Saturday, August 19, 2017

Oregon Vacation - Day 1 - Columbia Gorge

There are times in our lives where Mister and I think we are super informed and on top of things.  Last April, we had one such moment.  I was reading the monthly Texas Journey magazine from AAA and saw an article about an upcoming total eclipse.  It said the best viewing spot would be in Madras, Oregon.  I mentioned that it would super cool to see this and reminded him that the Portland area has been on his list for awhile.  Done.  We literally bought the plane tickets that day.  A week or so later, he started looking for places to stay and we discovered that perhaps we were really behind the eight ball on this one.  Some places told us they have been booked for YEARS preparing for this.  Hmmmm.  He kept looking and found a great cabin for us (not in Madras, but driving distance) and an Airbnb in Portland.  Whew --- we booked a rental car and were set.  Now all we had to do was wait until August.

Fast forward and here we are.  The day has finally arrived and I'm super excited to have over a week with my sweet Mister all to myself.  We are up, up, and away bright and early.  Hello, Mt. Hood.  Our flights went right on schedule and with an arrival in Portland at 9:30 a.m., we have a whole day ahead of us.

It's hard to believe, but by 10:00 we are leaving the rental car lot and starting our fun.  That was slick Portland.  Nice airport.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Grass and Bad Lawn Service

We have the worst lawn service in Dallas.  Honestly.  How do I know this?  Well first off, I ran a lawn service for years and absolutely know what good service is.  Secondly, our grass hasn't been mowed in over a month.  When I go outside and stand on the lawn, the blades of grass come up my leg and this is St. Augustine.  It's supposed to be flat on the ground.


Since we are leaving town tomorrow and Mister would like the house to look a bit "lived in" while we are away, he has finally traced down the service and requested that they show up TODAY.  Apparently, making money is not the top concern for this company.

Late in the afternoon, they finally show.  Life is better now -- at least for another month.

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Mister Finds a Friend

A renewed effort to walk is taking place in our house again.  Yes, again.  Wouldn't it be awesome if restarts weren't necessary?  At any rate, while we were on the way home Mister flinched and said to me, "What is on my shoulder?"  I took a look and so should you.


Saturday, August 12, 2017

Red Hat Day

It's another RED HAT DAY!  The last time I was able to attend was clear back in May.  I tried so hard during both June and July but honestly feel that the universe was against me.  This month is not an exception BUT I am going to beat the universe.  It's midnight and I am in Abilene, TX.  That is at least 3 hours from where the Big D Re-Gals are gathering in Plano, TX.  Ugh.  How can I make this work?  I am supposed to leave at 5 a.m. to get the rental car back by nine so that should give me time to get cleaned up and off to the meeting.  I look at the clock again and it's now 1:30 a.m.  The heck with getting up at 5.  I am outta here.  Packing up quick, I hit the road at 2:00 a.m.  Wide awake and with classic country blasting on the radio the miles soon tick off.  THIS IS DEDICATION!  Also, there's a bit of guilt to ease from June and July.  (The meme at the side should say "Wanting to be a Member of the Red Hat Society.")

Abilene Living - Fort Phantom

I am in Abilene for a week watching the boys while Jen and Louis take Bekah on her graduation cruise.  And this is my abode.

I have Bekah's domain to call home for awhile and I like what she has done with the room.  I'm curious to see how much it will come apart when she leaves for college at the end of the month.,  At any rate, it's mine for the next week.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

San Francisco With Amanda

28th -  A little over two weeks ago, my daughter called and asked if I would like to spend a weekend together in San Francisco.  Any chance for some one on one time is the BEST so I jump at the opportunity and our flights are soon booked.  Today is fly day and wouldn't you know it - my flight is delayed.  Drat.

Finally, we board and take off.  It's a long flight so I have a chance to watch a movie.  Yes, I have things I SHOULD be working on, but Hidden Figures is available and I have not had the opportunity to see it yet.  Score.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Date Night - Dinner and a Play

DATE NIGHT!!!!  It's been awhile since we have had the chance to spend a cultural night together.  We are off to the Second Thought Theatre for a controversial play.  Who cares --- the best part is just being together.

I so love this man.