Weekend with Family - Jen's and Elena

 Feeling super lucky today.  Jen called and wanted to come spend some time with us.  That meant get up, get moving, get the house cleaned AND we decided to throw Elena into the mix since she had a free weekend.  Mister helped with the house for the morning and then went to pick her up.  They got back just before Jen, Louis, and Josh arrived.  We all chatted for a bit and then opted to go putt around with some miniature golf.  We went to Another Round and had a great time.  We had a bit of a wait before we could begin, so Josh and Elena gave this game a try.

Date Night With Mister - Strangeways Candlelight Concert

 Mister has surprised me with a fun date night.

Garden Walking at the Arboretum and More

 It's been a couple of weeks since we can get out and walk - this morning the Arboretum is having a turn.  We haven't been here since the beginning of July and I am always shocked at how much is changes in such a small amount of time.  The plants have REALLY grown.  It's still early morning - so some fun pics can happen.

Early Morning Zoo Walk and Central Market

 With all the whirlwind we've been around lately, just some time walking together is treasured.  This morning the plan is for a quick walk through the zoo for some fresh air and steps.  Much to our surprise, upon our arrival, we spot another arrival.  There are baby flamingoes.  Ya gotta look REAL close for the little white balls of fluff.

Good Morning Dallas Zoo

 It's been a month since our last jaunt to the zoo --- seems like a great way to start the morning and get our day rolling.  It's Member Morning and today the presentation is in the Reptile Building.  It was on the Texas Horned Lizard, but I didn't get any pictures of the tiny babies they had to show.  However, we did wander the building a bit and managed to get sooooo lucky with this moment of skin shedding.  I noticed that the snake was sliding along against the bamboo and tree when the loose skin caught hold, helping the rest to just come right off.

Arboretum Walking

 It seems as though life went crazy in April and is just now returning a wee bit.  It's our first trip back to the Arboretum since Dallas Blooms and I'm oh so ready to just walk and take in the serenity and beauty of this magical place.

Independence Day Celebration in Garland

 Well, it's not quite Independence Day, but today is the celebration in Garland and we are going to see what it's like.  I have this idea that we can get up on the roof of Intrinsic and have a great view.  However, that will require a full day of claiming our spot.  Off we go.  We know parking will be a nightmare, so we're on the DART.  While walking from our stop to the brewery, this little guy is spotted.

Third time is the charm.

We grab a drink and head up to the roof.  The brewery is already packed inside and it's only going to get worse.  From our vantage point, we are able to watch all the happenings down in the square.  There is a beautiful eagle chalk painting in the parking lot below.

We are not alone in staking out a spot.  The park is starting to fill up and people are enjoying the day.  There is music playing and the mood is quite festive.  I love that almost everyone has red/white/blue or some version on their bodies.

Dinner is served.

Ooooh, stilt person.

My vantage point.  Pretty cool, right?

The American Bombshells have taken the stage and they are like a modern day Andrews Sister.  Have a couple of listens.

By the time the bands finish, the park is jammed full of people and so is the rooftop where we are stationed.

What I love the most is that everyone is just having fun and enjoying the day/night.  

Let the show begin - I'll just share a few pics and a video or two.

Now for the prettiest pics - 

Oooh, la la.

Just a snippet of the magnificent ending.  With that, we are off to the train and our ride home.  Have a safe and fun 4th of July tomorrow and Happy Birthday, America!

Pumpkins and Marisol at DMA

 Back in 2017, we were able to see the Kusama Pumpkins at the DMA and they have made a return trip.  I did a post on the back then and here is the LINK to it.  I didn't share a lot of information then, so here is a bit more. 

"My beloved pumpkins.

My pumpkins, beloved of all the plants in the world.

When I see pumpkins, I cannot efface the joy of them being

my everything, nor the awe I hold them in.

I have captured the dignity of such pumpkins and their eternal

expression of love towards humanity here in this mirror room.

I invite you all to see tis vast, unbounded field of pumpkins

to discover how humans shall live their lives from now on.

Please unearth your own way of living life."

Yayoi Kusama

Let's Get Cass Moved

 We've been moving towards this day for quite some time.  Plans are in place and family is gathering.  We are flying into Provo to spend a couple days with Cass before the actual move happens.  A little subterfuge going on, but we're doing our best to work through everything.  I'm just so happy the day has arrived.  As we leave Dallas, we notice all the new construction at DFW - new terminal being brought in.

Zoo Morning Plus a Few Other Stops

 Mister is soooo good at getting me up and moving every so often.  It's needed as the pit is quite deep right now.  The television and I are great friends.  However, today we are off to the zoo for some morning walking, eye candy, and a "not in the house" day.  The Lesser Flamingo juveniles are out and about -- love to watch the littles.

An Around Town Day

 For the last day of August, we are out and about.  First up is a walk to the anniversary celebration at White Rock Coffee.  They are 20 years old and Mister has been there since the beginning.  Me?  I've been going there about 17 of those 20 years.

Jacob Graduation and Time in San Angelo (story)

 We've returned from Montana and are off to San Angelo for a grandson's college graduation.  How cool is this?  I'm so happy for him and he already has a job waiting in Anchorage, Alaska.  That is even more exciting.

Montana to Help Mom - Days 16-18

 Up here in Bigfork, Montana, there is always something fun happening.  Well, at least at this time of year.  This morning, we are in town to meet up with Jill for coffee and some fun.  Obviously, the out-of-towners are dressed different than the locals.  Too funny.

Montana to Help Mom - Days 10-15

 Happy Birthday to me!!!  I'm not sure where this last year went, but I guess the trip around the sun has happened once again.  My love has given me cards all week and I'm so spoiled, once again.  

Montana to Help Mom - Days 7-9

 Happy May Day!!!  We ae still in Montana and enjoying the pretty day.  Mom has a doctor's appointment and a grocery stop happens.  In the afternoon, Mister and I take a walk to clear the cobwebs and move the muscles.  It's necessary every so often.  Along the way, we spotted this mushroom.  Is it a mushroom?  I don't know.  Crazy, right? 

Montana to Help Mom - Days 1-6

 While I was in Utah with Cassie, Mom had a health scare and I've been trying to get up there to help. She was released from the hospital today and we are flying to Montana for a bit - to help and to spend some time with her.

We are going through Seattle and flying Alaska Airlines for a change.

Utah to Help Cassie - Days 5-8

 More packing and still playing with littles - the days are certainly busy.

Utah to Help Cassie - Day 4 Easter

 Happy Easter!!  I wake a bit early and take up residency in the living room to wait until littles arrive.

Utah to Help Cassie - Days 1-3

 I have flown up to Provo to spend some time with Cass and help her with packing as she prepares to find a place of her own.  We pack and donate and sell most of the day and then Mairead and Torsten put on a puppet show for us as a reward.

We've Hit Week Six of Dallas Blooms - AZALEAS

It's Week Six and we are off for our morning walk and soul brightener.  The tulips outside the Arboretum have finished and new plantings have taken their place.

Unexpected Saturday Delight - Garland, TX

It's been one of those crazy, run errands kind of day.  We've been to several stops, finished up our list, had lunch, and decided to drive over to Garland for a nice moment of relaxation.  On the way, I mentioned that they might have one of the craft shows downtown and as we got closer, the whole square was indeed blocked off.  After finding a place to park, we walked toward the brewery and discovered that there is an Art Walk going on AND it's an art fair, not craft - big difference.  This could be fun.

Week Five at the Flower Zoo (Dallas Blooms) and more

 Can you believe it's the fifth week in a row at the flower zoo?  What will we find today? The minute we enter, I see that the wisteria is making an appearance and I can already smell it.  I'm in love!

Dallas Blooms Week Four and More

 It is Week Four of Dallas Blooms - I absolutely love going each week to see the changes and enjoy Mother Nature doing her thing.  Off to the Flower Zoo (Mister's name for the Dallas Arboretum), we go. Outside the entrance, the tulips are almost finished.