We have a super full house. There are big boys laying all over the place and I love the fact that they are all here. Jen's family arrived last night and we stayed up rather late chatting so this morning they are a bit slow moving. I'm in the kitchen making scones and frying bacon, but they are all still in dreamland so I move about with my camera.
It's time to get out of the house. Yep - Mister has realized that his days off are coming to an end and wants at least one day of adventure to show for it. We have tickets to a new exhibit at the DMA so are making that our first stop.
Before we enter the exhibit, Mister points out a painting that he says would make a great quilt. He's not wrong. It is entitled Tridim T and is by Victor Vasarely of Hungary. This work was done in 1968.
Good Morning from Liberty Hill, TX. It is pretty chilly outside, but Mister is already up and checking out the property. Do you see him?
My sweetheart suggested a weekend getaway and booked a place for us in Liberty Hill, TX. I have to give him credit as he knows this is such a hard time of year for me and taking my focus off of being so far away from kids is something he has perfected each year. Come along with us as we explore a new-to-us area of Texas. But first --- an area I am familiar with along the way. I pass these dinosaurs each time I drive to retreat. They have multiplied over the past year and make me giggle with each passing.
After a very busy day in the yard, we are rewarding ourselves with an evening out. I have no idea what the plans are - but we are on the road. First stop has my eyebrows raising a bit as we are right below the interstate in an interesting area. Mister has read about Locura Small Bites and their "famous" elote dishes. I guess it's a veggie night. The weather is crazy and we are ducking rain as we go, but find a spot to sit under a covered patio and Mister is off to order. Being willing to go on adventures like this is part of the magic of our relationship. One just never knows how amazing something can be if we just step outside that box. This place is exactly that. We start with Traditional and Truffle cups of elotes. So very good.
Autumn! I love it AND dread the mess it makes. I hosted a Christmas party on the 3rd and this is how the yard looked after my sweetie finished cleaning it up.
It's that time of year again --- when Red Hats gather to celebrate the wonderful holiday season. I look forward to it each year and this year was no different. I have struggled to attend Red Hat events this past year and hope to get my own schedule a bit more under control next year. Did I say that last year? It is entirely possible. At any rate --- come along with me to share in this event.
A few years have passed since we visited the Dallas Zoo during Zoo Lights. The whole "drive-thru" thing wasn't my cup of tea, BUT, this year it's back to walking and we are off to enjoy the lights. Come along for some fun eye candy. Not many live animals (although we did see a few) but some great exhibits to get one in the Christmas mood. Having a turtle start things out is just perfect, right? We are still in the parking lot and just a few steps away is this tiger. Love this already.
I am in shock that this year will be the 6th Christmas Party. Time just zooms by each year, but this is something I really look forward to. Let me share the process leading up to the party AND all of the fun of the actual day. Come along and enjoy.
July - I'm already thinking ahead. I have picked out the make and take ornament and ordered green buttons. In September I realize that that will not be enough and add some red ones to the plan and await their arrival.
November 27th and it has begun! Are there more totes than before? I've determined that each one will be thoroughly gone through this year and the items that are no longer used will leave. It's a plan.
Several months back, I noticed that Postmodern Jukebox was returning to Dallas with a Christmas show and mentioned to Mister that I would love to go. Soon after, he sent a calendar item to me that showed we had tickets for tonight. Swoon. Now, the evening has arrived and I'm stoked. This seems like the BEST way to spend Black Friday. Although the concert is not until 8, we are downtown around 5:30 and enjoying the sights and sounds. You cannot believe how many birds are in those trees. Goodness, it sounds like thousands.
Once Mister finished work for the day, we hit the road to Abilene. A little over three hours later, we have arrived and dinner is served. We are starving and homemade chili hits the spot perfectly.
The calendar is telling us that we really need to start the trip home. It's bright and early in Provo and after getting gas and finding the "Best Apple Fritter EVER" at a local service station, we are on our way. It looks to be a pretty day - at least the morning part. Enjoy the scenery with us.
Well, we're rested and heading for coffee and some food to get this day off on a great start. Mister has found Waffle Love - and we're here to check it out.
Good Morning Provo, Utah! It's a crisp, cool beginning with a beautiful backdrop. We are up early and on our way to Cassie's so that we can catch all the grands before they head off to school. We lost a full day here with our snowstorm fiasco, so we want to make the most of the time we do have.
We are on the road again. Saying a temporary good-bye to Montana with one last look at the lake. This will ALWAYS feel like home to me.
It turns out that Mom will be hosting Christmas this year so the decision is made to get the house ready. Yep, it's early but she will be able to enjoy it for a long time (January) and she has lots of help today. On your mark, get set, let's go. Boxes everywhere and pretties coming out. The very last item is the tree and it's been years since I got to decorate a tree with my mom. I loved it.
A drive into town allowed us to peek around the area and survey the damage from the heavy snow on trees that were still fully leafed out. It's not pretty. These are just down the country road from Mom's house. Doesn't look too bad, right?
November has arrived and I'm making a trip into town for a few errands. Since I'm all alone, stops along the way to celebrate the beauty of Autumn are easy to accommodate. It is just such a beautiful Flathead Fall.
Another travel day for us. Today we are crossing the state of Montana and watching the changing views as the terrain goes from farmland/prairie to mountain. Additionally, we go from fall to winter and back again through the journey. Take a peek.
Rows of feeder corn.
Four p.m. on the 21st has arrived and we are hitting the road. Leaving Dallas at rush hour is always an experience and it takes us a wee bit. By the time the sun goes down, we are well on our way past the metroplex.
A little house switching took place this afternoon. I am getting my first chance to hold a brand new granddaughter. Oh the joy!
Dang - the last day has arrived. I don't wish to miss even one minute before I have to pack. Down to the sand we go.
It is another fabulous morning down here at Surfside. I simply love the wee hours and the beauty provided. It's obvious, right? I mean I don't get out of bed this early at home just to walk and look around. There is something magical and oh so grounding about the oceans edge.
Good Morning from Surfside Beach! We're up for the Golden Hour and have our toes in the sand while it is still fairly dark out. Come along and watch the beauty that Mother Nature provides to those who slow down a bit and take the time to watch.
It is our 12th Anniversary and we are loaded into the car ready to make the trek to the beach for a week of rest, relaxation, and time together. The car is PACKED!
Fall mornings are the BEST time for zoo walking. Mister has early morning entrance to the Dallas Zoo and we are off. The TIGER CUBS are supposed to all be out this morning and I'm excited. One is already two years old and the twins are approaching one. Goodness, time flies. Along the way, the tamarins are out and these babies have grown sooooo much as well.
Howdy! I started out the day with a Red Hat luncheon (which you can see in this LINK) and added in a bit of Frisco fun. When picked up by Mister following the fun, we are going to try out a new to us brewery - Rollertown Beerworks. It's always tough trying a new facility, but made even more so when we are basically ignored after being served. They DID accommodate my request for a real, not plastic, glass and that is a plus for them. We watched as we drank an okay beer and only when we were about to leave did someone behind the bar start to interact with us. The conversation from that point forward was delightful, but the beer just wasn't. It is what it is.
For the second month in a row, I actually get to attend the Red Hat Luncheon. Shock, right? I know. I also know I won't be able to go in October and possibly November as it stands right now so I need to enjoy while I can.
We are off to Gloria's in Frisco and that gives me a chance to explore around the grounds for a bit as our arrival is a wee bit early.
There are depictions of a Cow Camp, complete with awesome sculptures.
Ahhhh, once again we have arrived at my absolute favorite time of year and to celebrate, we are off to the opening weekend of Autumn at the Arboretum. Come along with us and just enjoy the beauty of the season. Minimal comments - great photos.
I've been gone for a week and Mister has been carless. We are out and enjoying the evening with a little bit of Oktoberfest fun at OHB.
After the Red Hat luncheon, Mister and I departed for Bridgeport. I had heard of a quilt show going on there and wanted to say hi to a friend who lives in that area. Off we go - Oh, and Mister found a new brewery as well.
My schedule allowed me another opportunity to enjoy the company of the Red Hat ladies. These moments are hard to come by so I treasure them when they take place. Today, we are off to the Outback in Addison. Mister is dropping me off so we can explore someplace else this afternoon, so he'll be around to take the group picture at the end. It's a plan.
My arrival is met with some shock --- partly because it's rare that I get to attend and partly because I didn't decide until the last minute. However, it's great to be here.
Let's get out of the house and actually do some walking. It is not 110 degrees anymore and I'll take the 20 degree change with glee. We have a destination and search out a coffee shop along the way. Eiland's Coffee pops up and that's new to us, so why not? Turns out it is in the old Pearl Cup shop, but that doesn't matter. Mister orders and as I wait nearby, he returns with THREE cups of coffee. I give him a "what's up" look and just hear, "they made too many." Okie dokie. Off we go to Prairie Creek Park. It's been on my list for some time now and I guess today is the day. We find a spot to park right near the bridge leading into the park (north end) and, with coffee in hand (one stayed in the car) and cameras ready, we are ready for our walk.
Today we aim to check off some more on Josh's list. We're heading out while it is semi-cool and the zoo is our destination because we just didn't get enough animals yesterday. Hahaha. I LOVE the zoo so you know I'm joking. As we arrive, the penguin pool is full.
