Houston - Antiquing, Christmas Party, and Friends

I just can't sleep anymore!  We are going to Houston today to share in the Christmas spirit with friends and I think I must be excited.  A little bit of time online, some quick packing, and we are out the door by 8 a.m.  Even with a stop for coffee, I can see trouble ahead.  The party doesn't start until 1 and we are definitely going to be there before that.  As we get closer, Mister suggests an antique mall and, lo and behold, one appears right along the interstate.  If you click on this Antique LINK, you can share in the items that caught my attention.  I will share one here, though.  When Mister and I first started working on the tree we now love, we bought a LOT of these icicles.  Our tree is adorned with them.  The price was around $5 for 50, I believe.  This shop is trying to sell them as "antiques" for $1.00 each.  Hmmmmn.  Anyone interested in mine for about $150-$200 dollars?  They do look amazing on the tree.

We have killed enough time to make our way to the party at Val's.  She decorates many trees and I'm excited to see them.  I have always wanted one in each room, but I gotta tell ya, she has one room with four in it.  Take a peek.  Each one is themed and oh, just look at all those nutcrackers in the windows.

The whole house is wonderful!!  I love this time of year so very much.  (For those who know me, I struggle with it as well, but do love the peace and calm it brings to the atmosphere of our home.)

There are more trees in bedrooms, but I neglected to get pictures of them.  Drat.

Seeing so many friends faces makes this even better.  The funny back story to this picture is that the house is FULL of people and yet . . .

Mister is taking our pictures and making the strangest face.  I usually pick the best photo, but this is too fun.

Lots of love going around and it's hard to say good-bye again.  February seems like such a long ways away.

I started getting some selfies, but the one with Paula didn't work.  So here's the new profile picture she asked me to take instead.  Then Shirley and Sharron.  I wanted one with Val and Sherri and I have no idea why that didn't take place.  Honestly, I am really missing these opportunities lately.

Sherri, Kevin, Mister, and I are all staying in Houston for the night and that results in locating a brewery that has a decent porter.  The first one doesn't and also doesn't have any heat and is open doors --- big open doors.  This is not going to work.  Sherri and I hunt down another one and off we go.  Yay!!!  The Bearded Eel has just the ticket and we are able to sit and visit for the rest of the evening.  There is an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest going on and we are asked to vote.  They give pens and since the tables are already covered, my sweetie adds to it. Awwwww.

Good-byes are said and AGAIN, I don't have a picture of sharing an evening with Sherri and Kevin.  I can't believe it.  At any rate, the hotel room is wonderful and I'm super thankful for points tonight.  Settling in, a movie on the tube and I'm a happy girl.  See ya tomorrow.