My grandmother (aka Mamou) shared so many stories with us in our youth.  Most were of foreign lands and foreign cultures, as travel was her favorite activity.  In those days of the Cold War, traveling to Russia was not possible, but she searched out the one russian family in Beaumont Texas that she could befriend.  Fascinated by these russian immigrants, who braved a precarious ocean voyage at the end of World War I, she invited them many times to visit her home in Beaumont for elegant dinners.  Once I remember when I was 12, she invited them to her beach house on Bolivar Peninsula.  During these visits, I was fortunate to listen to stories of a time in russian history where fear was rampant, the royal family was under siege, and the streets of St Petersburg were utter chaos.

This story needed to be told.  There is no doubt in my mind of the validity of this family’s journey.  I cannot in good conscience share their assumed name that they currently use, as they still live in fear that the KGB will seek them out to destroy them.  The last thing the current russian regime wants is for a member of the Romanov family to become known.  To this day, there are many in Russia who would love to take up the banner of the old monarchy.  This is not something that the current political leaders of Russia would allow.

The book can be purchased as a digital version, or a paperback, on amazon.  Needless to say, any who wish it signed by the author, need only visit me in Galveston.  Just message me, I’ll find time for you:)

Along with 1,535 other immigrants from over 100 countries, Anna Maria Ulrika Wilcox became an American citizen!  It has been a long journey for Ika; although she came speaking English (somewhat:), there was much about America for Ika to learn.  She now follows the news closely, as our political world is very different from Sweden.  There are some very heated discussions over how we could manage to be the wealthiest nation on earth, yet have only 2 viable political parties.  I must admit she has a point.

Her cute Swedish accent will always be with us, we hope.  It really is pretty funny when she yells to Matt from the kitchen that there is an animal walking across the floor – usually an ant that he must do something about.  Evidently “insect” has not really stuck with her.  So much more has, though.  She has earned a Masters and worked as a school psychologist, all in a foreign language (although less foreign now).  In itself, this was an very impressive accomplishment, as I have spoken english all my life, and after attempting to read a chapter of her psychology textbook, I found it might as well have been written in greek.

One other important step in this process of Americanization, she married Matt.  She has been a joy to our family, and just to top it off, she’s growing my grandson Bo.  Congratulations Anna Maria Ulrika Wilcox, we are so proud of you!

Some things are the same the world over; such as celebrating the birth of a new family member.  What is different, and so much fun, is the foods we bring to the celebration.  The Swedish Princess Cake with a soft green marzipan, powdered with sugar, and topped with a rose is a must for any celebration.  It is layered with what tastes like a raspberry jelly and whipped cream, for a very moist and unusually tart/sweet taste; unlike our American super sugary icings.  Ika chose a forest theme for Bo’s room, with fall colors of pumpkin, forest green and chocolate.  Katarina, Ika’s sister, provided the Swedish expertise; and Tasha, Katarina’s sister-in-law, outdid herself with the decor.  You will notice barefeet in the pictures, because a proper Swede leaves his/her shoes at the door.

Another thing I found refreshing was the number of little ones involved, and welcomed into Katarina’s home.  There was a special “toddler’s table” with tiny princess cakes for them.  They were welcome to join in the games, or hang out in Gunnar’s room and play in his tent:)

Laura Wilcox, Ika’s sister-in-law, did the photography (not these pictures, which I haphazardly took with my iPhone:)  Like the trooper Laura is, in spite of a foot in a boot due to aggravating a sprain during the ACL concert, she hobbled around to document the weekend for Ika & Matt.  Laura’s amazing pictures will be available later, along with some maternity shots she took of Matt and Ika in Galveston the next day.  So creative and filled with the emotion of the event.  I’m so blessed to have such talented people in the family!

My earliest and fondest memories of summers on Bolivar Peninsula are of waking to the screeching seagulls.  Our old beach house was within 100 yards of the gulf, and the gulls were up early searching the waves for their breakfast.  Back in the day there was no air conditioning, the windows were always open unless it was raining, and the sounds of nature lulled us to sleep and woke us.  These memories developed a passion for the ocean in my brothers and sisters, as well as this island widow.  I have been blessed with a beautiful, air conditioned condo in retirement; however my bird-experiences are now a bit different:)  With a glass wall overlooking the gulf, and a glass balcony separating those inside from some of the sounds of nature, I find that their natural “deposits” on my glass more than a little annoying.  To add to the experience, some of my neighbors think it’s fun to feed the birds.  As they come swooping in for a treat of bread, they leave their “deposits” on the glass, which turns quickly to cement in the sun:)  Forget windex, this calls for hot water, soap and lots of elbow grease.  I do enjoy watching them, still.  It will always be a love-hate relationship; but the love wins:)

Every year, at the end of the season, the real stars of Diamond Beach shine, wine and dine:)  The owners gladly switch places with the employees who keep our pool and river sparkling, our building freshly painted and immaculate, and stay over during hurricanes to protect our precious Diamond Beach.  Chef Vish (Persaud) slaves over a hot grill to provide his famous vish-burgers, the board members join in to pass out beverages and desserts, and many of the owners show up just to make sure a good time is had by all.

Benito Flores, aka DB pool guy, shared the fun with two of his daughters from the valley (Texan for almost-south-of-the-border:)  They had come to Houston to help in the Harvey remediation, which means they will probably still be here for next years celebration.  One of his daughters had visited Israel recently and brought back a very interesting tattoo.  It is Hebrew for the first commandment (I am the Lord your God).  Interpretation provided by our very own expert, Marc Steinberg.

Our illustrious leader, James Fuglaar, and his wife Rita provided entertainment after lunch, the river float, the pool, dancing, and some bean bag competition.  Rita and Kelly (Persaud) had shopped till they dropped to provide some very sought-after prizes.  The employees waited anxiously for the results of the annual prize giveaway, via lottery.  There was a flat screen tv, a digital tablet, waterproof speakers to float the river with, the latest Wii complete with game package, and too many gift cards to count.  Not one employee walked away empty handed, and all walked away with a big smile.  My personal favorite was the live music provided by our local talent, Larry Emerson.  He’s the bomb!

We look at the horrific flooding our neighbors suffered, and feel a twinge of guilt.  Usually, Galveston Island takes the brunt of the storm, buffering the damage for our inland neighbors.  The worst Diamond Beach suffered was a nasty looking pool and lazy river for a few days until the crew could complete the cleanup.  As you can see from the pictures above, I-10 heading to family in Beaumont was impassable, and still is today.  Even in Clear Lake, Bay Area Blvd, our main artery, was a river for a few tense days.  I sat up Saturday night watching the water rise toward the front door of Matt and Ika’s house, which had survived Katrina, Ike, Rita, Allison, and Alicia unscathed.  I prayed as it rose ominously, until nodding off at midnight.  A neighbor called thirty minutes later to wake me in time to move my car to high ground, just in time as the water had reached the bottom of the caddie’s door.  Scary though it was, prayers were answered and the water stopped short of the front door.  We did go on “candle” power for twelve hours, and missed cable tv for a few days, but compared to neighbors we have nothing to complain about, and everything to be grateful for.  It was actually a cozy time for us.

Restaurants were closed, but Matt managed to come back with fresh coffee and snacks (although somewhat picked over at the 7-11:)  Fire Hot Cheetos and coffee actually aren’t too bad if you’re hungry enough!

When I returned to Diamond Beach to survey the damage, I breathed a sigh of relief.  The sun was peeking out and the skeleton crew had already picked up the branches and leaves, leaving the place looking refreshingly green and well-watered.  I hear they only lost power for 2 hours; I’m staying put next storm.  My 5th floor condo is not likely to suffer flood, unless the gulf rises to cover Dallas:)

Weddings are always fun, emotional, spirit-moving events; the long-awaited Shane-Courtney celebration was no exception.  This gala brought friends and family from as far away as New York City, and as near as Galveston, Texas.  Lots of laughter, and a few tears, made the celebration one of Clear Lake’s finest memories.  Mother-of-the-groom, Joann Dickson, outdid us all when it came to Hollywood-style hair and glitter gown.  Matt Dickson, aka Santa in a tux, actually did trim his beard; although he threatened to gather it in a ponytail draped down his chest:)  Of course the children stole the show, dancing the night away in an uninhibited style that only they can pull off.  The shuttle brought everyone back to the Hyatt at 10 pm, but of course the party didn’t end there.  Rumor has it that Matt Plass lost 3 arm wrestling competitions to the tune of $300, forgot his vet was at the hotel, and accepted a ride back to Clear Lake by the arm wrestling champ.  No problem, Matt Dickson was more than happy to drive it home for him.  There are other stories of Matt P at weddings of the past that we shared over breakfast the next morning.  They are a bit too graphic to share here, but we all got a last laugh over his antics before heading back to Clear Lake (although some would say it’s the least clear lake they have ever seen:)

A favorite family tradition for the Polk~Piland clan is the annual July lobster-gorging feast.  Dad and Carol began this gathering many years ago – more than I care to count:)  Many new little faces have been added since the first gathering years ago.  Dad and Carol are now great-grandparents, and a few of my generation have become grandparents as well.  We come from as far away as St. Thomas in the Virgins, although this year we missed our distant-wandering family:( they promise to come next time:)

 The ancient picture above shows a teenage Tres, Joey, and Carly (now parents themselves); and a few pre-teens like Matt, Sara, Amanda, and Kimberly.  So much fun to see how we looked as a young family (of course I haven’t changed much:)  Just outside of Beaumont is a country restaurant/dance hall that hosts our every growing group.  There is a dance floor for the kids to ride their pint-sized four-wheelers; and a huge dining table for the adults to enjoy catching up on the latest family gossip.  This year we are kicking around the idea of heading for St. Thomas for a family reunion, or maybe someplace closer to home?  Either way, I can’t wait!

Hands down favorite surfing competition on the island – who doesn’t love our furry family members showing their “hang 10” style for prizes and pets.  All Humane Society volunteers come out in force, including yours truly, to parade our adoptables and encourage the crowd to add another furry friend to the family.  This year I lucked out with a multi-colored chihuahua, Muchu.  All the kids loved him, but I found it difficult to talk the moms into taking little Muchu on.  Just as I was about to give up, one of the local Vet Techs gave in to her son, and viola, it looks like Muchu has a new furever home:)

It was a beautiful day, with the blue water coming all the way onto the beach.  This doesn’t happen often in Galveston, and we took it as a good sign.  On the down side, the waves were less than spectacular, thus you notice many dogs surfing backwards and sideways:)  That was just fine with us, even the little chihuahuas had no problem handling this surf.  The best news of all, all the proceeds go to the Galveston Humane Society, for our ever-growing population of adoptables.