Austin Friends: Bridget and Jim

I was fortunate enough to meet Bridget at the high school where I worked after we moved to Austin. She and Jim were dating then, so Dave and I got to go to their wedding. And, I got super lucky because Dave and Jim hit it off. I held Connor, who's now 3, when he was a few days old.

Moving to Dallas kind of put a hamper on the get-togethers, but our friendship has persisted. Dave and I were able to swing by this afternoon to greet the newest member of the family, Ethan. At less than a month old, Ethan is sleeping through the night. He was very content this afternoon while we were visiting. I hope he continues to be an easy-going baby.

Connor is growing into a smart, inquisitive child. He quickly had Dave pull out the frog pod we brought them. (Dave's company did a booth for the company that makes this bath toy collector; we've bought four now. Every friend who has kids gets one from us.) Connor kept checking out the pieces to figure out how everything went together. He was content to play while the adults tried to catch up in a couple of hours.

While the visit was brief, the moments and the friends are cherished.

Video of Josh Wake Boarding

This is my first attempt at a video on both my camera and the blog. Dave made videos of me attempting to wake board, but they're really not very interesting. There's a bit of a glare on this short video of Josh. Around the 35 second part, he has a nice jump across the wake, just keep watching. Near the end when I stopped, he almost hit a tree on the shore.




Now that I know I can do this, I'll have to take more videos with my camera.

Austin Friends: Josh and Sara

This weekend, we took a trip back to Austin to visit friends. While living there, we were fortunate enough to have three sets of friends wherein both the husbands and wives really like each other--Josh and Sara; Bridget and Jim; Adam and Tina.

Since Dave and Josh were fraternity brothers, we've all known each other for quite a while. It's great to visit friends and know that you'll have a good time just talking and catching up.

We arrived Friday night and talked for a while before heading to bed. Saturday morning Sara made a great French toast bake for breakfast while the boys went to pick up the boat. After breakfast, we headed down to Lake Austin to play in their wake boarding boat. The weather was nice for a change. It's rained more than not recently in Austin so Josh and Sara haven't gotten to take the boat out as much as they'd like to this year.

Josh and Sara made wakeboarding look so effortless.
Sara even remembers to smile for the camera before we take off.

Dave and I had to try. I was up first. I tried, tried, and tried again and again and again, but I simply do not possess a strong enough grip or enough upper body strength to pull myself up. I had low expectations going in since a few summers ago I attempted to waterski with no success at Bob and Judy's.

Dave was reluctant, but got in the water to try. His first three tries were unsuccessful, but each attempt was better than the previous one. The next try showed regression. He was able to get up for about 3 seconds before calling round number one a loss. Josh and Sara each had another ride before Dave tried again, still to no avail. Josh and Sara are patient and would have stayed out there with us all day trying to let us be successful; however, our muscles gave out sooner than that.

We cruised down the lake (really it's a river; I don't know why it's called a lake), admiring the houses with infinity edge pools and boat houses that cost more than our house before anchoring in a cove for a few hours. We had a light lunch before jumping in the water to cool off. Dave jokingly asked if he had to wait two hours before going swimming. Sara graciously told him he didn't have to wait. The water was warm on the surface, but dotted with cold pockets of water. Around 3:30, a dark cloud began to loom to the west, and we felt a few sprinkles, so we called it a day.

Since Dave and I are having a difficult time finding barbecue in the DFW area that rivals what we were accustomed to eating in Austin, we headed to County Line for dinner. Dave's eyes were bigger than his belly, when he ordered a full rack of baby back ribs. Sara and I each had too much brisket, chicken, and sausage. A doggie bag filled with barbecue accompanied us home. Josh turned it into a delicious Sunday breakfast, when he scrambled it with a dozen eggs.

Visiting Josh and Sara also means being entertained by their pets. Barley and Hops are two of the funniest cats I've ever seen. Dave attempted to print something early this morning. Little did he realize that the printer was the "call of the cats." As soon as they heard the printer they came running to the office. Barley perched on the desk to watch the inkjet move back and forth on the paper before beginning to swat at the paper. We are always entertained by what Barley has carried out while you are not watching. When we returned from dinner, he had swiped a ponytail holder and a headband of mine--which is better than two summers ago when he dragged my underwear into the living room while I was showering.

Pepper is a cute dog; she and Dave have an interesting relationship--he's always been very easily able to get her all riled up and barking. As we arrived I asked him not to provoke her into barking. Easier said than done, she barked her greeting to Dave as soon as she saw him. This morning Dave sat in the floor playing with Pepper. She can hold a tennis ball in her mouth and bark at Dave at the same time. Dave was growling at her, which made her bark. I shot him a look so he softened his growling to a "grrrr." Pepper continued to play-bow and bark. Finally, Dave spelled, "G--R---R". Pepper must not be up on her spelling, so she didn't bark back. She's such a playful dog! (I'm sure she thinks the same of Dave.)

It's fantastic to get to visit friends--especially when the agenda is to relax and catch up!

A Plea for Common Sense

Remember that scene in Sweet Home Alabama when Reese Witherspoon's character, Mel says, "You've got a baby----in a bar"?

Last night we went to Billy Bob's with my friend Stacy, her husband Dale, and two of her friends to hear Restless Heart. I knew about four songs the band played. Dave and I knew we were in for a great show when the band opened with a ZZ Top cover. The great thing about going to Billy Bob's is people-watching. Dave and I had to exercise caution, lest Stacy and her friends think we were mean.

However, there is one sight we were all equally appalled by--the presence of strollers in a bar. Dave and I typically always see kids in Billy Bob's. We are still uncomfortable with the crazy Texas law that allows children in bars when accompanied by their parents. Usually the kids we see are at least 8 years old. When we went to see the Randy Rogers Band in March, I was shocked by the mother-daughter matching denim skirts. What mom says, "Hey sweetie, put on your shortest skirt, and I'll show you how to be a bar fly"?


Last night, however, the babies were out. The youngest babe in arms was perhaps 12 to 18 months old; he was being twirled around the dance floor by his older sister who might have been 5. A sweet tow-headed blonde boy of 2-3 was asleep in his stroller; his older sisters who might have been 4 to 6 rounded out the family night out at Billy Bob's. Oh, did I mention, we got there about 9:20? Why would a parent take his/her child(ren) to a bar? It's loud; it's smokey. People are drinking; others have had too much to drink. If you can't afford a baby sitter, then perhaps you should stay home.

I've been searching the web for the statute that allows minors in bars, but haven't found it yet. I'm sure this goes under the "fiercely independent" spirit of Texas, but perhaps conformity in this regard might be better.

Another of the many things, we would like to make a plea for is common sense when choosing attire--especially for an evening out on the town. I know the ladies want to look good for the gentlemen, but I wonder if many of them own full length mirrors and stand in front of them as they get dressed. One of my favorite outfits was donned by a lady selling roses to the men for their women; this portly dame was wearing a tank top and skirt set replicating the Texas flag. We saw short skirts on ladies with large thighs, tank tops with built in bras on ladies that needed a lot more support, v-necks cut the to navel on ladies with droopy boobs. Really? Please look in the mirror before you leave home. I'm sure there were some attractive ladies there, but with this menagerie, I don't have to worry about Dave seeing anyone more attractive than me. Actually, I do get a huge self-esteem boost when surrounded by those who don't look in the mirror before going out.

But for Pete's sake, leave your kids at home!

Conversation with the Backseat

Last night leaving the movie theater, Landon asked if he could ride home with us. I told him that he needed to ask his dad, whose hand he was holding at the time. Arrangements were made, a car seat was moved, and Dave and I set out with Landon and Hayden in the backseat. Dave’s truck was at the restaurant where we’d eaten dinner. We were planning to leave it there, then return for it after we dropped the boys off. Jimmy remembered the truck, so we wound up letting Dave get in the truck.

So it’s me and the boys. I drive adults around all the time, but Jimmy and Devin have entrusted two of their children to my care—I was probably overly cautious. And, I worried a bit about Landon being nervous about losing site of his parents. Landon expressed no concern about not seeing his parents’ Suburban at all times. Hayden inquired as to where his dad was once, but I assured him that Jimmy was just ahead. Hayden then wanted to know if I knew the way to their house in case we got separated from Jimmy. I assured him that I did. (I guess he wasn't thinking about all the times I had been over to his house.)

I often chuckle at the conversations Devin overhears from the backseat. Last night I was smiling at the conversation I was having with the backseat.

Hayden decided that since I was following Jimmy and since Dave was following me, it was sort of like a parade. I was then informed that Hayden was wearing Landon’s hat, but that Devin had made it bigger for Hayden. Hayden told me about his tae kwon do classes. I asked about his spring soccer season, so he told me that his team made it to the championship and got necklaces with medals. Then, he shared with me how his friend Calista (I think that was her name) told him that he was letting the team down when he didn’t want to keep playing soccer.

Landon interjected about this time, calling my name, “Daranda”. I asked him to wait a minute while Hayden finished his story. Landon waited patiently while Hayden told me more about tae kwon do for another couple of minutes without taking a breath. (I swear Reagan must be giving him lessons.)

As soon as I could, I quickly asked Landon what it was that he wanted to tell me. I was informed that when he got home he was going to take his shoes and socks off and have an ice cream sandwich. Hayden asked me if I’d like an ice cream sandwich and told me about how they had eaten all the ones with chocolate chips, but they had bought some more “regular” ones. I inquired as to favorite ice cream flavors. Hayden says he likes vanilla and cookies and cream. When I said cookies and cream was my favorite, Landon said he liked it, too.

We saw an airport shuttle bus, which Landon called a school bus. I agreed that some school and church buses do look like that. Hayden corrected Landon telling him it was an airport bus. Then they reminisced about how much fun it was to ride an airport bus in Colorado.

As we turned off of the highway onto the busy four-lane road, Hayden asked me if the windows were locked. I responded that they weren’t and added, “Should I lock them?” On the inside I was also thinking, “Oh no, the doors aren’t locked either.” Hayden said I didn’t have to lock them. But I did tease them and tell them I was locking the doors. (Whew, I don’t have to worry about a kid opening the door going down the highway, now that we’re more than half-way home.) Hayden informed me that they could roll their windows down when we turned into their neighborhood. He went on to tell me that it isn’t safe to have your windows rolled down on the highway, relating a terrible story about a man who had a bolt pierce his neck when he was driving down the road with his window down. We talked about how the man was like Frankenstein, except it was sad because Frankenstein was make-believe and this man was hurt by the bolt. Landon asked what a bolt was, and Hayden explained that it’s kind of like a nail and a screwdriver. I didn’t figure this was the time to go into the distinction between a screw and a screwdriver.

Then Hayden asked if my car had a radio. I responded that I did have a radio and asked if they wanted to listen to it. Ever the gentleman, Hayden responded, “That would be nice, if you want to.” I turned on the radio asking them what kind of music they like. Hayden said that Sutton listens to country, but they like Kids Bop (or something like that—I’m not hip to the six year-old and under music scene). We decided on country since that’s what station I had it on. Of course the song that was on was “Some Beach”—which the singer uses for a phrase that sounds like “some beach” but is inappropriate for three and six year-olds. Thankfully, the song was in the lyrics, not the suggestive chorus, so I switched it to another country station quickly.

We turned into the neighborhood, Hayden put his window down, and Landon asked me to put his down. We puttered along slowly lest any random bolts come flying our way; since my back windows don’t go down all the way, I figured the boys would be safe. Hayden asked why the windows wouldn’t go down all the way. I smiled and said, “So dogs and kids can’t jump out.” He sagaciously added that “It would hurt to jump from a moving vehicle.” Dave says Hayden’s much smarter than Mason (our dog who has fallen out of the truck twice) since he has that figured out.

We made it home with no incident. Dave was little bummed that he missed the ride; he knew it would be a hoot, and indeed, it was.

Hairspray

Last night we met Devin, Jimmy, and the kids for dinner and a movie. Dave, Jimmy, Hayden, and Landon went to Ratatouille, while the girls went to Hairspray. I vividly remember the original 1988 Jon Waters film with Ricki Lake, Divine, Sonny Bono, and Debbie Harry. Luckily, my aunt Lesa turned me on the the film. There are scenes from the original film that didn't make it into the new film, but I can see how those wouldn't transfer well onto the stage. I've ordered a copy of the original to share with Devin and the girls.
We had a great time at the movies. Keaton was beside herself with excitement about the movie. I've never been to someone that enthusiastic about a movie. She danced in her seat throughout the movie. Peyton was a perfect baby, sleeping through the entire film.
It's so nice to have girls to see movies with!

A Quick Trip to Georgia

Last week I was able to make a quick trip back to Georgia to spend some time with my family, including my nephew, Hayden. He has grown so much since I saw him at Christmas. When Dave and I were home then, Hayden didn't particularly care for me, which was OK, I knew he'd outgrow that. He kept checking me out across the dining room table at dinner. Whenever I spoke, he would crane around Mama to look at me in an attempt to figure out who this strange lady was.

While I was there, Matthew and Cindy took their first overnight trip since Hayden was born. He spent one night with my parents and the second night with Cindy's parents. He and I had plenty of quality time the two mornings Mama and Daddy were in the chicken houses. Hayden and I sat in the floor and played with his box of toys; we sat on a blanket on the front porch and watched in rain. We played "pat-a-cake" and "peek-a-boo". He has such a cute smile, and such sharp little teeth, coupled with a strong bite. I have a mark on my index finger that he gave me when I tried to retrieve a piece of paper from his mouth. He may be about to cut a jaw tooth to add to the 8 others he already has; he was a little slobber box; we went through 3 bibs in a day. A bib is much easier to change than a shirt.

He isn't crawling, but he can scoot himself around when he wants another toy or to pull on a handle. He leans forward when he sits on the floor. With one leg behind him, he can't figure out how to get his other foot past his knee. But he will soon enough, and then he'll be constantly on the move. He likes to open and close cabinet doors when he's wheelin' around in his walker; thankfully, the walker blocks the doors and prohibits his free entry into the cabinets.

Hayden wants to be an independent eater. He's eating some soft foods. He loves bananas and Vienna sausages. He stuffed an entire "viennie weinnie" into his mouth at lunch, storing part in his cheeks like a chipmunk; then like a cow, he slowly chewed small pieces until he ate the entire thing. And, he wants to drink out of a cup like a big boy. He latches on to your glass, if you'll let him, but when you give him a sippy cup, he doesn't quite grasp the concept of drinking from it. However, if he saw everyone else drinking from sippy cups, he'd figure it out.

And, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on his size. He is big. At nine months, he's approximately 26 pounds. (Matthew will give me an official weight after he goes to the doctor for his nine-month appointment this week.) He's wearing 18 month clothes, and 24-month aren't that big. The outfit he has on in the picture below, which Cindy bought in Florida, is a 3T. With parents both over 6' tall; he's bound to be tall.

Below is a picture of Matthew (who has shaved his goatee for the first time in I couldn't say), Hayden, and me.

The Garden

Dave's hard work in the spring resulted in beautiful tomato and squash plants. We've eaten two delicious tomatoes and a few zucchini from the garden. Yesterday we harvested about 10 beautiful tomatoes.

Sadly, the rain has wreaked havoc on the plants. They're a bit battered, but still producing. We've had tomatoes and squash rot on the vine from too much water. The lack of sun has been hard on the plants, too. We did see a few more blooms on the tomatoes this weekend.

But, we're also battling caterpillars that are eating both fruit and foliage from the tomato plants. Friday I found one about 2 inches long. I thought he was a big one. Saturday Dave found a huge caterpillar. It was index-finger sized. Dave kept searching and found another smaller one like the one I found Friday. Sunday Dave found another big guy. I've searched the plants again today, but didn't find anything. Monday evening Dave found another huge caterpillar--Dave must have a special gift.

Anniversary Tradition

A Belated Entry

Letha started an anniversary tradition in 2002 when she and Mike sent us a paper anniversary gift. Each October, Dave and I reciprocate with an anniversary gift to them. Admittedly, Dave and I have a bit of an unfair advantage since our anniversary is first. (But Letha got married in my favorite time of the year--fall. If it were practical to wait until fall, I would have done so, but with the school year (and a move to Texas), summer was a better time for us to get married.)

For the paper anniversary, we received a lovely box covered with pictures from our wedding--which stores precious memorabilia, and magazine subscriptions to Family Handyman and Martha Stewart Living. We reciprocated with a movie gift certificate and a restaurant gift certificate.

The second anniversary is cotton. Letha made cute t-shirts with iron-on photo transfers and a beautiful patchwork pillow with dates of important events--our birth dates, our parents' anniversary dates, our first date, our engagement, Mason's puppy adoption. I started work on a cross-stitch sampler. We matted and framed it and carried it on the plane back to Atlanta in the fall. It seems that we couldn't have glass in the frame due to heightened post 9/11 security.

Leather. Mike and Letha made photo albums adorned with embossed leather; they learned how to stamp the leather for this gift. Being less daring than them, our first instinct was to buy them leather belts with their names across the back. However, sensibility won out, and we purchased some leather desk accessories.

Appliances. Prior to our anniversary, we were all at the cabin, where I was lamenting my lack of ironing skills. (Which is quite ironic given the fact that one of my grandmothers used to take in ironing from other people.) Judy questioned the quality of my iron, I admitted that it wasn't a great iron and that I needed to get a better iron to help my plight. Letha sent a Rowenta iron for our anniversary that year. While my ironing is still not the greatest, I must say that my attempts have improved with a good iron.

Wood. We received an assortment of wooden gifts: a cute wine bottle stopper, a door stopper with a fish for Dave's office upstairs, and wooden Christmas ornaments with wedding photos.

Iron. Given Letha's track record for making gifts, I'm shocked that she didn't take up metal working this year. But she didn't. Instead, we received a beautiful hurricane candle for the back porch, complete with iron tiki-torch-type candle sconces. The beautiful gift inspired us to clean up the back porch. Now, I've got a few months to find the perfect gift of iron, candy, or wood for them.

All of the gifts we've received are treasured, but even more special are the brother and sister that send them to us. I certainly love the tradition! While I can still recall each gift they've given us, I'm at a loss to remember every gift we've sent them.

The Blue Room

There is always a great sense of satisfaction in finishing a job. I've just finished the bed cover and pillow shams for the daybed in our blue room.

Last summer, I approached Dave with the idea of a daybed for the second bedroom. Since his family was coming for Thanksgiving, I had the perfect reason to insist that we have another bed by November. We debated the merits of daybeds versus regular beds in the room we had to re-do. In the meantime, we stripped wall paper, and Dave put up bead board.

Dave found a bed he liked in the Orvis catalog, so in October I called and placed my order. I was sad to hear the bed was on back-order, but happy to hear it would ship the week of Thanksgiving, so we should have it by Mike and Letha's arrival. We bought a pop-up trundle and mattresses so we'd be ready for the bed's arrival. When I didn't hear anything about the bed, I called to check on it and was told it would be shipping. Mike and Letha arrived--no bed, but at least we had mattresses for them to sleep on. A few more phone calls and a chat with the manager later, I discovered my daybed had been ready for delivery two days before Mike and Letha arrived; the delay? Orvis gave the shipper a bad phone number. The shipper kept leaving messages at the wrong number. I finally got the bed and love it. I just wish it had been here sooner.

While Letha and Judy were here, I picked out fabric (for a second time--the first fabric didn't quite match the paint color. Yes, I know you can have these things matched at the paint counter, but that would be too simple.) . I made the window treatments over Spring Break. And, after I finished up most of my work for the summer week before last, I decided it was time to tackle the bedcover. I sewed it up in a couple of afternoons--after finally purchasing the right needle for the machine--and only had to make one modification to my homemade design. This week I tackled the pillowshams. And, now all the sewing is finished for that room.

I still have accessories to tackle, but I think you'll agree, it has come a long way from the room it once was.