New Year's Eve

I've already had a fun day, and there's so much more excitement to come. This morning, Dr. Mc and I had our annual Christmas get together with Mitzie and Madam. This year, TLP joined us for brunch at Quisie's as did Mitzie's grandson/ Madam's son (11-month old John Robert).

We were in a lovely side room with just the boys for most of our meal. When we first got there, the boys were just sitting in their high chairs having a stare down. Before the meal came TLP was able to walk around and John Robert was crawling. I loved seeing the boys interacting.

Today I'm celebrating New Year's Eve. Mr. B will be taking TLP and me to dinner tonight. I have the cutest little outfit for the boy to wear. Photos will be available tomorrow.

Go Coogs!

The University of Houston is playing in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl tonight. In honor of my alma mater maybe we'll have sandwiches for dinner from Chick-Fil-A. I'm not sure this action is politically correct since the comments made by the fast food's COO opposing same-sex marriage. I believe in equal rights for all people, including the right for same-sex couples to love and marry each other.

I usually stay away from politics in my postings, but today is an exception. First I write about Chick-Fil-A, and now I'm stating, for the record, that I'm incredibly tired of Donald Trump. Name calling is unacceptable, and especially from someone running for POTUS. Can the man say anything nice about anyone else? Does he have to refer to people as stupid, ignorant, lazy, etc.? I would prefer that he state what needs to be changed and then provide examples of how he is going to "Make America Great Again." As it stands, I don't think name calling will ever make America great. OK. I'll be stepping off my soap box now.

Today I'm celebrating positive energy. 

Winter comes to Houston

So few days let in 2015. I've seen many people write on Facebook that 2015 was a bad year for them. I can think of good things that happened during the year, but I'm not sure that all of 2015 has been the best year for me. I still don't know what caused my health problems in October and not working for the past several months hasn't been the best. I'm bored and not accomplishing much, but I can't blame anyone but myself for my boredom and being lazy.

On a completely different subject, I have a mosquito bite on my wrist. I hate itchy mosquito bites in the winter. Isn't the cold weather supposed to kill the little b@$t^&ds?

Today I'm celebrating Zoo Lights, which is where TLP went tonight in his red All-Star Converse high tops. The high tops are small and cute, just like the boy who wears them.

A beautiful day in Houston

If you don't like the weather in Houston, just wait a few minutes. This was certainly an honest statement to make the weather yesterday. The morning was hot, humid, and nearly unbearable. Then the rains and high winds plowed their way through the area, and the temperature dropped significantly. This morning the temperature was 40 degrees when I woke up, and another cold front is supposed to pass through Houston on Wednesday. Hurray for a little winter weather.

There's no secret that I have watched General Hospital for years. When ABC had multiple soap operas on every day, General Hospital was my least favorite, but it has grown on me since it's the last one on the air. I understand that there are going to be cast changes in the near future. This is good, in my opinion, because I'm tired of some of these characters and most of the trite plot lines.

Today I'm celebrating Melinda and Maya. Melinda has been one of Kendall's best friends since middle school. She lives in Brooklyn, NY and is in Houston for a visit. About a year ago Melinda and her husband (Tony) had a baby girl. I look forward to seeing Melinda and meeting the beautiful Maya Grace for the first time tonight.

The quiet before the storm

We've been waiting all day for the rain and cold weather to arrive in Houston, which happened about an hour ago. We did have a record high temperature on Christmas day. It will be nice to have a cooler New Year.

While waiting for the weather to change, I (partially) watched the Texans game. I understand that the Tennessee Titans are a lousy team, but it's always exciting when the Texans win, regardless of the squad they're playing.

Today I'm celebrating my serger. I bought the damn machine at least 18 months ago and it's still in the box. I was ready to read the booklet on how to use the machine until a friend scared me away from that approach. As a Christmas gift, Mr. B is paying for lessons on how to use the serger. I'm looking forward to creating new items with my fabulous toy.

The calm after the rush

It was great fun with family for Christmas dinner, even though half of the group were sick, including TLP. His new tooth can barely be seen through his gum, but his fussiness, drooling and runny nose were a dead give away.

One of my favorite events occurred after dinner. Everyone got comfortable as the pillows and blankets were spread around the television room (a.k.a. Aulay World because that's where all of his toys and playpen reside). We turned out most of the lights and watched a Christmas movie. I didn't realize that beef tender and salmon contained tryptophan, but there was a lot of snoring during movie.

Today I'm celebrating a quiet house. The festivities are over and the dishes are almost put away. The china, silver and crystal look wonderful on the Christmas table, but "oh what a bitch to clean."

Merry Christmas to one and all! So far it has been a quiet morning at the Pettits' home. We're celebrating Christmas with the family beginning around 4 p.m. I did most of the cooking yesterday. As soon as I can pull myself away from watching A Christmas Story for the 15th time in the past 24 hours, I'm going to bake an apple pie. Other than making a salad just before dinner (Mr. B is grilling the steaks and salmon outside), I'm ready.

We did get some photos from Dr. Mc and Big Daddy Nick showing their Christmas morning with TLP. She said his favorite present from Santa was his new fork (yes, the boy likes to eat). I've title the pic-of-the-day, "Joy to the World." Apparently he isn't pleased with his tricycle/stroller.

Today I'm celebrating the blessing of life, including family and friends.

Christmas Eve 2015

TLP a year ago in his silly reindeer cap.

I'm inspried by many others and yesterday, I spent time with two women who motivate me with their creativity. In the afternoon I went to Pam's studio where she makes lovely silver jewelry, delightful soft sculpture dolls, and beautiful music on her baby grand piano. We talked for about 45 minutes and I left encouraged to try new things.

Then, last night, Sandra from across the street delivered her annual gift of homemade pumpkin bread. She shared a glass of wine with Mr. B and me. Sandra is a fabulous painter so we always spend time talking about local art. Also, she has a tremendous soul and is always able to find the good and/or humorous in people and situations. She inspires me in so many ways.

Today I'm celebrating creativity. Both Pam and Sandra told me that they can't work in a messy studio. I love the idea of an organized studio and am making a resolution to get my space organized and keep it that way.

To the grocery store I go

I want to go to the grocery store today so I can start cooking tomorrow. There will be eight of us (including TLP) for Christmas dinner on Friday.

We used to tease my mom about cooking enough in case the Air Force arrived unexpectedly for dinner. She would start cooking days before Thanksgiving or Christmas to ensure that her grandchildren had their special desserts. Sweetness always requested a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, when all she really wanted was the whipped cream on top. Each year, Mother would bake a pumpkin pie for Sweetness, which usually went untouched except for the topping. I don't think anyone actually liked pumpkin pie.

Today I'm celebrating memories of Christmases at my grandparents' home in Bryan, TX. We always went to their house because my grandfather was part owner in a men's clothing store, which meant he worked on Christmas Eve. Daddy was an only child so there were only six of us until Christmas Day when many of my great aunts and uncles would come for Christmas lunch. Tons of people in a really small house with delicious food (especially desserts). Great memories of fun times.

A full day

At the rate I'm going, I should have the house decorated for Christmas by Valentine's Day. Note to readers: Next year, please remind me to start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving.

Even if I had the house decorated, there is still the problem of decoration boxes in the dining room. They need to be moved into the garage for now. Unfortunately, once in the garage we may not be able to find the boxes again. Yes, the garage is that bad!

Today I'm celebrating sweet potato fries. I baked the fries for dinner tonight and they were so good!

Checking things off my Christmas to-do list(s)

Felt Christmas tree hanging on the bigger tree.

I made the mistake of going to Target this afternoon. Since it was Monday (a work day and four days before Christmas) I didn't expect a crowd in the middle of the afternoon. I was so wrong. People were running into me with their carts and – worst of all – stopping in the middle of the aisle. Annoying.

On a more serious note, my heart breaks for Jimmy Carter and his family. How tragic that Carter's 28 year-old grandson died suddenly, and at this time of the year. We got word last night that Mr. B's aunt died last weekend. I think I only met her once at our wedding, which was almost 21 years ago. Her service will be on the morning of Christmas Eve.

Today I'm celebrating my family by hanging our Christmas stockings. With everyone out of the house except Mr. B, Rose and me, I'm also going to sit on the floor to finish wrapping presents.

The Sunday before Christmas

A close up of a little mitten I made for the tree,
as well as the construction paper garland made
by Dr. Mc.

Tomorrow begins Christmas week. It's going to seem strange at the house because Mr. B is taking Monday off of work. He'll be home tomorrow, but the McZams (Dr. Mc, Big Daddy Nick and TLP) won't be here because they are house sitting. They left this afternoon and won't be back at the house until Friday (Christmas Day).

I've determined that I only need to get two more Christmas gifts. That is a great feeling. I still have several gifts to wrap, but I've already wrapped most everything. This is also a great feeling.

Today I'm celebrating Christmas movies. I've watched two today, including one of my favorites: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I'm amazed at Chevy Chase's physical comedy, which always makes me laugh. Big Daddy Nick and I also watched the Texan's game. Good game resulting in a Texan's win.

One more day than I thought

Our Christmas tree covered with handmade
felt ornaments and construction paper garland.

Dr. Mc told me last night that Christmas isn't until this coming Friday. For weeks I've thought that Christmas was Thursday. I attribute my confusion to the fact that we usually have our family Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, but this year we've switched to Christmas night. So instead of being ready with decorations, presents and dinner on Christmas Eve, which is Thursday, I've gained a day.

We have another Christmas party tonight. I was thinking I had nothing to wear, but alas, looking in my closet(s) I found several things that I haven't worn in at least three years. If it is cool enough I'm wearing a long velvet coat dress that is very festive.

Today I'm celebrating a finished Christmas tree. This morning I finished the last of the handmade ornaments and hung them on the tree. It's a very sweet little tree, if I do say so myself.

A little Grinch in the house

I receive emails about upcoming and ongoing estate sales in and around Houston. I enjoy previewing photos of what will be included in the sales.

This week I've been looking at an estate sale that started today. I was tempted to go because there was a photo of what appeared to be a framed print by R.C. Gorman, who was a Taos, NM artist. We have a Gorman lithograph in Pettita Casita in Santa Fe so I talked myself out of going to the estate sale today. I have other priorities rather than buying another piece of artwork.

Today I'm celebrating the cutest little Grinch. Dr. Mc found a green sweater with the Grinch's face on the front. TLP looks so cute in the sweater. Then again, he looks cute in everything he wears.

Summer haircut in mid-December

I was out of the house most of this afternoon. As I was getting in the car, I realized that I hadn't left the house in four days. This is how I roll.

I knocked out the remainder of my Christmas shopping this afternoon. I went to Highland Village, which wasn't crazy busy. I might only go to that shopping area once a year and am always surprised to see that stores have moved around. It was tempting to do some shopping for myself, but I refrained.

Today I'm celebrating a super short haircut. I had this haircut when I was 19 and it was cute. I'm not sure that the pixie fits my current face and body type. Thank goodness my hair will grow out!

Decking the halls

If only our house was twice its size, everything we own would fit inside. Since I haven't been able to find growth hormones for the house, I suppose I'll have to continue purging things.

Mittens (about 6" long) pinned and ready for
me to stitch together.

We have a storage unit that is also filled to the max. We got the storage unit a little more than a year ago. I have no idea what is in there, so I wonder how important the contents is to our lives. I know there are a pair of chairs that I should take to The Guild Shop to be sold on consignment. 

Today I'm celebrating handmade ornaments. I've cut out the fronts and backs of half a dozen felt mittens. After TLP goes to sleep tonight I'll stitch the mittens together. He is much too interested in the needles and thread for me to attempt sewing while he is around. His little fingers are everywhere.

Handmade Christmas tree decorations

A little felt stocking (about 6" long) to hang on
the Christmas tree. TLP can't hurt the ornaments
or himself.

Tuesday is my favorite television night. On the History Channel there are two programs that I really like. First on is The Curse of Oak Island. Will the brothers and their partners ever find buried treasures? I hope so! Next I watch Hunting Hitler. I believe that Hitler and many other Nazis were able to flee Germany in the days before Berlin fell. This program is tracing their possible escape to Argentina.

At the house, we have been talking about decorating the front porch, but nothing seems to be happening. So tonight, while I was home alone, I placed an artificial tree with lights and three packages with lights on the porch. I was wondering if anyone would notice. When Mr. B came home after work, it was the first thing he mentioned. Good for him.

Today I'm celebrating crafts. Dr. Mc, Big Daddy Nick and I have been making Christmas tree decorations out of felt and construction paper. This afternoon I spent several hours in my craft studio making felt items for the tree. It was really fun. More to come tomorrow.

Cool and crisp on the way to Houston

It was bath time in the kitchen sink this morning. I love to soap up TLP's hair and then do strange things with it. TLP's Zamora grandfather reminded me that when he does this style on his own at 14 and dyes his hair green, we'll be pissed.

Mr. B remembers the first time he saw Big Daddy Nick when Kendall was moving into the dorm at UT. Although his hair is very close to black, Nick had attempted to dye it blonde. That was 1998. None of us would have guessed at that time that Nick and Kendall would marry 10 years later and have a little boy with blonde hair six years after that.

Today I'm celebrating singers. I watched the finale of The Voice and now I'm watching Adele's television special. Such beautiful voices!

A relaxing Sunday

New game: Aulay-in-the-box.

My favorite Sunday breakfast is a latte and glazed cake donuts. It's necessary to get to Shipleys early because the cake donuts are very popular and sell out quickly. Fortunately, the donut goddess must have known I had been a good girl because there were three donuts left for me this morning. Yummy!

The artisan market was wonderful yesterday. I had a fun day talking to people and making sales. I sold lots of baby items, tin earrings, messenger bags and small purses. I/m excited that I sold one of the baby quilts I had worked to complete. I love the holiday aprons I make, but haven't sold one in the past year, so I don't think I'll be making more of those. At one time they were my biggest sellers. I have no complaints about yesterday's market. It was a very successful day!

Today I'm celebrating a rainy cool Sunday. I know about the outside weather only because I took Rose outside. She wasn't happy with me and we didn't stay outside for long.

The baby quilts are finished!

Portions of the pink and lavender quilts.

As if we could fit another thing in this small house, there is now a wagon in the living room. And the box that the wagon came in is in TLP's room (which we refer to as Aulay World because the floor is covered with a patted rug squares and that's where we keep all of his toys and the bed he uses for naps). The box has been turned into a tunnel. I climbed into the tunnel, which was tight, and he decided to crawl in after me. We were both giggling.

Last night I decided to make another blue quilt top. I was planning to make four, but realized I had tops for pink, lavender, yellow/orange, and blue/green quilts. I wanted to make another blue one, so as of today I have five baby quilts ready for tomorrow. I'm very excited how they turned out!

Today I'm celebrating youth. I love getting on the floor and playing with TLP. He makes me laugh, which is good for everything.

Almost ready

Three finished baby quilts, the top of each made
from vintage chenille squares pieces together.

Mr B had dinner with two of his buddies tonight. I'm happy for him, but wish he was better about bringing home the gossip. I know these three guys and am sure there was gossip, but Mr. B is always so tight lipped.

Since he wasn't home, Dr. Mc, Big Daddy Nick, TLP and I had Thai food (Mr. B doesn't like to eat it). The front of my blouse was covered with Thai noodles. It's not good when I have more food on the front of me that TLP has on him. When I get tired my hands shake. Hand shakes combined with noodles are a bad combination for me.

Today I'm celebrating nice weather. The power was off all over the neighborhood for approximately two hours, so I took TLP outside for a walk. I tried to hold his hand to steady him, but he didn't want me to do that. He is so independent.

Clicking along

Another pair of tin earrings.

There was a crying baby in the house this afternoon. It didn't matter what I tried, he kept crying.

He was congested (like everyone else in the house) so I think he wasn't feeling well. Another reason I think he wasn't feeling well was that he wanted me to hold him, which never happens. Then he laid still on a pillow, which doesn't happen unless he is asleep. As long as someone was sitting next to him, he was fine. But he didn't want to play, eat or drink.

Today I'm celebrating my sewing. I cut out the blocks for two baby quilt tops and have sewn one together. I may sew the other together tonight. It's getting closer and closer to the artisan market on Saturday.

Crafting

It has been a long 24+ hours. Last night I had an MRI at Memorial/Hermann in the medical center. Today I had an EEG in another part of Memorial/Hermann in the medical center. I parked in the right spot last night, but today I parked and hiked across the campus.

I'm not sure if the noise of the MRI (plus being enclosed in a tunnel) or the stuff put on my head for the EEG are more irritating. Either way, I hope doctors will be able to determine what's going on with me so I don't need to have the procedures again.

Today I'm celebrating crafts. Yesterday I cut out the tin pieces to make earrings and tonight I put them together. Tomorrow I'm going to switch from making jewelry to sewing. I have one baby quilt top put together. I want to make another quilt top and then put the backings on them. There's nothing like waiting until the last minute (my craft show is Saturday).

Hello Monday

The Christmas tree we got on Saturday made it into the house this morning. We're making a kid-friendly tree that probably won't include lights. All those family ornaments will stay packed away this year. We're creating felt ornaments and paper garland to use as decorations.

This morning was Rose's annual visit to the vet. I'm proud to say that she has lost weight and now weighs just under 16 pounds. Although she doesn't see or hear well the vet told me she is in very good health for a senior dog. Go Rose! 

Today I'm celebrating the lives of more than 2,400 people who were killed on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor.

A quiet Sunday afternoon

Yesterday immediately after TLP's hair cut.

I'm participating in an artisan market next Saturday (December 12). Instead of creating items, I'm watching the Texans' game. Sadly, it's half time and the home team is behind.

Besides working in my craft room, I could be decorating the house, cleaning, reading, making kid-safe ornaments for the Christmas tree, and/or doing something else productive, but instead I'm watching a football game and playing on the computer while still in my pajamas.

Today I'm celebrating Mr. B. Instead of lounging around with me (he doesn't like watching football), he's outside on a ladder putting up decorations. He is excited for TLP to see the lights.

First visit with Santa

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I blogged. I'd write a long blog and catch up except I have a hard time remembering what happened last week, much less a month ago.

This morning I took TLP to get a hair cut. There is a cute new place that opened up about three blocks from the house that only cuts kids' hair. TLP sat in a little police car and pushed all the buttons while his hair was cut. He was so entertained that he didn't notice the hair cut. Once again we can see TLP's eyes.

Today I'm celebrating TLP's first visit to Santa Claus. He sat on Santa's lap for about two minutes while Dr. Mc, Big Daddy Nick and I snapped photos. The pic-of-the-day was taken about a second before TLP started screaming. I was closest so I saved him from big ole Santa. This was certainly a day to remember in a grandmother's life.

Ankle boots

I'm sad to admit that I'm procrastinating. Big time! I've gone through my fabrics and separated all into piles of what I want to keep and what I want to sell. That was Part A and it took me a month or more to do what should have taken me a week, at the most.

My problem is that I don't know what to do with everything. I want everything organized and easy to get to, but I'm unmotivated to finish. It would be so great to get it done by the end of the weekend. I'm thinking of how I can reward myself for finishing the project.

Today I'm celebrating red Starbuck cups and pumpkin lattes. I see nothing wrong with either of them and think there are many more pressing concerns in the world other than the decoration of a silly coffee cup.

Cooler weather!

Last night we celebrated Melissa's birthday. It was a long time ago in 1978 when we first met. I knew immediately that I liked her because she was funny. As I got to know her I also found out that she was sweet, caring and thoughtful, and she has so many other qualities that I admire!

Together we have shared so many wonderful life experiences, including the marriages of our children and the births of our handsome grandsons who were born just five months apart. We have also been there for each other during the difficult times, but for the most part life has been really good to us.

Today I'm celebrating cooler weather. I was so inspired I bought a Christmas present. Yippee!

Where did Monday go?

I wonder what they were watching.

I honestly thought today was Monday. Maybe it's because Dr. Mc and Big Daddy Nick were gone yesterday so Monday seemed like Sunday? Or maybe it seems like Monday because I usually get so much accomplished on Tuesday, but I didn't do anything today.

Mr. B came home early from work today. That rarely happens! His blood pressure it running high again. He is so different from me because when he isn'tUnfortunately my experience with doctors is the same

Today I'm celebrating the right to vote. There were so many people running for mayor of Houston. I'm sure there will be a run off. The other results I'm looking forward to learning is the vote on Prop 1 (HERO).

Let the holidays begin

Happy 7th wedding anniversary to TLP's parents
(photo credit:Paty Lennon)

It's November 1 – how can that be? It's also Dr. Mc and Big Daddy Nick's seventh wedding anniversary. Since they dated almost 10 years before they got married, it seems like they have been married much longer.

Mr. B and I decided to skip the trick or treaters last night and go to the movie. We saw Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks. Both of us thought Tom Hanks gave a really great performance. We enjoyed the movie, but thought the ending was a little hokey. Is that a recommendation without giving anything away?

Today I'm celebrating a quiet day at home with Mr. B and TLP. Aulay spent Friday and Saturday nights with Big Daddy Nick's parents. He is back at our house today while his parents enjoy some time together in NOLA.

Oh what a night!

Calvin and Hobbes (a.k.a. Amanda the Panda).

The rain from the Texas Hill Country made it to Houston last night. It rained all night and parts of the city are flooding as the rain keeps falling. Fortunately we live in an area of the city that (usually) doesn't flood.

This morning around 6 a.m. we were awakened by flashing lights. A house undergoing renovations in the middle of the block caught fire. It looks like the exterior of the house is still in place, but the interior, including the two-story addition in the back, are toast. With the rain coming down and holes in the roof, I fear the couple and their three small children will be starting over. Thankfully no one was living in the house and no one was injured.

Today I'm celebrating Halloween. The city is a soggy mess so I doubt we will have any trick or treaters tonight. It's sad for the little kids.

It's a small world

Dr. Mc and I took TLP to the pumpkin patch after mama bear got home from work yesterday. He had been a little cranky so I didn't know how he would react to having his photo taken. In true TLP form, the camera came out and so did his smiley face. He loved the leaves and dirt, and didn't know what to think about the pumpkins that were half his size.

We brought him home and changed him into his Halloween costume before putting him in the front yard for another photo op. I'm going to save that photo until Halloween, but will say this ahead of time: ADORABLE!

Today I'm celebrating a small world. Susan, my cousin who lives in Richmond/Rosenberg, called me from New Orleans last night. She was there with some friends when she ran into Big Daddy Nick at Pat O'Briens. Too funny.

On the move

Today was the second day in a row that I went out in the car. Yesterday I had lunch with a friend, voted, and shopped for some fall/winter clothes for TLP. Then today I went to the cleaners and then had a mani/pedi.

I've seen the trailer for the new James Bond movie and can't wait to see it. As much as I loved Pierce Bronson as Bond, I even more crazy about the dark side of Bond that Daniel Craig brings to Bond. There were a couple of loose ends in the final scenes of Skyfall. I'm anxious to meet the new characters. I'm also looking forward to seeing Burnt. I love cooking movies and shows.

Today I'm celebrating holiday catalogs. There were eight in the mail today. Can't wait to dive into them.

Lots of rain

Early this morning, The Suffers were on their way to Austin for another great show. They're opening for Lionel Ritchie at ACL Live tonight. It's another feather in their cap!

Dr. Mc left for Austin around 2:30 p.m. with Big Daddy Nick's parents. It was already raining in Houston and I think the weather was worse in Austin. I know they made it to Austin because Dr. Mc was texting and requesting photos. I sent her a photo of Rose (haha ... aren't I funny), but that wasn't what she wanted. She sent a photo of The Suffers playing on stage. Lots of lights!

Today I'm celebrating a sleepover with TLP. He has a runny nose so I doped him up and put him to bed around 8:30 p.m. Now, where's my cocktail? 

Equal Rights

It was just on the news that Planned Parenthood will no longer receive state medicaid funds in Texas. This is so unfortunate and the result of some people misrepresenting Planned Parenthood services as mainly abortions. While abortions are part of the services provided, Planned Parenthood offers so many other health services, as well as education and advocacy, to all individuals.

I see this same sort of misrepresentation by some about the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) that will be on the November ballot. Opponents of the ordinance are promoting it as "the bathroom ordinance" or "the predator ordinance," stating that HERO will subject women and girls to sexual predators who are "allegedly confused" by their gender identity. The truth is that HERO will help ensure people the basic rights to find a job, enjoy an evening out, and obtain a place to live without discrimination.

Today I'm celebrating the vision of equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, creed, color or gender.

Marcus Rothkowitz

What a beautiful day in Houston. It should be this way all week. I love it.

Mr. B and I, along with two friends, had brunch this morning at Menil Bistro. We tried to have dinner there once, but it was too crowded. Today, the crowd was small for brunch and the food was good. Both of us said we would go there again, although the Bellini wasn't that terrific (not frozen and served in a martini glass).

Today I'm celebrating the artistry of Mark Rothko, who was born Marcus Rothkowitz. (Although he began painting in mid-1920s, he didn't legally change his name to Mark Rothko until 1959.) We went to the Museum of Fine Arts/Houston after brunch to see the Rothko exhibit. I enjoyed seeing his earlier figurative works, which are quite different from his later abstract expressionism. I don't think I really appreciated his later work until I stood in front of it and studied the colors and brush strokes. It's not possible to see the details in a photograph.

Friday!

A couple of months ago on a Friday night, I got small thin crust pizzas, as well as a couple of movies. Dr. Mc and I put on our stretchy pants and, along with Mr. B and TLP, we enjoyed a relaxing evening. Unfortunately Big Daddy Nick was touring with The Suffers, as he is this weekend, also.

As I remember it, TLP was cooperative (i.e., quiet and ready for bed early), which made for a great movie night at home. I'm thinking about a repeat of that adventure tonight, and wonder what took me so long to do it again. Maybe every Friday night should be pizza and movie night?

Today I'm celebrating the start of the weekend. My schedule doesn't change any during the weekend, but Mr. B is around the house. It is <insert (a) or (b) here> nice to have Mr. B home. <(a): always; or (b): usually>

Sneaking out of the house

Looking out the window all I can see are beautiful blue skies. It looks to be the perfect fall day in Houston, except the temperature is in the 90s. We had a cool front yesterday that lowered the humidity, but not the temperature.

Southwest Airlines is having a sale on flights between HOU and ABQ. This NEVER happens! Mr. B and I decided to take advantage of the $99 fare and booked flights for our January wedding anniversary. Being in SFe in January can be magic or tragic. We have been snowed in at times and at other times there hasn't been any snow on the ground.

Today I'm celebrating leaving the house. I'm not supposed to drive until I get the all clear from the doctor, but I desperately needed a frozen yogurt from Menchie's. It didn't matter to me that I had to drive the old Explorer. I just needed to get out of the house.

Another fabric sale on Etsy

I can't decide if I have a cold or something sinus related. I think it is a sinus problem, but then whatever I have is being passed around the family. First Dr. Mc, then TLP, next me, and now Sweetness and Girafferty.

I thought I was getting over whatever I have, but last night I couldn't sleep much because my nose was running and I was hacking.

Today I'm celebrating cooler weather. I keep hearing that there is a cool front coming. Today it was in the mid-90s in Houston. The cool front (if it comes) is supposed to drop the temperature to the mid-80s, which is still hot to me.

A good day

Last week I photographed more fabrics to post and sell on Etsy. No one is buying anything I've posted, but I can be patient. Then today – behold – I sold six yards of fabric. I'm now jazzed and ready to photograph and post more fabrics tomorrow.

In between sitting on the floor with TLP, I've also been washing and folding clothes. I don't know how two people (Mr. B and I) can dirty so many clothes in a week. Or how we can dirty so many dishes in just one meal.

Today I'm celebrating while smirking. Let me preface the rest of this paragraph by stating that I wish no one ill well or bad luck. In fact, I hope good things come to everybody. However, today I saw some really poor writing and had to chuckle. He-who-has-so-much-to-learn thinks youth is better than experience. So naive.

The new norm

As we age, "things" change. One friend is facing hip replacement surgery. Another is getting ready for knee replacement surgery. Both of these people have been active all their lives, which makes me think they were too hard on their parts. At least that's what I'm telling my lazy self who doesn't exercise.

My biggest health problem has always been stress. I'm reading a book right now by Brene Brown titled, "The Gift of Imperfection." Although it's not easy to forgive myself for not being perfect, she has good points to ponder.

Today I'm celebrating good health. I recently had all sorts of tests performed, and the results are that my parts are functioning well. Not perfect, but well!

They're not for everyone, but small towns can be really fun

Hangin' at Orsak's in Fayetteville.

We're back in Houston after a weekend in the country. We definitely consider Fayetteville, Warrenton, Round Top, etc. to be the country. We weren't looking for anything special at the antique markets, but just strolling around.

Malburger Farms was terrific, as always. I found a nice piece of vintage fabric and Mr. B found some damask napkins for our collection. Then we went to Round Top, which was a total mess. I wanted to go to The Big Red Barn, but it took us almost an hour to make the five mile drive from Marburger Farms to Round Top. There's no telling how long it would have taken us to drive another five miles from Round Top to The Big Red Barn. Royer's was closed so we ate dinner in Fayetteville where we were staying at the Market Street Inn (very nice). Sunday we went to Warrenton, which is always a crap-shoot flea market (at best). I found two more pieces of vintage fabric there. As you can read, there were no big expenditures during the weekend.

Today I'm celebrating small towns. My family lived for five years in Alice, Texas, which is a small town about 45 miles west of Corpus Christi. I loved it there and cried for months when we moved back to Houston just before I started high school. In Alice, my best friends lived just down the street. We rode our bicycles everywhere in town. Friday nights were football games at Alice High School. There were county fairs, homecoming and holiday parades, and community swimming pools. The junior high reading teacher and an elementary school teacher left their families and ran away together. What a scandal! Five high school senior boys got drunk, crashed into the elementary school, and died. What a tragedy! As much as I loved Alice, my life would be so different (and not in a good way) if we hadn't moved back to Houston. Staying in Alice, I probably wouldn't have gone to college and discovered creative writing, which has been one of the passions and joys of my life. Life was simpler in Alice, but opportunities were fewer and exposure to the arts was pretty much non-existent.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2015, it's estimated that just under 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

My family has a much higher rate of skin cancer than breast. A cousin of my mom's is a breast cancer survivor of 30-35 years. She is the only family member I can think of who has had breast cancer. On the other hand, just about everybody in the family has some form of either pre-cancer or full-blown skin cancer. After my older brother died of melanoma I was dedicated to getting my skin checked once a year. Then my dermatologist moved to Katy and I haven't found another one. Shame on me.

Today I'm celebrating feeling better. I think I had a sinus infection, but it's better.

Postings on Etsy

At the end of last week Dr. Mc came down with a bad cold, which she "gave" to TLP. He started coughing and sneezing yesterday. It's hard to tell if his coughing is real or fake, but there was no mistaking the real deal this morning.

He spends Tuesdays with Big Daddy Nick's parents. I texted Dr. Mc after lunch to see how he was doing. She replied that the Zamoras gave him a steam bath and a taco, and he was feeling much better. TLP is just like me in that there isn't much that a hot bath/shower and Mexican food can't repair.

Today I'm celebrating a beautiful day in H-town. The weather prediction was for rain, but it's a bright sunny day. It's only in the high 80s. I'll be doing a happy dance in a few months when the temperature is down in the 60s. I love wearing cold weather clothes.

Etsy

Bonding with my two misters.

I haven't left the house in the last four days. That doesn't make me a bad person, just a lazy one.

So what have I been doing with my time? I've been going through fabrics in my craft room. I'm about half way through looking at each and every piece of fabric to decide if I should keep it, donate it or try to sell it on etsy. Some of pieces I can't believe I ever got them in the first place. Making the etsy listing takes so long! I hope I sell some.

Today I'm celebrating Mr. B. Dr. Mc was sick so I've done double duty taking care of TLP. On Sunday, Mr. B came into Aulay's room (previously known as the television room until Aulay's crib and toys took over). Mr. B got on the floor so Aulay could show him all his toys. The male bonding was so cute and afforded me some time to myself! It's impossible to decide which of those two I love more.

It's Friday

Ouch-y.

It was bound to happen. TLP is so strong willed and wants to stand on his own. Unfortunately his legs and gravity don't cooperate as much as he would like. This afternoon he took a terrible tumble and his check is read. I gave him some juice and tried to hold ice on the area while he drank. Fat chance.

I remember how easily his mom and aunt bruised when they were little. In fact, we still bruise very easily. Sometimes I don't realize I've run into something until a big bad bruise appears.

Today I'm celebrating Friday. I need to return a pan to the rental company. I need to go to the drugstore. And supplies are needed from the liquor store.

New Artists-in-Residence at HCCC

I'm finding that one of my favorite times of the day occurs sometime between 2-4 p.m. when TLP has a nap. That doesn't make me a bad grandmother or nanny just because I need time off of the floor to accomplish a few things.

Top on my to-do list right now is to purge some supplies from my craft room. Have you read this before? There is just too much stuff to fit in the little room. I have some fabrics and tins that came in bundles that I will never use. I want to make my own bundles and try to sell them on eBay or etsy. I also want to move office supplies from my craft room to Mr. B's studio, but don't tell him.

Today I'm celebrating the five new artists-in-residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. There is a meet-and-greet dinner tonight for the newbies who began their residency in September: two ceramic artists, two metal artists, and a fiber artist. I always appreciate the creative talents of others.

TLP kisses

In old homes, such as the 1910 Queen Anne Cottage where we hang our hats, the dining room is usually in the center of the house. When you walk in the front door, you enter directly into the living room with the dining room next and the kitchen at the back.

What happens so often is that as we pass from the living room to the kitchen, things get dropped on the dining room table. Today I'm going to clear the table and find the proper home for everything on it. Not a small task!

Today I'm celebrating Aulay's baby kisses. He usually is good for only one kiss per day, but this morning he kept making his kiss-y face and leaning forward to me. I just can't resist him!

A day of nothing

I used to go to my client's office and spend all day on Tuesdays. This is the second week that I haven't done that. Last week I was so busy running wedding errands that I didn't realize I had a day off. Today, other than washing clothes and watching television, I didn't do a damn thing. I'm not sure if that's good or not.

We still have wedding flowers in most rooms of the house. The old-fashioned roses used in the bouquets still smell so sweet. I'm drying some of the flowers to put on the Christmas tree. I also saved the ivory ribbon from Sweetness' bouquet. I don't know what I'll do with it. If nothing else I can tie it around some of the flowers I'm drying.

Today I'm celebrating a cool(er) day in Houston. Big Daddy Nick is performing tonight in Boston where the weather is much cooler than it is in Houston. Hopefully he'll be sending better weather to his hometown.

Unstarched hair

For five days before and immediately after the wedding and celebration my hair was straightened and sprayed. Jim has done my hair for many years and always works miracles when I want straight hair, but this morning I got in the shower and washed all the "starch" out of my hair. It's now drying at its own pace so the waves and curls are singing: Free at last!

I slept on and off this morning until 11 a.m., just because I could. Big Daddy Nick is still home so he was with TLP this morning. This afternoon Big Daddy is flying to Boston to meet up with The Suffers. It has been good having him at the house for a few days. He was the officiant at the wedding and did a terrific job.

Today I'm celebrating our new normal. Although I still have a few rental returns to make this afternoon, for the most part I'm at home, trying to find the bottom of the piles that have accumulated. No makeup. No hair "do." Just jeans and a t-shirt, and sandals when necessary.