I Came. I Gobbled. I slept.

Tracy and I spent Thanksgiving in Louisiana at my folks' home. We had a relatively small group of 24 people this year for dinner. There was food for more, especially in the dessert category. The All Berry Pie from the Pie Peddlers of Glen Rose was a crowd favorite. Emphasis on "was", as it is all gone.

While we were there Tracy and I went on a date to see Blindside. We never made it to the movie though, as his car had a flat. He has Run Flat tires, so we were able to drive to the car dealership in Monroe, where we sat outside sharing potato chips next to a canal. Hopefully we can have a make-up date with Sandra Bullock soon.

I realized when I got back to Big Hill that I had not taken a single photo! I was in total slouch mode, reading, playing Scrabble, going on walks. Though I did manage to get KP duty a few times.

I was hoping to ave my door handles installed when I got back, but no evidence of any effort here. Mike has a week to go before Mary and her friend Ryan come out for the weekend. He promises to get it done by then...of course I also tried this same thing before the housewarming. Speaking of chores, Glenn says "we" (meaning me, I assume) have to get that pool equipment covered by landscaping or a stone wall. I agree, but it is not even on the top 10 next things to do here. First we have to get drainage in to save the Phase One Yard, then we'll see what ranks as MOST URGENT and take it from there. Just like we have (and just Me before that) for a few years.

Tracy, Ashley and I went to the town Christmas Tree lighting this Saturday night. It was small-town quaint, with a local pastor-wife team providing musical entertainment. After about 30 minutes of Christmas music, we all gathered in a circle, which more closely resembled an amoeba, and held candles. We took turns lighting them around the circle/amoeba- and relighting and relighting due to the wind- then all went aaaaaahhhhh when the Christmas tree lights came on. They served homemade gingerbread men cookies and cider. Another fine tradition in Glen Rose.

I am looking forward to shopping around downtown when Mary and Ryan come in next weekend. I am headed to the living room to enjoy a real live fire in the fire place and a glass of lovely Merlot.

Until next week!

Where Does the Time Go?

In a big, metaphorical sock drawer in the sky, I suppose. I can hardly remember anything that happened this week, except that it rained and messed up my phase one yard. I don't yet have the underground drainage put in. Bass-ackwards, for sure, as it should have been done before we put anything on top of the ground. We are looking into a remedy for that as soon as possible.

On the bird poop front, though I haven't seen any live creatures on the house this week, I have seen evidence of something aviary landing on the sky deck and leaving prizes over the main deck. Little splats of evidence.

As I write this my cat Girly Man is enjoying a romp outside. He got a good dose of freedom when he escaped at the house warming party, and ever since, he tries even harder to get out. My clawless, needy cat, out in the wilderness. Having the time of his life.

Our little town had a very nice multi-church Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening. Our choir combined with the local Catholic one, bringing our total number to about 18. Pastors and singers from all across town took turns at the pulpit, and our Pastor Billy gave a lovely homily about all the reasons we have to be thankful. Quintiscential Glen Rose.

Tracy and I are looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit with all my folks in Louisiana. I can smell from turkey and dressing from here!

Fall in Bloom

It's hard to think I am so close to the Metroplex when I look out over the valley. The fall colors are in full bloom- just like a "real" fall somewhere in the Northeast. Soon we'll fade to the grays and browns of winter, which is always a nice rest on the eyes, but always seems a few weeks too long. Imagine how well I would tolerate living up north!

Not much to report this week. I have been on the road. Two trips for work, a dental appointment in Plano, extended choir practice for Christmas specials, city planning committee meeting...so needless to say, I didn't accomplish much on the hill. I did manage to get most of the art studio organized. Just as I can't cook in a dirty kitchen, it is hard for me to create in a disorganized art studio. Which is weird to say, since I have never actually HAD an art studio.

The deer have just made themselves at home in front of the house. On Saturday I watched a group of three hang out there for a couple of hours. They must know it is a safe haven from hunters. Of course I am writing this in full view of a deer skull hanging on my wall. I bought is last year at my church's fund raiser auction, which I am told is proof that I live deep in the heart of Texas. YeeHaw.

Buid House...Check! Have ParTAY.....Check!

And we are whooped! Seems like special days should go by a lot slower than prep days. Saturday flew by, and all the preparation and planning paid off. We had a great time, and although I was busy for the first several hours with hostess duties, I had a blast at the housewarming parTAY. So many people told me the barbecue was the best they had ever had. It was really good. And as with all good parTAYS, we had way too much food- both from us and that people brought.

The weather was beautiful, cool morning, nice breezes, with low clouds giving in to mostly sun. But we were blessed with a spectacular mackerel sky sunset that stopped us all in our tracks. Several of my "city" friends came down, and I was very pleased that Glenn, Mike and Jodie came over from Louisiana. It was the first time Glenn had ever seen his design come to fruition. It had to be a cool experience for him, seeing the (nearly) final product.

All of Tracy's siblings were here, plus an aunt, uncle and cousins. That was nice to see.

We ended the party hanging out around the campfire, sitting on big rocks in a circle all around the fire. Clay Burr brought his guitar down and I got to sing with him once again. All in all a very nice time. Followed by some really deep sleep.

Phase One of the front yard area was completed within hours of the party. It sure made a difference. Hopefully no one will think the house is vacant anymore. Now I am ready to get Phase Two started. Patience, patience, patience.

Until next week, peace from the hill.

Home Fires Burning!

Aaaahhhh Fall. My favorite season. Crisp cool air, migrating birds, frisky animals, and cozy fires in the fireplace. Finally! It cooled down this week and we lighted our first fire in the fireplace. It actually put out warmth for several hours, even when just the coals were left.

It was so nice. Even the animals seemed to relax in it's glow. Speaking of animals, there has been a steady stream of deer visiting in the mornings. This week I spotted an eight point buck. He was a big and beautiful creature.

Although since then I have noticed Sweet Pea's (cat) paws smell suspiciously like ashes....ever curious, she is.

The rain has finally taken a break, but the ground remains quite damp. In the mornings, there is a layer of fog and clouds tucked into the low points of the valley. So beautiful. God's cleverness and imagination keep me in constant awe.

Plans for the housewarming parTAY are in full swing. Tracy and I have been working like crazy clearing brush, dead trees, weeds. And I am getting "phase 1" of the front xeroscaping, done, plus the driveway sidewalk. A couple of weeks ago a man and his grandson pulled in my drive and were surprised that anyone lived here! I told him I could certainly understand why he thought that. The front yard makes the house look almost like a project abandoned in midstream. Not after this week!

Also getting gutters put in this week. Something I have needed for several months. I don't want to provide the creek beds at the bottom of the hill with any more paid for dirt.

We should have perfect fall weather this weekend. I can hardly wait to sit and relax around a campfire, watch the stars on the deck and celebrate with my friends and family who have let me follow my crazy dream and even went so far as to support me. The good times just keep coming.