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.

Youth Leaders

One of my favorite things to do growing up was going to Sunday night youth group. It started in junior high, and it was over with when high school ended.

The junior high leader was Mrs. Rader. She, her husband, and their two children - Pat and Paula - lived in a modest home in a modest neighborhood. She could be counted on to keep everyone in line, make everything run smoothly, and always let us know that she loved us through and through. Even if you were a rascal. But I wasn't.

Mr. Rader went on to heaven on a schedule that I thought was too soon. Pat and Paula still live nearby, although I've not kept in touch with either of them. But Mrs. Rader is still around, going to the same church, and - I'm sure - still keeping things running in smooth order and showing God's love to His children, no matter their age.

Our senior high leaders were Burl and Suzanne. (There was another couple that lead before them, and they taught valuable lessons too. But they were the "bad" example sort.) Burl and Suzanne lived in a big house in a fancy part of town. They had a house full of little boys and the energy to match them. And they still had the energy for us, too. Loving, giving, hearts open to everyone. That described them then, and it still describes them now.

Like Mrs. Rader, Burl and Suzanne are still around, too. Different church now, but still involved - with their kids and grandkids, with their friends, and with who knows what project or cause. I'm convinced that Suzanne has a special gift with prayer. Not so much reciting one out loud, although I'm sure she does that well. I mean she has a special prayerful spirit that God finds favor with. All I know is that if I have something that I really think needs praying over, I want Suzanne to know about it.

And then there are my friends that grew up in youth group with me. My cousin Sherry and I always went together, so I think of her first. She's gone on to heaven. Been there 10 years now. I still miss her every day. The girls: me, Karen, Jan, Candice, Sharon. We're spread out but I could find each of them quickly. The guys: Butch, Joe, Johnny, Pat. They are all still in our hometown. Good men, but I expect they still have their rascally days!

You shall teach them (God's laws) to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
(Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV)

Sew, I'm Back!

Two months of no blogging. Shame on me. Did you miss me? Well, I didn't really think you would. But now I'm back. And there's lots going on in my life. So get ready for a little daily ramble from me.

Exciting news today. I have a new iPhone 4! I've been wanting one and my super nice husband ordered me one. The order went out two days ago. I was told to expect it to be shipped in 5 to 10 days and it was to be sent by 2-day delivery. So the delivery today took me by total surprise! Fun to be me today!

Here's a short trip down memory lane. When I was in high school, I was really in to sewing. Specifically making dresses. One year I made a formal for one of my very best friends, Mary Lou. It was blue and I remember the fabric had a design (something like a paisley?) inside of a wide stripe. Horizontal, of course, for that slimming effect. The design and stripe were raised and a little fuzzy. I don't know what that type of material was called, but it was pretty. Really. Before Mary Lou wore it, I entered the dress in the creative arts division of the local stock show/rodeo. And it won. Blue dress -- blue ribbon. See, I told you it was pretty. Mary Lou liked it, too. And she's still my very best friend.

Now going down (wish I had a better) memory lane. What formal occasion were we invited to?

Although I stopped blogging, I didn't stop Postcrossing. I'll share a few every day until I'm caught up.

Amanda from Alabama sent this card of the Gulf Coast, and who wouldn't love to be right there right now? I know I would. If the card isn't enough to droll over, she writes to me about the delicious loaf of sourdough bread she made that morning. Fun to be her!

Vincent Van Gogh's Vase with Carnations was sent by Tori from Connecticut. Her exciting news is that she's getting married! February 19, 2011 is the day she's waiting for. I remember how exciting those times were. Again I'll say: fun to be her!

Lastly, I've received this pretty card from Galya and you'll never guess where it's from. Here's a hint: she says the weather is beautiful, sunny and hot. Ready to guess yet? You'll never get it. She sent the card from Siberia! What?? I thought Siberia was like a freezer. Guess not. You learn something every day!

Today was good. And fun!

Good Times

We have been letting the good times roll lately. Lucky us!

A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of staying at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Lots of action there. The hotel was all decorated with the Alice in Wonderland theme. It lit up real pretty at night. The room was quiet and cozy. Food was good. Drinks were good. Company was great!

We met up with three of our friends. Dinner was Mexican food at Esparza's. Afterward, we went to the Glass Cactus at the hotel. Fun music by the Spazmatics. We heard it from the balcony overlooking the lake -- and that was close enough! Did I say the chocolate martini was excellent?

We've decided our next get-together will be at The Stoneleigh in Dallas. That will be fun, too.

Good times continued over the 4th of July holiday. Our weather was slightly overcast, so the temperatures were down a little. That always helps! The parade on Saturday was great, as usual. And lunch and visiting with the in-laws is always a good time. Sunday was time to shoot grandson's rockets (who knew how much fun that would be?) and then family and friends settled in for fireworks. Several neighbors put on their own show before the big event over the lake.

The grandkids and I collaborated on Monday morning breakfast. Sausage, biscuits and eggs. They're good cooks.

All in all, we are blessed with good times and fun memories for the future.

And chocolate martinis.