Red Hat New Year

Happy New Year to all my sister Red Hatters!!!  It feels like forever since I have been able to attend a Red Hat event.  One of my goals this year is to try and clear some time for it instead of booking EVERY weekend a year in advance.  I know I'm good for this month and February.  March - already hosting an event.  The dates for April and May are not out yet and I know those two months are difficult.  My fingers are crossed for the first weekend in May as it is my birthday month and I'd love to wear my wonderful red dress again.  Time will tell.  At any rate --- back to the present!!!  I am available today and I am looking forward to it.  Let's go!!!

Fonda is our host for this gathering and my picture of her didn't quite turn out, so I'm borrowing one from our Queen, Cynthia.  Here's Fonda AND Cynthia.

Organ Recital on a Rainy Night

It's raining, it's pouring . . . Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head . . . Singin' in the Rain!  Well not quite singing, but Mister has found a wonderful organ concert to attend tonight.  It is at the St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano and we're not going to let the weather stop us.  As we arrive, the parking lot is pretty empty, so I am saddened that the rain has likely stopped many others.  We have not been in this building before, but it is absolutely stunning.  Perhaps another time, when we are up here, I can stop and get a nicer picture, but, again, the weather is not exactly cooperating tonight.  We have fog too.  In we go.

Exploring Dallas - Teddy Bears!!!

It's been a very busy week here at home, but the sun is shining this afternoon and we are both tired of being in the house.  I heard about a park not too far away that I want to check out today.  It's right in Dallas -- well Highland Park, technically, but  . . .   The Lakeside Historic District!!  According to a marker in a rock nearby, "The Lakeside Historical District is a collection of early 20th century homes flanking Exall Lake and Turtle Creek between Beverly Drive and Wycliff.  Initially planned by Wilbur David Cook, Jr. and subsequently completed by George Kessler, Highland Park was promoted as 'The South's Finest Residence City.'  Many of the most prominent architects of the day designed homes here.  Its residents have played significant roles in the development of both Dallas and Texas."

Strange Weather & A Backyard Visitor

It was 70 degrees out yesterday and today, well, we have snow this morning and the temperatures are dropping quick.  So strange how quickly it can change.

I heard tiny pelts hitting the window earlier and it was some frozen rain, but now we have flakes of snow.  If you look on the table you will see the entire accumulation.  Hahahahahaha

Yep, batten down the hatches.  It's a doosy.

Just Us Two Spending Time

Starting the year out right -- weekends with my love.  It's a member morning at the zoo and dang brisk out.  We'll go and give it a shot, but my hopes are not crazy high.

A little history on zoo to the left.  I think I've shared this before, but it's been years.

When we arrive, there is a penguin presentation which we listen to and learn several new things.  No pictures, though, because the windows were cloudy and too many people up close to where they were standing.  It was fun just to hear all about them.

2019 - A Year in Review

I'm 61 years old and looking back on another year of my life.  They certainly seem to go much faster than they did 50 years ago when I lived for Christmas and it took so very long to arrive each year.  I know the passage of time has remained the same, so why the perception of it flying by?  I'd love a bit of a slow down.  Please.

As Ellen would say, "Anyway . . . "  Let's get this post started.

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.