Patriots Day in Boston passed without incident last Monday. The Boston Marathon was completed under highly tightened security. And the Red Sox beat the Orioles 7-1 at Fenway Park in a game shortened by rain. My beloved team is in first place, but it is far too early to get excited. Only two games separates first from last place in this nascent season.
April is the season of hope for baseball fans. Even those who follow the Cubs or Astros can feel optimistic. As this is written, the Astros hold a slim lead in the AL West. The team improved somewhat last year, still finishing under .500 but managing...
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The heavily accented Spanish voice speaking as I answered my cellphone was familiar and welcomed. “Hallo, Meester Gary. It’s Jaìme. How are you?” I haven’t heard from my compadrè since my birthday in 2010, when he called to remind me I was turning 55. “Muy viejo,” he joked at the time. Very old.
Jaìme and I became acquainted 15 years ago in Nacogdoches, when I was looking for someone to help out on weekends doing yard work. Day laborers gather each morning at a park just south of downtown. When one drives up, usually a dozen or so men run over. Jaìme beat the crowd to my Jeep,...
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I wrote a few months back about downsizing, getting rid of stuff so that my daughters or wife do not have to go through the arduous task of doing so after I’m gone. (Not that I plan on that occurring anytime soon, but who does?) Both my Beautiful Mystery Companion and I had to dispose of our parents’ possessions, with our brothers’ help, after their deaths. In my case, I had to do it twice: the first time after moving them into assisted living, and once again with what remained after they passed. Even after we three sons gathered what photos, artwork and other memorabilia we wanted for our children...
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Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House in Longview served its final meal last Saturday night. A 66-year tradition ended with a two-month farewell that brought out folks who had gotten engaged, celebrated birthdays or enjoyed family reunions at the iconic restaurant. Or they simply patronized the place because of its great Cajun seafood and impeccable service.
The strain of running a 13,000 square-foot restaurant that needed renovation and updating was finally too much for Cathy and Chelsea Cace — the mother-and-daughter team who kept the operation going after Gerard Cace died suddenly of a heart...
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