The Bush Family - A Lot Like Yours & Mine

Today, the Oliver Stone movie, "W", starring Josh Brolin, opens in theaters. Now, Hubby and I don't go to many movies, but we probably will get to see this one.  It is another way we can divert our minds from the current economic drama. 

When I first came to Texas, I wanted to know about the Bush family and so I read books written about them and written by them. 

Former President George H. W. and Barbara Bush live in Houston during the cooler months and when we watch the Houston Astros games, they are often in Drayton McLane's box. (Mr. McLane is the owner and also the owner of a grocery business.) Barbara generally keeps an old-fashioned score card and they both chat to those around them. 

In one book I read about Laura Bush, she was quoted as saying one reason for liking baseball so much is that you can sit and talk to the person you are with. Baseball is my favorite sport not just for that reason, but also because it is easy to understand what is going on, and generally it is not a contact sport and usually no fights break out! 

The Bush family is, to me, a rather ordinary family - with a bit of money. The story of George W. is a story many people can relate to because he is a "recovering alcoholic" and a born-again Christian.  I am sure many people feel that he was less than qualified to be President of the United States but look around you and tell me exactly who is! Any president relies on those around him and some of the greatest minds we have do not desire to be President. 

The Bush family has its fair share of skeletons in the closet but their intent on reaching out to those less privileged is probably why they are so well-liked. 

George W. Bush is a very ordinary person, really. Is that why so many people say they dislike this man? Is it because he is, in fact, just like you and me? 

What could I have done differently than George W. did on 9-11? Could Hubby and I have entertained Queen Elizabeth any more grandly than George and Laura did? Not quite. Would we have thought to invite the jockey of the winning Kentucky Derby horse? Maybe. Would I have stumbled on my words when I was at the podium delivering a tribute to the Queen? Oh, yes! 

Did you know that Barbara Bush has bred Spaniels over the years – fine ones! You do know Barbara is famous for wearing pearls, right? Did you know you can purchase similar designs from the George H. W. Bush Library Store online? 

(So, now you know that I do some of my Christmas shopping at the Bush Library Store, but I also do some of it at Clinton Library Store as well!) 

You do know that former presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton have teamed to help hurricane-devastated areas, right? And you know that Laura Bush has for many years been a supporter of libraries and writers? 

So, this is one of Texas’ best known families and like me, they were originally from up north – New England – and still go to Maine for their summers. 

Do we feel so bad about ourselves that we judge those just like us so harshly? 

Enjoy the movie! It’s about ordinary folks doing extra-ordinary things and you know we love that!

Movie website:  http://www.wthefilm.com/index2.html

Clinton Museum Store:  http://www.clintonmuseumstore.com

George H.W. Bush Library Store:  http://www.museumstore.com

Houston Astros - Hurricane Ike Relief Efforts

I told you last week about the Houston Astros having to go to Wisconsin to play two home games because of Hurricane Ike’s wrath in Houston. They didn’t do too well, but there is still a chance for them to get in the MLB Playoffs via wild card. Of course, players were thinking about their properties, their families and their beloved City of Houston. 

Well, tonight, the Astros come back home to Minute Maid Park to finish off the season. 

I’ve mentioned before how similar Minute Maid Park in Houston and Rogers Center (Sky Dome) in Toronto are. The roofs are both retractable and can be open or closed. Both have lots of information to keep the fans up with what is going on so that even newer fans can catch on really quickly. Both have Jumbotrons. 

Minute Maid Park is by Union Station and there is a train that goes out on elevated tracks with its whistle blowing each time an Astros home run is scored. There is a large gas pump where all the home runs are tabulated. The Landry Crawford Boxes, out to the left as you are hitting are kind of a special place for the home team to hit a run. 

Long story short, anyone from Toronto or Houston would feel very much at home in either ballpark. 

The Houston players are a close-knit group and are very community-oriented. 

This week, not only will Houston be trying to win that Wild Card Spot but they have a great effort to help victims of Hurricane Ike which, of course, did a lot of damage in Houston and the Gulf Coast. 

First off, Astros Chairman & C.E.O., Drayton McLane and the Team have donated One Million Dollars to Hurricane Relief efforts. 

This week there will be a Cash Collection Drive, Silent Auction, Food & Supplies Relief Drive (including Houston Humane Society), Autographed Ball Mystery Grab Bags for $50, Jerseys Off the Back Auction and a Blood Drive. 

The MLB Teams coming in this week are Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. On Monday, Chicago Cubs will be in for a make-up game, if necessary. 

There is something special about major league sports teams who get this involved in the community where they play. 

Thank you, Houston Astros, for all you do! 

Houston Astros Website with schedules and details of events:

 http://houston.astros.mlb.com