Monarchs Are Back

It's Monarch season again and our lovely butterfly bush out front is attracting them.  Too bad they won't hold still much today AND I'm really getting tired of holding a quilt up to have it's picture taken while Mister focuses on the butterflies.

Bob is 21

My nephew, Bob, is 21 and we are all gathering around for a birthday celebration.  He shares the day with his father and we are able to do two Happy Birthdays at once.

It's E Fratelli for lunch and family all around.  Mister and I stopped last night for a fun gift.  A person only turns 21 once so we hit up the liquor store and gave him lots of variety in tiny bottles.  Yep, we ARE that aunt and uncle.  Such fun.

Anniversary Dinner

It's our anniversary week and tonight we are off to Rise for dinner.  It is a lovely french restaurant here in Dallas that specializes in souffles.  My mouth can't wait.

First things first though --- Mister orders a scrumptious bottle of wine to toast to 6 years of two redheads not killing each other.  Just kidding.  He is just as amazing to me now as he was then.

We are opting to enjoy a FULL meal so that means sharing certain courses.  The first course is a marshmallow soup.  No, it doesn't really have marshmallows in it but is a yummy butternut soup with cheese puffs that resemble marshmallows.  Simply delish and along with our soup we have fresh from the oven bread to dunk or coat with fresh butter.  Oooh yeah.

Cottonwood Art Festival

Twice a year the Cottonwood Art Festival takes place and for the past couple of years it seems as though I am always out of town.  Not this year though.  Mister agrees to a morning adventure and off we go.  It's a beautiful day outside -- perfect for a festival.  Upon our arrival, we find some coffee and sit down to listen to some music and enjoy the atmosphere.  It's so fun to people watch and there is an older couple who keeps dancing off to one side.  It's absolutely wonderful.

Utah and Ava's Blessing - Days 4, 5, 6

3rd - I am the first one up today -- yes, that's what happens when you go to bed super early.  Sneaking out of the house, I wander down the street a bit and try to catch the sunrise.    It's going to be spectacular.

White Rock Walking

I flew in this afternoon from a week in Utah and am just dang happy to see my sweet Mister.  The first thing I ask for is a gin and tonic - it's the end of the season and I want one last taste.  Once we have enjoyed them, it's time to walk.  Let's go to the lake and peek around.  As we walk out the back door, I notice that the grasses are blooming.  At least I think they are grasses.  Monkey something or other.

Mister decides to take us down near the dam to walk.  That is always entertaining as the wildfowl hang out there quite a bit.  Perhaps today we will be able to spot some lovelies.

We are rewarded as we come up the trail beside the dam.

Utah and Ava's Blessing - Days 1, 2, 3

8/31 - It's time to fly again.  Miss Ava is being blessed and I wouldn't miss that for anything.  I am, therefore, off to Provo for a few days with the Ashton's.  I am picked up at the airport bright and early by Scott's dad, Paul and dropped off a bit later at the house.  Cassie has not really been out since Ava was born and this would have been a bit of a long drive for her.  Once I'm at the house, Miss Ophelia and Miss Ava await and I am thrilled to get a few minutes with each of them.  Ahhhh, baby smell -- the best.  (I'm looking old.)