Thursday, May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

The roses from Mr. B have opened up and smell so sweet!
I'm bored! I don't have a book I'm interested in reading and am tired of watching cooking shows. I can't even find anything fun on Pinterest.

There are two bright spots in my day. First, Mr. B brought me a dozen white roses last weekend. They have opened up and are so full, plus they smell wonderful. That was bright spot #1. The next bright spot is sweet Rose. She has been so frustrated because I won't let her on the bed with me. I'm afraid she'll step on my ankle with one of her big fluffy paws. So sometime during the night she put her favorite toy next to my crutches. A little present for her mama. All together now: Awwwww.

Today I'm creating more conference materials. The group is going to Quebec. Doesn't that sound terrific? Cool weather. Old-world charm. Sidewalk cafes. Qui, s'il vous plait!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

May 30, 2012

Smaller cast after visit to the doctor today.
I just got home from the doctor's office where some of my stitches were removed. I almost fainted as the doctor was removing the stitches on the top of my ankle. I was covering my eyes so as not to see what was happening. He said to tell him if I got light headed or clammy. When I said I was already clammy he stopped, got a wet towel for my head, and didn't continue until some color was back in my face. These were only the small stitches so I can't wait to see what happens when he removes the major stitches that are by my heel. I'm such a baby!

There was good news from the doctor: I'm healing well. More good news is that I came home in a smaller cast than when I left the house, and the maximum time I have left with the nasty crutches is a week from Friday. Then I'll be back in hideous black boot for a month, but even that sounds more appealing than the crutches. I'm so afraid of falling again because I'm so clumsy. After all, falling is what got me into this foot and ankle mess in the first place. And when I fell the first time I had two good feet and no crutches.

Today I'm creating conference materials. It has always been so hard to write inspiring words about places where I've never been, but corporate budgets never seem to have funds to send the copywriter for site visits. Too bad!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

May 29, 2012

The grill master was at his post yesterday grilling up
proteins for this week's dinners. Thank you, Nurse B!
It's a busy day in the Pettit recuperating office. I started out with a 1.5 hour conference call. Man, that's just too long to hold a phone up to my ear. Later I wondered why I didn't push the speaker button. Out of the conference call came about six projects, which is always good. I've been working and checking them off my to-do list this afternoon.

I had a nice break at lunch when friend Katy came to the house with some fresh tomatoes and a bouquet of garden flowers. As much as I love Mr. B, it's always nice to see and hear from friends while I sit here with my foot propped up. Unfortunately, Rose has been a pill this afternoon getting me up and down on the crutches. She'll push a door open with her nose and enter a room, then start barking when the door closes behind her and she can't get out. I have to get up, walk across the house with my crutches, and then navigate my way back to the Pettit recuperating office with her walking right in front of me. It must be time for her afternoon nap so maybe she'll lay down and leave me alone.

Today I'm creating marketing communications. Some work done, but I still have a couple of fliers to complete. I'm getting there, but first I may have to join Rose in a nap.

Monday, May 28, 2012

May 28, 2012

On the lighter side of Memorial Day, I'd like to celebrate
with these red, white and blue nails.
It will be a quiet day in the Pettit household except for the bombs bursting on television as Mr. B enjoys a day of war movies. I don't know how he can watch the same movies year after year, but it's a ritual that on Memorial Day and D-Day he is glued to the television screen.

I know I've mentioned before how lucky I feel that no member of my family has ever died in a war. My grandfather was too young for WWI, my father was too young for WWII, my brother defended Omaha, Nebraska and SAC headquarters during the end of the Vietnam conflict, and I believe we have only had a volunteer military since my nephew was old enough to be in a war. There were several ancestors in my maternal grandmother's family who fought for the south during the Civil War, but as far as I know none died during the war. This morning, as I watch our American flag gently waving in the breeze, I salute those who sacrificed life and limb for America ... the greatest country in the world!

Today I'm creating another day of rest, thanks to so many who have sacrificed so much! God bless America, and keep us safe and strong.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

May 27, 2012

I had a great time yesterday visiting with family members at cousin Lisa's home. Their outdoor space is spectacular! Nice, cool shaded seating areas with comfy chairs. A large pool for Lisa and husband Nicky's six children and six grandchildren (so far). And a truly wonderful outdoor kitchen where they made pizza. I think I could have eaten an entire pizza myself.

Celebrating family yesterday included my mother's cousin Joan, who is in her mid-80s and my beloved aunt Martha who is in her mid-70s. Then there was my generation of first cousins in our 50s and 40s. Then the second cousins in their 30s and 20s, and their babies, the youngest of which was sweet little Olivia who is just a few months old. Too cute!

Today I'm creating time to rest my foot, but yesterday I made (with the help of Martha and Mr. B) homemade ice cream. Several people wanted the recipe, so here it is, as passed along to me by my mother.

6 eggs separated
2.5 cups sugar
My niece Rebecca used homemade ice cream
to coax her outdoor loving son Wyatt out of
the pool yesterday. He was so exhausted he could
hardly hold his eyes open, but he didn't want
to leave the pool!
2 large cans Pet Evaporated milk
whole milk
2 tablespoons vanilla

Beat egg yokes well. Add sugar and evaporated milk, then vanilla.

Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold into egg-yolk mixture.

Pour mixture into freezer canister and add whole milk to bring to one gallon. Place canister in the bucket and alternate layers of ice and rock salt. Let machine run until it stops. You may have to add more ice (read the directions for your ice cream freezer).

I've often been tempted to change the order of mixing, such as beat the egg whites with the sugar and vanilla, as is done when making meringue. And since the eggs aren't cooked, I've thought of adding just a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice to the yolks (the acidity is said to "cook" the yolks). But then I dismount my fancy cooking high horse: Why mess with perfection! Just make the damn ice cream the way my grandmother and mother did for so many years.




Saturday, May 26, 2012

May 26, 2012

Cousin Susan with her daughter Kristi seated in front of her.
Me (standing). Cousin Lisa with her mother seated in front of her
and daughter-in-law Amy standing next to her. Sassy ladies at
niece Tricia's wedding.
Mr. B and I are heading to the country today, or at least our version of the country. My cousin Lisa is having a family reunion today at her home, which is outside of Waller. They have a beautiful home, but anything that has an address on a FM (Farm Market) road must be in the country.

I think most of the family will belong to my cousin. She had two brothers and two sisters. Then she had six children of her own, each of which have produced at least one child, except for her youngest son. I've seen photos of their home at Christmas with all the presents around the tree. It looks like a toy store.

Today I'm creating homemade ice cream. When we were young(er) and would get together, my mom always cooked. It just wasn't a meal without her homemade ice cream. I'm keeper of that recipe and am taking supplies for two batches.

Friday, May 25, 2012

May 25, 2012

Mitzie came for lunch yesterday. She didn't
want me to take her photo, so she sent me a photo
of their Boxer, Penny.
I have nothing to write today. That's what happens when you spend several days in bed. I keep thinking I'll get better with the crutches and become more mobile, but it's not happening.

There was just a report on the news that after six days there is no verdict in John Edwards' trial. Looks like he will get away with diverting campaign funds to hide his mistress and their baby. Although the court may not be able to prove he is guilty, there's no doubt in my mind that he knew what was going on and approved of it all. I just don't have much respect for a man who has an affair while his wife of 30+ years is dying of cancer. Jerk!

Today I'm creating the final grant proposal for Houston Arts Alliance. Actually my part today is very small compared to what our Executive Director is doing. Go Kelly!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

May 24, 2012

Thanks for the cookies, Dr. Mc.
I actually stayed in bed and rested so much yesterday. I plan on doing the same thing most of today. It's a good thing.

Mr. B came home and made me lunch yesterday. Then Kelly came for a visit in the afternoon with some goodies from Revival Market. And while Mr. B and Nick escaped to see The Advengers last night, Dr. Mc stayed with me and baked chocolate chip cookies. More good things!

Today I'm creating a grant proposal for Bayou City Art Festival. It's due to Houston Art Alliance tomorrow by 5 p.m. I've finished part of it and have all the pieces gathered. Hopefully the finished product will make sense to those who read it.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

May 23, 2012

Surgery yesterday. Pain at a level 7 this morning.

Thanks to Dr. Mc and Nick for dinner last night. Delicious!

Today I'm creating a picture of my ankle for this blog and then going back to eye-lid movies.

Monday, May 21, 2012

May 21, 2012

I hope my buddy Alex feels better!
I'm watching Today and the camera is showing an outside shot where it is pouring down rain in the Big Apple. This made me reflect of taking Dr. Mc and Sweetness to New York while Kendall was at Univ. of Texas and Evan was in elementary school. It was a mother/daughter bonding trip that seems like a million years ago. We went to the World Trade Center for dinner and five years later it was gone. We had brunch at Tavern on the Green and 10 years later it was closed. But I have great memories of sharing the city with the girls.

We took the ferry across to see the Statute of Liberty and the two sisters were bundled up like arriving immigrants at the turn of the 19th Century. We went to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes in their Christmas Spectacular. It was truly spectacular. And the last day we were there, we went to the filming of Today and stood outside in the pouring down rain.

Today I'm creating a draft of a grant application for Bayou City Art Festival, and remembering a fun time with my daughters.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

May 20, 2012

Mr. B and longtime friend Katy Bomar Childs.
I'm very sluggish today, which I attribute to heat and wine from yesterday. I'm wondering if a late morning/early afternoon nap will hurt or help my condition?

As most people know, I'm more than ready for a new car, but not a car payment. My faithful Explorer is 12 years old with only 130K miles. I've told myself I'll drive it until it won't go anymore, but that doesn't stop me from lusting after cars. Yesterday, on the way to and from Galveston, I studied cars. The new Honda Crosstour was at the top of my list. It was a very pretty car, but probably more car than I need. But the new car of my dreams isn't a decision I have to make today, or any time soon.

Today I'm creating a nice dinner for Mr. B and me. We ate so much delicious food yesterday that I'm planning something very light for tonight!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

May 19, 2012

Friend Mary Lou told me this week how much she is enjoying
a bag she bought from me around Valentine's Day. Cool!
Mr. B and I are heading to Galveston today for a crawfish boil at Chris and Dr. Tom's beach house on Tiki Island. This couple is famous for huge parties where you can't hear a thing or move an inch. So why attend? Dr. Tom is an incredible cook and Chris is a wonderful hostess. It should be a fun afternoon.

After a couple of hours in Galveston, we'll head back to Houston so I can get a manicure and nap before another party tonight. Friends Jan and Paul have sold their house, packed up everything they need, and are retiring in Ecuador. This is something they have been actively planning for probably two years. We're so excited for them because this is their dream, but we'll miss them. They are really nice people!

Today I'm creating clean clothes. I realized last night that the clothes I want to wear today didn't make it to the cleaners this week. Yikes! My clothes can be washed, but who likes to iron, much less iron linen? Not me.

Friday, May 18, 2012

May 18, 2012

The birthday boy (and unknown woman) at last night's party.
Mr. B and I were busy party-goers last night. First we went to a thank-you party for volunteers  who had participated with the auction committee for the Houston Heights Association. I participated. He was my +1. I know it will be a good party when there is a margarita machine on the screened porch. Then we went to a birthday party for a friend. I won't mention Bart's age, except to say he is a septuagenarian. There were tons and tons of people there that I don't see often, including some I haven't seen in years. It's always good to catch up. 


I also determined last night that, although I sometimes think differently, I'm not Wonder Woman. My foot surgery is on Tuesday and I was planning to attend an event for Bayou City Art Festival on Wednesday. It's not just any event, but the one where we give checks to our non-profit partners who helped at the Memorial Park Festival. Mr. B and Kelly Kindred, the Executive Director of Bayou City Art Festival, convinced me that it would be better if I skipped the event. I'm going to take their advice.


Today I'm creating a magazine article. This afternoon I'm going to declutter of the guest room. Then I'm off to a book signing and cocktail party. Fun day!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

May 17, 2012

Got the word yesterday that yard maintenance
in Santa Fe is complete. Thanks, Ricky!
Pop culture comments: Is anyone else tired of all the singing contests? I don't remember who won American Idol last year or the name of the young man who won The Voice just a few weeks ago. Now there's more. X-Factor. America's Got Talent. Duets. Enough already! Actually, I don't watch these reality shows, but watched American Idol last night because Survivor, which I usually watch on Wednesdays, had its finale on Sunday.

I'm still bothered by events and comments from the pre-admission process yesterday at St. Luke's Hospital. My blood pressure was high as is my weight. It's just a day surgery yet I had to complete paperwork just in case I have to be admitted to the hospital after surgery. I was asked to put my Directive to Physicians and Medical Power of Attorney on file with the hospital. Am I seeing my own mortality or just obsessing about my upcoming milestone birthday?

Today I'm creating more plans for the two parties I'm coordinating for a client. Cut back on the theme? You've got to be kidding me.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

May 16, 2012

Peonies from last weekend's wedding still looking and smelling great!
Goodness me. I think I spent more time today with pre-admission to St. Luke's Hospital than I will actually spend in the hospital. Seriously!

There were a couple of things I was told today in pre-admission that I don't really believe. I'm supposed to be at the hospital by 6 a.m. and was told that I'll be in the operating room by 7:15 a.m. I don't really believe that because, as we all know, there is a shift change at 7 a.m. I can't see anything happening 15 minutes after a shift change! Also, I was told that I'd be out of the hospital by noon, but I don't think that will happen, either. When I had my second back surgery, I was told basically the same things and nothing went according to schedule. I was supposed to be first in line, but the doctor did a carpal tunnel surgery before mine. Then, I couldn't go home until after I ate lunch and walked down the hall. The nurse brought me a white bread sandwich and fruit jello. After she left the room I looked at Mr. B and Daddy, and asked them which one would eat the stuff on the tray while I walked down the hall. Nobody wanted to eat the sandwich or the jello.

Today I'm creating project revisions for my Tuesday client.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012

New pink rose bush is going crazy with all the rain.
The month-old plants in our yard are loving the gentle rain that has been falling in Houston the past two days. The rain and humidity aren't so good for my coif, but the plants love it!

I saw on Facebook today is a long-ago friend's birthday today. It reminded me of a party that took place 30 years ago. There was a group of about five of us who were turning 30 during the spring/summer of 1982, and we had a huge celebration that included everyone we knew. Half a lifetime ago, being 30 seemed so old. The shame is that as close as we were at that time, none of us are still close friends. I still see two of the men occasionally, but it has been years since I saw or spoke to the other two women. But I still think about the group and our 30th birthday blow out! And I wish Blake, Mark, Jackie, me and Elsie another 30 years of happiness and health.

Today I'm creating plans for two parties. Yes, I get paid for party planning! Two invitations written and other plans under way. Should be a fun time around the first of June!

Monday, May 14, 2012

May 14, 2012

Hello, Monday! It's good to see you.
Dr. Mc is still hand making Mother's Day cards for me. Love it!

I had my hair trimmed on Saturday. I find that I use lots of "product" in my hair just after I have it cut. I want it to look like it did when I left the salon, but that quickly goes away. If I use product in my hair I wake up in the morning with really strange hair. This wasn't a problem when I went to an office every day because I would jump in the shower and wash my hair every morning. Now that I hang out in the house most days with Roz and Rose I don't wash my hair every morning. I bring up this subject because today my hair is particularly hideous. It looks like I slept on the top of my head, although I don't know if that is possible.

Today I'm creating a timeline of what I need to accomplish during this week. My calendar is extremely full and I have lots to get done this week while I have two feet to stand on. Next week I'll have crutches and it won't be as easy to get around. But first, before I leave the house, I have to do something with this hair!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

May 13, 2012

Tricia and Tom sitting for wedding photos.
Yesterday was a beautiful day for a wedding! My niece Tricia married Tom Russell at a private club in The Woodlands. It was a small wedding that took place outside in beautiful surroundings. We went inside for dinner and then there was a great band. I don't know if I've ever seen so many peonies in one single location. Huge vases and planters everywhere. But nothing about the wedding was as beautiful as Tricia. She was smiling all night from ear to ear.

It was also good to see my aunt, some cousins and their children. We laughed and cut up. Sweetness (a.k.a. Evan) even danced with me, as did Mr. B. By the end of the night, Dr. Mc and I were drinking Cape Cods out of glasses with flashing neon lights. Where do you think I can find some of those for my next party?

Today I'm creating a salad for Mother's Day lunch at Dr. Mc and Nick's. It will be another fun day with family. Such a great way to spend Mother's Day.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

May 12, 2012

So excited to attend Tricia and Tom's wedding tonight.
Hair salon. Check. Nail salon. Check. Nap before the wedding. Coming soon!

I've been on the phone this morning with the McCarley sisters about Evan borrowing a dress from Dr. Mc to wear to the wedding tonight. I always wanted a sister who I could borrow clothes from and tell my secrets to. The lovely McCarley sisters go in and out of being friends and buddies, which I guess is part of being sisters. But they can wear each other's clothes. Not shoes, which is probably a good thing. No one wants to borrow Evan's shoes or be in the room when she takes her shoes off.

Today I'm creating a pair of earrings. I don't know what happened to the black earrings I was going to wear, but it's not a problem. It should be fun to make some jewelry since I haven't done that in some months.

Friday, May 11, 2012

May 11, 2012

My handsome date for the weekend.
My days have been off all week. When we go to Santa Fe we usually travel back to Houston on Sunday, but this week we came back on Tuesday. The calendar tells me it's Friday, but I think it's Wednesday.

Tomorrow is my niece Tricia's wedding and I couldn't be happier for her. She is almost 34 years old and hasn't been married before. She waited to find her prince charming and is marrying a wonderful man. My only regret about the wedding is that her father (my brother), who died in December 2004, won't be at the wedding. I know he'll be there in spirit along with my parents to offer blessings for Tricia and Tom. I'm already crying so I must be sure to have a handkerchief and touch up make-up with me at the wedding.

Today I'm creating a trip to the bank and maybe to the salon for a manicure.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

May 10, 2012

New chairs in Santa Fe with arms. Much better for relaxing.
I'm so proud of myself! Somehow the brightness on my computer screen went dim and I figured out how to fix it. I found the brightness control in my system preferences and made the screen brighter. What a big girl I am.

There's so much on the news about President Obama coming out yesterday in support of gay marriage. Being a Christian, I understand the conflict that some people have with the issue of gay marriage in that the Bible says marriage is between a man and a woman. On the other hand, as a human being I don't understand the conflict over equal rights. Why shouldn't all people have the same rights? Working in a creative industry (marketing and advertising), as well as being an art enthusiast, I'm very often around gay people. I have really good friends who are gay. I totally believe that everyone – gay or straight – has the right to love whomever they love. Women fought for and earned their rights. African Americans fought for and earned their rights. Why do people have to keep arguing and fighting for their rights? What I would have liked for President Obama and all people to support is equal rights for all people.

Today I'm creating ... I don't know what. I feel very tired today, which I'm sure is the effect of an all day road trip. I don't know what it is about riding in a car for 13 hours that should make me tired, but I'm really feeling lackluster today.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

May 9, 2012

I'm hoping I left a ring on the dresser beside the bed in SFe.
The Pettits are safely back in Houston after the long drive from Santa Fe. It was downright cold when we left on Tuesday morning a little after 6 a.m. The back seat was empty so I was able to stretch out and keep my foot propped up except when I was driving. I got home and was missing a ring. I hoping I left it on the dresser in Santa Fe and The Richards will find it for me. I'm somewhat stressed about that right now.

Maybe my stress about my missing ring was why my blood pressure was high at my doctor's appointment this morning. I now have a date for my foot surgery. I'll be at the hospital on Tuesday, May 22, at 6 a.m. I'm first on the list so I was told I would be in the operating room around 7:15 a.m. It's just a day surgery. I'll be home in my own bed that night. Let's see. Thirteen days until the surgery. Then two weeks in a cast and another four weeks back in the boot. I'll be finished with this drama in approximately two months, just in time to head back to Santa Fe for my summer stay.

Today I'm creating concepts for some direct-mail pieces. But first, after my doctor's appointment I went to lunch with my friend Victoria. It had been months since we sat down and just talked without anyone else around. It was good to catch up! Then I went to the Apple store to retrieve my new MacBook. Before I left for Santa Fe, I took my old computer and my new one to the Apple store to have the data transferred. It's good to have my laptop back with all the data in one spot.

Monday, May 7, 2012

May 7, 2012

Mr. B (center) and The Richards enjoying their garden.
We're summerizing the casita before we leave tomorrow. This means, in addition to the normal cleaning we do before we leave, we're taking the heavy blankets and quilts off the beds and putting on white sheets and a light cotton blanket. The high temperature today in Santa Fe is 64 degrees with beautiful blue skies and a really nice breeze. It has been a fabulous mini-vaca!

I've noticed that there is a lot more work to keeping the casita neat and clean when Mr. B is here with me. He is prone to using something and leaving it there when he finishes with it. For example, the knee pads he used while pulling weeds from the garden are still in the yard, as are his gloves. It was very sweet of him to make breakfast this morning, but I just cleaned up the kitchen three hours after we ate. Do you get the picture? He has been re-gluing two wooden arm chairs that we brought up here and guess where all that stuff is? If you answered all over the dining floor, bing, bing, bing: you would be correct.

Today I'm creating pillows for the two wooden chairs we brought up here. Something simple. I took the two overstuffed chairs that have been here since we bought the house to a consignment store. This is one of the best stores I've ever been in. I wish there was something like this store in Houston. Or maybe it's best for me that the store is only in Santa Fe!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

May 6, 2012

Such a quiet, relaxing day in the high desert. We stayed in until mid afternoon when we went to the annual Contemporary Clay Fair. Of all the crafts I do, I've never had an interest in working with clay because I just see too much frustration involved. I would want my work to be so great from the beginning, and it won't be. Not working with clay is the same reason I don't bowl. If I can't do it well, I don't want to do it at all.

After the clay fair we went to "The Richard's" home for cocktails before going to Harry's Road house for dinner. It was almost too cool to sit outside and admire their garden. Little Ricky spends hours every day in their garden, and it always looks beyond beautiful. Today was no exception. I always have garden envy when I leave their home. Pictured is just a small portion of their garden. I took lots of photos today, so I'll be showing more garden photos as the week goes on.

Today I'm creating dinner for tomorrow night. Tomorrow will be our last day and it's always a busy day with cleaning and running last minute errands. As Mr. B says, on Tuesday morning, "We leave at dawn."

Saturday, May 5, 2012

May 5, 2012

Beautiful sunflowers in old Calumet Baking Power tins brighten the casita.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo. I'm so glad to be in Santa Fe, but I'm missing some fun events back in Houston. Happy wedding shower to Sarah! Happy baby shower to Cat and Griff! Happy day to Wendy Wagner whose work is featured in a Pop Up Exhibition at Darke Gallery! 

I had great success yesterday on my shopping spree. Not only did I find a beautiful top to wear to my niece's wedding next weekend, I also found two other tops. I've never seen anything like them in Houston, so I'm very excited. I also bought a coffee table book yesterday about art studios in New Mexico. It starts back when the art movement came to Santa Fe and moves forward to about 2005. I like reading the history, looking at the old photos, and seeing new contemporary artwork.

Today I'm creating a clean second bedroom and dining room in the casita. Time to wash the sheets, as well as vacuum and dust that part of the house. I'd like to go out for awhile this afternoon to another couple of stores, but I think I spent my wad yesterday.

Friday, May 4, 2012

May 4, 2012

Roz doing what she does best: napping.
Mr. B worked his little fingers to the bone yesterday in the yard, and he's back at it again today. The girls and I weren't as productive, although Rose did help Mr. B with yard work yesterday while I went to the grocery store. Roz just napped all day. In fact, she's laying on the bed sleeping right now.

I also worked my fingers yesterday as I flipped through old magazines to see if there was anything I wanted to scan before I got rid of everything that was more than six months old. My stack of magazines gets really tall during the summer when I'm in residence at the Pettita Casita. The newspaper here is so bad, except on Fridays, that I buy a magazine or two every time I go to the grocery store.

Today I'm creating priorities. My top priority for today is to find a top to wear to my niece's wedding on Saturday, May 12. My next priority after a hectic afternoon of shopping will be to enjoy a nap with the girls. Then I'm going to savor another delicious dinner that has been expertly prepared by the Grill Master. Hope your Friday turns out as well as the one I've planned for myself!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

May 3, 2012

This rose bush is the bright spot in the SFe garden.



It was a long drive to Santa Fe yesterday, but we made it. Sometimes the drive goes very quickly and sometimes the 13 hours seems like an eternity. I think part of my problem yesterday was that it was hard to get comfortable with the boot on my foot. I couldn't sit on my foot while I drove, which is my favorite long-distance driving position. And when I was sitting in the passenger seat there didn't seem to be enough space for my boot.

It was a total surprise pushing open the gate to the driveway and side yard last night. I always expect to see either a snow-covered yard or the garden in bloom. But last night it was a yard full of weeds. We had three people at the casita this morning giving us prices. One for yard work. Another to paint the trim on the house. And the third to stabilize the fence along the back of the property. This trip will cost us about $1,000 for the repairs and maintenance. You know, it's fun having a second home until you have to start making repairs on it.

Today I'm creating a save-the-date card and website announcement for a client. Got to keep working, even in the high desert, if I want to keep Pettita Casita. And keeping the Santa Fe house is certainly on my wish list!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

May 2, 2012

Heading to the high desert. 'Nuf said. You know I'm excited!

Today I'm creating a trip to the Apple store to leave my new and old computer for data transfer, and then chairing the board meeting for Bayou City Art Festival. I'm excited to welcome four new members to the board today!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May 1, 2012

I used to like the smell of ligustrums blooming,
but now they just make me sneeze.
I'm winding down after a busy day. I was at my Tuesday client's office around 9:30 a.m. and left about 1:45 p.m. to attend physical therapy. Then I ran errands to take care of some personal business before we leave town tomorrow. Yes, we're headed to Santa Fe tomorrow! I'm so looking forward to waking up on Thursday morning at Pettita Casita.

I was wondering why I've had a stuffy head all morning, but when I was leaving to go to physical therapy I saw all of the ligustrums blooming. Now my sniffles make sense. We used to have a HUGE ligustrum about 10 feet away from the back door, but when we redid the back yard it was the first bush/tree to go.

Today I'm creating a newsletter and working on some upcoming events. I'm cleaning house and washing clothes before we leave tomorrow. Mr. B is attending an OTC event tonight and won't be home until around 10 p.m., so it sounds like the perfect time to have Chinese food (since he doesn't like it).