we ate our way through Texas this week.
Monday evening was fun and tasty Greek food at Nico Nicos with our son.
Tuesday lunch brown eyed man and I dined at Joes crab shack, on Galveston,
then managed to appreciate the steamed veggies, etc at the Vietnamese place for dinner, nice again with our chemist son.
Wednesday brown eyed man snarled and growled thru Ikea,
but, he raved over and over with the pizza at Bombay pizza.
Thursday was 5 guys burgers with hubby's oldest brother and wife.
then....he and our son grilled brats and chicken for supper.
waddle, waddle, waddle....
Fridays lunch was in Georgetown at dukes smoke house.
loved the Smokey flavor and buttermilk pie.
tonights chicken at whataburger..yum.
to my street walking girlfriends, I've missed you, and probably need
to walk double time next week!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
talkative texans
we are peacefully swimming away the aches of
a long day of traveling.
I've talked with the little boy who's swimming too.
he tells me He is 3.
then asks. "how old are you?"
his momma quickly tells him that is not polite.
I said "I am 54 and don't mind telling you.
but some ladies don't like too"
later a young couple comes to the pool, all smiles
asking
"how's the water?
that is the start of 30 minutes of friendly chatter.
we learn lOTS .
they are on their honeymoon, even though they got
married 2 weeks ago.
he got called out to work the day after the wedding.
truck. Broke down, waiting on a dad to bring the right part.
she,s real proud of her truck.
also that she 5 months pregnant.
they are sweet. And very friendly.
we also learned about several gadgets to confuse the police
officers when you are speeding..
but don't use it in Oklahoma on your dash , they will take it out and
run over it.
was entertaining in many ways.
he told my brown-eyed-handsome man
"I wish my truck didn't break down, so I could have
gone hunting"
that would be a different way to celebrate your honeymoon.
eventually we wished them well and a long and good marriage,
plus healthy baby,
and left.
it's interesting how much a stranger reveals sometimes.
we are still smiling over that encounter.
does this happen to you?
a long day of traveling.
I've talked with the little boy who's swimming too.
he tells me He is 3.
then asks. "how old are you?"
his momma quickly tells him that is not polite.
I said "I am 54 and don't mind telling you.
but some ladies don't like too"
later a young couple comes to the pool, all smiles
asking
"how's the water?
that is the start of 30 minutes of friendly chatter.
we learn lOTS .
they are on their honeymoon, even though they got
married 2 weeks ago.
he got called out to work the day after the wedding.
truck. Broke down, waiting on a dad to bring the right part.
she,s real proud of her truck.
also that she 5 months pregnant.
they are sweet. And very friendly.
we also learned about several gadgets to confuse the police
officers when you are speeding..
but don't use it in Oklahoma on your dash , they will take it out and
run over it.
was entertaining in many ways.
he told my brown-eyed-handsome man
"I wish my truck didn't break down, so I could have
gone hunting"
that would be a different way to celebrate your honeymoon.
eventually we wished them well and a long and good marriage,
plus healthy baby,
and left.
it's interesting how much a stranger reveals sometimes.
we are still smiling over that encounter.
does this happen to you?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
count your blessings, name them one by one
busy in my world today.
off to work...early.
remembered, almost, all the steps to
the tasks i needed to do.
(not worked for several months)
home at noon.
fixed lunch,
vacuumed house,
got an overdue and amazing massage,
then got my shaggy hair cut,
heard all the news in town.
: )
picked green beans,
blanched and froze those beans,
and
getting some fresh blueberries in the freezer too!
I AM BLESSED.
each day is a gift
but today i'm just more aware of it.
i know i've talked about my breast buddies.
(we get our mammograms together and then shop).
some of those girls are also street walkers with me.
we walk in the mornings and solve the worlds problems.
:)
okay, we listen to each other,
support each other,
and enjoy each other.
these girls were my right arm,
literally, when my right arm was in a sling for 6 weeks.
they wept with me as my mom was dying
and stayed in the trenches these past months
while i process that loss.
most of my life i've been blessed with great God -given
girl friends.
the kind who love you warts and all.
and they/we do it for each other.
from newly-wed to raising babies.
attending graduations, helping at weddings,
crying at funerals, and every day living.
I HAVE BEEN BLESSED.
"thanks God for showing your love to me
so tangibly in all these girls these past 50-some years.
i ask for your blessings on tami, darla, debbie, bev, gwen, cindy, glenda, tina, janice, lana, shari, ginger, bernice, cindy, marlene, margie, barb, brenda, kelly, debi, patti, donelle, linda, betsye, carolyn, sandra, june, church ladies, kim, jenny, julia, thais, andrea, kaye, debbie, stephanie, kathy, bird, janie, happy girl, and any others i don't recall right now. fill their hearts and lives with joy, peace and assurance.
in your name, amen."
goodness, the more i think on this,
the more i remember.
and other than bird, these are not related to me.
that's a whole other list.
Jesus loves me.
and you.
can you name your blessings?
off to work...early.
remembered, almost, all the steps to
the tasks i needed to do.
(not worked for several months)
home at noon.
fixed lunch,
vacuumed house,
got an overdue and amazing massage,
then got my shaggy hair cut,
heard all the news in town.
: )
picked green beans,
blanched and froze those beans,
and
getting some fresh blueberries in the freezer too!
I AM BLESSED.
each day is a gift
but today i'm just more aware of it.
i know i've talked about my breast buddies.
(we get our mammograms together and then shop).
some of those girls are also street walkers with me.
we walk in the mornings and solve the worlds problems.
:)
okay, we listen to each other,
support each other,
and enjoy each other.
these girls were my right arm,
literally, when my right arm was in a sling for 6 weeks.
they wept with me as my mom was dying
and stayed in the trenches these past months
while i process that loss.
most of my life i've been blessed with great God -given
girl friends.
the kind who love you warts and all.
and they/we do it for each other.
from newly-wed to raising babies.
attending graduations, helping at weddings,
crying at funerals, and every day living.
I HAVE BEEN BLESSED.
"thanks God for showing your love to me
so tangibly in all these girls these past 50-some years.
i ask for your blessings on tami, darla, debbie, bev, gwen, cindy, glenda, tina, janice, lana, shari, ginger, bernice, cindy, marlene, margie, barb, brenda, kelly, debi, patti, donelle, linda, betsye, carolyn, sandra, june, church ladies, kim, jenny, julia, thais, andrea, kaye, debbie, stephanie, kathy, bird, janie, happy girl, and any others i don't recall right now. fill their hearts and lives with joy, peace and assurance.
in your name, amen."
goodness, the more i think on this,
the more i remember.
and other than bird, these are not related to me.
that's a whole other list.
Jesus loves me.
and you.
can you name your blessings?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
thanks Dad
I wrote this and gave it to my dad in June 2010
Dad,
I’ve learned many things from you in my 52 years.
How to be silly,
all those noises you make with your mouth,
and the silly songs.
Such as, “Be kind to your web footed friend,”
“ hair on a duck’s back..”
and “ I went to the animal fair”.
I learned how to work, whether at home or in the field.
And how to still drive a tractor even when a spray plane is coming right at you!
I learned how to play,
family vacations and A & W mama burgers,
trips to Fort Supply,
sledding behind the tractor, and more. ( But I still can’t squirt water from my cupped hands like you. )
I learned how to be a leader.
Your example on committees and the frustrations that came with those responsibilities, yet still doing what is right.
I learned how important family is with the many trips to see your siblings, Mom’s California family, and your 11 years of traveling to Indiana.
I learned how to love, regardless.
I learned that you are never to old to learn new things.
The past 3 years you’ve learned lots about housekeeping and cooking.
I learned faith in God is the best thing in life.
Thanks for all the learning and the love.
Happy Father’s Day, Pops.
Dad,
I’ve learned many things from you in my 52 years.
How to be silly,
all those noises you make with your mouth,
and the silly songs.
Such as, “Be kind to your web footed friend,”
“ hair on a duck’s back..”
and “ I went to the animal fair”.
I learned how to work, whether at home or in the field.
And how to still drive a tractor even when a spray plane is coming right at you!
I learned how to play,
family vacations and A & W mama burgers,
trips to Fort Supply,
sledding behind the tractor, and more. ( But I still can’t squirt water from my cupped hands like you. )
I learned how to be a leader.
Your example on committees and the frustrations that came with those responsibilities, yet still doing what is right.
I learned how important family is with the many trips to see your siblings, Mom’s California family, and your 11 years of traveling to Indiana.
I learned how to love, regardless.
I learned that you are never to old to learn new things.
The past 3 years you’ve learned lots about housekeeping and cooking.
I learned faith in God is the best thing in life.
Thanks for all the learning and the love.
Happy Father’s Day, Pops.
Friday, June 8, 2012
he wanted to learn to surf.
brown eyed handsome man had 2 goals
for our trip.
1. to visit Pearl Harbor
(will post later on that)
2. he wanted to learn to surf.
okay.
he investigated several options and had
settled on taking the beginner class
from Sunset Suzi, on the north shore.
she's been in a surfing movie so she oughta know more right?
plans changed.
he met a man at a church on sunday
and casually asked if he knew of a surf school.
of course! the man himself!
Clayton.
" i can teach you."
times were set, plans were made,
and we arrived at the appointed time.
the parking lot is full to the brim with lots
of people.
but no Clayton.
okay
we wait.
finally get an answer to our phone calls.
"oh i can't do it now...yatayatayata"
my man asked, "how about at 3?"
" oh yes.. i can do it then,"
so we go back at 3:15 realizing
the persona and culture.
but nope, he's not there.
another call.
"on my way."
finally we connect. head to the place
he thinks will be best.
this is after we have attached surfboard racks
to the top of the convertible's vinyl.
cringe-city for both of us.
well the "best place" is closed.
sigh.
come back monday.
more sighing
okay.
we make arrangements.
and then brown eyed man and i discuss this.
i've decided i will not give another afternoon to
this wild goose chase
when my man can get lessons elsewhere.
he agrees and said " i guess i'm just too trusting of people."
we agree on how much time to invest on monday.
monday 8 a.m. the pre-arranged time.
no Clayton.
phone calls, etc.
we wait 20 minutes.
just when
i am 5 minutes away from leaving
and up he saunters.
dog on the leash w/him and surf board in hand.
"my son dropped off this dog and we have to take it to blah blah..."
oh boy. but...okay.
such a character.
this time we put the top down on the car
and Clayton, board and dog hop in the back seat.
i'm thinking "does it get any more hawaiian than this.
bright blue convertible, native man, board and dog in the back"
and 1 trusting man who's wife is admittedly a bit of a skeptic?
i feel safe however
and it sure adds to the adventure of it all.
Clayton is all Hawaiian, dark skinned,
buff, walks with a swagger and fast talker.
and nice.
he is retired from the army,
now does odd jobs for a living.
one is to go diving at night for fish
for restaurants.
he uses just a spear btw to get the fish.
wow huh.
the drop off place for the dog is behind
the high school in a weedy area.
i decide to not ask any questions.
a skinny kid arrives on a bike.
turns out it's Claytons son Patrick.
we converse a bit.
his goals for the summer..
'i filed my...uh..you know..so i'm waiting on a letter"
me: "taxes?"
Patrick: "yeah. then i'll have some $$$ and can
take my friends...mumble mumble"
okaaaaay.
i decided to stop asking questions.
and i'm thinking
oh can this adventure get any better?
finally we get to the army recreation center
where we can rent hubby a board and
the water is calmer.
well, you must be military to rent.
okay, no problem.
or not.
but Clayton can't find his i.d.
he calls a friend.
" sure no problem i'll be right down."
sigh....
oh funny.
so
hubby and Clayton talk to rental lady.
she's a sweet little hawaiian lady who
remembered our bright blue car from sunday.
and...she lets hubby fill out some papers,
pay his fee and he's got a board.
no military i.d or nothing.
?????
she was being nice..
"it's the aloha way" she said.
i decide to not ask any questions.
here's the board in the car.
i wasn't fast enough to get photo of dog in it
too.
the fellas with their boards headed to the beach.
the best way for hubby to learn
was with a BIG board and a paddle. aka Clayton.
very quickly he was in the water, standing on the board
and balanced. woo hoo. i'm not surprised though.
lots of practice controlling the board, balancing and getting the feel of things.
that blur in the front is my hubby. WAAAY out in the water
waiting on a wave.
two things became apparent rather quickly
for brown eyed handsome man.
1. it was a LOT harder than he realized.
2. he was wearing out quicker than he thought.
so they decided to have him ride on his
knees to catch a wave.
that worked.
he did catch 2 waves and rode them part of the way.
said it was lots of fun.
but..
his 55 yr old body,
no longer in shape was
exhausted.
he was done.
so Clayton took the big board out.
he was back soon.
said it was too awkward.
he was weary too.
remember this man has not one ounce of fat
on his body and he dives.
it was quite the experience.
Clayton is quite a character.
he was wearing a bead and tooth or claw choker.
wish i had gotten a photo of that.
we took him back to his apartment
his wife came out and inquired about it all.
then she said to her hubby
"you've not surfed in years. how did it go?"
doncha love this?
the instructor hadn't surfed in years.
told ya he was a character.
all in all it was successful for both men.
they got to surf,
we all got good stories to tell,
and Clayton came out a bit ahead $$$.
p.s.
on Sunday Clayton told us about his momma.
she plays bingo.
calls it going to work.
yup ; )
she makes enough $$$ to pay her rent
and bills.
so....
he also told us where the gambling places were.
just in case????
for our trip.
1. to visit Pearl Harbor
(will post later on that)
2. he wanted to learn to surf.
okay.
he investigated several options and had
settled on taking the beginner class
from Sunset Suzi, on the north shore.
she's been in a surfing movie so she oughta know more right?
plans changed.
he met a man at a church on sunday
and casually asked if he knew of a surf school.
of course! the man himself!
Clayton.
" i can teach you."
times were set, plans were made,
and we arrived at the appointed time.
the parking lot is full to the brim with lots
of people.
but no Clayton.
okay
we wait.
finally get an answer to our phone calls.
"oh i can't do it now...yatayatayata"
my man asked, "how about at 3?"
" oh yes.. i can do it then,"
so we go back at 3:15 realizing
the persona and culture.
but nope, he's not there.
another call.
"on my way."
finally we connect. head to the place
he thinks will be best.
this is after we have attached surfboard racks
to the top of the convertible's vinyl.
cringe-city for both of us.
well the "best place" is closed.
sigh.
come back monday.
more sighing
okay.
we make arrangements.
and then brown eyed man and i discuss this.
i've decided i will not give another afternoon to
this wild goose chase
when my man can get lessons elsewhere.
he agrees and said " i guess i'm just too trusting of people."
we agree on how much time to invest on monday.
monday 8 a.m. the pre-arranged time.
no Clayton.
phone calls, etc.
we wait 20 minutes.
just when
i am 5 minutes away from leaving
and up he saunters.
dog on the leash w/him and surf board in hand.
"my son dropped off this dog and we have to take it to blah blah..."
oh boy. but...okay.
such a character.
this time we put the top down on the car
and Clayton, board and dog hop in the back seat.
i'm thinking "does it get any more hawaiian than this.
bright blue convertible, native man, board and dog in the back"
and 1 trusting man who's wife is admittedly a bit of a skeptic?
i feel safe however
and it sure adds to the adventure of it all.
Clayton is all Hawaiian, dark skinned,
buff, walks with a swagger and fast talker.
and nice.
he is retired from the army,
now does odd jobs for a living.
one is to go diving at night for fish
for restaurants.
he uses just a spear btw to get the fish.
wow huh.
the drop off place for the dog is behind
the high school in a weedy area.
i decide to not ask any questions.
a skinny kid arrives on a bike.
turns out it's Claytons son Patrick.
we converse a bit.
his goals for the summer..
'i filed my...uh..you know..so i'm waiting on a letter"
me: "taxes?"
Patrick: "yeah. then i'll have some $$$ and can
take my friends...mumble mumble"
okaaaaay.
i decided to stop asking questions.
and i'm thinking
oh can this adventure get any better?
finally we get to the army recreation center
where we can rent hubby a board and
the water is calmer.
well, you must be military to rent.
okay, no problem.
or not.
but Clayton can't find his i.d.
he calls a friend.
" sure no problem i'll be right down."
sigh....
oh funny.
so
hubby and Clayton talk to rental lady.
she's a sweet little hawaiian lady who
remembered our bright blue car from sunday.
and...she lets hubby fill out some papers,
pay his fee and he's got a board.
no military i.d or nothing.
?????
she was being nice..
"it's the aloha way" she said.
i decide to not ask any questions.
here's the board in the car.
i wasn't fast enough to get photo of dog in it
too.
the fellas with their boards headed to the beach.
the best way for hubby to learn
was with a BIG board and a paddle. aka Clayton.
very quickly he was in the water, standing on the board
and balanced. woo hoo. i'm not surprised though.
lots of practice controlling the board, balancing and getting the feel of things.
that blur in the front is my hubby. WAAAY out in the water
waiting on a wave.
two things became apparent rather quickly
for brown eyed handsome man.
1. it was a LOT harder than he realized.
2. he was wearing out quicker than he thought.
so they decided to have him ride on his
knees to catch a wave.
that worked.
he did catch 2 waves and rode them part of the way.
said it was lots of fun.
but..
his 55 yr old body,
no longer in shape was
exhausted.
he was done.
so Clayton took the big board out.
he was back soon.
said it was too awkward.
he was weary too.
remember this man has not one ounce of fat
on his body and he dives.
it was quite the experience.
Clayton is quite a character.
he was wearing a bead and tooth or claw choker.
wish i had gotten a photo of that.
we took him back to his apartment
his wife came out and inquired about it all.
then she said to her hubby
"you've not surfed in years. how did it go?"
doncha love this?
the instructor hadn't surfed in years.
told ya he was a character.
all in all it was successful for both men.
they got to surf,
we all got good stories to tell,
and Clayton came out a bit ahead $$$.
p.s.
on Sunday Clayton told us about his momma.
she plays bingo.
calls it going to work.
yup ; )
she makes enough $$$ to pay her rent
and bills.
so....
he also told us where the gambling places were.
just in case????
view from my window changed...back
for a week we woke up to this...
of course had to watch the sunset
each evening too.
and the moon got in on the show for several nights.
such grand adventures brown-eyed-handsome man
and i had.
was a long time dream of mine, that came true.
now it's kind of hard to believe we really went,
and home already.
although the bone weary body,
and weedy flower beds prove some things
did and did not happen.
even though my suitcase refused to
come home with me,
we still HAD A GRAND TIME.
of course had to watch the sunset
each evening too.
and the moon got in on the show for several nights.
and i had.
was a long time dream of mine, that came true.
now it's kind of hard to believe we really went,
and home already.
although the bone weary body,
and weedy flower beds prove some things
did and did not happen.
even though my suitcase refused to
come home with me,
we still HAD A GRAND TIME.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
what a day.
brown eyed handsome man and I cruised up the coast
tonight with a full moon over our shoulders,
top down on the convertible,
and radio playing.
I like vacation.
tonight with a full moon over our shoulders,
top down on the convertible,
and radio playing.
I like vacation.
Friday, June 1, 2012
evening scene
a quartet of silver-haired "youngsters"
saluted the sunset tonight.
like soldiers strong and tall they faced the west,
shoulders back, arms up, blowing a mellow note
on their conch shell.
as one they made a quarter turn to the north
sending out the farewell again.
two more turns accomplished all directions.
we enjoyed the serenade, clapping our thanks
from the 6th floor balcony.
a treat for sure, enhanced
by the roaring waves and
pink sky.
we drift off to sleep
to the "tune" of thunderous waves
crashing on the shore.
saluted the sunset tonight.
like soldiers strong and tall they faced the west,
shoulders back, arms up, blowing a mellow note
on their conch shell.
as one they made a quarter turn to the north
sending out the farewell again.
two more turns accomplished all directions.
we enjoyed the serenade, clapping our thanks
from the 6th floor balcony.
a treat for sure, enhanced
by the roaring waves and
pink sky.
we drift off to sleep
to the "tune" of thunderous waves
crashing on the shore.
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