Christmas Eve - Just Us Two

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again:  The holidays are hard when I am so far from my family.  I do the best I can and stay incredibly busy so that it won't take me down as much.  This year, I decided to use a lot of that "busy time" baking cookies and we have been going around town dropping them off at places in which we feel "at home."  Mister is working today, but manages to get a short break to visit the coffee shop and drop off a tray of goodies.  While there, we spot this amazing mug.  Too fun.

The last two trays still need to go out and Mister has been released from work (at 2:00 p.m.).  Let's get going!  Both stops are completed before dark, leaving us with enough time to drive over to Addison for the Vitruvian Light Display.  It's a beautiful night, just a tad chilly, but perfect for walking.  Come along and share in the calm, glory of it all and Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours.  (It gets progressively darker as we walk - pictures at the end are my favorites.)

Houston - Zoo, Cistern, and a Brewery

Good Morning!!!  I am awake and ready to go.  I'm not sure what's going on with me these days, but 6:15 appears to be the wake-up internal clock.  I THINK my body just decided to ignore the time change.  For the next few months, I'll be getting an earlier start.  Whatever the reason, we are dressed, out of the room, and having breakfast by 7:30.  The drive to the zoo takes about 35 minutes and we give it 45 to be there when it opens at 9.  Those 10 minutes allow us to wander around the park for a few minutes and enjoy the area.  It's really nice down here.  Check out the rainbow in the fountain.

Houston - Antiquing, Christmas Party, and Friends

I just can't sleep anymore!  We are going to Houston today to share in the Christmas spirit with friends and I think I must be excited.  A little bit of time online, some quick packing, and we are out the door by 8 a.m.  Even with a stop for coffee, I can see trouble ahead.  The party doesn't start until 1 and we are definitely going to be there before that.  As we get closer, Mister suggests an antique mall and, lo and behold, one appears right along the interstate.  If you click on this Antique LINK, you can share in the items that caught my attention.  I will share one here, though.  When Mister and I first started working on the tree we now love, we bought a LOT of these icicles.  Our tree is adorned with them.  The price was around $5 for 50, I believe.  This shop is trying to sell them as "antiques" for $1.00 each.  Hmmmmn.  Anyone interested in mine for about $150-$200 dollars?  They do look amazing on the tree.

Jen's Graduation!! and Family Soccer

My daughter, Jen, has been working towards today for several years now.  She is a mother of five and works full-time as a science/math teacher at a private school AND helps with the curriculum development there.  Finding time to earn a Master's degree --- well, I am in awe and would not miss this for anything.  After helping Jen iron her gown, she left to join the other graduates while we collected everyone from school and followed.

I drove over to Abilene this morning and my granddaughter arrived shortly after me.  Ummmm -- apparently the shoe closet is in the trunk of her car.  I admit, it probably works as well as anything else.

My "New" Cheers Bar --- So Much Fun!

I've been at a Christmas party all afternoon and my sweet man has been wandering the city alone.  When he retrieves me, he asks if I have any other requirements.  Nope, I'm all his and he says to locate a place called Guitars and Growlers, which is supposedly close to us.  It is -- and we are soon on our way.

From the minute we walk in, I love it.  Seriously.  There are times when the vibe is just perfect and this is one of those.  Every single employee spoke with us and introduced themselves.  A group was setting up for an event and the band was just getting going.  Live local music takes the stage here several nights a week.  We select a couple of beer and something for Mister to eat (I snacked like a crazy woman at the party).  Then to just settle in and enjoy.

Year 3 of the Girlfriends Christmas Party

For the third time, I have been invited to the Girlfriend's Christmas Party.  For Suzanne, who started this event, it is year 34.  Wow, but so cool.  It is at Ann's house this year and she has the room decorated beautifully.  Just look at these wonderful Santa's

3rd Annual Ornament & Cookie Exchange

Another year is almost gone and that means my Annual Ornament and Cookie Exchange is coming up quick.  So many decisions to make and lots to prepare.  So . . . . first up, I need to make a prototype of the ornament.

Taking an online tutorial (I'm typing this in November) more than once --- Mister says he could make the dang thing since he's listened to it so many times -- prepares me and I'm soon cutting fabrics for the sample.  Precious moments are spent in front of the computer, listening once again as I go and after a bit -- I have a sample.  I'ts not perfect, but I think I can teach it.  (The online tutorial was free in exchange for an email address so I'm not violating any copyright laws.)