It's been quite a while since I've updated this site. It's been a little crazy at work, and I've been busy at home working on a neighborhood gas lease project. Our neighborhood group ended up signing a mineral rights lease agreement that gave the homeowners in our area $22,000 an acre. Once the gas wells are drilled and operational, then we will be receiving 25% royalties. It's not going to make me rich, but it will offset my extravagant lifestyle a little bit.

Since I updated this site last, Texas had it's Presidential primary elections. I was shocked to learn that my own dear Mother had switched parties, and now supports Hillary! Just wait until those ladies in her republican group get hold of her.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

I went to Borger over the weekend to celebrate a big birthday with my Mother. I can't say which birthday it was for her, because I want to be welcomed back into her home again. Actually, she doesn't look like she could possibly be a day over ???... now that's just going to get me in trouble. Let's just say I think she is beautiful and looks wonderful!

Cliff, Julie, Jane & I decided to surprise her by all showing up at her house on Friday. Cliff, Wendye and Lindsay went in first, and pretended to just be dropping by. A few minutes later, I walked in and surprised her and told her I just decided to drive up from Arlington. She has a shocked look on her face. A couple of more minutes went by, and then Jane walked in. Once again, she looked shocked and couldn't figure out exactly what was going on. As soon as she recovered, Julie & Kacie walked in and all Mom could say was "Good God". It's safe to say that she had no idea that anything was planned, and was somewhat overwhelmed by the whole thing.

The next night, we all went to dinner at the Borger Country Club and we had a really nice dinner. After dinner, Mom blew out a single candle on her birthday cake. We didn't dare light the real number of candles. (just kidding Mom!)

The last surprise was waiting for her when we got home. When she walked into the living room, there waiting for her was a whole floor full of presents! Once again, I won't say exactly how many there were, but I will tell you there was one present for every year she's been around. Let's just say that that whole living room was full of gifts. She started unwrapping and it took two hours for her to unwrap all of them!

It really was fun, and we all enjoyed watching her. It was kind of difficult to come up with that many ideas for gifts, but it was all worth it while we were watching her enjoy her moment!

Mom, I hope you know how much we all love you. It was a real fun weekend, and maybe we'll do it again in another 5 or 10 years. But don't get your hopes up for that many presents again!

- And a special thanks to Bill for putting up with us this weekend! He was great at keeping a secret!!! -

To see a bunch of pics of my beautiful mother over the years, click on this link. http://picasaweb.google.com/skeetermurley/Betty

Sweeney Todd

Jane & I attended the stage production of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on Saturday, January 19th at the Majestic Theater in downtown Dallas. I saw the original stage version in New York on Broadway way back in 1980. That version was unbelievable, and I wasn't sure that I would like this new adaptation as well.

I have to say that this new scaled down version is really different, but it was just as intriguing as the original. Instead of being played on a stage with huge sets, this version is played out on one single set that implies the cast is in some sort of asylum. The 10 actors not only perform as the characters, but they become the orchestra. They remain onstage during the entire performance, and play musical instruments. I had heard about this, and didn't think it would work, but it did.

Jane had never seen it before, and I think she enjoyed it too. It's a dark dark musical, but there is an underlying sense of humor. I really enjoyed the play, and also enjoyed the new movie version. I can't seem to get some of those tunes out of my head now!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008.

That's kind of hard to believe. But 2007 was a pretty good year, and I'm hoping everything in 2008 will be even better.

I have a few wishes for the new year. First and most important is that all my family is healthy and happy. I have an extra wish for my Aunt Pat; that her health remains strong and that she gets better everyday! She's a very dear woman and I want her to get better and be around for a long time.

I was really happy to hear from so many friends during the Christmas holidays. I didn't expect to get all the cards from everyone this year. So many people don't send out cards anymore, and I was really surprised to hear from a ton of people I haven't talked to in a long time. I promise to get back with each of you.

I went to Mom's house for Christmas, and we had a really nice holiday. We even had a little snow up there this year. I've put together a few photos from the holidays. Click here to see the pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/skeetermurley/Christmas2007

I hope everyone has a really great new year. Stay safe!!!