Introducing --- LITTLE MAC!!

After my 12 year period of loyalty to Saturn (more about that later), I've purchased a new car. I love it! It can SCOOT!!! Great sound system, 6 speed manual transmission, great dials and gadgets and all kinds of stuff I'm still playing with. Suffice to say, I got exactly what I wanted -- all thanks to CarMax! My second purchase from this company and I TOTALLY recommend them. Yes, Dr. Mac will be seen revving around Corpus Christi and having a blast!!!! Oh - and I still have my Saturn. Oldest friends are often the bestest friends :)

Whooo left the surprise?

Whoever left the little (hand-made) owl earrings in my mailbox at work -- thank you. The smile they brought to a very long day is genuine and your kindness is so appreciated. I just wish I knew to whom I owed a hug....

Dr. Mac

Sundays in Big D

JP doesn't cook much. He can do basic stuff, but, well, cooking scares most guys and JP is a guy so there ya go. So, when I come to Dallas I spend Sundays (in this case Monday as we had a holiday) filling the freezer with goodies to last till I get back to refill. It's appreciated, and I don't worry about him quite so much....Before: one little container from the last visit. I got back just in time.
A couple of italian casseroles fresh out of the oven.And some chicken casseroles. There's a big pot of chili involved but chili just isn't a very photogenic subject. All packed up and ready to thaw for dinner. This should last until the next visit! Bon Appetit JP!!

Cheap Thrills!

Annie had to go out of town, so Audrey spent the night this week. I told her we were going to the (Dollar) store and she could pick out anything she wanted. Her eyes, large as saucers, looked and looked and looked all over the store. Finally, she spotted what she wanted. A little plastic green turtle, and it cost 25 cents! What a deal - she loved it. So she played with it and some other toys in the bathtub: And then she asked to take it bed, so she fell asleep with it. In the morning, before I had to wake her: Look at what is still in her little hand: I love you Audrey Anne!

Presidential Inauguration Day 2009

Made in China

JP and I found some awesome barstools for a steal this weekend. We kept wondering why the manufacturer was practically giving them away. So, we borrowed a truck and got them to his apartment. They were unassembled. JP wasn't too happy about that but I convinced him that we could do it. This was fine till we discovered there were NO DIRECTIONS INCLUDED. Nada.

One half of the hardware. I sorted while JP was acting less than thrilled with the task ahead.
Assembling. Patience was wearing thin - I suggested waiting till we get directions but my prodding only received a silent reply.

The first time didn't turn out so good so we started over. I think the look on his face is priceless.
We tried every sort of combination and eventually were successful!



A couple of new cushions that match the couch! Most importantly, in spite of some testy moments, we remain friends :)

Pete Comes Galloping Home

This is a beautiful oil painting that JP's mother completed three years ago - click for enlarged view. Ruth was 80 at the time. The painting has been shuffled around as things sometimes are when life gets complicated. Suffice to say, it made it back to JP's apartment this weekend during my stay in Dallas. I had never seen it before though JP had tried to describe it. I was amazed. I never, ever knew how beautiful it was. She is an incredibly talented woman! I wish you could see it in person - the detail in the eye, beautiful mane, soft mouth - the horse's personality so shines through. It is an awesome composition. Ruth's nickname was Pete when she was growing up -- that's another story. We decided to name the horse Pete in her honor. I am so proud to know her and to love her!