A Red Hat Halloween

Well it's a bit challenging to find a red and purple Halloween image, but I didn't do too bad did I?  Oooooh --- it's the end of October and the universe has allowed me to attend a Red Hat Halloween at Babe's Chicken House.  Honestly --- doesn't that just make you smile as you read it.  Of course costumes are involved.  Oh your smile just got even more wide, right?

I have looked forward to this day all month.  Now in the interest of full disclosure, I am double dipping with my costume and using the same one I had a few weeks ago for the Our Witchy Quilt World retreat.  At that time, I had decided to be Endora from Bewitched and so it's going to be the one for today too.  It still allows me a lavender dress and I can maybe get away with the red hat.  Oh come on - use your imagination --- I could pass for Agnes Moorehead --- ya'll know that.  Just take a look.  Now, granted, my hair wasn't quite wild enough and I didn't have a high collar or long sleeves, but you get it anyway.  I know you do.

Back in Big Sky Country -- Billings Time Days 7 & 8

Day 7 and this trip is rapidly coming to an end.  This is my last full day and I am spending it with Rhiana just hanging around the house but, first, it's an early birthday   Kasey was in Afghanistan a LOT the past couple of years so I held off on his birthday gift last year, thus the afghan.  Is that too much of a coincidence?  I never thought of it until I just wrote this.  Ugh.

However, I also have his gift from this year so give that as well.  Anyone who has followed me at all this year knows that it is a pair of slippers (the ones on the bottom right).  Yep.  I'm getting to the end of the year and am so thankful that they fit him.  That's a definite plus.

Back in Big Sky Country -- Billings Time - Days 5 & 6

I am one organized Gammy this morning.  I have the girls dressed, fed, and the truck loaded before 8:30 a.m.  That leaves us some puppy time AND some time for pictures.  It's kind of hard to say good-bye today.  Even though we were able to stay one night longer than we thought, it still went super fast.  I definitely need to make another trip up here before two more years go by.

The girls had such fun with GG and made memories as well.  How much more could I ask for? 

Okay everyone together now --- it's time to smile. 

Back in Big Sky Country -- Flathead Days 3 & 4

Day 3 - Malea had a bit of a rough night last night so after changing bedding and clothes along with showering her, I let the girls (and me) sleep in a bit.  I'm kind of running on empty right now even with the extra time.  What shall we do today?  Apparently, whatever was bothering Malea has hit the road and I am so thankful for it.  No one else seems to have anything so all is good.  Again, what to do today?

We decide to go into town to a place called Sweet Pickins' for some fall fun.

Back in Big Sky Country -- Billings Day 1 and Flathead Day 2

After two years, it's time for me to make a trip back to Montana.  Rhiana has called and invited me to watch the girls while they take a trip and how can I turn that down?  As a result, I am taking the train to DFW this morning in order to catch my flight.

American Airlines has a non-stop Dallas to Billings flight and this is the first time I've been able to use it.  I make use of flight crocheting and it's crazy, but a short 2 hours and 37 minutes later, I am once again in Big Sky Country.  Time literally flew by.

Upon my arrival, I am met by Kasey and we are quickly off to meet the girls after school.  Apparently they really want to show me their new bikes and have ridden them to school just for that.  We go straight to the school and wait for them in the schoolyard.  The minute they spot me they run and jump into my arms.  Oh, my heart.  It's moments like this that I truly live for.  Now to get the bikes and walk home.  At least I'll get a few steps in today.

Pumpkins and Wizard of Oz at the Arboretum

It's Sunday.  That means our Anniversary week is coming to a close.  So sad.  Not really.  It has been so fun and I have enjoyed each part of it.  We are finishing it out this morning with an early morning walk at the Arboretum.  As we arrive, the rain has stopped and yet there is still moisture sitting on the plants.  I can't take any pictures just yet, but I'm not in the gates so I grab a quick one of these Tarul (elephant ear) plants.

A Loop Around the City - Festivals, Antiques, and Sour Beer

As Anniversary Week continues, we have planned a loop around the city today that will allow us to make several stops a local events along the way.  Out the door and in the car by 9, Downtown Garland is first on the list.  When we arrive, the realization that we took off without ANY breakfast hits (and that is never good for the two of us) but fortunately, right on the square is a delightful coffee shop.  I started to type "little" coffee shop, but this one is rather large.  Welcome to Rosalind Coffee.  From what we can tell right away, they have a great plan here.  We see wine racks for the evening customers, coffee for whatever time of day, and a great menu so that even the lunch crowd is happy.  Perfect.  I love that I spot events posted around which means that this is a happening place.  How cool is that?