Prayer Circle

We had Logan and Philip's rehearsal in the backyard. It cooled off later in the evening, but it was perfect for the roaring fire, and marshmallows. Vicky Eby brought the food, and we grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. After the prayer, the photographer Steve, had us stay put long enough for a photo or two. I look tired... cause I WAS!

Aftermath

Someone snapped this photo of the wedding decorations, as we dismantled. One great thing about using "found objects", tissue and silk flowers, you don't have much to "store" afterward.

My Older Sister - Jany

Jany has always been "quirky". Is that a word? Quirky in a good way. If she never called me, I wouldn't be surprised. I would also understand, that she doesn't mean anything by it. She is there if I need her, and vice versa. My sisters are so much fun to be with. I enjoy them every chance I get.

My Older Sister - Judy

My sister Judy is as unique as they come. I remember deciding that I wanted to be like her when I was a pre-teen. I was shy, and she was NOT. So you guys have her to blame for me being the way I am. I guess we all came by it honestly. Daddy loved to hear himself talk.

Brooke and Jarrod dancing

More wedding pics

Well, the house is quite today. Thursday night was the backyard rehearsal-weenie roast. Friday afternoon was decorating, for the Friday night wedding of our youngest daughter Logan. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I believe it was a wonderful night for the couple as well. I just can't thank the folks that helped make this happen enough. You know who you are, and I owe you. BIG!

Logan's Wedding

Zebra Cake

Brooke had a cake made that matched the invitations. I'm not sure which came first the Cake idea or the invite, but they sure were cute. She also came up with the flowers. She ordered specific flowers from Wolfe Nursery, but not only did they not come in... Wolfe didn't even call to let her know until she got there. We will keep this in mind when ordering wedding flowers.

Briadal Shower

Logan had a little bridal shower on Saturday. It was pouring down rain, but we had a beautiful time. Thank you to all the sweet people in Logan's life that really made this a memorable occasion.

Birthday

I've often wondered about women that lie about their age. I've always thought that instead of subtracting a few years, It would make you look better if you added about ten. I might not look so hot for 39... but I look damn good for 59!

Larry Carlton

This evening was just about perfect. The temperature was mild, the breeze was light, and the bugs didn't bother us, as we sat buy the River and listened to Larry Carlton. That name may not ring a bell, but if you were ever a fan of the Crusaders, Steely Dan.. or the Moody Blues, I guarantee you would recognize the pickin'. The only thing that could make it better, Carolyn Wonderland opened for him. Now I didn't know who she was 'til tonight, but she knocked my sock of. She has the grit of Janice Joplin, the soul of KoKo, and the clarity of Billie Holiday. Just loved her excitement.

Tres Tias

Labor Day 2009. Does this refrigerator make our butts look big?

Four Years Old

Can you believe that my Lacey has a four year old. Doesn't seem possible does it? Wasn't it yesterday that she was four years old...

Wedding Venue

Logan has chosen the quaint setting of downtown Clifton for her wedding. The Whitehorse Station has been turned into an Art Gallery/Meeting Place. The price was right and the feeling relaxed, but it also gives a warm feeling of history.

Saturday Night in the backyard.

I didn't take a single photo to document the evening. Darn. This morning Paul and I sat out on the swing, drinking our coffee...enjoying the cool weather. The day was pleasant for August in central Texas. So this evening I called some friends and had a cookout. We sat outside until one a.m. Can't believe Paul lasted that long. Becky, Sandra, Nicole, Richard, Mark and Cheryl... it was pleasant.
Brooke and bought frames for two of my paintings today. They are ready to put in the Clifton Art Show in October.

Birthday Party

It's just past midnight, and we have had quite a day. We had a late breakfast with Brooke and then headed South to San Antonio for JaiceyBelle's birthday party. I was a casual affair at Peter Piper Pizza. I think the originator of PPP was one of my friend in college. (Remind me to ask Billy Jack) Anyway.... Jaicey shared the occasion with her little friend Nila (sp?) who was turning 3. We sure do love our little grandbiscuit.

After the party we made a dash across San Antonio to Boerne and had dinner with my old friend and roomie Sherry Dennis. Oh did that bring memories. We had a few good laughs (I don't think my son will ever look at me the same). We must get together more often.

I miss Melanie Humphrey. She was my neighbor across the street for years. I could always count on her to act glad to see me when I got home on Friday nights. Mel and I shared that feeling, that Friday nights are an occasion. It didn't matter if all we did was sit in the front yard, and watch the kids catch fire flys.
Last night I got home... and I was the only one wanting it to be "Friday Night". Paul bless his heart is working today, so last night was just another night to him. He is always so busy, sitting an visitin' isn't usually an option. I feel fortunate that I was raised by folks that knew how to sit. My folks would sit on the patio, and draw people like flies to watermelon rind.

I pulled my lawn chair out and sat in my drive way, alone. Drinking a beer. Paul started to sit down, but got a call and left. It was a beautiful night in Hewitt. I think I better plan a trip to SA soon. I have a friends porch there waiting to be visited on.

Quick Visit

My JaiceyBelle got to visit last night for a couple of hours. She was on her way to visit her Daddy's Aunt and Cousin. Today they were going to the Aquarium in Dallas. But we got a quick bit of playdough action in before she had to go. I sure do miss that little toot. She is growing up so fast. She will be four this month.

Pampa, Texas

Weekend before last I made a quick trip home to Portales. The mother of one of my oldest friends, Brian Harris, passed away, and circumstanced allowed me to get home for the funeral. I got there an hour before the service and left for Pampa shortly after. My sister Jany and Billy Jones were mid move. So Saturday we laughed and cut up while attempting to move. It was fun, even if we didn't get much done. Jany starts a new teaching job at Pampa Jr. High in a few days.

Logan

Logan turned 20. She is knee deep in wedding plans and everything is going well. We have never been big on formality, so I hope our friends and family will forgive our brand of "character" that will surround this event. Last Sunday, Paul, Bo and I drove up to Lake Whitney and swam with Logan and her boys. Phillip, his brother Kevin, and buddy Kenny. Such nice guys. I just love them all. Don't tell them that though.

Goals

Everyone needs goals. This photo represents one of mine. Most of you know that I am on a weight loss journey. It is proving successful. I hesitate to speculate how much I will loose, and don't even have a goal number. I will know when I get there. It's about feeling good. I do however have an idea of what I would like to reward myself with. Boots.
Deana McGuffin is the daughter of an old family friend. Her parents were with my parents at least one night a week my whole childhood. We took vacations together, played poker together, and there was always "jam" nights when they played music together. Deana followed in her father and grandfathers footsteps and became a bootmaker. I haven't been able to wear cowboy boots around these calves in a long time. But perhaps someday...
and when that day comes. I would like to walk through Deana's door and order my custom made boots. My dad had a pair that L.W. coached him through making. I wish I had those, it just never occurred to me before.

The design... I'm thinking something definately with turquoise. Has to go with my other goal, of wearing the concho belt my daddy made me.

Jordan Warnica

My nephew's new baby. She was a month early by design, but 7lbs. Looks like he did at that age.

50's

The good looking guy in the middle is my father-in-law.

This is JaiceyBelle, playing kitty. Curled up on the swing. We are having a great time.

Friday night

Paul and I, joined Becky, Sandra, Andrée and Mike Barnes and Zach, down at the suspension bridge for a wonderful evening. The temperature in Waco is WAY off the norm. It was so pleasant. We enjoyed Ruthie Foster. After the show was over, we sat there until the crowd was gone and the clean-up crew needed us to leave. Just couldn't get enough of that beautiful nigh.

Saturday, June 6th

Paul took Brooke and Bo to a big Motocross race, and I was left on my own, without wheels. Not to worry.. I had my paints.

The Niece I got in the divorce

Nicole is a great kid. Hears wishing her the best. Have fun at Tarleton!

Beach

JaiceyBelle joined us in Corpus Christi for the day last Saturday. She sure does love the ocean.

Bird of Paradise

About 4:30 this morning when the thunder was rattling the windows, and the hail was pelting the house, I wondered if anything would survive. As you can see it was more bluster than storm. The delicate blooms on Paul's Bird of Paradise were lovely in the bright Texas sunshine. It's gonna be a beautiful day.
Last night we went out to Sandra's house for an "eatin". She had family in from out of town, we had a wonderful time visiting. Met some new friends and caught up with some old ones. There was more food there than Thanksgiving. Brisket, Pork, Sausage, Ham, Baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, corn on cob, all the sides you can imagine, and pies. The tres leche cake was to die for.

The Big, the bad ...

Whew!

Thank the Lord that the world's scientists have not created smell-a-vision. This group of young men were crammed into Bo's tiny bedroom playing video games. The photo was taken after they had been out playing football in the rain and after they had consumed 20 tacos, 10 bean burritos and two domino's pizzas. Sandra had gone back to get Nate, and when she opened the door...she almost passed out.

It is nice to see Bo with friends over.

Bill Zachry

I lost a precious friend this week. When I was a young art student in college, I signed up for a printing class. I wanted to learn how to screen-print t-shirts. I ended up taking every printing class Mr. Zachry taught. When I got finished with those, he managed to come up with an "independent studies" class. As most of you know, I work in the printing business. Largely because of Mr. Bill. I always tried to go by and visit him when I was in Portales. Last August, while home for my class reunion, I managed a quick visit while running an errand to the grocery store. He was just as sharp as ever. Puttering around in the yard. I'm glad that I got to see him. I know Mickey his wife will not know what to do with herself. Rest in peace Mr. Bill. We'll mind the "fire trap" until we see you again.

Engaged Couple

This is my little girl, and her very tall fiance. (is that how you spell it?) The wedding is planned for November 13, 2009. We are knee deep in wedding plans.

Easter

I hope you all are enjoying a wonder-filled Easter weekend. While it is getting harder and harder to gather all my kids in one spot, at one time, we do enjoy the gathering together. I praise the Lord for my kids, warts and all. We enjoyed watching JaiceyBelle get her Easter dress muddy making "pies" in her sand box. We all watched her hunt a few eggs, and helped her eat the candy inside. My children commented on the fact that they had to hunt and find boiled eggs, and the grandchild gets candy filled ones. Aunt Becky helped Jaicey make the traditional Easter bunny nests. It is amazing how a few moments of laughter with your friends and family, can make everything right with the world.

I framed one of JaiceyBelle's paintings for her, and sent home a watercolor of mine to hang with it.

Gettin' er done.

I finally got some framing done. Best I can figure, I have been painting less than a year, and have done about 24 paintings. It is really interesting to go back and see the first ones. I have really learned a lot in a years time. I'm still looking forward to taking a workshop or two. But nothing like just doin' it.

Family History

I never knew her, but this is a picture of my grandmother, Mabel Freeman, holding my oldest sister Judy.

And another spring break...

While my sister Jany was zipping through the canopy in Costa Rica this week, I was working. But this weekend, my sister Judy came to visit with part of her crew. Don, Judy, Irene and her boys, and one of Casey's boys. It was brief, but I loved every minute of it. We made a visit to the Mayborn Museum this morning, then a quick Schmaltz sandwich on the way to the creek. It is neat see fossils in the museum and then find something just like them not ten miles away. We ended the afternoon with three family size orders of fried ribs from Waco's best kept secret. Even Costa Rica doesn't have fried ribs.

Olden Days Becky and Jill

What fun. I'm sure someone else like Jany or Pat built this Snoopy /Red Baron snow sculpture. But someone please tell me whose Corvette is parked in front of the house. Parked there long enough to have snow on it.