Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin --- It's a Sew Day!!!

In our Facebook Group and on my blog, we are playing a BINGO game and one of the squares directs us to "make something new in the kitchen."  I have a friend coming over for the day and we will be busy, so a crockpot dinner seems fitting.  Since it's all new to me, I'll share it with y'all too.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin works for me as I have all the ingredients on hand and don't have to go outside.  I'm still trying to be so good.

Let's go ---- Brown one pound of ground beef with a touch of salt and pepper to season.

DMA Re-opening

With another 3-day weekend in front of us, Mister saw that the Dallas Museum of Art was re-opening and reserved us spots.  It's 11 a.m. and we are going to see a couple of new exhibits.  The first one is "For a Dreamer of Houses" and almost all items are from the permanent collection here at the museum.  Let's go inside -   As you pass the entrance, flanked by the huge wooded doors, the first thing one sees is the Dream House.  Of course, at this point my camera decides to white everything out and the pictures don't do this any justice at all, but I do get it under control later.

Time Together --- Stress Reduction

It's the last day of July.  Stress is at an absolute high in our home.  It's beautiful outside.  Let' get out!

First stop is the coffee shop for a light breakfast on the patio.  This gentle man shows up and at first I think he is a bit overdressed for the city, but as we talk with him, it turns out he dropped off a pig at the vet next door and everything becomes clear.  Alrighty, then.

Next up --- we pick up our glasses (both of us) and YAY, wonder of wonders, they are perfect --- well close anyway.  I am so happy to not see a blurred world again.  Progressive lens is a terrible thing --- run very fast when they use those words.  I'm thrilled with my lines -- clarity everywhere today.

Next up is the zoo.  We get a chance to walk and enjoy being outside as well as immersing ourselves in nature's bounty.  Hello hippos.  They're a bit lazy today.  I get it.

Sunday Driving

We have been sooo good at staying home, but just can't take it anymore.  I have a group event on Thursday, so we cannot have any human interaction, but driving and breathing a bit of fresh air is required today.

Into the car we go and after picking up some donuts and coffee, it's Lake Lewisville for our destination.  A picnic bench far away from others and the morning is spot on.

I've not been to Old Town Lewisville, so a drive through seems right.  This mural grabs my attention and I need to step out for a picture.  Yes -- need.  Ya gotta click on it and look close.  Wonderful!

Independence Day Weekend in Abilene

Our COVID weekend continues as we have driven to Abilene for time with Jen, Louis, and the grands.  After a backyard dinner, it is fireworks time.  The streets are coming alive and as long as chairs are available, Grandpa and I will surely sit and enjoy.  Here are some pics to enjoy.

Arboretum Walking, COVID Style

Timed entries.  That is the new thing.  Once upon a time we could just go walk in the gardens.  We weren't really close to anyone and fresh air surrounded us.  Now, it's a timed entry and lots of "keep aways."  At any rate, Mister has a three day weekend and this is our first stop.  We are calling it the COVID weekend --- sooooo tired of being cooped up. 

At the Arboretum, new sculptures dot the landscape and as it is summer, the floral wonders are not as extreme as in spring.  Therefore, sculptures are the share for today --- with a few plant pretties thrown in for good measure. 

The artist is Seward Johnson and the collection is "Celebrating the Familiar."  Follow along - and smile.  I know I did.

COVID Zoo Experience

The Dallas Zoo, one of our favorite spots to go weekend walking, re-opened a several weeks ago and we had to wait until now as all spots are reservation only now.  Ours is at 8 a.m. today and I'm ready for some walking.  All of the inside buildings are still closed except restrooms and even the vending machines are roped off in areas.  At least we don't have to wear masks unless interacting with the animals.  It's warm out and I don't think I'd enjoy any part of this if that was required as well.  Thank goodness for outdoor air.

The penguins are bathing and it's so fun to watch.  We've never seen this type of fun behavior before as they splash and play.