Family Fun in Dallas w/Jen's

When we get to have time with family, I'm back to the old Momma, cleaning, shopping, planning everything around meals.  It's who I am and what I do.  Jen's family is arriving this afternoon and staying until Sunday around noon - all 7 of them.  Bekah is not coming, but their exchange student from the Netherlands is.  I am excited and a bit stressed to get everything done in time, but by 1, the house is clean, dinner is prepped, bread is rising, we are showered and dressed and heading to the zoo to meet up for some fun.

It's a great day out and Jen's first request is the hippos as she has not seen them yet.  A quick look at the schedule shows the keeper talk at 2:30 and it's 2:00 now, however, the okapi talk is at 2:15 and right next to the hippos.  Walking at a brisk pace with few stops gets us there to enjoy and learn.

Merry Christmas at Jen's

Merry Christmas to one and all!!!  I hope the day finds you enjoying the love of family or friends.  If not, are you doing something you enjoy?  Find the peace and joy of this time of year, no matter your belief.  I, too, have difficulty at this time of year as my family is spread all over the place.  I have daughter in Ecuador today, one in the Bahamas, one in Utah, and one here in Texas, in Abilene --- a son in Montana rounds it out.  That makes it very hard to come together and share in this time.  The love holds it all together no matter what.  I am up bright and early (think 4:45 a.m.) enjoying the calm of the day and watching a Christmas movie.  Mister wakes and we are moving units to get dressed, share stocking gifts, and hit the road to Abilene for the day.

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.