Melanie Philpott 1978-2011

Bloggers are an odd bunch. What would possess someone to put their lives, their thoughts, their feelings, their deepest secrets out there for the whole world to read? Sounds insane doesn't it? How about someone who participates in a blog-inspired institution known as HNT? Since it takes a special kind of insanity to want to blog it's only natural that bloggers meet other bloggers through cyberspace and often make a connection just as strong as a chance meeting in a bar. These cyberspace based relationships are just as powerful as the traditional face to face relationships with all the included drama, bonding, anxiety, hate, friendship, and sometimes even love. I "met" Melanie (aka Stealth) years ago through her blog. Obviously my first reaction was how beautiful she is. Being a red blooded man I couldn't help but notice how sexy as well and the HNT posts every week proved it. While I read her blog she read mine and that's how the friendship started. When my marriage crumbled we were able to compare notes and have a conversation that made me feel better about the future. I understand she had a hard time and wandered around a bit. She would call me and tell me a few things. One night she called to tell me she was dying. It broke my heart to hear what had happened. Sadly I couldn't have been much help. Over time things seemed to be improving. She was engaged to be married and she had a job. I hadn't heard from her in months until I got the news yesterday. My heart sank. I will miss that spunky wit, that creative spirit, and her sweet voice. Rest in Peace Melanie and may you be a guardian angel to your precious children!

A Night Out (2)

We finished our evening at Sherlock's Baker St. Pub. TX imitation of an English pub. Regardless of where we went the wonderful company made the night memorable. Although I did add drinking in a pub in Britain to my bucket list.

A Night Out

My old friend and her husband stopped by for one last evening before they head back to California. I'm amazed how life works itself out in its own little ways. Until this month it had been 10 years since I had seen her. We caught up and I learned a lot of things about our moments back in the day. On our final night together until who knows when we wanted Mediterranean. So we found the nearest Fadi's. None of us had been there and figuring out how to order was like Helen Keller changing out spark plugs.






























The geek in me had to stop in this hallway leading to the restrooms to look at the paintings.







The restrooms were nice and clean.







We closed our dining experience with a shot Turkish coffee. It looks like motor oil sure. Yet I found it yummy and strong although it may buzz up your amateur coffee drinker but not this hardened veteran.

Nestle Cafe

A few blocks from the Voodoo Lounge and around the corner is a Nestle Cafe. Nothing says indulgence than following the chocolate scent to this location and grabbing a mocha.

The Voodoo Lounge

Last Halloween I stumbled onto this bar. That night I didn't have my camera with me. I spent a Friday evening in Galveston and had to go check this place out again. The 'dress code' notice wasn't there last time however I can't say I disagree. I wonder if the hoodlums feel unwelcome. Who cares! Anyhow I rather like the decor of this place. It's not the typical bar with a dance floor the size of some one's bed room. There are two make out rooms which is great if you're with someone. Although as I was taking the picture I was standing in front of the TV blocking the view of the solo woman sitting on the couch. Oops! For the solo person there are two bar spaces just to sit and drink and if it's too loud then they can go outside and find a spot on the patio and just relax.

Uncle Albert's Pub

While chillin at another bar I heard about a "beer joint" on the other side of town. So we all saddle up and head out to Uncle Albert's Pub on karaoke night. I like a good dive bar. I pride myself as having been in upscale bars and in holes in the walls. What I like about these places is nobody is trying to impress anybody by dressing and pretending. On this karaoke night there were some interesting folks. The one that stood out was the guy with a singing voice who pretended he didn't. Seems to me he was playing the modest angle hoping to get laid. As we were leaving he broke into a heartwarming rendition of Ice Ice Baby! I kid you not!

La King Confectionary

The famous La King Confectionary store located in Galveston, TX's Strand District. A throwback to the 1900s era soda and candy shop. Here you can splurge on chocolates or go old school with a coke float.




This is the same video except I had a little fun with it. I used an Iphone App to edit the video in the style of a 1920s era silent film.