It will certainly be old news when you read this, but Eliza and I are currently high and dry in our house in Galveston, while the disaster in Houston unfolds in the face of Hurricane Harvey. I have checked on a few of our mates and all seem to be in good shape for now. By the time this hits the mailbox the story will have completely unfolded and here is hoping it all works out for the best.

I was also very appreciative of the folks who reached out to make sure that I was not underwater myself. Larry Johnson, with whom I am connected on Strava, checked in to see if I was surviving and to encourage me not to get on my bike during the “weather.” Larry is an avid cyclist and just banged out 50-plus miles the other day to inspire me when the water recedes. Perhaps we can get a group of ’75s together for a group ride next year somewhere. I know we have a few others who would be game—Lon Cross, Rich Clark, Walter Evans? Maybe in the Texas Hill Country.

Shout-out to Bill Cahill as well for wishing us well and sending prayers.

I recently caught up in person with Mark Sheehan, whom you may recall from a prior note is now at the Houston Space Center. We were able to cover the last 42 years in record time and remembered the good old days in Fayerweather. I have had pretty good luck staying in touch with a few of our freshman floormates, but used the opportunity of Mark’s visit to reconnect with one of his roommates, Bill Macey.

After a career in law and investment banking Bill struck out on his own and started Sterling Investment Partners, a private equity firm in Connecticut. He is hardly on his own now—the firm has grown quite handsomely. As it usually does, the conversation turned to family and other activities. Bill and I exchanged stories of our respective children and he shared with me that Cornell rowing recruited his daughter. Ah well, our loss! Hate to see that.

That’s all for now. Vox clamantis in Tejas,

—Stephen D. Gray, 3627 Avenue M, Galveston, TX 77550; (650) 302-8739; fratergray@gmail.com