Zoe

Jim and I stopped at our vet's office and took a look at their boarding facilities. It was "OK" but we weren't really comfortable with the situation: the cages are about the size of what you'd find in a pet store window, and they had a lot of BARKING dogs already in cages. What I never thought about was if these other dogs were patients (ill, recovering from surgery, etc.) or if they were being boarded. I really don't want her around sick dogs.

So this morning, I made an unscheduled visit at another local veterinary clinic to check out their boarding facilities. I was VERY impressed by the cleanliness of the entire place. It's more expensive ($3.50 more per day) than my vet's boarding rates, but I'll feel better about leaving her at this other vet's clinic. They keep the boarded animals completely separate from the sick ones. The cages are much larger, too -- and the dogs that were there weren't going crazy and barking up a storm. That's not to say that when I take Zoe there in a month, that won't be the case.

This evening, I told my neighbor that she wouldn't have to take care of Zoe (just Cali the cat), and she was disappointed. She had planned on taking Zoe on walks with her! I explained that when we left Zoe at home before and our other neighbor Teri took care of her, Zoe became very homesick after 3 days...she'd just sit by our bed and wouldn't play fetch with her toys. I don't want her to spend the majority of the day in her little crate (short-term is fine).

Jim felt that the extra $$ was worth knowing that Zoe will be in a more comfortable environment. I just wish I had the 2 neighbor girls I had in H-Town to take care of her! They were wonderful with her -- they even ended up just keeping her at their house the whole time we'd be gone (she'd sleep with them, too). It's too bad I can't find the same situation here in B/CH; that would be ideal!

WOW: New Hairdo!!

On Saturday, I asked T-ka if she would cut my hair -- and she did this morning!! I just love it. It's bouncy and I'm sure I'll be able to style it myself without much fuss. I've been trying to let my hair grow out from the wedge I've worn for years -- I just wanted something new/different yet manageable. I'm not one to spend a lot of time on my hair; a wash and go type of person.

My neighbor and I began walking about a mile, mile-and-a-half every morning. This morning she surprised me with a cup of coffee in a travel mug -- so we walked, talked and had our morning java! Our obvious goal is to slim down. I've also quit drinking my Dr Pepper and trying to drink more water.

I talked with my "sister" Ann this afternoon. She & Gary are near the coast this week & weekend for her mother's surprise 85th birthday party. They're staying with their daughter and her family. Gary has to be back at work on Sunday (he's a pharmacist) so they'll leave Saturday night for home.

For the first time in YEARS, I've got a sinus infection! It began yesterday with lots of sneezing -- by yesterday evening, I had pressure on the left cheekbone (zygomatic arch) -- it felt sore. Then late last night, I began having a sore throat -- and woke up with one this morning. I've taken a prescription allergy medication, and it seems to have helped the sore throat -- but now as I'm sitting here typing, I've sneezed 3 times!! And the pressure and soreness is back. But I can't take the medication but once a day...so I'll have to "tough it out" until tomorrow morning.

Jim just came home from playing golf....he likes my hair!! Whoo-hoo!!

Bluebonnets and Longhorns!!

Longhorn steer taking a break amidst the bluebonnets.

The "house" in the background is actually a "barn-dominium" -- the first floor has 10 horse stalls (the barn) and the second floor is the residence. There are only 2 of these in our county -- a very unique concept.

A sea of blue: our beautiful state's bluebonnets!

They're also known in other parts of the country & world as lupines.

Ladies Luncheon

Friday was our BHLadies Luncheon that I'm "in charge" of (finding different restaurants each month). We meet the last Friday of every month. This past Friday we had about 15 women attend. The food was delicious and several ladies stated that they were coming back there to eat and bringing their hubbies.

Afterward, I went to H-Town with An-G. We went to Sam's Club and I stocked up on things I'll need for May 3rd -- when I host a jewelry show for J&J. I worried that An-G wouldn't have enough room in her trunk for her items and mine, but it's a lot bigger than it looks.
We left there and went to Target, Hobby Lobby (one of my favorite stores!!) and Spec's Liquor Warehouse. I get a kick out of her...she bought 2 kinds of beer, but she and John don't even drink!! (She keeps many varieties of beverages on hand for company.) It was nice not being in a rush to get back home and just taking our sweet time.

Saturday night, we went out to eat with An-G and J, J&J, and T-ka, D., and their kids. We drove to a nearby town and ate chinese food. Once we got back to An-G and J's house, the kids and I watched "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (3 hours long) and the beginning of "Enchanted", while An-G, Jim, T-ka and D. played cards for over 3 hours!! J. was out in the barn hooking up his new HDTV while we were all "doing our things." Jim and I didn't get home until after midnight.

Today (Sunday) was a lazy day. We opted not to attend church (tired from not getting into bed until after 1 a.m.) This evening I walked with my neighbor. We "guessitmated" that we walked a mile for this first time out. My goal is to lose some of the FAT/weight before the cruise -- 'cause I know I'm going to gain weight while on the cruise. I also made my hotel reservation for May 22nd in Seattle, and called the Towne Car owner and made reservations with him for pre-and post-cruise transportation. So that's all taken care of. I have our paperwork and passports all together -- now all I need to do is figure out what clothing to take and start packing. I need to go to the RV and get one of my coats or windbreaker to take along, and my thermal underwear.

Today my next door neighbors have asked me to feed their 2 cats, bird and fish while they're in Arkansas and Missouri for a week; they're leaving Wednesday. They'll be taking care of Cali (the cat), when we're on our cruise, and have offered to take care of Zoe, too. But I don't want Zoe in her crate for the biggest part of a 24-hour time period. I haven't told them this yet... I've decided to board Zoe at the vet's office (poor little Zoe...I hope she'll do alright). I'd prefer she actually stay in someone's home, but it's a lot to ask of anyone to keep her at their home (very "nervy" on my part). I plan on dropping by the vet's office and check out his boarding facilities. One of the ladies I met on Thursday with Donna, told me that she was very pleased with the vet's boarding...said his staff was playing with her dog when she came to pick it up. I just hope I'm pleased with what I'll find when I drop by this week.

The "Jolly Rogers" Come for a Visit!!

We had our good friends Ted and Donna for our guests yesterday and today. We arranged to meet at the Country Club (Jim's golf membership) where Ted and Jim played golf, and Donna and I drove to the Outlet Mall to "shop 'til we dropped." We found some great bargains in Coldwater Creek, Liz Claiborn, and the Hanes stores. We ate in the food court -- I had sushi and Donna had "the most expensive chicken strips in the world" (her 2 chicken strips cost more than my 8 pieces of sushi, which was very good by the way).

The guys came home shortly after we did. They showered and then we all went out to eat at the Italian restaurant here to celebrate Ted and Donna's 43rd wedding anniversary. As Donna said, "43 years in the same canoe." Happy Anniversary, Ted and Donna -- with many more to come!!

Today the guys went back to the golf course and Donna and I headed for CH as our first stop. I drove her around and pointed out the various vintage and antique homes there. Then we went into B. and hit the antique and boutique shops. Jim and Ted asked us later what we did in Brenham and I told them we "visited" -- and we did!! The first shop we went into was a childrens store with a really sweet owner whose haircut I admired and who had a beautiful female boxer puppy (we discussed dogs and haircuts). Then we went into an upscale boutique and the salesgirls were so sweet and helpful -- even offered us anything we wanted to drink: lattes, frappucinos, smoothies, sodas, coffee, water. Donna and I opted for just water (it's very thirsty doing all this talking you know!!). Afterwards, we went to the jeweler across the street because while we were in the boutique, I noticed a broken prong on my engagement ring. I left the ring there for repair, and chatted with that lady, too. Finally, we went to the doll hospital where I talked with the owner about my Shirley Temple doll who needs her hair washed and fixed, and my porcelain doll who needs to be restrung. She was a very sweet woman and we enjoyed talking with her, too. Shortly after 2 p.m., we headed for home. The guys drove up 5 minutes later -- perfect timing. The four of us visited for awhile before Ted and Donna headed back home. We enjoyed their visit and our time together so much, and look forward to doing it again. They have such joie de vie!

Jim and I had a volunteer appreciation dinner to attend this evening at 5:30 p.m. given by the VSC at BSS for all people and businesses who volunteer in some way at the state school. There were a few people there that I knew, but most were business owners from the community who volunteer or contribute financially to the Council who in turn buy/provide material items, entertainment, vehicles for transportation, take the residents on field trips, out to dinner, and other types of outings/field trips, etc., because the State doesn't provide those things. All the extracurricular things we enjoy in life is what the Council seeks to provide the state school residents (some whose families have "forgotten" them, or who have outlived their family members).

My brother was there with the "Sounds of Joy" choir. He was so glad to see Jim and me. As his choir group was singing, he would look around the room and wave to people he knew. I overheard a woman behind me, who didn't know me or my relationship to him, tell someone that he was "always happy." Another woman mentioned to her friend that he was the "happiest person she's ever met."

And ... I was the guest speaker tonight!! (I wrote my speech 30 minutes before the dinner -- procrastination at its finest), then didn't use it once I was introduced. What I had to say just came naturally and sincerely: I was happy and honored to be "his sister."

My speech in a nutshell:
"In the 1950s, most 2-parent households had mothers who didn't work. There were no daycares to my knowledge, and special education was in its infancy. He was my "best kept secret": it was hard to explain why my brother was the way he was when even I didn't know why. I was teased and taunted by my peers -- so I just didn't tell people I had a brother or invite friends to my house. And when my parents made the difficult decision to place Warren in the care of the State of Texas, I remember mom doing a lot of crying.

When our parents died in '97 and '99, I became his legal guardian. Jim and I bought our property in B/CH in 2003 knowing that we'd build a home and retire here. We wanted him closer because the other state school was a 2-hour drive one-way and we didn't see him as often. I struggled with the decision to move him from the state school where he'd lived for 33-years with the same men: Would he adjust to his new home? Would he adjust to living in a co-ed cottage when he hadn't been around many women in the past? What would happen if he didn't like it here? Finally, in January 2005, we moved him to one of the cottages and he took to it like a duck to water. It was if he'd always been there!

The impact that BSS had on him was fully evident by Thanksgiving that year. Jim and I had him home for a few days. I was astounded when I went into his bedroom that first morning and his bed was made! He had NEVER before done this in his life! When it was time for dinner, he set the table without being asked -- he spent about 20-minutes rearranging the silverware on each side of the plates, but nevertheless, the table was set. And after dinner, he cleared the dishes, putting them in the sink, again without prompting. These were huge milestones that the staff in his cottage had taught him in just 10 months. And recently I've noticed Warren has become more verbal, stringing longer sentences together -- I still can't quite understand everything he's saying, but he's trying to get his thoughts across much more than before.

I know I speak not only for myself and our family but everyone who have loved ones here at BSS; how much we appreciate everyone at BSS and the VSC and all they do for our family members. Because they really DO 'bring good things to life'."
~~~~~~~~~

After the dinner and speech portion were over, I had many people come to me and introduce themselves, telling me how they'd met my brother, and their personal stories about him. The crowning touch for me came when a woman, slightly older than me, came up to Jim and I and said that she had just put her son Chris in the state school today. As she told us this, she fought back tears. She was still struggling with her decision to move Chris from the home he'd been in for the last 19 years, wondering if she'd done the right thing. She told me that I had told "her story" and I have given her some peace with her decision. Jim and I reassured her that she'd made a decision that we feel she'll never regret. I feel good knowing that in some small way, I've helped someone else.

Alaskan Cruise

I got the confirmation for the cruise this morning. Then I sent my check by Express Mail (my cabin's being held until Wednesday as a courtesy). I also got an additional $50 discount -- whoohoo!!

Seems like Jim and I are seeing a lot about Alaska on the Travel Channel now...maybe because I've never paid attention before since it's never been a destination that I've felt "drawn" to.

I made arrangements with my next door neighbors to take care of my cat, Cali, while we're gone. I just need to find someone for Zoe now. I hate to put her in a kennel because I don't think she'll do well -- she needs to be out and have a little attention, too. I'd like to find someone who'd pet sit her at their home. I'm going to make some phone calls tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

Iowa Cousins -- They're HERE!!

My cousins, Doris and Diane (mother and daughter) arrived on April 10th from Iowa. Bad weather in Chicago caused their plane to be delayed about three hours. When we got to the baggage claim area, only Diane's suitcase was there. Poor Doris didn't have hers! The United Airlines customer service agent suggested we come back at 10 p.m. to see if the bag arrived on the next incoming flight from Chicago. So we decided to go eat dinner at Red Lobster, then come back.

However, when I called about 8:30 p.m. to see if the plane would arrive on time, it too was delayed until after 11 p.m. So we decided to head for home (about a 2-hour drive).

The next day was spent trying to track the suitcase down. It was "nowhere" in United's system. And of course, all phone calls were telephone prompts -- no human(s) to speak with. I finally called a reservation agent, explained the situation and told her I needed to speak with a "live person" because the airport agent had tagged the bag as a "pick up" which meant that they'd never deliver it to B. once it showed up. I got to speak to a nice gentleman who told me the bag had just arrived in H-Town 15 minutes before, and he changed the information so that it would be delivered. Doris finally got her bag about 7:30 p.m. Friday night....24 hours after she arrived!!

Friday we drove through CH, the birthplace of Independence (all the vendors were setting up their booths for the BB Festival), and then went to An-G's to visit. After a few hours, J arrived home from work, and we all left to go to the KofC Hall in a nearby town for their catfish dinner fundraiser.

Saturday was spent at the BB Festival. J&J had their booth. And we got to see friends we haven't seen in awhile. I think the festival was bigger than last year's festival, too. At least it seemed that way to me.

Sunday we drove out to Independence (named appropriately; those who fought and died for Independence lived here), drove by what's left of the original B. University's (1840, before it was moved to its present location), then headed south on the Scenic Highway, ending up in back home. We ate at Applebee's for dinner. The rest of the evening and night were spent visiting and watching TV. We were worn out from the BB Festival the day before!

Monday Jim went to H-Town for his VA dental appointment. We chose not to go with him but later wished we'd had. Instead we drove to B/CS. I drove them around the campus (my alma mater), showed them the memorial, and we ate lunch at the most famous beer joint there. Doris really got a kick out of that place. There were a few young men playing a serious game of dominoes at a table near us. I did a little shopping at Hobby Lobby then we headed home.

Tuesday we went downtown, the Medical Center, and then headed home. Jim fired up the grill and cooked CHS steaks for us --MMmmm good!!

Wednesday morning we left about 8:15 a.m. for the airport. Their plane didn't leave until 12:15 p.m. but with the new federal check-in rules, it's best to get there early. Jim opted to stay home and was going to paint his wellhouse -- but went and played golf instead!!

After I left the airport, I went to Mister Carwash and got my car cleaned, then drove across the street to the fabric store and bought some upholstery for my footstool to my wing chair. Afterwards, I decided to pay a visit to my "old" nail shop in the mall and have a pedicure. It sure felt great. About the time I was getting onto the highway, Jim phoned and said to meet him at CHS plant for a late lunch.

While we were there, Diana and Trisha (they're sisters to D. -- J-me's brother-in-law) asked me to finish looking up a vacation for them. When I got home and checked, the price had dropped $250 and Diana said "book it"! So I did...then I complained to anyone listening that Jim and I haven't been anywhere in over 2 years.

As I was checking my travel business emails on Weds. night, I found a 2-day old email about a 7-day Alaskan FAM cruise on Celebrity Cruise Lines for May 23rd. I filled out my application and faxed it to the membership office (fully knowing "spaces are limited"). "FAM" is short for "familiarization" -- agents are invited on trips sponsored by hotels, airlines, and/or cruise lines....it's a mixture of business and pleasure; there are ship and hotel inspections and seminars to attend during the fam. But the objective of these fams are that agents are better able to sell a product to clients once they've experienced it personally.

When I called yesterday morning, I was told that the fam had sold out in 1 hour after the email posting! It was wait-listed with 20-30 agents!! So I told Jim we wouldn't be going. Well, lo and behold, about 2 hours later, I got a phone call telling me they could get us onboard and did we still want to go? HECK YEAH! I made Continental Airline reservations for Seattle, WA for the night before (never EVER test fate and book an arriving flight the same day as a cruise!!) and researched nearby hotels, then called the Seattle Visitor and Convention Bureau for taxi and towne car fares.

As it stands, there will be a Lincoln Town Car to pick us up at the airport and take us to the hotel in downtown Seattle. The hotel has a courtesy shuttle to take us to the pier the next day. We'll have to make our own arrangements to get from the pier to the airport on May 30th though. I'm hoping to arrange that once we're with the Town Car driver on the 22nd.

Jim and I are excited about this...he's been wanting to go on an Alaskan cruise for a couple years. He's been telling me that he wouldn't go on another Caribbean cruise until after he took an Alaskan cruise. Me -- I'd just as soon take a deep Caribbean cruise for more than 7-days -- I like warmer weather (less to pack). My good friend ("sister") Ann went on the Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise 2-years ago in May and said it was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful; so did Angie (although she didn't go via a cruise). So I'm excited and can't wait!! Now, where do I get warm clothes and coats NOW that winter's over!??

What a Surprise!!

Our best friends, Gary and Ann, drove in from NB on Saturday and stayed with us until late Monday evening. Jim and Gary played golf all three days. Ann and I hung pierced plates in my guest bedroom and went shopping in CH & CS. We went out to eat at the seafood restaurant here one night, and grilled steaks the next night. We enjoy their company so much and had a great time, as usual.

Tomorrow, my cousins (my dad's side of the family) from Iowa arrive in H-Town. We'll pick them up and eat dinner in H-Town before coming home. Doris is 84 and is my dad's first cousin (their fathers were brothers), and her daughter Diane is a year younger than me. Diane came to stay with us 32-years ago when I was pregnant with our first baby. She hasn't been here since and Doris has never been to our great state. We visited them this past October for a few days while on our 30-day RV trip around the southern, eastern & midwest U.S. They drove us around their city and wouldn't let us pay for anything. Jim's busy planning an itinerary for the 6 days they'll be here.

Friday night is an all-you-can-eat fried catfish dinner at the KofC hall in a nearby town. We plan on taking them to that, if that's what they want to eat. This is subject to change. J. and An-G and her family will be there, too. I doubt if my kids will be there (they'll be staying with the in-laws during the BB Festival this weekend) and surviving on very little sleep.

Saturday and Sunday is our BB Festival. My kids have a booth on Main Street (prime location), so we're planning on getting up early Saturday and going to that. There's anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 people that attend the festival those 2 days. We have it twice a year (April and October). It's a huge money-raiser for the Historical Society. And tons of fun -- SOOOOooooo much food and drink...and then there are the vendors!! It's amazing and fantastic. Our weather will be wonderful, too: high 70's and sunny!!! Last year we had a late cold front come through -- got down to 38-40 degrees, cloudy & damp. It was miserable! But even so, the festival was packed -- nasty weather didn't keep the diehard Festival fans away.

More later! Ciao!

Wonderful Wednesday

This morning, I picked up An-G (J-me's mother-in-law) and we went to the new outlet mall 35-miles away. She was so excited to just get out of her house after being confined for 9-10 days post-op. And because we had her wheelchair, we luckily got a parking spot right up front (& it wasn't for "handicapped" either). We headed straight for Coldwater Creek!! They had some pretty good prices on their clothing and accessories. I was impressed with their selection and sales. We both made purchases then headed back to the car. We were starving! After eating lunch, we went to Hobby Lobby and shopped...I LOVE that store!! An-G made it for about 5 hours, then her foot got too swollen and was throbbing, so we headed home. She's pooped out!! I'll bet she sleeps good tonight! ;-)

Jim began painting primer on his wellhouse trim boards today. He hopes to get it painted within the week. It looks better just with primer on it. We still need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look at paint swatches. We're going to go a little darker than the trim on the house, because one of these days, we're going to repaint the house with better quality paint. We don't feel that the builder's choice of paint was the best, and we weren't given an option.
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I received this from Jean, my sister-in-law this morning:
This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven, He saw me, and He asked, "My child, what is your greatest wish for today?"
I responded, "Lord please, take care of the person who is reading this message, their family and their special friends. They deserve it and I love them very much."
The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginning, but not its end.
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Very sweet!! Thanks, Jean!

April Fool's Day

We spent the morning in CH: post office, bank, then lunch at the restaurant next door. It was packed -- a tour bus had stopped and everyone was inside eating. Luckily, we got a table (it's good to know the waitress!). Then a second mass rush of people entered and it was standing-room-only. Two ladies from our church (one's a neighbor) came in and we invited them to sit with us so they wouldn't have such a long wait for a table. We had a pleasant lunch visiting with them.

Afterwards, we came home via an old dirt back road, and because it was a beautiful sunny day, I suggested that Jim go play golf -- which didn't take much convincing either. I decided to plant 20 caladium bulbs in my flower bed. I had several birds for company...seems some little swallows are trying to nest in the corners of my front porch. They have absolutely no fear of me...I can stand there and shoo them, but they just keep coming back within 3-4 feet of me. I think if I left the front door open, they'd fly in! I decided what better way to scare them than with a DOG! So I got Zoe and kept her on the porch. It worked for a little while, but then they figured out she was more afraid of them than they were of her! When I told Jim about it, he thought I should just let them "sit up there"... until I showed him the "mud" or "bird poop" (you choose which!) in the corners. Now he's trying to figure out how to keep them from coming back. I've heard a rubber snake or owl figure will scare them. They make a lot of racket, too.

We went to our insurance company dinner tonight. It's an insurance company that's "homegrown" in our county, and very community involved. We as clients "own" the company -- even get to vote for its officers. Our agent has this dinner twice a year. Jim figured there were probably 1500 people there tonight. Great food -- BBQ with all the fixin's. We saw J and An-G there (J-me's in-laws). An-G just had foot surgery 8-days ago and is getting around in a wheelchair. She has a huge hot pink cast on up to her knee. I'm going to pick her up tomorrow morning and take her to the new outlet mall 35 miles away -- she's got "cabin fever" from being couped up for more than a week. She was really excited when I asked her if she wanted to go. The outlet mall just opened this past weekend; it even made the H-Town TV news -- the traffic jams it caused for hours & days on Hwy 290! Maybe it won't be so crowded during the weekday (let's hope anyway!).

Thursday, I'm doing the Sneak-A-Peak presentation for the state school. After my presentation, Jim and I are meeting our accountant at CHS. She and her daughter will be on their way to our great capitol city, and want to buy some steaks. We're going to store them in our freezer until Sunday when she returns on her way back to H-Town.

And Friday night we're going to meet friends in in a nearby town then go for dinner at an upscale restaurant there. I've heard from other ladies in the neighborhood that it has great food. After dinner we have reservations in another nearby town at "listening" bar/club for the 8 p.m. show. It's musical entertainment with local talent.

Everyone in CH is getting ready for our big spring festival -- "voted #1 most popular festival" in our state!! It's put on by our Historical Society (of which I'm a member). Every year between 50,000 and 20,000 people attend in a 2-day time period!! It's a fundraiser for the Historical Society so that we can continue to preserve the old historical buildings, church, museum, and continue CH's landscaping (the town dates back to the early 1800s). J&J always have a booth at both the spring and fall festivals. They make beautiful one-of-a-kind custom jewelry now and also have framed metal art (my home is a testament to that -- every room has a picture they've made).

Our wildflowers are profuse: bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, purple, white, yellow, pink flowers everywhere. It seems they really "popped" this past weekend. I have a bunch growing alongside our driveway this year. My cousins from Iowa are flying in on the 10th -- specifically because of the Festival and all the beautiful scenery this time of year in this area. There are pastures with hundreds of acres of solid yellow flowers -- like a carpet. It's just beautiful. I can't wait for them to see our beautiful landscapes around here.

Have a good week everyone!!