Josh's Baptism -- Fun Family Time

After a leisurely morning, Mister and I hit the road at noon for Abilene.  It's almost a three hour drive and we spend it visiting for awhile before I grab a notepad and start making some rough outlines of the week ahead.  Yeah, I'm just that anal.

Jen's house is always busy and today is no exception.  This is an exciting day with lots to prepare.  Josh had his birthday a couple of weeks ago so the first thing we do is give him his card.  I love the way he takes the time to read it and moves his finger along while doing so.  Then, the smile.  Yep, always makes it all worth it.

Making Tomato Bisque for Lunch

Starting with 6 large, fresh, ripe tomatoes:  Peel, seed, and chop.  To get the skins off, place the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I absolutely LOVE this time of year.  The house just looks so cozy and warm with all of the extra "stuff" around.  I know some think their houses look cluttered during the holidays, but I just embrace it and love it all the more.  Today, we turned our home into the magic of Christmas.  After bringing everything down from the attic, I set to work inside while Mister tackled the yard.  Apparently before lights can go up, bushes must be trimmed.  Thus Mr. Green Jeans sets to work.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

Thanks to a wonderful gift from Mister's brother, we are off to a Postmodern Jukebox concert tonight down in Deep Ellum.  I am so excited and I don't even know what it is all about.

We have pretty good seats if people actually sit at this concert.  If not, well I won't see much.

The Splendor of Fall in Texas in December

It seems as though fall all over the country has been in force for months, but here in Texas it is just arriving.  My oak tree out back is absolutely beautiful right now.

White Rock Dam -- Roaring

Rain, rain go away -- Doug and Debi want to play.  Oh, what the heck.  Let's go play anyway.  We are pretty sure that the water must really be flowing over the dam, so we take a little drive to check it out.  Enjoy what we see --- fall colors and lots of water.  Isn't this lovely?  Even with the rain.

Black Friday Done Right

Today is Black Friday and while the rest of the world is out standing in lines to spend money on sale items, Mister and I have opted for a different route.  We are meeting up with friends to enjoy some truly wonderful "black" beers.  Today black ales, black IPA's, brown ales, stouts, and porters are center stage for us.  The Lakewood Growler is our favorite hangout and even though we get there mere minutes after they open, we snag the last table.  A couple of acquaintances arrive and ask if they can share the table and we absolutely nod yes.  Our friends are due for awhile so why have those spots go to waste?  When they finish with their drinks, the minute the spots are vacated another two people ask to step in.  We are still waiting for Catherine and Jeff so say sure again.  Jen and (oh help me here -- for I cannot remember his name) ? definitely help keep the table lively and the time just keeps ticking by.