Dallas,TX

I’m getting a late start this morning. A nagging headache has been annoying me since I woke up. Having to wake up and immediately get the boys going and off to school is taking its toll. I am a morning person only if I get about an hour to have my coffee and get my thoughts together. I also have a tooth that is giving me problems and really needs to be pulled. I am one of the many who do not put going to the dentist at the top of the to do list. A trip to the dentist is a far cry from what it was when I was growing up, but it is still not my idea of an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

With that being said, if you need to go to the dentist and do not have a regular dentist, check out Alpha Dental at 14800 Webb Chapel Rd., two blocks south of Beltline. The staff is cordial, professional, and understanding. The dentists are the best I have been to - and I have been to a few. They take the time to discuss your particular situation, letting you take part in the resulting decision. Upon your first visit, they will help you set up a plan of action with repeat visits to get your teeth to a healthy state with a bright smile. If it was not for that gauze you are biting down on and the prescription in your hand, you would think you had just visited a friend. Then again, you did.

Alpha Dental 14800 Webb Chapel Rd., 972-620-8280.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Well, everyone in the Dallas area is pretty much tired of the rain by now. It has not completely stopped raining since very early this morning. After lunch I went to the doctor’s office to make sure the oldest boy had received the booster shot we thought he had - the high school was highly interested in that information. Now not only does the school have it on their records, but we have a record for our files. We do not know why we had not gotten a copy when he received the shot.

When I returned to the house I could not get on the internet. With the rain, the local wifi was out. Apparently water was messing with the phone lines as well because dial-up was even a problem. And dial-up is a problem as it is. So I had no chance to get on and check anything out or post.

Very few people will want to get out and drive tonight. Schools are still having Meet the Teacher nights and other school activities. But anyone who does not have to get out probably will not. The rain is supposed to continue into the morning - possibly most of the day tomorrow. Trust me - the ground is saturated. Returning from picking Cyndy up from work, we had not seen the water levels as high as they are now. And we have seen them up high.

Ground that had always considered itself high ground discovered today what it feels like to be the bank. Of a stream, river, pond, lake, or other body of water. Other ground on the side of the road had never been a bank before, much less any other part of pond. Be that as it may, there is plenty of water sitting around with more rain on the way.

Hopefully in the morning the weather will not be as bad as this morning. Making it easier for everyone to get to work. Events and activities will pick up as the week rolls along and we will get started with those in the morning.

Have a good evening and Peace be with you.

I feel like a damp dishrag. Or more to the point, a sponge that can no longer hold any more water. And all I did was take my wife to work and the boys to school. Unfortunately an inconsiderate driver hit a patch of water close to the curb too fast and I did not get my window back up in time. Then I was cold. Which in itself is not a bad thing this time of year if it had not had the wet attached to it. Seeing lightning the closest I have ever seen it before is only a thrill looking back on it. At the time it was just darned scary and disconcerting.

The rain let up a bit when I took the two younger boys to school at eight. It started up again just in time for me to be soaked by the time I got in the house. Great timing! The drop in temperature is the only good thing about it. I have been waiting to start wearing my long-sleeved denim shirts again. And do not get me wrong. We could use the rain - especially when it brings cooler weather. But a nice, long, soaking rain would do just fine. Dumping it all at once is just overkill. I think my errands can wait a while. Maneuvering around stalled cars and accidents, and through intersections where the light is out is not actually my idea of a good time.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

Charlie Robison is appearing at Love and War in Texas in Plano this afternoon at 4 p.m. Be part of the live broadcast on KHYI 95.3. Bobby Duncan is opening the show. Charlie Robison, as well as his brother Bruce, is a talented songwriter. Both have written songs from the hilariously absurd to gut-wrenching ballads. Charlie Robison puts on a great upbeat show which should include most of his most memorable tunes.

While you listen to the show, try some of the mouthwatering dishes served at Love and War in Texas. Food from all areas of the state, such as Roasted Wild Boar from the Hill Country or Caddo Lake Catfish from the East Texas Piney Woods. Or indulge in ribs with the Sunday all you can eat Big Beef Ribs. A relaxing Sunday afternoon on the patio listening to good music and munching on ribs. What could be better than that?

Love and War in Texas, 601 E. Plano Pkwy (just off Central) 972-422-6201 Charlie Robison with Bobby Duncan 4-6 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Terry Fator may have talent as an impersonating singer and ventriloquist, but he is not the first, or the best, ventriloquist to come out of the Dallas area. Jeff Dunham, one of the best ventriloquists I have ever seen perform, is from Richardson and appears tonight at the Addison Improv on Beltline. When my wife and I witnessed his show, the tears flowed freely from laughing continuously.

Dunham has a new DVD titled “Spark of Insanity” being released the middle of this month. My family has watched his last video “Arguing With Myself” so many times that we know it by heart. Yet we will still watch it and laugh just as hard as we did the first time we saw it. Peanut, Walter (the grumpy old man), and Jose Jalapeno “on a stick,” his reliable sidekicks, are in both videos. It is hard to call them puppets when they take on a personality of their own in contrast to Jeff’s personality.

The new characters, taking the place of Sweet Daddy Dee and Bubba J of “Arguing with Myself,” are Melvin the Superhero and Achmed the Dead Terrorist. You really should see Jeff Dunham perform life. It is an experience you will not soon forget. If you cannot make it to the show tonight, be sure to catch Jeff on Comedy Central on Sept. 23 for the premiere of the new video, Spark of Insanity. He is performing two shows this evening, so you have two chances to see him.

Jeff Dunham tonight at Addison Improv, 4980 Beltline Rd. #250 (upstairs), 972-404-8501. 1st show 7 p.m., 2nd show 9 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

For mainstream country music fans, the Alan Jackson - Brooks and Dunn tour is coming to Dallas Saturday night at the Smirnoff Music Centre in Fair Park. Brooks and Dunn are opening the show and Alan Jackson is headlining.

Brooks and Dunn are on tour in support of their two upcoming CDs. The Forever Brooks and Dunn CD will be released on September 18. The CD Cowboy Town will be on sale on October 2nd. The duo and their band have been a staple in country music for many years. Now they are opening tour dates rather than headlining. Beware of artists when they keep putting out greatest hits albums.

In years past, a greatest hits album was a sign that either a band’s popularity is slipping or they have run out of original material. With the majority of country hits not written by the artists that record them, a stash of original material is no longer necessary. Greatest hits albums are simply ways to make more money from a stagnant fan base.

Alan Jackson is still touring on the heels of his highly acclaimed Like Red On A Rose released last year. As well as his album of classic hymns from last year, Precious Memories. Not a very original title, but the songs are well done. Jackson released Live at Texas Stadium in April, a recording of a show with Jackson, George Strait, and Jimmy Buffet. Denise Jackson has also come out with a book about their trials, love, and faith entitled “It’s All About Him.” Alan wrote the foreword for his wife’s book, written with Ellen Vaughn.

Brooks and Dunn/Alan Jackson, Sept. 8, Smirnoff Music Centre, 1818 First Ave., Fair Park. 214-421-1111 or Ticketmaster for tickets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

Good morning! In a way, starting with a holiday made the week seem even longer than a regular work week. I certainly feel just as tired. Holidays with teenagers just do not seem all that restful. Fortunately, church activities start on Sunday and the boys will be at church most of the day. Fall and school year activities begin at most churches this weekend. Schools are getting the information on the new students and updates on returning students in the computer. Every one is getting used to their new schedules. The school year is going full force.

With Fall beginning officially in a couple of weeks, the weather seems to be getting ready to turn. Temperatures are dropping gradually, occasionally rising again. Hopefully we will get some rain this weekend and not just more breath stifling humidity. We could use the rain.

In the meantime, check back soon for activities and events for this weekend. There are some really good performers hitting town in the next couple of days. See you in a few.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

Thieves looking for copper ripped the wires out of the lights at Grimes Park Little League fields in DeSoto. This is the second time in 6 weeks they have stolen the copper wires. The copper is worth about $3 a pound. But the cost to keep replacing the wiring may threaten the possibility of night games at the park. As of September 1st, stealing copper is a state felony. It does not, however, seem to have deterred the thieves. Scott Friedman reported the story on Channel 5.

Is nothing sacred? Little League fields for crying out loud. Taking a chance at being electrocuted for three dollars a pound. One has to wonder what it is coming to - stealing padding out of baby strollers? Stealing silverware from the homeless shelter? We have enough crime in the Dallas area. Granted thieves are usually not the sharpest tools in the shed, but that seems like a tremendous expenditure of risk and work - all the while trying not to get caught or electrocuted - for a mere $3 a pound.

On the other hand, it is sad to think that someone is so hard up that the small pittance was worth the risk to them. Or perhaps it was some smart-aleck kids who want to be destructive, but prefer to get something for their efforts beside the satisfaction of the act itself. The police may never find them so we may never know the reasoning behind the act. Yet you always have to wonder why when something stupid and senseless like that happens. Just be thankful that no one was around to possibly be injured. But you have to wonder about the next time these thieves get the urge to strike.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

For a relaxing change of pace, take your girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse, or family to the Oak Point Amphitheater in Plano. Coolers, picnics, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Sit back and eat your picnic supper as the sun goes down, listening to Billy Jonas and Trout Fishing in America. This is a wonderful pairing of musical acts and should make for a thoroughly enjoyable show, alternating between joyous humor and musical artistry.

Both are eclectic acts that enthrall children and entertain adults. Billy Jonas, in addition to traditional instruments, plays “industrial re-percussion” instruments made from found objects. His performance is energetic and the audience becomes part of the songs and their own entertainment. Among other awards, he has a received a Parent’s Choice Gold award.

The duo of Trout Fishing in America has been performing for three decades. Although they perform for children, they have songs that will drive straight to the heart and mind of adults as well. They play a mix of folk/pop and family music with laces of reggae, latin, blues, jazz and classical music running throughout the mix. They have garnered three Grammy nominations and numerous other awards including National Indie Awards (recording on their own label), Parent’s Choice Gold, and American Library Awards.

Drive on out and join in the fun and be part of the show and the audience at the same time. Oak Point Amphitheater in Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 972-941-5600. www.planostages.com.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

If you’re looking for something to do during the week - and these days inside activities are preferable, go to Main Event for a bowling outing. With a location in Plano on Central Expwy. and another on Stemmons in Lewisville, one or the other location is convenient to many parts of the Dallas area. If you are not in the mood for bowling, laser tag, glow golf, and video games are options. Or just play pool and enjoy happy hour. Or just enjoy happy hour and some people watching.

Wednesday night is Family and Friends Night with special prices for groups which include bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soft drinks. Added options at special prices are available. If you want something other than soft drinks, you can order from the bar. Take your family or get a few friends to go after work to wind down. Main Event also has adult party packages for larger groups of ten to twenty or more. A good idea for employee parties or a get together with a bunch of friends. Main Event is also an ideal place for a fun date of bowling and pizza.

Main Event, Lewisville, 2070 Stemmons Frwy, 972-459-7770.
Plano, 3941 N. Central Expwy., 972-881-8181. Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to midnight, Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

If you are in the Dallas area this morning and have to get out, be careful. If you do not have to get out, I would hang around indoors this morning. It was raining most of the night in some areas, particularly to the east. Power is out in a few places. There is flooding in southeast. Which means there are wrecks and other vehicle obstructions causing traffic to move slower. Where it is flooding, nightmarish traffic problems are a given.

One problem with living where it is hot and dry most of the time is that people lose all driving sensibility in inclement weather. A little rain and they act as though there is an inch of ice on the road. If there is snow or ice (we never get much) a lot of drivers lose it altogether. Caution is one thing. Panic is another. The wrecks are more often caused by drivers who slow down or stop without warning, drift between lanes, and ignore what is going on around them.

If you have to get out and drive, be cautious but not overly careful. Pay attention to what is going on around you - just in case someone else is not. Watch for school zones and children. And please save those little tasks that take away from your driving until stopping at lights, or just wait to get where you are going. You make have to return a call on your cell phone later, rather than answer the call immediately, but at least you won’t be calling back or text messaging from a hospital bed.

Check back for activities for the week and weekend - among other things.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

As one would figure, a short week follows a long weekend. Now there are four days in which to cram five days of activities. Regular schedules will have one day less to become habits before the two days during which they change - sometimes drastically. Fortunately, there is not another holiday until Thanksgiving. My apologies to those without children for whom work holidays are blessings. I am quite jealous. Many of the shows I suggest and/or recommend I would very much like to see myself. Some of the acts I have seen before and some venues I have visited, but am not able to see or visit at this time in my life. If you attend shows I mention, please comment on the day’s post after the show and let me know what you thought.

There will be much activity this week and a variety of news that is worth mentioning. And I will try to mention as much of what is worth mentioning as possible. Each week brings new possibilities for a blogger. A chance to cover a subject more thoroughly, cover another subject not previously covered, cover more news, or simply post more often.

Join me as I discover what is coming just before you do. Another week to try new things, repeat what has come before, and increase frequency. It should be interesting.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

As we sit here in Dallas waiting for the 60% chance of rain we are supposed to get sometime after noon, chilling out on the Labor Day holiday, it is time to look forward to the rest of the week. Check back for events, activities, and news. Wake up, have a cup of coffee or three, or whatever gets you going in the morning, and have a great day. I’ll post again later - after I’ve had a little more coffee.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and has barbeque plans for tomorrow. I fixed fajitas on the grill this afternoon. Really tasty, if I do say so myself. No telling what we will grill tomorrow. I know some of my fellow bloggers are taking the weekend off, but I can only allow myself leeway as to what time I post each day on weekends and holidays. A habit is, after all, a habit. With Sunday starting early with church activities - which increase beginning with this next Sunday - it is the one day of the week when I have little control over what happens when.

But this afternoon was more about getting ready to grill the fajitas and keeping the teenagers from hurting each other. Or breaking anything in the house. There was a brief respite while we were eating dinner - even then there were moments of derision. After dinner, all cooperation ceased. Then it was “every man for himself and tick our parents off.”

There will be more posts, particularly tomorrow, but if you are looking for something relaxing to do tomorrow night, have a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of wine, or other beverage at my favorite coffee house, Dunn Bros Coffee, in Addison. Jason Bennett plays acoustic jazz beginning at 7 p.m. 3725 Beltline Rd. (Northeast corner of Beltline Rd. at Marsh Ln.) 972-406-9711.

Have a good evening and Peace be with you.

Saturday morning on a long weekend is certainly not the day to wake up with a headache. One of those tricky little suckers that trick you into thinking the headache is slowly fading. Then, without warning, returns to pounding intensity within seconds. An angry son slamming drawers in the kitchen does nothing to help. The kind of headache that leaves you feeling drained when it finally subsides from just trying to fight the darned thing. It helped to go out to get gas in the car and find that the weather had cooled down a bit and was actually quite pleasant for a change. Thank God September is here.

If you listen to KHYI, 95.3 much, you have heard of Brian “Beerman” Houser. If you haven’t, check it out. And if you have not seen Brian Houser, check him out tonight as well. Houser is a singer/songwriter in the country vein for the common man. He is a common man himself, having grown in up in common surroundings. Houser is a carpenter by trade, residing in Denton.

While you are listening to the show, don’t forget to check out the much varied menu. Love and War in Texas is known for its food as much as for its entertainment. An evening of down home songs for the workingman, a laid back good time and some really good food.

Brian “Beerman” Houser @ 7:30 - Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy (just off Central Expwy.), 972-422-6201.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.