Saturday Fun at 3 Nations Brewing

We have a bit of free time today and are off to check out a local brewery that we have not been to since it opened oh - - - three years ago.  Ugh -- we really need to get in the game a bit better.

At any rate, today's adventure is in Farmer's Branch at 3 Nations Brewing.

The tasting room is right smack dab in the middle of the brewery.  One is surrounded by pallets of empty cans piled to the ceiling everywhere you look and the flags of three nations are flying.  Do you know the three flags? 

Red Hats Abound

It's been awhile since I have been able to attend a Red Hat function.  June's was right after we returned from Utah and my sweet man found out he had melanoma cancer.  It just felt like I should be with him.  Then July came around and I had surgery so that one didn't work either.  I've just had surgery again this week, but I'm going to give it a valiant effort.  It's hard --- oh so hard to wander out without teeth, but I can't be in complete hiding for the next three months.  I'm dressed and ready to be brave.

Baby Gorilla and Hippo Fun

With lower temperatures and member morning at the zoo, we are once again going to try and see the baby gorilla.  It appears that most of Dallas has the same plan and although it's only about 8:15, we have to park out near the road.  Wow!

Arboretum Walking

We have GOT to get out of the house and take our minds off things.  Some time at the Arboretum always helps.  Come along and enjoy our walk --- we tried to get a few pictures with new perspective.

The test gardens

Ophelia is Four -- Family Time in Utah

10th -  Ophelia is FOUR today.  I cannot believe it.  Honest.  Our morning starts out quiet with a nice coffee and visit with Jen before heading over to Cassie's house for the day.  We have new swim outfits for the girls and a few things for John Paul too.

The BEST Birthday Surprise

8th -  It's another up, up, and away day.  We are en route to Utah and some time with Cassie for Ophelia's birthday.  Mister booked an unusual afternoon flight so our morning was calm and relaxed as we prepared to leave.  Now, we are on our way and we both have a great laugh at the map in front of us.  Do you see it?  Sure, sure -- ya'll see Douglas Pass, but how about Dolores River?  Hahahaha -- that is Mister's Mom.

Once we land, get our rental car, and check into the very large house Mister rented (???), Cassie calls and wants to meet at a restaurant for an early dinner.  Sounds great and after discovering that we have a waterbed in our room (to much giggling), we are soon on our way to discover that Amanda (with Abe), and Jennifer are there too.  What a wonderful surprise!!!  Through the course of our meal, I find out that Rhiana and Matt are on the way as well.  My sweet Mister put together this weekend as a birthday gift for me.  Now the big house makes sense.

Sunday Zoo Again

We absolutely have done what we said we were going to do yesterday.  We are back at the zoo and waiting for the hippos.  It is a BEAUTIFUL day out - nice and cool -- especially compared to yesterday.

As we wait for the hippos to enter, the water tech is standing nearby and we are able to talk with him for quite awhile.  He explains about how the power was off yesterday and in just that short time, they lost the clear water and it would take a few days to get it back.  He also explained how difficult it is at the zoo when they lose power.  Crazy.  Fortunately, he also has the inside track on a lot of the goings on with the hippos and could share a great deal of info there too.  Score.

Finally, here they come.