The Dreamer

Here is my 2008 Jack-o-lantern...the only thing I HAVE to have besides a truckload of candy...to be ready for the trick or treaters. I'm rather happy with this year's creation. Usually I just whack a few holes in a pumkin so I can spend more time on roasting the seeds. But this year I decided to take a little more time. I found this template online, came home and started carving. I love that he is so dreamy. I wonder what he's thinking of? Enjoying the cooler weather? I get thoughtful just looking at him. He reminds me to dream and find joy in those dreams. Tonight, about 50 children will come to our door dreaming of sweets and praise for their creative costumes. I think of their parents and the fun and joy in the activity of meeting neighbors and watching their children's faces. Happy Fall everyone!

That's Fair

I'm just getting around to saying it but, "Its State Fair time". I love the fair. I love the food (Rachel's must haves...corney dog, brat with plenty of sauerkraut at Mueller's...and that's it. I can take or leave the rest. I wouldn't mind an ice cold beer but I can live without it. I never try the newest fried monstrosity and I won't even try your's. I just need to go and see all the people, listen to Tex tell me what's happening next and then...the most important thing of all...take about a two hour stroll through The Creative Arts building. I know, I know! You'd rather have a liver transplant. But I just love to walk through and look at the patience, love and creativity that has gone into the amazing things displayed. After I've stood in front of the preserves and pickled okra and drooled down the front of my shirt...



I go all around the perimeter of the room and look at every quilt. Then I attack the center. Look at this little sampler I found.

It's not the most intricate piece of work I've seen but I'm pretty sure this could be my life's mantra. That just about says it. I don't get very excited about spending money and the whole idea of materialism so for someone to have sewn that into a piece cloth???...they just have to be kin.

Going Buggy!

Last night my husband surprised me with a really nice dinner out...on a Tuesday even!!! He raced home, picked me up at 5:30 and we were off to The Keg. The Keg is a steakhouse close to our home. Outside, there are two big bronze statues of longhorns and lots of cacti and rocks and native grasses. As many of you know, I really don't eat cows but have no problem watching my husband enjoy a nice steak it that's what he has a hankerin' for. I ordered a nice merlot, a wedge salad and the Ahi Tuna steak with two sides of asparagus. We had a great time talking, laughing, teasing and just being still and enjoying a nice meal together. After we paid the bill, we walked to the front and out the door. Just outside the door, on the prickly pear, look at what we found. Are these stink bugs? What are they? I saw two big bugs and then all those little babies. Are those all their kids or did someone get permission to invite friends over to their prickly pear pad? I just love these bugs and realized after 5 minutes that I was still standing there looking at them. God makes cool stuff!