By Dody Denman

Houston, Texas, United States, and the World has lost an incredible leader and caring man with the death of President George H.W. Bush. While listening to the news the day after our 41^st President died, the newscaster said, “Everyone is talking of their memories and stories of President Bush.” “I’m not,” Mike proclaimed, “I never met the man.” I quietly answered, “I did.”

In July of 1990 the Economic Summit was held in Houston. The official opening ceremonies of the 16^th G-7 Summit were held outside at Rice University. In July! World leaders quickly became acquainted with Houston weather as it neared 100 degrees.

I was oblivious to the heat as I knew I was living in a moment of history. As a writer for the Airport Newspaper, I was honored to be chosen for press credentials. I stood on the grounds listening to the speakers and to President Bush addressing them all.

The most personal moment with Daddy Bush (how I respectfully and affectionately refer to him) was at Ellington Field when the Air Force One landed. I was there when President Bush exited the plane. I was on the tarmac when he walked by greeting people. I’m not one to chase celebrities, but I don’t mind admitting I was a bit star struck as he shook my hand. There were pleasantries exchanged, but for my life I couldn’t tell you what was said.

After the newspaper, I worked for an award company. They created works of art from crystal for gifts and awards. After I had been there a few months the owner was telling me how they had created a replica of Air Force One and had tried in vain to present it to President Bush. “I can do it,” I confidently replied. “We have been trying for months and nothing has happened. You think you are just going to get it done?” “Yes,” I answered, “But I have one condition. When the airplane is presented to President Bush, I will be there.” “Absolutely,” I was told.

In a very short time I had contacted the powers that be and had an appointment with Daddy Bush’s people. (This is my favorite memory.) After I presented my spiel, I was given a private tour of the offices, including the President’s and Barbara’s. I was in the personal offices of the great Bush’s! I looked, I touched, I walked where they walked. The rooms were overflowing with gifts from leaders and dignitaries all over the world. When I asked what they planned on doing with everything, I was told most would probably go to his library.

They were excited about the presentation, just needed to work out dates. Soon after this meeting was my car accident. I was unable to attend the presentation. I have no doubt it has been in President George H.W. Bush’s library at some point in time.

It is no secret that Daddy Bush and Barbara loved Houston, the people, the arts, the sports. Another fond memory is attending the theatre at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and both of these dear people were attending the same night. This happened twice!

I always say that I have stories to tell and pictures to prove them…and I do. However among the tens of thousands of photographs that I have taken, it is never easy to find a specific photo. I did manage one of the Economic Summit.

I do have fond memories that are personal to me. He will be missed. God bless his family and rest in peace President Bush.

It seems only appropriate that I share my Texas Chili recipe with the column of this great Texas man.

Dody’s Cayman Award Winning Texas Chili

This recipe was a Chili Cook Off winner during Pirate’s Week

BROWN:

2 lbs. of meat in 1 T. oil*

With one diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves

ADD:

1/2 cup ground chili powder

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. oregano

1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper

(Or to taste, but this is spicy without being too hot)

Stir seasonings into meat until you can smell the seasonings, two or three minutes

STIR IN:

1 8 oz. can tomato paste

2 cups of water

Cover and simmer for about an hour, until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.

THEN ADD:

2 T Masa Harina (optional thickening agent)

About twenty minutes before you serve, stir in the Masa Harina that has been mixed with 1/4 cup warm water if using. Simmer another 15-20 minutes.

*Cook’s Note: Use beef or venison, ground or diced. I prefer hand cubing the meat (brisket, roast, or venison) into about 1/2 pieces. If you use larger pieces than ground meat, add more water and allow much more cooking time until you reach desired consistency. Just let this simmer slowly several hours and you will be rewarded with a hearty chili.

This recipe can be doubled or tripled with great results.