Once In A Lifetime

There are many "once in a lifetime" moments we experience that just take our breath away and send us to our knees to thank God for this life that he has given us.

The one I experienced last night doesn't exactly fall in to that category, but it sure was fun. I went to a World Series baseball game! Just me and 52,418 other baseball fans. And did I mention -- we WON!

Here's what makes it once in a lifetime:
1. The Rangers will never again be in their first World Series.
2. The Rangers will never again play their first World Series game in their own ballpark.
3. The Rangers will never again win their first World Series game in their own ballpark.

Here's what I hope isn't once in a lifetime:
1. My presence at a World Series game.

Go Rangers!

Not Created Equal

Five days ago I treated myself to a manicure and pedicure. With polish. Toes AND fingers. All ten toes still look beautiful. And so do all ten fingers!! What's up with that?

The secret is a new polish that the nail tech encouraged me to try. She promised TWO WEEKS with no chips. Seriously? I can't go two DAYS without a chip.

It's called UV gel polish. She painted it on like regular polish, but between each coat my hand went under a UV light. It's the only way this polish will dry. (Kind of like Sherwin-Williams meets the Easy Bake Oven.) So you walk out of the salon ready to go - no worries about messing up your nails.

After housework - no chips. After yard work (no gloves!) - no chips. Bathing and hair washing - no chips. I'm sold.

Make your appointment today.

What I Would Wear: Hiking

My apologies to Laura's friend Stephanie for stealing this title. But it is the perfect title for this perfect outfit.

Shirt and vest from Old Navy. All other clothing from her closet. Hiking stick from Grandad's garage.

And it just doesn't get any cuter than that.

Wooden It Be Nice?

Did you have one of these in your backyard when you were growing up?

We did. I remember that Dad got it from Old Mexico, and we spent lots of time playing house. It was always cozy, clean and tidy. Just like my house now! A good number of mud pies began in that kitchen.

When we were in Aunt LuRene's backyard, we played with something entirely different.

Know what it is? Well, it depends. It could be a table, full of pimento cheese sandwiches and pickles. Or it could be a stage with a tiny performer on top, singing her latest hit. Or - if three or four were lined up - it could be a runway, where the current Miss America was waving to her adoring fans.

Whatever it was, it was fun!

Treated Like a Queen

I've just finished celebrating my birthday and it's been a wonderful day -- uh, make that a wonderful four days! Why limit yourself to one?

At the United Way Fund Raiser a couple of weeks ago, Mitch and I bid on and won a "Romance Package": three nights away at three romantic destinations. So we picked one and started celebrating. And it was a doozy.

Rough Creek Lodge in the countryside near Glen Rose, Texas. The essence of casual elegance (at least that's what their website says!) A delicious 3 course dinner prepared by Chef Gerard Thompson, a luxurious guestroom, a full-spread breakfast buffet, and to finish it off -- couples massages!

We staggered out of there and headed off to the Texas Ranger's first ever American League Championship Series game. Against the Yankees. And the Rangers did great -- until the top of the 8th. Ouch. Close, but no win. But it was great fun, and I loved every minute of it.

Saturday was a play-day with Julie and my precious grandchildren. Today they were all here for lunch. I love every second I get to spend with them. I love their happy smiles, their energy, their giggles and shrieks. My heart actually swells when I'm with them. I know this is true. I feel it happen. They are the best!

Another comment on my birthday: Mitch gave me a wonderful gift. (And I mean a physical gift -- in addition to the gift of his time and attention.) A few weeks ago we spent time in New Mexico watching the aspen trees change colors. It was so pretty and we enjoyed it very much. So he takes me to the James Avery Jewelry Store, buys me this aspen leaf pendant, and places it on a beautiful silver chain.

I just love a guy that comes up with a sentimental gift.

And I love a guy that makes something special like this, too!

It's true. It's good to be Queen.

Perfect Timing

We had a special outing yesterday to Inn of the Mountain Gods. While there we did a little reminiscing.

We had been spending time at a Lucas family reunion in Colorado and were heading back home. Something came up at Mitch's work that required him to return, so he booked a flight in Albuquerque. The girls and I dropped him off there, and we drove on down to Ruidoso and began our stay with the Mountain Gods.

Here's what I remember about our girl time there:

1. Room service for dinner

2. ... with dessert!

3. Paddling around the lake in a canoe

4. ... and Julie being the only decent paddler in the boat!

Mitch took care of the work problem and was back with us in New Mexico before dinner the next day. And we had a fancy one in the Inn's dining room that night where everything was a production. With dessert, I had a cup of hot tea and even that was a show -- me making my selection from their box of assorted teas. Little eyes were watching.

Next morning at breakfast, Laura excitedly ordered a cup of hot tea. She was so disappointed when a Lipton tea bag showed up in her cup of hot water. Mitch realized what was wrong, had a quiet conversation with our waiter, and soon there was a sweet little girl deciding just which tea bag she would choose from the selection box. It made for a happy girl -- and a happy memory for us.

I think we will have lots of happy memories from this week that we've been at our New Mexico home. One of them will be the changing leaves of the Aspen trees. We have perfect timing for that this year. The leaves of these beautiful trees change from a summery green to a pale gold to a rich deep red. We're in the gold stage today.

Come on red!

Aromas In the Air

And the aroma is -- pinon wood! Pinon has a very distinctive fragrance, and it's common to smell it burning in chimineas and firepits here in New Mexico. This one just happened to be on our back porch this evening.

And there was another scent in the air in Texas -- birthday cake! Well, I really don't know if there was cake or not but there should have been. Today is my dad's birthday. The 78th one he's celebrated. Happy Birthday, Dad! (And here's a little photo of him during a birth day we celebrated earlier this year.)

When I was little I always loved it when Dad would sing. I think it happened twice a year, most years anyway. One song was at Christmas -- Up On the Rooftop. He sang the Ho-Ho-Ho. Beautifully, I might add. And we loved it. It's a favorite Christmas memory of mine.

The other song was Perry Como's A - You're Adorable. It goes like this: A - you're adorable; B - you're so beautiful; C - you're a cutie full of charm. Etc.) I can't remember him ever singing past the T, but it didn't matter. We loved the song, and we loved him singing it.

So, as his birthday comes to a close, I'd like my dad to remember this sentimental sentiment: Alphabetically speaking, you're OK.

Love you, Dad!

Our Slice of Heaven

We are blessed to be spending this week in our cabin in New Mexico. The breeze is cool, but the sun is warm. The trees are majestic, the air is clean, and -- what is that I smell?? It's homemade bread!

Mitch got up this morning and made a loaf of honey sunflower whole wheat bread. Absolutely yummy.

I guess I have a couple of slices today.