Falling in love with...fall!

It's truly amazing to me how quickly time is flying by. We are most of the way through October...leaving only weeks until Christmas. In between now and then we have Halloween, Carter's birthday, my birthday, Kristin's baby shower, Thanksgiving and finally we arrive at Christmas. In addition, I have a girlfriend birthday trip to Fredericksburg and a Winstar trip with my boys. Then, of course, there is my dad's heart surgery next week. Geesh! My life is about to get REALLY busy! At least I don't have time to get bored!Lol I absolutely love fall. I love the feel of the change of weather...the beauty of the trees as they change colors, the nip in the air, the smell of campfires (my neighbor burns one almost constantly), the relief from the ridiculous heat in Texas...basically, everything about the season. It triggers some innate "domestic virus" in me and I get this insatiable desire to cook and/or bake. I love the smell of soups in the crock pot, pastries baking in the oven, etc. Couple that with the condensation that forms on windows when the temps outside are colder than the snuggly warmth of the house and I couldn't be more content! My dream day is to awaken to a cold, cloudy dark day, with the house lit by candles, a fire in the fireplace, lounging in my jammies with a good book and a cup of coffee doctored with a bit of Baileys. On this dream day there is a roast in the crock pot and an apple pie in the oven. I read a bit...nap a bit...read a bit more...nap a bit more...well, you get the idea. So, as we approach this holiday season I encourage everyone to slow down and take time to enjoy the fall days and nights. Figure out what you like most about fall (even if it's not your FAVORITE season) and make a point to work that into your life. We're approaching a busy time of year. Make sure that you don't overdo the "busy" and take time for the things...and the people...that are important to you!

Surprise? Only the weather...

On Saturday, October 6, 2012, we saw the fruition of a surprise birthday party that I have been planning since April. My husband, Ronnie, turned 60 this year. That is a milestone that bears recognition. So, recognize it we did. I rented the outdoor pavilion at Harry Myers Park in Rockwall. We had used one of these facilities in June, when it was blistering hot, for my mother's family reunion. It was perfect for our needs so I rented these accommodations knowing that they would be perfect. Then I set to work on the other details...guest list, food, cake, gift, etc. The one thing I guess I should have considered, but didn't, is the weather. Afterall, October is usually a temperate month. Usually is the operative word here. In the week prior to the party the weather was in the 80s and 90s. The sun shone brightly and we continued to use our air conditioning. Then...on Friday evening prior to the next day's party, a cold front blew in. The high on this day was 50 and there were scattered showers and gusting winds. Wouldn't you know it. Regardless of the cold wind being channeled through the pavilion...and the two heaters we brought...and the fire in the grill pit...we partied and had a great time visiting with one another. Good friends and family came out to help us rehash old memories and make new ones. We grilled burgers and had delicious birthday cake. We laughed at Ronnie in his shorts and a jacket and we revealed the special birthday gift...a forthcoming trip to Ireland! Ronnie has always said he would love to go to Ireland...and so he will once we figure out the timing for the trip. Can't wait! In the meantime, a huge HUG to my daughter, Kristin, who took care of designing and mailing the party invitations while I was partying it up on my trip, to my son, Ryan, for figuring out how to get Ronnie to the party (and home again), to my son-in-law, Scott, for his expertise at the grill and to my friend, Brandy for the delightfully Irish themed birthday cake. Hugs, too, to all the friends and family who braved the chill in the air and the threat of rain in order to share in this special day!