Corky turns 2 years old

Celebrating My Buddy’s Birthday And 4th of July

Greetings from the island everyone! I hope all of you are doing well and beginning to acclimate to this July south Texas heat we are having.

After over two months of having only occasional traces of rain, the island was finally blessed with a 3.7” soaking three weeks ago, and another 2.6” of much needed rain the following week. My rain tanks, 1,100 gallons when completely full, were down to about 300 gallons. This amount might sound like a lot of fresh water for inside the house usage, but I can assure you it is not. At one point I had pumped 200 gallons of my underground well water into the rain tanks. Even though the well water is good water, it does not compare to the fresh rain water from the heavens. So I was very happy with over six inches of rain to fill my tanks.

Corky, my boxer island buddy, turned 2 years old a few weeks ago. He has been such a great addition for me out here, providing me company and someone to talk to. For his special day, I treated Corky to a full day of running on the beach and chasing birds and playing in the surf. After being thoroughly exhausted and falling asleep on the drive to his grandmas that evening, he had beef spare ribs for supper. I am blessed to have Corky as my island companion.

Well, my Spring/Summer garden has pretty much come to an end. I’ve certainly had better gardening years, that’s for sure. Going without any measurable rain for over two months surely contributed to the poor results. There is just no better watering system than a good God provided drenching of a garden on a regular basis. I also believe that not being able to add composted seaweed to my garden soil has hurt my gardening yields. In past years, plenty of seaweed has washed ashore on the island beach, and I would rinse it off with fresh water and compost it before adding it to my soil, a wonderful organic fertilizer. But for three years now, very little, if any, seaweed has washed up. I’ll have to find other organic fertilizer choices for my gardening.

The Fourth Of July firework shows were really great in our area this year. I took a boat ride across Matagorda Bay from POC with friends to watch the Indianola Fishing Marina fireworks display on June 30. It was a beautiful evening boat ride, and we then watched a great colorful display while sitting at the Marina having dinner. Then on July 4, we drove to Port Lavaca and enjoyed their wonderful fireworks show down at the docks. There was also great band music before the display. And a few days later, Port O’Connor had their annual Fireworks Display at the end of the pier on Front Beach, and it was spectacular. My friends and I anchored in a boat and had a great view as we watched. The reflections of the colorful displays off the water were amazing. And lastly, a few hours later, we were fortunate to watch a nice display put on by Josies Mexican Food & Cantina in their parking lot. It was a great way to end the beautiful fireworks celebration displays around our community.

I’ve begun to get into a beach walking routine again; it’s a great way to spend an hour each morning and enjoy the beautiful beach and ocean waters that I am so lucky to have in my back yard. I always feel so much better after a nice morning or late afternoon beach walk, and I’m trying my best to get this robust manly physique to a presentable shape.

In closing, please keep my mom, Leona, in your thoughts and prayers. She is going through some medical issues requiring rehab and physical therapy. I go in several times a week and stay with her, as do my siblings. Stay strong Mom, we love you.

Well that’s it from the island; everyone take care and have a great day.

Photo from left to right: Alexander Martini President RC Erlangen; Pia und Kathrin Sigismund donors; Artist Dieter Erhard; Guatemala Projects RC ER Schloss; Past President RC ER Schloss Andreas Magerl; Embassador of Guatemala José Franzisco Cali Tzay; Stephan Roscher President RC ER Schloss; Thomas Pickel President RC HÖS; Walter Knorr treasurer RC HÖS; Johannes Hofmann President RC ER Ohm

On May 3rd, the Fuego volcano erupted killing 120 Guatemalan citizens and leaving 3,500 homeless. Two villages were totally buried and another hit.

Artist Dieter Erhard, resident of Erlangen, Germany, and part-time resident of Seadrift, is a member of one of three Rotary Clubs that raised funds to assist with recovery efforts. Rotary Club Guatemala Norte will manage the funds to help build housing for the displaced.

Dieter recently took part in Europe’s largest garden party, 6,300 guests, at Friedrich Alexander University of Enlangen. His sculpture “Marilyn” was exhibited and was a part of the fund-raising effort. The Guatemalan Ambassador and his wife came to receive the donation.

THE CHAMBER IS LOOKING FOR MORE INVOLVEMENT!!

As all can see, our little community is growing, with so many new homes and businesses. I think Port O’Connor attracts these because of the relaxing atmosphere, and mostly always positive attitudes.

This does not just happen. There are several organizations that helps keep older traditions going.We are a community that’s here to help our neighbors and friends.

But with growth comes more work at the events that the Chamber sponsors. It takes lots of foot work and hours of planning. Needless to say, the Chamber is looking for more involvement from our community.

The Chamber promotes growth for all. So mark your calendar for August 13th. Come to the meeting and join our team and get involved, 6:30 p.m – Port O’Connor Community Center. The more involved, the more accomplished!

The 48th Annual Fireworks Display was BIGGER & BETTER than any before. THANKS!!! to all that made this possible, Donnie Haynes and team, Bill Tigrett, and so many others that it took to pull this off. It takes many people behind the scenes and months to get everything organized from start to finish.

Join us on Facebook and Instagram. 361-poc@gmail.com; portoconnorchamber.com; 361-983-2898.

NEW  & RENEWED MEMBERS:
Bay Breeze RV               Dock’s Good Eats            The Texas Fin               10th Street Lodge
Captains Quarters Motel and Suites       Absolute Color
Teresa’s                   Bob & Pam Hill