Statement of longtime friend James Baker:

Quote:Statement of James A. Baker, III, honorary chair of the Baker Institute:

Susan and I are deeply saddened to lose a beloved friend who was a passionate voice for volunteerism and the view that everyone should believe in something larger than self. Barbara Bush challenged each of us to build a better world by empowering people through literacy. As only one of two women in American history who can be called First Lady and First Mother, she was matriarch of a family that remains as dedicated to public service as it was to politics. We Americans were fortunate to have had Barbara and George Bush as one of the best First Couples of all time. We send our deepest love and affection to President Bush and to his entire family.

See https://www.bakerinstitute.org/news/reme...bara-bush/

Class act as was her husband. Wish we had more folks like them. Favorite story was a time when he was at Rice Stadium for the Navy game (it might have been that horrible 2009 disaster or perhaps 2005) and we were getting ready to get on the elevator to the press box. Just ahead we saw 41 and his secret service detail about to get on the elevator and I raised my voice a bit (not sure I could say yell) and said Mr. President, could you shake the hands of a couple of kids. He stopped, ignored his detail, turned, shook their hands and say something brief to them. Just fantastic.

I'm trying to remember if she came to Rice in the fall of 1995 (I think that was the year) when young George P. Bush was a freshman walk-on to the Rice baseball team. I know her husband made an occasional practice. I know they would have been at the games if he stuck it out through the spring.

Classy woman. And I doubt we'll ever have a bigger sports fan in the White House again as First Lady. RIP.

I saw something on Reddit that said George HW Bush is the first President to outlive his spouse since Hoover, and I mentioned that to my siblings but they immediately told me that was wrong (Richard Nixon outlived Pat by a year). I think those may be the only two though in the past 100 years.

BTW, the public can pay their final respects to her at St. Martin's Church on Sage on Friday between noon and midnight.

There was a BBQ joint just out of Memorial Park that 41 was rumored to love. Iiirc it was called Ottos.

One day I was in there just prior to the '96 election, when the SS flew into the room and George and Barbara came into Ottos. Of course everyone in line was 'put to the side' as the SS ushered the First couple through.

After George ordered for the family, you could see and hear Barbara ordering for the SS detail.

As it looked as they were about to leave Barbara pulled George aside and had a not-so-private finger wagging with George. George then looked around with an embarrassed look on his face and said:

'My wonderful wife has just reminded me what an imposition this has been for everyone here. My humble apologies. For 'cutting the line' so badly and abruptly, let me pick up the meal for everyone who I impositioned.'

He had a SS agent take all of our orders (those of us in line) *and* buy a cobbler for everyone already seated. When I joked about Uncle Sam doing my lunch, the SS agent smiled and said 'I think this is them, personally'. I dont know if that was true or not, though.....

I always get a chuckle both out of Shrubs gesture, and Barbara's 'side gesture' to make sure George minded his manners. But as above, an amazing picture of class in my book.

edited to add: last sentence shouldnt read 'Shrub', should read George, papa Bush. Not refer to George, baby Bush.

https://www.texasmonthly.com/opinion/bar...-hard-one/

(04-18-2018 08:54 AM)tanqtonic Wrote:  There was a BBQ joint just out of Memorial Park that 41 was rumored to love. Iiirc it was called Ottos.

One day I was in there just prior to the '96 election, when the SS flew into the room and George and Barbara came into Ottos. Of course everyone in line was 'put to the side' as the SS ushered the First couple through.

After George ordered for the family, you could see and hear Barbara ordering for the SS detail.

As it looked as they were about to leave Barbara pulled George aside and had a not-so-private finger wagging with George. George then looked around with an embarrassed look on his face and said:

'My wonderful wife has just reminded me what an imposition this has been for everyone here. My humble apologies. For 'cutting the line' so badly and abruptly, let me pick up the meal for everyone who I impositioned.'

He had a SS agent take all of our orders (those of us in line) *and* buy a cobbler for everyone already seated. When I joked about Uncle Sam doing my lunch, the SS agent smiled and said 'I think this is them, personally'. I dont know if that was true or not, though.....

I always get a chuckle both out of Shrubs gesture, and Barbara's 'side gesture' to make sure George minded his manners. But as above, an amazing picture of class in my book.

I have very little doubt that the George would have paid for that. With them, it was all about doing the right thing and not about what they could grab for themselves and rules are for everyone else. Case in point was he being the youngest aviator in the Navy.

Saw "Ann" at Stages (single actor play about Ann Richards-outstanding) this past weekend. Folks like her, Bill Hobby, Bob Bullock and George 41 are sadly missing from our current situation. Ed Emmitt is one that comes to mind.

GHW Bush's post-presidential office is on the top floor of the building I work in. When I began here 12 years ago, it was not uncommon to see Barbara here once a week or so. I think she came to pick George up so they could have lunch together, usually at Otto's or Fuzzy's Pizza on Antoine. Barbara would be playing with their puppies on the front lawn of the building. She was always very kind and engaging to all the building tenants. Sadly over the years her visits (and his too) to the building have become few and far between. RIP Mrs. Bush.

My son essentially gave her a 'PG13 lap dance' during a performance of CATS. Her response 'he's quite sexy isn't he'.. and then she invited him and one other to perform a G rated version for kids at a school she sponsored who were interested in music/performance

Truly a nice person

1987 I was President of the YR's and was often invited to events so there was a young face. ( sadly it as my face) Nov. that year, then VP Bush was in town to vote in City elections and I was asked to man a table collecting signatures on a petition to have his name placed on the GOP primary ballot.
After voting he and Mrs Bush came over to the table to sign the President Bush worked the line and when he got to me shook my hand and tussled my hair thanking me for being there.
Barbara Bush took his arm and pulled him back gently saying to him, George he's not a child he's a man , shake his hand properly"
The /VP/President laughed, got super serious and shook my hand again saying "thank you Sir its a pleasure to be here"
I shared that story YEARS later with Gov.Bush and he laughed at the tale letting me know "she still does that to all of us"


It was a personal reminder of the family's class and dignity toward others. Which as all these personal stories we share seem to make ring even more true. Prayers and thoughts for her family and those that knew her best.

(04-18-2018 06:08 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  BTW, the public can pay their final respects to her at St. Martin's Church on Sage on Friday between noon and midnight.

Logistical details, from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas:

Quote:If you would like to pay your respects to the former First Lady, Barbara Bush, you may do so by visitng St. Martin's Episcopal Church this Friday, April 20 from noon-midnight. IMPORTANT: everyone must first go to the Second Baptist Church campus at 6400 Woodway Drive to park and go through security. . Please enter the parking lots using Voss Road. Metro is providing shuttles to transport citizens, including those with disabilities, to and from St. Martin’s. The parking lot at Second Baptist will open at 10 a.m., and shuttles will start running at 11:30 a.m.

You may not drive or walk up to St. Martin’s. Large, over-sized purses and bags are not permitted. Out of respect for Mrs. Bush and her family, please turn off all cellular devices and refrain from taking photos.

(04-18-2018 08:54 AM)tanqtonic Wrote:  There was a BBQ joint just out of Memorial Park that 41 was rumored to love. Iiirc it was called Ottos.

One day I was in there just prior to the '96 election, when the SS flew into the room and George and Barbara came into Ottos. Of course everyone in line was 'put to the side' as the SS ushered the First couple through.

After George ordered for the family, you could see and hear Barbara ordering for the SS detail.

As it looked as they were about to leave Barbara pulled George aside and had a not-so-private finger wagging with George. George then looked around with an embarrassed look on his face and said:

'My wonderful wife has just reminded me what an imposition this has been for everyone here. My humble apologies. For 'cutting the line' so badly and abruptly, let me pick up the meal for everyone who I impositioned.'

He had a SS agent take all of our orders (those of us in line) *and* buy a cobbler for everyone already seated. When I joked about Uncle Sam doing my lunch, the SS agent smiled and said 'I think this is them, personally'. I dont know if that was true or not, though.....

I always get a chuckle both out of Shrubs gesture, and Barbara's 'side gesture' to make sure George minded his manners. But as above, an amazing picture of class in my book.

Nice story

(04-18-2018 03:07 PM)georgewebb Wrote:  

(04-18-2018 06:08 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  BTW, the public can pay their final respects to her at St. Martin's Church on Sage on Friday between noon and midnight.

Logistical details, from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas:

Quote:If you would like to pay your respects to the former First Lady, Barbara Bush, you may do so by visitng St. Martin's Episcopal Church this Friday, April 20 from noon-midnight. IMPORTANT: everyone must first go to the Second Baptist Church campus at 6400 Woodway Drive to park and go through security. . Please enter the parking lots using Voss Road. Metro is providing shuttles to transport citizens, including those with disabilities, to and from St. Martin’s. The parking lot at Second Baptist will open at 10 a.m., and shuttles will start running at 11:30 a.m.

You may not drive or walk up to St. Martin’s. Large, over-sized purses and bags are not permitted. Out of respect for Mrs. Bush and her family, please turn off all cellular devices and refrain from taking photos.

Update: I just got back from visiting St Martin’s. It is the most meticulously organized process I’ve ever seen: the whole thing, from first parking to getting back in my car at the end, took less than 50 minutes. If you have even the slightest thought of going tonight, just go.

You're a good person for going. I couldn't make it last night but I will absolutely try to re-arrange my schedule if they do the same for George HW (although hopefully that day won't come too soon for him). The security today for the official funeral might be a little more ramped up - with 4 former Presidents and the current First Lady and 3 other former First Ladies there.

You can download the program for today's funeral here:
https://www.scribd.com/document/37692237...m#download

The clergy are the Rector and Vice-Rector of St Martin's here in Houston, the chaplain of St Ann's in Kennebunkport, and the Bishop of Texas. The hymns are well-known standards of Anglican hymnals. The lay speakers are biographer Jon Meacham, family friend Susan Baker, son Jeb Bush, and daughter Dorothy Bush Koch.

if you haven't seen this cartoon, you need to see it. It will melt the hardest of hearts.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/n...532844002/

(04-21-2018 10:31 AM)georgewebb Wrote:  if you haven't seen this cartoon, you need to see it. It will melt the hardest of hearts.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/n...532844002/

Wonderful cartoon. Thanks so much for sharing.

Reminds me of going to the Astrodome for the 1992 Republican Convention. Had to park at Rice Stadium and bus over. However the checkpoints were in the Astrodome parking lot.

(04-20-2018 09:10 PM)georgewebb Wrote:  

(04-18-2018 03:07 PM)georgewebb Wrote:  

(04-18-2018 06:08 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  BTW, the public can pay their final respects to her at St. Martin's Church on Sage on Friday between noon and midnight.

Logistical details, from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas:

Quote:If you would like to pay your respects to the former First Lady, Barbara Bush, you may do so by visitng St. Martin's Episcopal Church this Friday, April 20 from noon-midnight. IMPORTANT: everyone must first go to the Second Baptist Church campus at 6400 Woodway Drive to park and go through security. . Please enter the parking lots using Voss Road. Metro is providing shuttles to transport citizens, including those with disabilities, to and from St. Martin’s. The parking lot at Second Baptist will open at 10 a.m., and shuttles will start running at 11:30 a.m.

You may not drive or walk up to St. Martin’s. Large, over-sized purses and bags are not permitted. Out of respect for Mrs. Bush and her family, please turn off all cellular devices and refrain from taking photos.

Update: I just got back from visiting St Martin’s. It is the most meticulously organized process I’ve ever seen: the whole thing, from first parking to getting back in my car at the end, took less than 50 minutes. If you have even the slightest thought of going tonight, just go.

(04-21-2018 10:31 AM)georgewebb Wrote:  if you haven't seen this cartoon, you need to see it. It will melt the hardest of hearts.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/n...532844002/

This link takes me to a Viglink shopping website.

Could someone post the cartoon image itself?

Thanks!!