Observer of life who writes about Austin, women’s issues, history, politics, and virtually anything I feel might interest others. I worked in Texas government for almost 40 years (Legislature, Comptroller’s Office, and Texas Attorney General’s Office). I’m a lifelong Austinite who graduated from UT undergrad and UT Law. Since retirement in May, 2013, I’ve identified myself as a writer, a caretaker, widow, grandmother, pandemic survivor, and finder of true love.
Jeffee Palmer
Lawyer, history buff, writer, mother, grandmother, native Texan, UT grad, and proud Austinite!-
Now and Thenadays 
hello,
my uncle Charles manteris was a good friend of osorio and your dad was at my house before in the 80s
LikeLike
Hi, Chris!
Thanks for writing with your remembrance. Yes, I remember many mentions of Charles Manteris. My dad loved his friends and always kept a little address book with names and phone numbers (days before I-phones) in case the spirit hit him to chat. By the way, I’m working on a post about John Osorio. Thanks again for remembering my dad.
LikeLike
Thx for your reply!
osorio was staying at my uncles motel at the briarcliff marina in the early 80s.
I played tennis with John many times as he loved tennis!
now that I’m older I realize more what great and intelligent and interesting men John and my uncle were
LikeLike
I know what you mean, Chris. My dad’s stories about his life and friends’ lives were always so interesting, especially for me, a political junkie.
LikeLike
Greetings! I’m writing a book on Sissi Farenthold and the politics of reform in Texas in that era. I was hoping to chat with you about your reflections on that period. Thank you for considering! -Brandon Rottinghaus, Professor of Political Science, University of Houston (bjrottinghaus@uh.edu).
LikeLike
Hello Jefee, I am writing a book about exploring Austin on foot,, that includes a fair amount of Austin history. May I share the photo of Zelma/Bicycle Annie and use some of her story that you wrote, in my book? I would credit you for using it, of course
LikeLike
Yes, you may share anything I wrote on Zelma with attribution in your book. However, I don’t have a picture of her. Maybe someday. Good luck with your book.
LikeLike
Jefee,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments on my grandmother Ruby Lee Cook. She was a great source of inspiration for all of us and managed to maintain a positive attitude until the end of her life. One of the things not mentioned in the obituary was how she lived her last day on earth. On October 1st, she played checkers, ate a piece of pie, read parts of the Sunday paper out loud, went to bed, and didn’t wake up. Not a bad way to go.
It is assumed that a person’s obituary is read by those who knew the deceased, so it is nice to know that her well-spent life left an impression upon someone who didn’t even know her.
LikeLike
Craig, Thank you for writing me and telling me about Ruby’s last day. I would have loved to have known your grandmother, and I assure you, I am not the only one who looks through the obituaries to revel in the lives of people we find interesting or inspiring. She was certainly one of those! Jeffee
LikeLike