Sunday, May 12, 2013

High Rise Blue Monday

Smiling Sally


Today's Blue Monday with Smiling Sally is of a personal touch for me. There will be several blues to pop up. You will find many interesting blues when you drop by
http://smilingsally.blogspot.com.

This "High Rise" building is located in San Antonio, Texas. It is called the Allen Building. It was designed and built by a sharp fellow in the 80's. He was responsible for several
more similar structures throughout the United States.

Due to time and age (84 in October), he is no longer able to do this. Also, his health has not been kind to him. The following is an image from the internet, but resembles him at one time. He was able to use a walking cane for sometime.


Later, he had to start using a hand walker and still does some while in the house.

Also, to improve his mobility, he has a
motorized wheel chair similar to this that he uses in the house.
He is at the point that any activity outside the house must be with an electric scooter. That has been a real blessing for him and family. It can be loaded on their vehicle.

His legs are not and never will be strong enough to walk without support. Even though his right hand is not steady, due to Essential Tremor, his mind is still working fine (there are times I question that, ha).  Even with his right hand not the best, he is still trying to be productive.

This is his work area with his tools.


These are a few of the "Low Rise" structures he is now designing.

He does this for pleasure and keep his mind active.  He gives them away. His shop is in the garage.  They leave the garage door up when at home or he is working. However, the birds are trying to build in the some of these houses. Changes will have to be made.

 This is one of a kind and it is mine.

The following photos are not of the best quality. Sometimes you have to do the best you can with what you have.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       2004
                                 2013                
            
  Life Matters --- make the most of it.  


                 



13 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

So who is this architect? Is it your husband???

SmilingSally said...

I love today's post!

This is your BIL--right? What an amazing man!

I admire his creative thinking on the Allen building design. It's good that he can make so many pretty birdhouses for others to enjoy.

I've always liked the name, Allen. That's our son's name!

Thanks for joining in to Blue Monday.

Happy Blue Monday, La Voice.

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post and love the bird houses as well as his massive building in the eighties ~ Enjoy the day ^_^

Happy wishes to you and your friends .

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I'm sure the birds appreciate the "low rises"!

Mary in Blue and Red

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post, LV. I loved his story and those beautiful creations of his. May he keep on building for many more years to come!! Love your one-of-a-kind birdhouse, too!
Dorothy and Ms.Wilma

lina@happy family said...

Wow, I admire his work!
Thanks for dropping by :)

Leovi said...

Excellent, I like those birdhouses, nice photos!

xinex said...

What a wonderful story, LV. Thanks for sharing it. He is not wasting any of his talents. Beautiful bird houses!...Christine

Kim, USA said...

I feel while reading your post it is very personal and emotion filled when you wrote this. Thanks for sharing LV if we are only close I will get some of his bird houses I am looking for many ^_^

Kim,USA

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

amazing man with all his work. The motorise scooter is such a God sent.

Sorry, I have not been visiting. Been away in Australia.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Your friend has led an amazing life -- and is still leading it to this day! Thanks for sharing.

George said...

Thanks for sharing the story of this amazing man. I think his birdhouses are really neat.

Anni said...

A story filled with love. Thank you for sharing!