Monday, December 17, 2012

10. Movie Night at Gramma and Gramp's

"Tangled" of course. Again. We did "Pete's Dragon" later. And I'm thankful for popcorn, too .

Saturday, December 1, 2012

More Thanksgiving

5. That Crazy Huge Moon the last few nights. Coming up like the sun. Pink and orange. Incredible. 

6. Helicopters and doctors. Care Bear's FIL was life flighted last night after a car accident. It was a precaution, Thank You Jesus. He has a small bleeder in his head but the doctors say it will heal on its own. They will be watching him for awhile though.

7. Texting. I was able to get info on said FIL without bothering his dear wife who is frazzled enough. I really miss texting Care Bear. She doesn't have a cell phone yet Across the Pond. Yet. (Does Santa need more hints??)

8. The DeLeon Ladies. They know who they are. I'm sure those who got my email prayed. And they check up on me. 

9. Fridays when Cuddle Buns comes to the country. 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas Chaos

What is the Latin line? Out of chaos comes order? Let us hope so. Yesterday's chaos:

I went into the MetroPlex. Cars. Shoppers. Construction. Chaos.

I came home and unloaded the car. Michael's and Target and Peir 1 and a different kind of chaos. 

Actual text to Cuddle Buns last night: 

"If I die in the night you HAVE to come clean the house before anyone comes in to get me. I have never had such a mess since the kids were little and I had the flu."

I'm not sure there is hope for the chaos in the MetroPlex. But my hope is that today I get all of the Christmas decor purchased yesterday squared away and orderly. Creatively. 

We have been given a challenge at church: "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 We are supposed to make a list. 

Was thinking about being thankful. Not go around the table and just say what comes to mind that you are thankful for. REALLY THANKFUL. Heart thankful. Even for things that don't make sense. IN EVERYTHING.

We are making a list at church. I'm going to try to keep up with mine here, because, well, I'm horrible at follow-through and keeping up with notebooks and lists. 

1. Traffic lights. Especially in the MetroPlex. ANY MetroPlex, even Stephenville. Yes, I don't like waiting at them. BUT, what a mess things would be without them. I am sincere here. Yesterday I got stopped behind one of those blinking reds. Where everyone was supposed to stop and then go, but some don't and some hesitate and messes ensue. Can you imagine all traffic lights blinking red? Can you imagine NO stop lights? And don't get me started on  if we were still a British colony and had round-abouts. 

2. My little home. When I drive up after being away, I am just washed over in gratitude! 

3. Cool weather. Great time for a knitter.

4. Rudy Patootie. My faithful sidekick until Cuddle Buns gets here. Then he is a bit traitorous. (Rudy, not Cuddle Buns.) But I don't know what I'd do without him! He makes me smile. And laugh sometimes too!



Monday, November 19, 2012

Inconceivable!

Cuddle Buns knows my hate/hate relationship with sports announcers. Terrible grammar. Inane discussion over each little play. Over and over and over.

But just came across this:


If they have actually seen "The Princess Bride" they have climbed a notch in my judgement.

Even if they haven't seen it, just referring to it makes them cool guys.

PS...Rudy hunts ROUSs.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Rocking the Vote

I fully intended to vote early but was a little under the weather last week.

Maybe that was for the best.

Last week I would have had to have gone to the courthouse in Comanche.

This is where I was assigned to go today.


When I went earlier this morning there were 3 folks ahead of me in line. The printer with the little label thing to sign was not working and while we waiting a few more people joined us in line. I chose to stop back by later and found myself at the front of the line.

As I left, the crowds started again. Two cars drove up as I was leaving.


I love the country.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

We're gonna need a bigger bucket


I picked these up between the car and the house last night.


Ok. That's a bit of an exaggeration. I did go investigate a couple of trees off that route.

BUT, just now I counted 25 pecan trees in our yard. 

Anyone have a really really good pecan pie recipe? Pecan bars? Pecan butter? Pecan anything???


Friday, September 28, 2012

Several things...


Rudy misses his daddy. Been sleeping on his pillow



The new floor, shower, and tile are in the little bath! Once this sets up, the trim and sink and toilet go in. (The blue is painter's tape.)


And, although common place in the Houston area lately, not so much here: 
 IT IS RAINING!!
And I haven't had the air conditioner on since last night. Gorgeous breeze.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I'm not MIA...

My one reader wants an update...so here it is. Carla, this is for you.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Great Yard Cleanup

She had the equipment and outfit...





Just not the vision!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Never dull.


The Grand Princess and I awoke to survey the damage of the small but scary storm that hit last night about 8:30.



The storm made me wish we had the storm cellar spider free and clean with flashlights and drinking water and blankets. The lack of rain here in central Texas has helped create a lot of flying limbs. Fortunately, we only lost Internet power. (The tragedy of it all! No Netflix! The Grand Princess had to rely on movies we had on the iPod.)

While we were surveying the damage, the cows came back!








The GP knew these weren't the ones she had named. She started thinking of new names. But other distractions were on the agenda:

New Playdough


And we have been itching to paint the library.



I left out the glitter glue. I'd rather not think about it. It will mysteriously be missing tomorrow.



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Great Koi Rescue

We have a Koi pond here in the country. Since we moved in we have only guessed as to how many fish were in the pond. It was impossible to see more than about a quarter of an inch into the water. The owners left vague directions about the filter-it was supposedly on the west side.But the pond and fish were really low on the list of to-do priorities. 

Early last week the pump died. The Grand Princess and I "watered" the fish a couple of times a day to try to keep some circulation going. But that certainly wasn't going to keep the fish alive. So we made a trip to Home Depot for a new pump/filter and my handy dandy son-in-law led the troops to 



capture a couple dozen Koi,



 drain the slimy pond,





 refill the pond


 and release the fish into a cleaner home. 


Two of the little guys gave their lives for their buds. We were saddened by their passing. But thrilled their friends are in now safe.

Friday, June 29, 2012

OhOh

The Grand Princess spent a considerable amount of time naming all the cows in the field while we were sitting on the swing night before last.

Two big semi trailers just pulled down the ranch lane and out the gate. Hope that Rebecca and Frisco and Ally weren't on board.

Hope TGP can't tell them apart from the swing tonight.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Such Fun!

Hobbit has come to the country for a visit. She brought his human mom and sister. I think she is having a good time.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

This is Pickles

Rudy doesn't know Pickles. But I told my friend Nancy that I needed to put his picture on Rudy's blog. So, Rudy, meet Pickles.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I'm having a really nice day

That song is from "The Wild". Not near as well known as "Madagascar" but about the same story. And that song that is really great.

A year ago today my car was totaled. I'm only telling you this because yesterday it died. Painfully. On the side of a country road about a mile from my house. Three people drove by. Three people stopped. (Actually four drove by but one didn't stop because there were already helpers on hand.) Only Kyle knew a little about cars and recommended I not drive it. Blown gasket? Sure. Ok. He packed up my groceries and Tex Mex carry out in his pickup and "Ma'am"ed me all the way to the house. He's a student at Tarlington. Wants to be a vet. Very nice young man. Judy came to tow my car away but then had tow truck problems and had to leave it. But she took the keys to the repair shop this morning and they got it before I was out of my jammies. Doesn't this sound like good news/bad news?

In the words of a great philosopher (Care Bear) it really was a pretty nice day. Got rescued by a hunky young man AND found my new favorite Tex Mex place.

After a morning of working on the place I'm now eating lunch on my swing with my new friend. That is my salad dressing he is on.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Butterfly Sanctuary

Got up in the country to find a gazzillian butterflies everywhere. Monarchs mostly. Amazing flurry all around me. Impossible to photograph. Amazing.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Half Naked Men

Getting ready to go back to the country today. Was walking Rudy minutes ago for his morning constitutional. He is well known and quite loved here in the complex. Just saying. We were walking near the far side of the complex where there is unchartered grass and fresh smells. A young man came out of an apartment with no shirt. Then I realized he had no pants either. Just a towel.

I made a nervous chuckle. He nodded his head toward Rudy and said "That looks like fun."

Really? Compared to running around a parking lot wrapped in nothing but a towel??!!

I had a nightmare last week that I was late for my dental appointment because I couldn't find clean underwear. Suppose I was part of his nightmare?

Probably not.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

PROGRESS!

Despite the fact that I feel like I'm in heaven because I have these in my yard:


and I get to see this most every evening:


from this great sitting spot:


I now have the Internet. The best of both worlds. 

Monday, February 27, 2012

And now for something completely different...


Check out the guy second from last. With the hair.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Poop

I know that the three of you may feel this post is inappropriate. I was telling my SIL about some of my observations concerning Rudy's poop recently, all the while thinking (but unable to shut up) that "I can't believe I'm talking about this and she already thinks I'm nuts!"

But I've notice something while living in the apartment AND I think Rudy may have issues.

When we lived in the house, I would just let Rudy out the back door and no observations were made. He often didn't poop when we walked back then. When you walk your dog you HAVE to notice how often they poop. Plastic bags are involved, at least in populated areas.  (So it is more eco-friendly to put plastic bags in the landfills than leave my dog's poop in the grass.) (Having said that, I have stepped in poop of big dogs here in the apartment complex that had not been put in a plastic bag and then ended up in a landfill. It is a tricky situation.) (I most likely will not be carrying plastic bags in the country.)

I have noticed that Rudy must have just the right place to poop. AND, if there are a lot of smells, even when it is 40 degrees or pouring rain, he has to smell them all to find just the right place. Even, sometimes, with false starts. "WAIT! OVER HERE!" "NO! THIS SPOT IS BETTER!!" There are a lot of dogs here in the apartment complex. A LOT. So, that means there are a lot of smells. Dog smells. Unfamiliar dog smells.

Did I mention it was a little chilly outside this morning?

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Counting My Blessings

I do not want to be here. Rudy doesn't want to be here. He likes the country. I love the country. So, I've been trying to list the good things about apartment living:


  1. Easy access to Target.
  2. My friends are here.
  3. There are lovely trees around our building and the birds in the morning are amazing. (They cover the road noise from 59. Kind of.)
  4. Speaking of road noise, we have easy access to 59. 
  5. There is fast food close by.
  6. I am walking more. Rudy can't just be let out. So, I'm getting in a half dozen mini-walks a day. This is good exercise AND  is calming.
  7. Cleaning is a breeze. 3 tiny rooms. 
  8. My church of 30 years is here. I look forward to meeting new friends in a new church. BUT, 30 years is a long time! (How many preachers have come and gone??)
  9. There is a drainage ditch bayou behind our place and these huge turtles bask on the sides. Cool. There are huge rabbits back there, too. Rudy discovered the rabbits yesterday.
  10. I have the Internet....mostly. And TV (although I've discovered I'm not watching it as much)(which is probably a good thing).
There may be more. I'll let you know.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Good News/Bad News

The Bad News is that I'm back in Humble/Kingwood. I left this yesterday after lunch:


The Good News is that I get to pick the Grand Princess up from school today and have her spend the night. AND I get to go scrapping tomorrow. AND I get to shop for various items I need for these:
My new kitchen
My new LIBRARY
Our new yard

Notice it is MY kitchen and Library but OUR yard. Although I think I'll become more exterior...I'm still claiming interior decorating rights.


Rudy is definitely exterior. There is this little stone fence around our house that keeps him contained. Much to his annoyance. He loves the exterior of the exterior. 



Saturday, January 28, 2012

This is for Carla and Carrie


Where we live now. Well, not exactly. This is Comanche. Right across from the county courthouse which is not nearly as interesting as this western store on the square. Our new address is actually Dublin. Dr. Pepper Dublin. Or formerly Dr. Pepper Dublin. 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Patience

I have been warned, by my sister-in-law who lives on 100 Acre Ranch in Lamkin, Texas (Google the population of that community!) and our new Dublin neighbor who we met briefly on Friday (more on that in a minute), that living in the country will take a little getting used to. I am prepared to fill the freezer with empty calorie items that can't be delivered to the house. This one thing does have me a bit concerned. I love my delivery.

But I went to HEB yesterday. Here in the traffic. And the masses. And the no school for MLK Day. And I know in the country there will be inconsiderate folk who park their carts right in the middle of the aisle and are oblivious to all behind them. And I know there will be unruly kids there who aren't paying attention to mom telling them to get out of the way. If, in fact, mom was paying attention. And I know there will be sackers who would rather talk to the checker than bag my groceries. AND, I know there will be traffic on the way home who travel at the speed of molasses and don't use their turn signals.

But I just don't think there will be as many of them!

So about our new neighbor. Cuddle Buns and I were walking our new property when we noticed a big white pickup near the gate. The only people coming near our gate should be Army Corp of Engineer people, the owners of the ranch across the easement, or someone we know. So we watched. As we were leaving, the driver of the truck asked if we knew where the smoke was coming from. That was when we noticed quite a plume behind our house toward the lake. Or maybe on the other side of the dam. She was out checking things given the fires of late in Texas. And, she grew up in our house. And now lives on the ranch across the easement part time. (In Denton the rest of the time.) We exchanged phone numbers and she promised the house would be safe, that the Corp had the fire under control. And not to listen to John, the officer at the abstract company who had handled our closing. He had told a story about a party in our house when they were in high school. And she needed to get with him about the reunion.

I don't live there yet, but I love the country.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rudy's New Playground-For Real This Time

I have hesitated to post anything because of an earlier post where I put pictures of Rudy's new playground...and then the deal fell through. But this deal is signed, sealed, and will be delivered shortly! (We won't have the keys for a few days.) But Rudy and Cuddle Buns and I are making a move to the country. We are beside ourselves!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Hope Yours Were the Best

I was not given permission to post this on Facebook....so here it is for the vast number of my blog readers to view. We had the best Christmas. Hope yours were awesome, too!