He went on to become one of the bandmates for the pop group, The Party. With the support of his devoted mother, Ginger Pampolina, who schooled and traveled with Damon domestically and globally to places like Canada, Spain, and Japan to name a few.
“Working with Disney was grueling,” stated Damon. “We had 89 variety shows, 150 episodes in two years working five days a week.”
Locally, PRP Entertainment lead by Phil Pampolina continued to grow while Damon was with Disney. Upon completing his contract with
Disney, Damon joined forces with his father.
Phil’s dream, vision, and legacy has turned into a world class entertainment company.
As entertainment hosts, the Pampolinas add a great deal of experience, skills, creativity, and knowledge of entertainment to events and the industry.
They have opened for well-known artists like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Keith Urban, Stevie Nicks, Fifty Cent, and others in Las Vegas. PRP Entertainment’s client list includes 32-year customer promo Texas – McGriff, ReMax, Palo Alto Networks, Exxon Mobil, Shell Oil, PayPal, David Sacks, Johnson Space Center, Villa Capri, Lewis Jewelers, the local Chambers, Lunar Rendezvous, and Panhellenic. Damon Pampolina’s signature accounts include Mar Lago’s New Years’ event as well as client Marla Maples and Tiffany Trump.
PRP Entertainment has reached global entertainment status but still supports and promotes local Clear Lake events. The Pampolinas remember where they came from as their dream, vision, and legacy continues to live on.
Interested in booking their entertainment and services? Contact PRPEntertainment.com.
Finally, the Pampolinas would like to thank the Clear Lake Community and recognize Susan FLX of “Let it Fly” Events and Jim Gray of Gray House Entertainment for their loyal support.
Astros game, welcomes Carlis Correa and Christian Javier back to
Come see us at Bay Area Pet Adoptions! We are looking for our Forever Home!
Coconut is the kind of gal who prefers a good game of fetch over a fancy bow any day. This scruffy white tomboy is always on the move—chasing balls like her life depends on it, wrestling toys into submission, and occasionally surveying her kingdom from the rooftop of the dog house like a four-legged rebel with a cause. She’s got energy, personality, and just enough sass to keep things interesting. And when the zoomies are done? She’s all in for some head scratches and belly rubs—as long as you don’t expect her to act like a lady.
WOMEN WHO WINE: Giving Back
WOMEN WHO WINE: Donating School Supplies
Meet Sparta, a 9-year-old gentleman whose entire world revolves around love. With a heart as soft as his fur, Sparta lives for gentle head scratches and slow ear rubs. He’s the kind of cat who greets you with quiet affection, reminding you every day that sometimes the simplest moments—like a warm hand on his head—are the ones that matter most. In a word, Sparta is loving, through and through. Shelter life is a bit overwhelming for this amazing senior. Sparta would love a family to call his own and would bring tremendous joy to any home.
Sparta
Meet Flingaroo, a cat with a personality as unique as his name. He’s a blend of sweet and smart, with a dash of goofy thrown in for good measure. Flingaroo is the kind of cat who’ll make you laugh with his playful antics one moment, then melt your heart with his shy sweetness the next. His curious nature means he’s always up for exploring new toys or learning new tricks. But he’s also content to just curl up and enjoy a quiet moment. Flingaroo is looking for a forever home where he can share his love and laughter. He’s more than just a pet, he’s a companion who’ll bring joy and companionship into your life.
Scrubs
Hi there, I’m Scrubs! I’m just a little kitten, but I’ve got a big personality. I’m sweet, like the first taste of cream, and smart too. I can figure out how to open doors and I’ve never met a toy I couldn’t conquer. I’m loyal, always ready to purr and cuddle up when you need a friend. I’m curious about everything - what’s that sound? What’s that smell? I’m funny, my antics will keep you laughing for hours. I’m playful, always ready for a game of chase the string or pounce on the shadow. If you need a friend who’s always there, who’ll keep you on your toes, make you laugh, and snuggle up when it’s time to relax, then I’m your kitten. Adopt me, and let’s start our adventure together!
Freya
Meet Freya, a floppy-eared hound puppy with a nose for adventure and exploration. Freya lives for romping with her doggy friends, her long legs bounding across the yard as she follows her nose like a tiny bloodhound detective on a very important mission. She’s equal parts mischief and heart-melter, with soulful eyes that say, “I want to learn to please.” She loves hard chew toys and considers it a challenge to gnaw on them. This lovable goofball is full of energy, curiosity, and enough charm to make you smile all day.
Buoy is the perfect name for this smart, loyal Blue Heeler—he’ll keep your spirits afloat no matter what! This bright young pup is eager to learn, making training a breeze, and his playful nature makes him a favorite among other dogs. Whether he’s mastering a new trick or romping with his canine friends, Buoy is always ready for fun. With his unwavering loyalty and sharp mind, he’s the kind of companion who will stay by your side through every wave life brings.
Lainey
From this to that! she was left abandoned sick as can be, she is a parvo survivor and she has come such a long way! This 5 month old pup is ready for Fur- ever!
Flingeroo
Buoy
Donating a basket to Dash Gordon for a fundraiser for Special Needs Kids
team.
30
Years of Texas Tradition & STEM Education
The Longhorn Project Milestone Celebration
For three decades, The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center The Center for Agriculture, Science and Engineering has empowered over 100,000 students through hands-on agriculture and STEM education. We proudly honor Texas heritage by showcasing the majestic Texas Longhorns while inspiring future innovators.
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� � Commemorate This Milestone Own a Piece of Texas & Space History
Secure your 30-Year Anniversary Limited-Edition Buckle a custom 3.5” x 4.5” masterpiece handcrafted in Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. This exclusive buckle – on 250 available features:
• CVL JSC George Abbey a distinguished trophy steer named for NASA legend, former Johnson Space Center director, and founding visionary of The Longhorn Project, George W. S. Abbey
• An engraved United States Rocket and the Independence Space Shuttle symbolizing the spirit of exploration
• Engraved on the back of your buckle, the limited-edition number and commemorative years 1996–2026
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Order Form: Scan Here or go to thelonghornproject.com
� Secure Your Buckle Before October 8, 2025 If ordered by the deadline, your buckle can be presented to you at the Silver Buckle Celebration on Saturday, December 6 or shipped to you on December 10 for those unable to attend. Orders placed after October 8 will be shipped from our vendor, Creative Awards, 6–8 weeks after purchase
Join Us for the Silver Buckle Longhorn Weekend December 5–7, 2025
• Friday, December 5: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM Kick off the weekend at Butler Longhorn Museum in Kemah, Texas with hors d’oeuvres, live music, an auction, and a cash bar
• Saturday, December 6: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Join us at The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center for the Silver Buckle Celebration, the crown jewel of the weekend. As a special highlight, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Mission Control Center (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and luncheon, buckle presentation, live music & entertainment, & buckle raffle (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM). This rare experience adds a meaningful layer of history and innovation to an already unforgettable day.
• Sunday, December 7: Visit local attractions & enjoy lunch in the Nassau Bay and Webster area Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, BARGE 295, Top Golf, Chicken & Pickle, and more!
Enjoy the full experience:
Sponsorship Packages come with Buckles, Event Tickets, and a whole lot more!
Sponsors as of 8/21/2025: $5,000 Level I: Mr. Gary & Dr. Sandra Mossman, Kayer Family Charitable Fund Community Supporters
The Longhorn Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Buckle Prototype
Back of Buckle: Engraved, Numbered with Commemorative Years
Hybrids: Mileage & Affordability
By Don Armstrong
Pricing and battery charging headaches have limited sales of electric vehicles, but we’ve found an alternative that addresses the lack of horsepower on high mileage gasoline vehicles and gets good mileage at the same time – hybrids.
KIA NIRO HYBRID
Kia’s Niro Hybrid is a compact crossover that debuted in 2023 and may have flown under the radar for those looking for mileage in a good-looking SUV. The front grille gives it an attractive, distinct look, and with the highmounted taillights, you’d swear this was a Volvo.
Easy to understand and use screen controls are a Godsend while the layout of HVAC controls and vents just above the center console make one-hand adjustments a breeze. Surfaces throughout the cabin seem indestructible yet feel good to the touch.
Seating supports the driver and passengers without having to wriggle around side bolsters. Storage and flexibility work well too; even though its size classification may not say it, the Niro can easily accommodate a Bay Area family of 4.
Power is derived from a 1.6 liter, inline 4-cylinder connected to battery that drives the front wheels through a 6-speed transmission. Combined mileage is rated at 53.
It’s not meant for the drag strip but will pass by lots of gas stations on the way to one.
Pricing begins at $26,990
SUBARU
Perhaps you’re looking for something with a little more room than the Niro with all-wheel drive and the ability to tow a small camping trailer. Check out the Subaru Forester Hybrid. This redesigned do-all is sharper looking than the outgoing model it replaces and is one of Subaru’s biggest selling SUVs. The exterior flaunts beefy, off-road style wheel openings, the grille is recognizably Subaru with modern, squinty headlights. Its rear hatch is like all the rest.
The ride is comfortably controllable with no surprises. Subaru has captured buyers in snowy areas of the country for years, but design, capability, and advertising have boosted sales here along the Gulf Coast, and buyers swear by them.
The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder engine that returns 35 MPG through a CVT transmission. For those who have not driven a vehicle with a CVT, this is a transmission that looks for the “sweet spot” between demand (your right foot) and power. It’s all about the mileage.
Start at $36,595
FORESTER HYBRID
SUBARU FORESTOR HYBRID
KIA NIRO HYBRID
As I’ve mentioned here many times before, my best friend comes down from Indiana a couple of times a year, and when he does, we always head west. In a few of those early trips, we did the ultimate hike in Texas, the South Rim.
I first came to Texas in the summer of 1992. My colleagues on the new job all wanted to show me the sites around Houston and took turns doing so—first Galveston, then Kemah and eventually, the city itself. While less interested in serving as tour guides beyond the Bay Area and the city limits, they all shared the same wisdom when it came to seeing the rest of Texas. it doesn’t matter how long you have lived here—if you haven’t been to Luckenbach and Big Bend, you haven’t been to Texas. Decades later, I understand they were right, a fact that initiated countless trips to both places since then, including my wedding in the Chisos Basin. But occasionally, in those first few weeks, I would overhear a conversation in a restaurant or bar that was more specific. The basic gist was, for a real adventure, you have to do the South Rim. I needed to find out what the South Rim was. But like most people who are negotiating their place in a new home, I quickly forgot those conversations and went on with life. About a year into that life, I saw a spectacular shot of the South Rim in a magazine. I was sold. On his next trip down, Kevin and I headed to Big Bend and the mythical South Rim.
As I look back on that trip, and others that followed, I remember great adventures. Each time, leaving at dawn, we went up via the Laguna Meadows Trail and came back down through Boot Canyon and the Pinnacles Trail. Every step of the way was spectacular. From the song of the rare Colima Warbler on the way up (the South Rim Trail complex is the only place in the US it can be found), to the boot in Boot canyon, everything was spectacular but paled in comparison with the main event—the Rim itself.
The South Rim trip consists of a series of connected trails. You begin by climbing up a mountain, then have a long downhill stretch. That
is followed by another, very steep, uphill climb. Then suddenly, the forest opens up to the most spectacular view you can imagine, the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. You can see all sorts of smaller mountains and unique rock formations like the Elephant Tusk (a rock formation that the Native Americans used as a marker for a possible water source), and below us we could see some of the billowy white clouds that couldn’t quite rise up to our level. Several miles in the distance, is a thin green ribbon of vegetation that marks the Rio Grande’s path through the desert.
Up there we saw several overnight camp sites for backpackers. I’m sure it would be a magnificent place to spend the night (there is no darker place in the US), but we were there for only an hour for lunch and to take it all in. The rangers discouraged us from doing an overnight because of our age and my clear lack of fitness. We would have had to carry food, tents, sleeping bags and a super-heavy load of water. (I consume two gallons on a normal day.)
The trip down was as pleasant as can be—going through the shade of Boot Canyon with a trickle of water running down beside me most of the way, then onto a sandy stretch that is so welcome on the feet after hours of walking on rocks. Starting around the Pinnacles Trail, we began to experience amazing views of the Chisos Basin and the nowtiny Lodge and campgrounds below.
For me, going downhill is always rougher than up, especially with the large rocks on the trail and the unending switchbacks, but it is something I didn’t even notice because I was concentrating on the enormous bowl I was gradually entering. Casa Grande, the Window and all the colored mountains shining in the red hues of the setting sun did their best to compete with what we saw from the Rim. Finally, just as dark was settling in, we made it to the Lodge and enjoyed a good, brisk sit on the balcony. I sat back and said to my friend, “We did it!” (See the photo above for proof.)
That night, we went to the Starlight in Terlingua, had dinner and a few beers and discussed (well, relived would be more accurate) our grand day in the mountains. And I continue to do the same re-creating of that most exciting day even today. I had planned to do this hike one time only, just to be able to say I had done it, but my memories and
TEXAS MEDITATIONS
By Michael Gos
THE TRUTH ABOUT ADVENTURES
the afterglow years later, caused me to do it two more times. And that’s how my relationship with the South Rim remains today. But . . .
. . . To be honest, that is not really how it felt during the hike itself. I had heard about how rough it was and I knew I would have a real temptation to chicken out at the last minute. To guarantee I couldn’t make that choice, I told everyone I knew that I was going to do it. That way, I’d be humiliated if I didn’t complete it. It was a good choice. Frankly, about 90% of the hike was nearly unbearable for this old, in not-so-great-shape body. The trip up was exhausting. While the time on the Rim was sublime and Boot Canyon was somewhat pleasant, from the start of the Pinnacles Trail on down to the basin floor, it was sheer misery. The paths were made of large rocks that were hell on my feet and the endless switchbacks were enough to sap initiative of the best of us. Frankly, I was never sure I was going to make it. But there was nowhere to jump off at that point, so stopping short was not an option. The burdensome drudgery had to go on. And it did.
I think there is an important lesson here and it is not just about hard hiking. It is universal. There is something I’ve learned about adventures. They are almost never fun when they are happening. In reality, they are much more like that first hike, the real first hike—closer to misery than fun. They only become enjoyable afterwards in the remembering and the telling. That’s what we did at the Starlight, and that is what I have done every day since. If you are considering doing the South Rim Trail, or taking on any other great adventure, I can offer two pieces of advice. It is an experience that you will cherish the rest of your life, and you’ll probably be miserable doing it.
But do it anyway. You won’t regret it. It will eventually become fun. I promise.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Huntsville, Texas
We were on our way to Huntsville for an early retirement party for an old friend. We approached our exit off I-45 just after sunset as the last bit of remaining daylight made the atmosphere an eerie blue. As we passed the giant statue of Sam Houston, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the beautiful shades of blue and the shadows on it. I had passed this way scores of times before but always in full daylight. I never saw it the way I did this night; it was magnificent. In the gloaming, old Sam made me think about why we were here—a dear friend was about to transition into the evening of her life, and into freedom. This was truly a moment for celebration.
As you would expect, the crowd kept her busy and she tried to spend some time with everyone who came out to honor her. So for a couple of hours, we concentrated on the wine and cheese and the few people there we knew. Finally, she got around to us. Hugs and tears led to a puzzling conversation about what she was going to do with herself now that she wouldn’t have 100 badlywritten papers to grade each week.
She said, “What should I do? I’m open to suggestions. Honestly, I don’t have a clue. And I’m really scared about it. I don’t want to die of boredom, or just sit around and get old. What do I do now?”
That surprised me. It never occurred to me that a question like that even existed. When I retired, I had options galore. I considered buying a place in Hill Country and raising wine grapes. But grapes can take up to seven years to reach the point of marketability and I wasn’t getting any younger. I wrote that dream off as the result of a mid-life crisis. Then I realized people don’t live to be 140. I considered several other options but then remembered something I read once and I immediately knew exactly what I would be doing, and maybe more important, what I wouldn’t be doing! I assumed the process was this easy for everyone. Apparently it was not so with her.
As schools at all levels switch from education to indoctrination and accommodation, more and more professors are choosing early retirement as their only way out of a broken system. Like my friend, many do so quickly and spontaneously, before thinking about what comes next. Most are too young and active for a rocking chair life, but they have never known anything but school—as children, young adults and as a career. It surprised me that she hadn’t decided what to do next. She was always so sharp and level-headed. Turns out, though, her situation is not all that rare.
The two bookends of our work life, choosing a career and retirement, are alike in a lot of ways. In both instances, the question we see is, what should I do with my life. Whether choosing a college major, a career or a retirement recreation, the question is the same—what do I do next? The good news is we all knew the answer to that question way back when we were just children. Reading widely has immeasurable benefits for every aspect of our lives. Probably the most important for me is the fact that, whatever the question I’m pondering, someone has already answered it. In this case it was Carl Jung who said, “What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.”
He certainly was right in my case. I wrote my first “novel” in first grade (The Dragon at Dawn City) and my first non-fiction “book” (All About Snakes) in third grade. Once I remembered what Jung had said, my career path and retirement activities were set in stone. In talking to friends, I find their lives often followed the same pattern.
One friend told me about the times he used to get in trouble as a child for taking apart his family’s radios, TVs and lamps. When he put them back together, they always worked, although he never could figure out what to do with the leftover parts. He spent his career as an electrical engineer and
TEXAS MEDITATIONS
By Michael Gos
the PATH forward
in retirement, he uses his expertise volunteering as a handyman for a church and for Habitat for Humanity.
Another friend spent her childhood teaching her dolls. She became a teacher but unfortunately, failed in retirement. Long after official departure date, she still substitute teaches for much less pay and with a fairly heavy schedule.
But what I find it most fascinating these days is to look at the other side of the equation, very young children, toddlers mainly, and guess their future paths based on what they love. One lad I know loves to collect a number of objects, all that he can carry at one time (cars, toy animals, etc.) and arrange, rearrange, then repeat. I’m convinced he is destined to be designing our highway system. He will fit in just fine with the now 50-year-long design process of the Gulf Freeway.
Another boy likes to build things, particularly by stacking. He likes Jinga blocks best but anything will do in a pinch—assorted toys, books, lunch dishes or even his brother’s clothes. But building is not his real interest; it is only a means to an end. He is doing it for one purpose only—to destroy! His biggest joy in life comes when he can attack his finished work with full force and send pieces flying all over the room. I figure his future will be as a demo expert—or an outside linebacker.
One neighbor boy refuses to wear shoes and socks and in spite of his mother’s best efforts, he spends a good part of his day removing his and those of his friends. Here we have a future surfer dude/beach bum. And then there’s the future salesman down the street who grabs a finger and drags adults to where he wants them. Well, maybe he’ll be a tour guide instead.
But one lad has me stumped; the little guy who gets down on the floor and unloads cabinets. He piles the contents on the floor around him, then starts handing the pieces, one at a time, to any adult who will play along. When the adult receives the piece and says, “Thank you,” he always responds, You’re welcome,” and then hands over the next piece. When he finally runs out of pieces on the floor, he asks for them back. One at a time, he says, “Please,” takes the object and puts it on the floor next to him. Then he asks for the next one. The only possible guess I can make for this boy is that he will become a government bureaucrat.
Trying to be helpful, I told our retiree about Jung’s proposition. I asked what it was she did, perhaps was obsessed with, as a little girl.
“I wanted to be a professional football player. I ran around crashing into things, spinning away and continuing toward the goal line, the location of which I never had a clue. But it didn’t matter. I ran till I dropped. I wanted to play for the Bears!”
Well, good luck with that one.
