With all the statistics about the divorce rate getting higher and higher, here's a change of pace: a couple who was married 72 years, and ended up passing away together. Read this incredible story by clicking here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051047/Gordon-Norma-Yeager-married-72-yrs-die-hour-apart-holding-hands.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
The iconic American painting "Amercian Gothic" is one of my favorites. I stumbled upon an article on the inspiration for it and it so simple and sweet that I just had to share it with you.
First it was a Nick Cage lookalike from an 1870 photogragh that had everyone talking that he could be a vampire, but now a remarkable likeness of his Face/Off costar John Travolta is showing up on Ebay for $50,000! Could John Travolta be a vampire too?  The resemblance is kind of eerie!! What do you think?
Here's how the leaderboard stacked up:Ricky Lake & Derek Hough: 23
J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff: 22
Kristin Cavallari & Mark Ballas: 22
Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani: 21
Elisabetta Canalis & Val Chmerkovskiy: 21
Nancy Grace & Tristan MacManus: 21
Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke: 21
Hope Solo & Maks Chmerkovskiy: 19
Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya: 18
David Arquette & Kym Johnson: 18
Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer: 17Who do you think has danced his or her last step tonight? Who was your fave? Do you think Ricki was first-place material?!  I think Elisabetta needs to go home!!
This past week has been one of deep reflection for me. No, I'm not going to espouse philosophy or anything; it's quite simple, really. The devastating wildfires here in the Austin area, along with the 10th anniversary of 9/11... both events have stirred a myriad of emotions in me, and, I'm sure, in many of you as well.
We probably know at least someone who was affected by the wildfires in some way. I know three people personally who had to evacuate, but thankfully they were able to return to their homes with little or no damage. But there were countless others who lost everything, including their homes, and my thoughts and prayers go out to them.
You always hope that there is no loss of life with these events, but unfortunately, two people died from the wildfires, and my heart goes out to their families as well.
Even if many of us weren't directly affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001 in the sense of losing loved ones or friends, I don't think we can ever forget the sense of horror and outrage we felt when the terrorists struck. Our country was being violated, and it didn't matter whether you lived in New York or Austin, if you saw the images on television or heard about it on the radio, you felt as if you were right in the thick of it.
The dominant thought running through my mind as I ran through both events this week is the way people pull together in times of tragedy or great crisis. We worry and complain daily about our local, state, and federal government, about the economy, the unemployment rate, health care, etc. But when something or someone threatens our community, state, or country, all that goes out the window. When you hear about people opening their homes to total strangers because they had to evacuate, or give generously of their finances or material possessions, it shows more than just a sense of duty or responsibility. It demonstrates real compassion, a feeling of togetherness. It's one of the many reasons I'm proud to be an American.
The Red Cross has an excellent checklist of things to have on hand if your are asked to evacuate because of a wild fire. As we have learned every second counts , I know I am going to do this right away!Â
Wild Fire Safety Checklist
  Supplies to take with you if you need to evacuate:
Waterâone gallon per person, per day (3Âday supply)
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the wildfires in Central Texas. Below is some of the important information you need to know.
Due to the fires in Bastrop County, Bastrop ISD has canceled school for the rest of the week.
Smithville ISD has cancelled classes for the rest of the week.
You can call the phone numbers below to find out more information for your area . Travis County (Steiner Ranch) 512-974-6199Bastrop - 512-581-4023Bastrop Citizens Information lines are 512-332-8856 and 512-332-8814Hays - 512-753-2180Bastrop Official SheltersBastrop Middle SchoolAscension Catholic ChurchSmithville Recreation CenterBastrop Church of ChristBastrop Community Outreach ChurchElgin Family WorshipTemporary HousingHomeaway Owners Offering Vacation PropertiesAustin-based HomeAway, Inc. has organized a Central Texas Wildfire Housing Directory of vacation homes available for rent, some at reduced rates or free of charge, to evacuees in need of housing. For HomeAway's Central Texas Wildfire Housing Directory go to: http://community.homeaway.com/docs/DOC-2067More than 30 properties, ranging from one-to-five-bedroom homes, are available in locations throughout Austin.Fully-furnished homes can be rented for short- and long-term stays. Individuals should contact the owners directly; more information is available on the site.More ways to help at www.gatewaychurch.comDonations: Rundell Business Park704 Hwy 71 W512-332-880711am - 8pmAnimal Rescue Donations512-694-5129The Red Cross of Central Texas is helping out and if you would like to help with a donation you can go to their website here.The Austin Disaster Relief NetworkAustin Disaster Fire Victim Hotline - 512-331-2600Our sister station Talk 1370 has more updates here.
It's hard to believe that summer is almost over and the kids are back in school! Â When I was in school one of my first homework assignments was to tell the class what I did on my summer vacation. Â This year I spent my first summer in 6 years in my home state of Michigan !! Â Here are some of my favorite photo's from my trip! Â Enjoy!
I lived in St. Joseph Michigan for most of my teenage years!! It's a beautiful town on the banks of Lake Michigan !! You can see the lights of Chicago on the other side at night!
