What Happens In Vegas - Trailer #2

This is a mindless, funny, predictable bit of fluff, plus Cameron and Ashton are both eye candy. Mr B and I ran in to see it on the spur of the moment after dinner last night. It served it's purpose and was good for a few laughs, a bit of romance... AND they lived happily ever after!

Girlfriends

"Laughter bonds friends---even when everything goes wrong."

Me and my bff's celebrating Sheila's birthday..she's the cute blond on the right. Lisa's on the left. We went to the new Texas Roadhouse. The atmosphere was perfect for our little party. We had a nice meal, then, as usual, we started cutting up! Well, I can't go into the details of our conversation....but we ran the gamut! The subject of men and relationships always seems to come up, (use your imagination). I'm sure other diners were wondering what was going on at our table! We sat there long after we had finished eating, giggling like teenagers! It makes the management nervous when people do that...they are so anxious to move you out so they can get more paying customers at the table. We finally took the hint and moved on to Starbuck's, where the 'sharing' continued. All I can say is that 'What happens at Starbuck's, stays at Starbuck's!'



What a blessing these two gals are to me! We have shared laughter and tears, good times and bad. We have all been through some rough spots. We may not always agree but we love and accept each other, 'warts' and all. Yes, even when everything goes wrong, it's nice to know that God places special people in our life...who will be there to help pick up the pieces and move forward. AND best of all, go out to dinner and whoop it up once in a while!

My girls rock, ya'll!

Official Iron Man Theatrical Trailer 2008

Mr. B and I saw this movie last night...loved it! Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly awesome!

Bluebonnet Festival

The weather was absolutely perfect last Saturday! We got up early and headed for Chappell Hill, Texas and the annual Bluebonnet Festival. Many vendors were still setting up when we arrived around 9:00 am so we did a 'walk thru' to see what was available. I'm always on the look out for something new and unique and was thrilled to find the most unique handmade pendants! They are called 'Shadowbox Pendants', made by a couple of gals who call themselves 'Back Yard Friends', from Montgomery, Texas. Each one is a small box crafted from metal and glass. Inside the boxes are small charms, such as crosses, stars, guitars ( my favorite ) etc, mounted on colorful paper backgrounds. An added plus: they are reversible! Mine has a guitar on one side and a tiny rhinestone star on the other. They are worn on a large 'ball' chain. I'll take a picture and post it soon. I love it!!!

My next purchase was a pack of cedar grilling planks and seasoning from http://www.southernmailboxman.com/. My next stop was at Pepper Belly's pepperbellystx@aol.com where I bought Dirty Jalapeno Olive relish, Texas Candied Jalapenos and Italian Bruschetta. The relish and Jalapenos are delicious mixed into cream cheese and sour cream, served with chips or crackers. Also found a neat little plant stand for the front porch. And of course, it is tradition to buy two bags of Aggie Kettle corn...YUM!

After lunch at Almost Heaven Cafe in Brenham, we went to The Antique Rose Emporium in Independence. I bought a few pots of herbs and found a big pot of Yarrow. I love this frilly, fern like herb, with its delicate flowers. It's a medicinal herb, not for cooking, just enjoying. From there we stopped and took a few Bluebonnet pictures before visiting the Windy Hill Winery http://www.windyhillwinery.net/. After tasting several vitis, I chose the Yellow Rose and Brazos Red.

It was getting a little late in the day but we decided to make a quick stop at Martha's Bloomers in Navasota. http://www.marthasbloomers.com/ before heading home. Although we didn't find anything we just had to have, it is a fun place to visit...lots of plants and garden accessories.

While I was traipsing around shopping and cavorting in the Bluebonnets, my Special Someone, aka Mr. B was riding in the MS 150 bicycle marathon. He gave me a quick call when he made a pit stop along the way. A strong headwind slowed things a bit but bless his heart...he made it to La Grange Saturday night.

They were on the road to Austin by 7:00 am Sunday morning. Long story short, he finished! What a guy!

All in all it was a wonderful day, ya'll!

Making Memories

It's been over a month since I've written a word. I guess that's a good thing, though. I'm finally 'getting a life'...well, besides work, I mean! Let's just say that the Special Someone from Valentine's Day has become even more special. I'll leave it at that before I get all carried away.

Daughter and her family were in from Florida all last week. Baby Jackson is such a miracle! He is the picture of health and cute as can be. The girls are growing up so fast! Elvis loves all the excitement but it makes Presley nervous. He follows me around and whines like a baby the entire time! Anyway, back to the kids, Terri and Jack are amazing parents. I am so proud of the way they are raising their children. We met Mr. Special Someone for lunch one day and a good time was had by all.

I spent Easter with son Darrell and his family. We dyed eggs and did the Easter basket thing. The weather turned cool, cloudy and windy on Sunday. Payton was sick with a cold so we stayed inside and didn't do the Easter Egg Hunt. Jacob and Jared didn't seem to mind. They ate candy and played with the Blooney stuff I put in their baskets. It comes in little tubes with straws and you put a gob on the straw and blow it up into bubbles. My kids used to love that stuff!

I was in College Station this past weekend. The Bluebonnets and other assorted wild flowers were in full bloom all along 290 and Highway 6. It was a short overnight trip but it was nice to get out of the city for a while. I couldn't believe all the new restaurants and shops along University Blvd. We went to TGI Friday's for dinner and later rode around checking things out. We decided not to meet the others later for drinks. I had the sniffles and was ready to kick back for the night.

I'll be back in that direction this coming weekend for The Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill. My gal friend and I went last year and the weather was terrible so we decided to give it another shot this year. The weather guy is predicting sunshine and mild temps this weekend....I hope he's right, for once! That will be good for the riders in the MS 150 too. They head out for Austin Saturday morning.

I stayed in all day today, recovering from all the activity of the past few weeks. My cold is better, but I needed the R & R. I did work on tax stuff some, but other than that, I took the day off. It's back to the World of Hair tomorrow and I'm booked solid...just the way I like it!

That's what I'm all about these days...making memories with those I love and enjoying life.

Ciao for now, Ya'll!

Beautiful Sunday

The Boyz woke me up early! It was a slightly foggy, crisp, cool morning. The moon and a few planets managed to peek through the mist as dawn began to break. As I stood in the middle of the back yard listening to the birds and frogs harmonize, I thanked God once more for His creation and all His blessings.

I hadn't been to church in a few weeks so after I made my coffee and fed the pups I started getting ready. By the time I left the house the fog had lifted and the sun was shining brightly through a few random clouds. The message was simple but so very relevant for this day. It was about being thankful. How cool was that? I had already been thanking Him all morning!!

I had planned to spend the afternoon with my sister and her hubby. Their two grandsons were visiting for the weekend and I wanted to see them. By the time church was over, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I opened the roof of my car, turned up the music and headed for sis's house. Shortly after I arrived, favorite bro in law returned from a spin on his Harley. Well, he knows how I love to ride, so he didn't have to ask me twice to suit up! I threw my half eaten salad in the frige and away we went, headed straight for the toll road. It's close to the house and usually pretty wide open on Sunday. We rode north, all the way to The Woodlands, turned around and went back south towards downtown Houston, made another U-turn, headed toward Beltway 8 and home. It was a 50 mile ride and believe it or not, there is quite a bit of scenery along the toll road.

As we rode along, I couldn't help but think about my mom. She loved to ride, also. I imagined her on the back of a bike, with the sun on her face and wind in her hair...loving every minute of it! I was sure she was looking down from Heaven, getting a kick out of watching me and her beloved son in law tearing down the Hardy toll road on his beautiful orange bike. Yes, Mom was a church-going lady, but she knew how to let her hair down and have fun. More and more, I've come to realize, I truly am my mother's daughter. Thanks Mom, you taught me well!

Let's ride, ya'll!

Valentine's Update

Well, another Valentine's Day has come and gone. I know it's not as big as Christmas or Easter, but I think this day set aside for love is sweet and fun. Even if you don't have someone special, it's still a nice time to send cards and remembrances to friends and family. I sent both my kids and their families a simple Valentine card filled with glittery hearts. The grandkids got a kick out of seeing all those shiney little hearts fall all over the place. I also sent cards and hearts to several of my special gal friends. What fun!

OK, I won't get all mushy..but.. A Special Someone invited me to dinner for Valentine's Day, only we went on Wednesday, the 13th. Cupid, I think you aimed in the right direction!

Everything

You're a falling star

You're the getaway car

You're the line in the sand when I go too far

You're the swimming pool on a August day

You're the perfect thing to say

And you play it coy

But it's kind of cute

When you smile at me, you know exactly what you do

Baby, don't pretend that you don't know it's true

'Cause you can see it when I look at you

And in this crazy life

And through these crazy times

It's you, It's you

Ya make me sing

Your every line

Your every word

You're everything

I love this song by Michael Buble! I didn't include all the lyrics, you'll have to listen for yourself. In fact, the entire CD is awesome. Check it out at http://www.michaelbuble.com/

Love Ya'll!

Valentine's Day

I recently discovered that I have been suffering from 'The Januarys'. I was talking to a friend recently about the general 'blahness' of the first month of the new year. He had heard this malady called The Januarys. It sounded like a fitting description for the blue funk many of us experience this time of year. The weather is cold and nasty and everyone is exhausted and broke from the recent holiday rush. Half of the population has the flu or the sniffles. We all seem to hibernate as much as possible, leaving our homes only when absolutely necessary. And, yours truly didn't even feel like blogging! Most evenings after work, I was curled up on the sofa in front of the TV, trying to get warm. Of course, my faithful pups, Elvis and Presley were always by my side. Those little guys are always ready to snuggle!

Well, it is now February and I have recovered. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Just walk thru any store. The retailers started putting out all the red hearts right after Christmas. I tried to ignore them but finally decided to get with the program. Even though my *love life* has been rather uneventful the last few years, I still like the general concept of the holiday. As I've said before, my cynical self still holds out hope that Cupid is alive and well, waiting in the wings with his tiny bow and arrow aimed in the right direction!

So, in honor of this sweet Hallmark holiday, I'd like to share a little love trivia with you. I found these tidbits in a cute little book titled 'The Ladies Room Reader' by Alicia Alvarez:

The first known Valentine's Day card was sent in 1415, when the duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London, sent a love note to his wife. The note is on display today in the British Museum.

Americans send more Valentine's Day cards than on any other holiday except Christmas.

There's an old wives tale that if you want to attract a lover, or to strengthen the love you already have, you should make something by hand and give it to the beloved as a gift. The energy you imbue in the item will bind the person to you.

Ms Alvarez also included a few interesting quotes from some well known ladies:

'Women want mediocre men, and men are working hard to be as mediocre as possible'. Margaret Mead

'The people I am furious with are the women's liberationists. They keep getting up on soapboxes and proclaiming women are brighter than men. That's true, but it should be kept quiet or it ruins the whole racket.' Anita Loos

'During the feminist revolution, the battle lines were again simple. It was easy to tell the enemy, he was the one with the penis. This is no longer strictly true. Some men are okay now. We're allowed to like them again. We still have to keep them in line, of course, but we no longer have to shoot them on sight.'
Cynthia Heimel

These women sound a bit bitter, don't they? Ouchie! But not me! I'm not bitter. I find the opposite sex to be fascinating. I do wonder sometimes what God was thinking when he made these charming creatures. However, In His infinte wisdom, He did put us ladies here to help them. What a divine plan! Now, if they would only listen....but, that's another story. Let's move on.

Oprah Winfrey said: 'Nothing compares to being in love.'

I like this positive statement from Cher too: 'If grass can grow through cement, love can find you anywhere.'

And now, a classic poem from Robert Louis Stevenson:

Love, What is Love

Love, what is love? A great and aching heart;

Wrung hands; and silence; and a long dispair.

Life, what is life? Upon a moorland bare

To see love coming and see love depart.

Of course, the Bible speaks of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

Verse 13 says: 'And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Happy Valentine's Day, ya'll!

Merry Christmas!

I'm spending Christmas in Florida and will return January 2, 2008.

I hope you all have a holiday season filled with peace, love and joy.

Merry Christmas, Baby!

These pictures captured the boys personalities to a "T". Elvis copped an attitude and a smug look. Presley layed down and pouted. Yes, they are spoiled, as their hats say!

A Wedding Story

Last night I went to the wedding of my friend, Lacey and her fiance Christopher. It was perfectly beautiful and elegant. Lacey looked like a doll...literally. A petite 23 year old blonde, she was a vision of perfection in her strapless fitted gown as her father escorted her to the alter, where her groom awaited. He was attired in a black tuxedo, black shirt and red tie. With a soft glow of candlelight flickering in the background, they joined hands and the ceremony began.

This night was the culmination of a year long courtship and a seven month engagement. Christopher and Lacey met through a mutual acquaintance and began dating. There had been other beaus in Lacey's life, but this one was special. I remember when she told me, 'He's the one' . Her eyes lit up at the mention of his name. The feeling was mutual, because he just shined when he looked at her. They both had stars in their eyes!

Lacey and Christopher chose to do things the old fashioned way. They each remained in their own homes while they were dating. Soon after their courtship began he asked her father for her hand in marriage. Lacey was filled with anticipation as she and Christopher looked for the perfect engagement ring. One evening, after a romantic dinner, Christopher presented Lacey with an exquisite diamond solitaire.

The wedding plans began! What fun it was to hear all the details! Deciding on a date and location for the ceremony was the first of many steps in the planning of the 'wedding of the year'. At last, we were all gathered to witness as they exchanged their vows.

After a romantic honeymoon in Jamaica, the happy couple will begin their life together in their brand new home.

As I sat there in the chapel and witnessed this storybook affair, a tear came to my eye. It was truly the stuff that dreams are made of. This fairytale wedding that every girl dreams of had become a reality for Lacey. Young love is so full of hope and expectation. I wondered, as I watched them dance their first dance as husband and wife... is there any such thing as happily ever after? When do the stars in our eyes become dim? When does the fairytale wedding give way to everyday reality? Surely, this will never happen to Lacey and Christopher!

I know, I sound jaded and a bit cynical...but I haven't given up hope! We just keep chasing that elusive butterfly called love, don't we?

More Kermie

Kermie didn't freeze! I couldn't wait to get home last night and check on my little guy. Around 7:30 I caught him sneaking into his house. It was a warm, sunshiny day so he must have been out doing his froggy thing.

Kermit the Hermit

Is this cute or what? Meet Kermit the hermit. I first noticed this cute little guy hanging out the window of one of my birdhouses during the summer. He is some sort of tiny tree frog. He and his friends hang around the back porch light and eat insects. Most of his compadres have gone wherever frogs go when it gets cold but he seems to have taken up permanent residence. Look at him sunning himself on the ledge! A cold front blew in last night and tonight there will be a light freeze. Hope Kermie survives!

The red birdhouse has been home to a family of eastern bluebirds since last spring. Kermie moved in to his cottage this summer. A few days ago, I saw a tiny house wren checking out the large birdhouse that sits on an old chair. My little back porch neighborhood seems to be growing!

I knew the weather was going to change soon...the pine siskins and American goldfinches arrived last week. They have been happily dining on the Niger thistle seeds I've added to the bird feeders but also like to forage for weed and grass seeds. The doves don't seem to mind the intrusion. They quietly nibble at the wild bird mix I've thrown on the ground.

I love my creatures, ya'll!

Hello Winter

Baby, it's cold outside! Well, to me it is, anyway. The last three days have been cloudy, cold and rainy here in H-town . I decided to stay inside today so I thought I'd catch up on my blogging.

Thanksgiving was rather low key this year. I spent the day with my sister and her family. Sis and I love to cook and be in the kitchen together. Her new son in law is a gourmet cook so we 'allowed' him into our domain, where he made his version of giblet gravy. I made deviled eggs, pimento cheese stuffed celery and cranberry sauce Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the week I tried two recipes I found in Taste of the South's special Christmas issue. I made Turtle bites and Vanilla-Espresso Snowballs. Check out the website: www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com. I found this beautiful magazine at Publix in Winter Haven, Fl. It's more about deep south cooking than South Texas cooking. I love it!

Anyway, back to dinner, sis prepared Turkey, cornbread dressing and all the trimmings. We all ate ourselves into oblivion...end of story! Yum! I grabbed a turkey leg, a wing and some white meat, along with some dressing, came home and crashed. Me and the boys settled in on the couch and watched 'The Birds'. What a great old Alfred Hitchcock classic. I love the way Tippi Hedren ran all over the place in her taupe high heels, never letting go of the matching handbag, either! And that green shift dress and matching jacket held up well until the dummy went upstairs and let the birds nearly rip her to shreds!

I took Friday off, just in case I wanted to go shopping....would you believe I did? I woke up at the crack of dawn, as always! It was cloudy and cold, but not raining. I thought I may as well join the rest of the world and get out of the house. I got myself ready and was at Dillard's door at 8:00 am! I think most people were at Best Buy and Circuit City snapping up all the electronics they could grab, because it wasn't busy at all. I was looking for a black skirt to complete my ensemble for Lacey's wedding. I headed upstairs to the formal wear department. I found a skirt...BUT I also found a gorgeous black, stretchy velvet top to go with it. I tried it and several other tops on with the skirt, just to get an idea of how it would look with the top I already have. Yep, I bought the top, too! That soft velvet felt so...warm and cozy, not to mention that it'll look downright *hot* with white pearls and a few rhinestones. My mission was accomplished, so I left the mall around 11:00 and headed home to warm up my leftovers.

Later, I met a friend at Starbuck's. Good coffee and good conversation...the perfect way to end the day.

What a nice Thanksgiving I had, ya'll

Oh Baby!

Introducing:

Jackson Benjamin Smith

Born: October 13, 2007

He weighed a mere 2 lbs 12 oz when he was born by C section, approximately two months before his due date. He weighed 4 lbs when he was released from the hospital on November 9.

While we rejoice and thank God for the miracle of this precious little soul, we are saddened by the passing yesterday of a sweet little girl named Tayler. She is the 11 year old daughter of one of my daughter's friends. She has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis all her life. Rest in peace, sweet child. You are now free to run in Heaven's playground...no oxygen tank needed!

We should all have the strength and determination of Jackson and Taylor.

I'm Gone

To Florida, that is...to meet baby Jackson! He is now tipping the scales at 3.09. The latest report is that he has begun to nurse from a bottle. He'll hit 4 lbs in no time. Sounds like he'll be going home sooner than later.

My girls and I are going to have so much fun getting the nursery ready for his arrival. His baby shower is on Nov. 4th...hopefully he will get to attend.

So, I won't be blogging for a while, folks. I'm going to be too busy having fun with my girls...and my baby boy!

I'm flying out in the morning, so pray for the pilot!

Back in a few weeks, ya'll!

It's Done

Today was The Day. The divorce became final. I got up at 5:00 a.m. made coffee and took the pups outside. It was a dark, crisp , cool morning. As I looked to the west, there, shining through the trees was a big , beautiful moon, just minutes from slipping into the horizon. Stars were twinkling in the sky..the Big Dipper floated above my head. A bright planet shared the eastern sky with more stars. I thanked God for the beautiful, perfect weather. I had to drive into the city in rush hour traffic and I was thankful that it wasn't raining.

I left early and headed for the toll road. In spite of the heavy traffic I made it to The Family Law Center in plenty of time. I was to meet my attorney in the coffee shop and since I was 30 minutes early, I had another cup of coffee. I needed this time to wind down from the commute. I am so glad I don't have to drive that route every day!

To make a long story short, It took longer to get downtown and park than it did to stand in front of the judge! How quick and efficient, I thought. This appearance before a judge who looked to be my son's age was a mere formality. It's been over for a long time. A certain sadness lingered in the back of my mind, along with a sense of relief. I was home by 9:45...no traffic, everyone was at work!

The weather was warm and sunny. I opened the roof on my car and 'soaked up the sun', as Sheryl Crow would say. Had the oil changed, the tires checked....topped off the gas tank. Bought a new pair of shoes and a new sweater. Had lunch with my bff Lisa. Came home and took a nap with 'the boys'.
Made a big dish of angel hair pasta with Italian sausage, mushrooms and fresh basil to take to the salon tomorrow. The gals will love it! Went to dinner with another friend...had sushi and hot sake. Opened the roof on the way home and enjoyed the full moon and cool breeze.

What an eclectic, interesting day I had!

Life goes on, ya'll

Shopping for Jackson

Baby Jackson is one week old today. He is such a cutie, so tiny and sweet. I can't wait to meet him. He will be in the NICU for a while because he was so premature but he is healthy and thriving.

I met my sister and niece at the mall this afternoon. We wanted to look for preemie clothes for Jackson. My niece is expecting a baby in December so she was looking for a few new things. The three of us had such fun! I love baby clothes! I bought Jackson two soft cotton sleepers and a tiny blue plush puppy with a rattle inside. Ah, the first of many outfits for my newest grand baby!

Now, I feel the need to rant, so here goes. Does this drive you nuts or is it just me? You go to pay for your purchase with cash (which I frequently do), the salesperson piles the change on top of a receipt that is at least a foot long and shoves it into your hand. Of course, there are always people behind you, waiting to check out. Now comes the dilemma. Do you take the time to put the receipt in the bag or neatly fold it before putting it in a safe place inside your purse or wallet....then put the loose change in it's designated place before sliding the paper bills into their cubbyhole. Do you lay the receipt on the counter, put your money away, then pick up the receipt and put it in the bag or your purse? OR do you hurriedly wad up and stuff the whole mess into your wallet or pocket, while being 'nudged' out of the way by fellow shoppers. Heaven help you if the receipt gets caught in the zipper of your change purse or the change escapes the wadded mess, scattering onto the counter or worse yet, the floor! About this time the sales person is looking at you like you're a total spaz and the waiting customers are growing a tad impatient. Try quickly picking up coins with fake nails! I just go for the quarters and forget about the lesser change. I'm so exasperated by this time I could care less about stray coinage! It would take much less time if the sales person would simply ask if I wanted the receipt in the bag as she/he is checking me out. As it is, they barely make eye contact during the transaction, much less provide any extra customer service..... that's another rant! By the way, the same thing happens at fast food joints. Who cares if you get a receipt for a hamburger and fries? Like your gonna return it the next day or something! Just toss the receipt and give me my food already! I'm trying to get out of the way of the hungry mob lined up behind me!

Other than that, I had a lovely afternoon with my gals, ya'll

He's Here!

When my phone rang at 5:30 am this morning, I immediately knew it was my daughter. I had been awake since 4:45, unable to sleep. I was lying there in the dark praying when the call came. She sounded groggy but I heard her sweet voice say, "Mom, you have a new grandson". He was born around 2:00 am by C section. He weighs 2 lbs 12 oz. He's tiny but strong!

Our prayers have been answered!

Once again, we have been blessed, ya'll!

Time Flies!

Hi ya'll, I'm still here! My daughter has been in the hospital for two months due to complications with her pregnancy. She is now almost 32 weeks along. The doctors want her to go at least to 33 or 34 weeks. Things continue to be fairly stable but an emergency C section could take place at any time if necessary. Between work and flying back and forth to Florida to check on her, there has been no time for blogging. I will be flying back on October 27 for baby Jackson's arrival. He will be pre-mature and will have to stay in the NICU for a while. This has been quite a harrowing experience for our family but we are thankful for this new addition and continue to trust God for His divine intervention and care.

Elvis, Presley and I now have a room mate. My 'little' brother is staying with me for a while. It's nice to have another human in the house. It kind of brings back memories of when he used to stay at my house when my kids were young. Even now, he and my son are like brothers. They are hunting and fishing buddies and worse yet, die hard sports fans. They talk on the phone constantly, discussing the latest stats on their favorite teams or planning their next hunting trip. Sometimes they sound like two old women gossiping! Just listening to their conversations, laced with their own special 'dialects' makes me laugh.

Yes, time does fly, indeed...my two 'babies' are all grown up, with families of their own. Life is full of ups and downs. We have weathered our share of storms but we have been blessed in many ways. We all look forward to the arrival of our newest family member. As we have witnessed the struggle he and his mommy have endured, we are reminded of how fragile life is. We know the One who gives life and we trust Him in all circumstances.

"Every life is a fairy tale, written by God's fingers" by Hans Christian Andersen