Days 28 & 29 - Percy and Angel Thompson, Katy, Texas

It was a long day’s drive from Tallahassee to Katy: 743 miles and 12 hours. At one point, just outside of Houston, we were at a dead stop. Fortunately it was only a delay of about a half hour. And just for clarification: For all of you who thought we were going to see our Katy in Texas, NOPE! Our Kate lives in Brooklyn, NY (a previous blog). We were going to the TOWN of Katy, Tx.

We arrived at Percy and Angel’s place about 6:30ish, and the talking started – it was like there had not been a gap in time since they last saw each other about 10 years ago. . Percy is Joe’s closest friend from Angel Guardian Orphanage, where they spent most of grade school and high school together as classmates and friends. After we had settled in (we will be spending two nights with Percy and Angel), they took us to a fabulous Mexican restaurant called El Jarrito. They raved about the Chili Rellenos, and we were not disappointed. Chili Rellenos is one of Sandy’s favorite Mexican dishes, she orders them frequently and she said they were as good as they get.

Percy and Angel showed us around their home. They live in a beautiful neighborhood, and their home shows much influence of a trip that they took to Italy: photos that they took of different sights that were framed and looked so professional. There was also a framed print of one of the frescos from the Sistine Chapel. On their dining room table was a replica of one of the Bernini statues that they saw and fell in love with on their visit. They have a very beautiful home.

Percy sells industrial packaging materials and Angel is an executive secretary at a local hospital. They both enjoy their jobs but wish they had more time to vacation and travel. (Who doesn’t? LOL!)

On the way to Katy, we switched back to Central Time, and with the extra hour we had more time that evening to visit. But the time change did catch up to us and we hit the sack, quite exhausted.

The next morning we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs, then set off to tour the city. Percy and Angel took the long way into the center of Houston, showing us different neighborhoods. We then toured the museum district and visited: The Menil Art Collection museum, which showcased the private collection of John and Dominique de Menil. There was much modern art, and sections with early Egyptian and African art and a section that showcased some of the masters. There were several Picasso’s and a couple of Andy Warhol pieces also. In the same area, we visited the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum that houses the dome and apse of a small Byzantine votive chapel of the 13th century. And we visited the Rothko Chapel, a sacred space open to all for contemplation. The literature provided describes the Chapel best: “The Rothko Chapel is oriented toward the sacred and yet it imposes no traditional environment. It offers a place where a common orientation could be found – an orientation towards God, named or unnamed, an orientation towards the highest aspirations of Man and the most intimate calls of the conscience.” If only ALL could live this way!

After our tours of the museums, we headed back home, with a detour to the Central Market to pick up a few things for dinner. To describe this Market: think Gateway Market or Trader Joe’s on steroids. The produce section alone was bigger than some grocery stores we have shopped in. We sampled our way around the store, got what we need (and then some) and headed home where Angel fixed a scrumpious chicken and broccoli dinner, with an appetizer of crab legs and fresh Italian bread with dipping oil. Oh – and a couple of bottles of wine.

BUT between appetizers and dinner, Joe talked about his trumpet, and they mentioned that their nephew was learning to play trumpet and had to get a trumpet because right now he was playing a coronet. So, off we went to Angel’s sister’s house, where we met Manny, the 12 year old aspiring trumpet player. Now let’s go back a bit in history. When Joe got his first trumpet back at AGO, Sr. Sylvester told him he could keep it as long as he kept playing it. About 11 years ago Sandy gave him a new silver trumpet for their 25th wedding anniversary, so he hasn’t been playing his AGO trumpet very much. Long story short: we will be sending Manny Joe’s AGO trumpet. Sort of like passing the baton. We have been waiting for the right person to pass it on to, so we are so happy to send this important piece of Joe’s history on. We think Sr. Sylvester would be very happy.

After dinner and more conversation, it was time to call it a night. We can’t begin to tell everyone how much we are enjoying this trip. So many great people to catch up with.