Tuesday, April 30, 2013

April 30, 2013

Getting the casita ready for summer by washing the quilts
and replacing them with coverlets. Finished the guest room
today (this is the winter setting).
Do you know how sometimes you can smell or taste (insert any of the five senses) and it takes you back to another place or reminds you of someone? For example, after my grandfather died I would often smell his pipe tobacco, but no one around me would be smoking a pipe. I always felt this was a sign from him that he was watching over me.

Now, flash forward. I went to Albertson's to buy replacements for the paper goods I've used while here. I was also looking for some ointment to put on my nose, which is very sore and chapped. I settled on A+D Ointment. The minute I opened the tube I was immediately transported back to when the lovely McCarley sisters would get rashes on their sweet baby bottoms. As I said above, I always felt that it was a sign from my grandfather when I would smell his pipe tobacco. So what is the meaning of the A+D Ointment reminding me of rashes of diapered baby bottoms? Well, maybe nothing.

Today I'm creating a clean casita. Whenever I clean here it's so obvious to do two rooms one day, then two more rooms on the next day, and finally the bathroom and master bedroom on the third day. I was supposed to leave for Houston tomorrow, but I put off cleaning until I felt better. At this rate, it will Friday before I leave. But that's OK with me.

Monday, April 29, 2013

April 29, 2013

The red bird that has been singing outside the casita
every day brought a friend with him today. 
If you have a weak stomach, skip this paragraph. I think I'm obsessed with what's coming out of my nose. During the past week it has been clear, yellow and green, but today it is red. I often get nose bleeds from the altitude, but never like it is today. As I said yesterday, I'll be happy when there's nothing coming out of my nose.

Random thought for the day. I don't know who I find more annoying: Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz.

Today I'm creating tin pieces. I'm always amazed how dirty my hands are after I finish cutting a tin apart. I cut out and cleaned lots of tin pieces this morning, but haven't taken the next step to make any jewelry. If I just pull everything out and get started, I'll work until my hands are weak. If I just get started.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

April 28, 2013

Add caption
This morning I was feeling well, so I dressed and went to breakfast at a favorite spot that's not too far from the casita. Guests write on the side of the building and on the sidewalk, so I added my two cents (see the pic-of-the-day).

After breakfast I went on a search for dog food. Last summer I went all over town, but this year I found a Petco that was closer to the house. Why doesn't Albertson's have Science Diet? And why is dog food so expensive?

Today I'm creating jewelry. I went to a couple of resale shops looking for tin cans, but I didn't find a single piece. I can always find tins at The Guild Shop in Houston.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

April 27, 2013

More recently upcycled tin jewelry. 
Thanks to Facebook friends who have been leaving me well wishes. I'm feeling much better today. In fact, I got dressed and went to the drugstore for more kleenex and water this morning. When I saw myself in the rearview mirror I thought I was looking at Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, so I added Vicks to my shopping. Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember my grandfather using vapor rub when he was really stuffed up. Well, let me say this about that. Putting Vicks on my nose was like rubbing salt into an open wound, plus now my nose is running more. OK. I'm feeling better, but am still a mess.

It's so unusual to me that shoppers can buy wine and liquor in drugstores in New Mexico. However, I'm determined to get rid of whatever I have, so along with everything else I bought, I got a bottle of wine. One way or another I'm getting rid of my germs and bacteria. 

Today I'm creating jewelry. I got a really fun set of tins that have a white background with black abstract lines. I cut apart the smallest tin last night and am planning to cut some pieces out of it this afternoon.  

Friday, April 26, 2013

April 26, 2013

This necklace makes a BIG statement. The center circle is
2", the next circles are 1.5", and the smallest circle in the
necklace is 1".  The earrings don't match, but coordinate.
I went to an urgent care clinic last night that stayed open until 9:30 p.m. There's nothing terribly wrong with me that a few days in bed won't cure. I got a prescription and a couple of over the counter remedies. My throat feels a little better and my noise is drying up, but I still don't want to swallow anything except water.  On a scale of 1-10 I'm probably at a 4 today. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel human again.

My blood pressure was elevated last night, which seemed to bother the doctor and nurse more than the fact that I couldn't breath or swallow. I'm not sure why they were surprised that my blood pressure was elevated. I'm 7,200 feet above sea level and I feel like crap. Aren't those two situations enough to make any heart pump harder?

Today I'm creating nothing, but I am posting a photo of some jewelry I've made while I've been in the high desert. My plans is to show them to a shop owner while I'm in Santa Fe, but I must feel better before I go. I don't want her to think I've contaminated the jewelry with my nasty germs.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

April 25, 2013

I feel terrible today. My throat is so sore and I feel the swelling when I touch my neck. It hurts so much to swallow that I'll do almost anything to avoid it. In the years I've been coming to Santa Fe I've never had the need for a doctor, but tomorrow I'm going to find one. 
Beautiful bird singing away this morning.

Short blog.

Today I'm creating time to sleep. In fact, the girls and I slept most of today. I slept because I feel so bad. They slept because they're lazy dogs. Tomorrow is another day!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

April 24, 2013

The doggies having a little nap while I transcribe my
conference call notes. Yes, Rose was snoring.
It's all about family this week. It began on Monday with the remembrance of my mother's birthday. Tuesday was the remembrance of my maternal grandmother's birthday, as well as the celebration of my great niece's birth (Catherine Elizabeth Russell, born April 23, 2013, born at 12:25 p.m.). And today I'm remembering my parents on what would have been their 64th wedding anniversary.

Mother and Daddy were high school sweethearts at Bryan High School. Mother went off the Sam Houston State Teacher's College (as it was known at the time) and Daddy stayed in Bryan to work in his family's clothing store and attend Texas A&M. Mother dropped out of school after a year and a half and moved back to Bryan. Two days after her 20th birthday (Daddy wouldn't turn 20 years old until August), they got in a car with their best couple friends, drove to Hearne and got married on April 24, 1949. I think it was several weeks or a month before they got the nerve to tell their parents they were married. After their confession, they lived with my paternal grandparents until Daddy graduated from A&M. Among the items my paternal grandmother saved and gave to me before she died were newspaper clippings and and napkins from a party that was held for Mother and Daddy in Bryan after the announcement of their wedding. For their 50th wedding anniversary, I had the pieces framed for them. The frame and memorabilia are now among the family photos I have in Houston.

Today I'm creating tin jewelry. It's sunny but cold in Santa Fe this morning. How cold was it last night? Roz and Rose wanted to sun themselves yesterday afternoon, so I put a bowl of water outside for them. This morning when we went out for a short walk, the water in the bowl was frozen.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

April 23, 2013

A couple of weeks ago I spent the afternoon with two cousins. We shared stories, including ones about our mutual grandmother, Ira Ethel (Zachry) Hargrove, who was born on April 23, 1896, somewhere in Georgia. To her friends and family she was Et. To her 10 grandchildren she was Nannie.

Anxiously awaiting news about the birth of my great niece.
Catherine should be born sometime today.
There were 11 brothers and sisters in her family and my grandmother was the second oldest. She decided at an early age that she wanted more than the farm had to offer her. She wanted to get away from Georgia, so she took piano and violin lessons that she would later teach to others for a fee she pocketed. Although she told people she grew up on a plantation, her father was actually a share cropper and the entire family worked in the fields with him. During cotton picking season, my grandmother would go back to the fields after everyone else was done to pick the little bits of cotton left. She would sell the cotton and pocket the money. When she had enough money saved, she took a train to Galveston. At that time, which was probably in the early 1920s, Galveston would have been a great city. It must have been scandalous for a young woman to ride the train by herself from Georgia to Galveston! In Galveston went to work in a shop. I don't know how long she lived in Galveston, but at some point she became terribly ill. She might have had tuberculous as that was common at the time. Unable to work and with no more money, the shop owners sent my grandmother back to Georgia on the train. Once back on her feet, my great grandfather arranged her marriage to Clyde Hargrove because he was the only man in town with a car. She admittedly never loved him and their's wasn't much of a marriage, although they had three children: Sue Beth who was born in 1927, Peggie Jane (my mother) who was born in 1929, and Clyde Hargrove, Jr. who was born in 1934. I only remember meeting my grandfather once. He was living with his mother, not my grandmother, in Temple, TX. My grandmother cared for elderly people in her house in Bryan, TX, until she was older than the people she cared for. After that she made the rounds living with different brothers and sisters or her own children. Sometimes she took babysitting jobs or taught music lessons to support herself and pay for her room in a boarding house. Finally her children had to place her in a nursing home. She died in 1976. Now we realize that she probably had Alzheimer's Disease, but at that time it wasn't diagnosed. It's interesting to me that she was buried next to her husband that she never loved.

Today I'm creating jewelry. A few more comments from my conversation with to my cousins. We all agreed that our grandmother might have been born in Georgia, but she was no peach! We all remembered stories of her being cruel to us and others. For example, she told my cousins Santa wasn't real. We also remembered our mothers telling us that their mother was the worst. She didn't really take care of them. She was a terrible cook. She'd take groceries and gifts people gave her and return them for the cash. All she really cared about was herself and money. There's a lesson here. My grandmother was always unhappy because she wanted more than she had. While there's anything wrong with being ambitious, we should be happy with what we have and not drive ourselves crazy about what we don't have. 

Monday, April 22, 2013

April 22, 2013

Happy birthday, Mom.
The only thing that could make this day more perfect than it already is would be if my family was at the casita with me. The windows are open. I can hear the birds singing outside. Spanish guitar music is playing on the stereo inside. Roz and Rose are napping. WAIT. If the family was here with me my quiet solitude would be gone. Maybe I am glad that I'm here with just the dogs.

I already completed a bit of business for one client this morning. Now I'm waiting on an email from another client. But sitting at the breakfast bar with my feet up makes work seem less like work. I read that today is Earth Day. Happy birthday, earth. Also, today would have been my mother's 84th birthday, had she not died in 2001. Actually, although she died today is still her birthday. When I look at friends who still have their parents I get upset that mine are both gone. But life goes on and I'm banishing any negative and unhappy thoughts from my perfect day in the high desert. Besides, my niece Patricia is having a baby girl tomorrow. A new beautiful life coming into the world. I can't wait to hold and kiss baby Catherine.

Today I'm creating a revised eblast for a client. After that's finished I'm making some jewelry. I cut out tin pieces yesterday so I'll be doing assembly work today.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Apri 21, 2013

I made a lumberjack breakfast this morning for Mr. B before dropping him off to catch the shuttle to ABQ. As soon as we left the casita he got a voicemail that his flight had been delayed 35 minutes. That happens often from ABQ to HOU. Houston is the last top, so I guess the tardiness of the other legs of the flight build up until ABQ. It's nice that the airline sends out messages about the delays.
Going away dinner party tonight.  Tony (left in plaid shirt)
and Victoria (third from left) are moving back to
New Jersey. Jane (hugging Victoria) and Dick (second from
the left) had a lovely dinner tonight for Victoria and Tony.

I couldn't resist going to The Shops at Sanbusco after dropping Mr. B at the shuttle stop. There aren't many people in town, so I thought the shops might be having sales. Wrong! Nothing I needed at the shoe store or the two clothes shops next to it. A wonderful bed and bath shop is now gone. I went into a couple of other stores, but all I bought was a cotton scarf that was on sale. The scarf is loosely woven and I can wear it with many tops.

Today I'm creating a fabulous pork shoulder roast to take to a dinner party tonight. I wrapped the pork in foil and put it in the oven for seven hours at 300 degrees. About an hour before taking the pork out of the oven I unwrapped it and poured homemade barbecue sauce on top. After I took the pork from the oven I let it sit for about 10 minutes before pulling apart. People at the party kept asking who made the pulled port and stood over it nibbling after dinner. I sent the leftovers with friend Richard Anderson so he can share it with his office tomorrow. I kept a little extra pork for me at the casita.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

April 20, 2013

Beautiful skies above Santa Fe.
As you can tell from the pic-of-the-day, it is absolutely beautiful in Santa Fe! The temp was in the mid 50s today, which is perfect as far as I'm concerned. I'm thinking about friends who are in Texas, either riding in the MS 150 or walking in the Avon Walk for the Cure over the weekend. No, I don't wish I was participating in either weekend event. I'm thinking how lucky I am to be in Santa Fe, sitting on a comfy couch with a fire in the kiva, while others are cycling or walking for good causes. I made contributions to each. Now, would I like to have a glass of chilled pinot griglo? Why yes, please.

Mr. B is heading back to H-town tomorrow afternoon. He has agreed to take the shuttle to the ABQ airport from Santa Fe. I'm so pleased! Picking someone up at the ABQ airport and having company on the way back to Santa Fe is OK, but I don't like dropping someone off and making the drive back to the casita by myself.

Today I'm creating marinade for a huge pork shoulder roast. I've been invited to a potluck dinner tomorrow evening. My first thought was to make shrimp and bacon cheese grits, until Mr. B reminded me that we're not in Texas anymore. People in New Mexico eat posole instead of grits. I'm sure there will be posole at the party, but I decided to make pulled pork for sandwiches with all fixin's. Yum!

Friday, April 19, 2013

April 19, 2013

It's COLD in Santa Fe, which is fine because I'm sick and in bed. This is day three of my cold or sinus problems. I haven't had a voice for a day, which is extremely frustrating. Anytime I say anything, Mr. B answer me with "What did you say?" And how cold is it in Santa Fe? It's so cold that Roz is sleeping in bed with me – under the covers.

Like many others, I'm not sure why all the news is live with special reports from Watertown, MA. Wouldn't it be better if all of the reporters got out of the way and let the FBI, police and fire fighters do their job? If officials have the residents of Watertown in lockdown, why are they allowing thousands of media to report live on the hunt for the Boston bomber? I hope I can soon find a movie channel to watch.

Today I'm creating hot and cold toddies to help my throat. I also need to go through the winter clothes I keep here and find some socks for my freezing feet. Then it's nap time.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

April 18, 2013

I had been asleep about an hour this morning when Mr. B woke me up at 6:30 a.m. In about 45 minutes we dressed, loaded the car, took the dogs for a short walk, loaded the cooler with water, Diet Coke and snacks for the trip, and hit the road to Santa Fe. The temperature was dropping steadily as we drove through rainy, nasty weather from Conroe to just outside of Ft. Worth. Then the skies cleared and the weather was beautiful the rest of the way to the casita. When we pulled in the gate here a little after 7 p.m. Mountain Time, the temperature was 33 degrees. Burr! It was at this point that Mr. B and I realized we're going to be freezing our butts off here.
Roz got a haircut yesterday. She looks naked!

My head was stuffy again this morning and didn't get better all day. In fact, my first thought when Mr. B woke me this morning was that we should stay home and not make the drive to the casita until tomorrow. But now that we're here, I'm so happy. I used an entire box of Kleenex during the drive. And my voice is almost gone. Mr. B should have a wonderful, quiet weekend at the casita without me able to speak.

Today I'm creating a trip to Santa Fe. I was healthy enough with my eating during the week so I having my favorite pasta dinner tonight. Mr. B has gone to gather dinner, now, when I slip into my stretchy pants and climb under the bed covers with a new box of Kleenex.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

April 17, 2013

I had a great meeting today with my fellow Board members of Bayou City Art Festival. It was a longer meeting than usual, but we were able to cover lots of topics. Everyone walked away with assignments and marching orders, including me. I even sent out a couple of reminder emails tonight.
I looked at this uber cool vintage magazine
case today. I hope my client will purchase
it for storage space. 
After the Board meeting I drove to Pasadena to the Retro Metro's 30,000 square foot warehouse to look at art deco furniture. Such cool pieces from all sorts of eras stacked neatly to the ceiling. The space was well organized and it was surprising that the warehouse people knew the location of items. I could show them a piece of furniture from their website and the warehouse manager would know which row it was on. This warehouse isn't their only location, either. So much product. Very impressive.

Today I'm creating a packing list of items to take TOMORROW to the high desert. This will require that I go into the fall/winter clothes closet since it might snow in Santa Fe tomorrow. Last year when we went about this time of year, or it might have even been in May, both Mr. B and I almost froze. In my mind, there's just something wrong with wearing wool or corduroy in April or May. Yet those are the cold weather clothes I keep up there. The only other option I had last year was to wear linen clothes I keep there for the summer months. This year, I'm going to be prepared.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

April 16, 2013

Heros from yesterday's bombings.
"Sick bastard" is the best description of anyone who took part in yesterday's bombings in Boston. A friend of Dr. Mc's lives in or just outside of Boston, and her husband is a fireman. They have twins who are three or fours years old. Carrie posted on FB that they are all fine. I was thinking about Carrie and her family all afternoon and evening. We met Carrie when she and Kendall were about 18 months old.

Although the media has been quick to label the bombings as a terrorist attack, I'm beginning to think more and more that the bombings were by a lone wolf.  Two reasons. Most terrorists are quick to announce their destruction of American property and lives. A lone wolf goes into hiding and tries to avoid capture. Also, it seems like someone from the Boston area might have done this. I mean, how many other people knew that yesterday was Patriots Day in the area? I hate to profile, but this is my thinking. I hope I'm wrong because it breaks my heart that someone from my own country would set out to kill and/or maim his or her fellow Americans. At the same time, it lifts my spirits to know that for every sick bastard there are 100 or more heroes who will selflessly step forward to help those in need.

Today I'm creating plans to leave town on Thursday morning. Tonight I'm going to a thank you party for those who worked on the home tour a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure how I can go to the party and stick to my commitment to eat healthy before leaving town. Mr. B promised that when we get to Santa Fe, I can have my favorite pasta dish with alfredo sauce and grilled chicken. Yum!

Monday, April 15, 2013

April 15, 2013

Listed some Avon tins for sale on eBay. They aren't
right for my jewelry projects.
Yes, it's early and I'm awake. The only reason I'm awake is that I didn't sleep much last night. I watched a movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas, which is titled A Perfect Murder (a remake of an old Alfred Hitchcock movie titled Dial M for Murder). I thought I remembered the movie plot, but the ending was different. Then I realized I was mixing the ending of Unfaithful starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere with the beginning of A Perfect Murder. In both movies, the wives have an affair and the husband kills the lover, so you can see why I would get them confused. I give both of the a 6.5 out of 10.

I still couldn't sleep when the movie was over so I decided to list some tin canisters on eBay that I'm not going to use. Selecting the tins. Photographing them. Measuring them. Listing and posting them. It's done! I've never had much luck selling items on eBay. We'll see what happens this time.

Today I'm creating notes from a meeting that can be used in eblasts. This involves attending a 1.5 hour meeting. Ugh! I'm only good for meetings that last 45 minutes or less. When I get home after the meeting, hopefully I'll be able to nap.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

April 14, 2013

Not sure these will make it out of the house.
Another lazy day in Houston. I did get some shoes put away and washed clothes, but that's hardly what I could have done today. I had great plans to make some pillows to sell in a shop. Didn't happen.

In case you don't know, I find the Internet to be both a blessing and a curse. I can spend hours searching for this and that, which is a blessing that I don't have to leave the house, but a curse that I spend so much time on the Internet instead of doing something more constructive. For example, today I searched YouTube for videos on riveting. I'm excited at the idea of using rivets to connect pieces of tin. I found what I needed online and am having the items sent to Santa Fe since I'll be there on Thursday night of this coming week. I'm also having some tin canisters shipped there, plus some jewelry findings. It will be so cool to be in the high desert with my toys.

Today I'm creating clean clothes. Plus I'm putting them away in the right drawers. My mom would be proud.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

April 13, 2013

Mojitos. They do a body good!
It's a lazy day in the Pettit household. I've done very little today except wake up, eat, have a nap, and play on the computer with the television on in the background. I certainly know how to celebrate lazy.

Dr. Mc and #1 on-in-law Nick are in Austin this weekend. Dr. Mc emailed me that she was at Austin's version of Bayou City Art Festival, but there was no comparison in the two events. This took me back to when Dr. Mc was in grad school in Denver. One of my favorite times to visit plain ole Kendall and Nick was around July 4th when Denver hosted its Cherry Creek Festival. The weather was always so beautiful at that time of year. We would spend the day at the festival and then head back to their home for some grilling and homemade goodies. Many of their friends would come for al fresco cocktails and dinner, and then stay to view the fireworks. We usually had on long sleeve shirts or sweaters or both once the sun went down. Watching the fireworks while sitting outside is something that is unheard of in Houston unless you enjoy being in a hot steam bath with 50,000 or so other people while fully dressed. To say the least, this isn't my cup of tea.

Today I'm creating a newsletter article and shopping on ebay. It's only a couple of days until Mr. B and I head to the high desert. I need enough supplies to make plenty of jewelry while I'l there.

Friday, April 12, 2013

April 12, 2013

I like this little clutch so much that I may make more.
Did you know that today is National Grilled Cheese day? I knew it. I looked online for the best grilled cheese sandwich in Houston. Several sights said it was Max's Wine Dive on Washington. I sent a message to a longtime friend Wayne and he met me for lunch. I think we agreed to disagree with the Internet because the sandwich at Max's Wine Dive wasn't a home run.

Tonight Mr. B and I went on a date to look at art. Both Winter Street and Spring Street studios were open. We both put on black, the mandatory dress code for art viewing. I don't think either of us saw anything that knocked our socks off, although Mr. B did buy me a sweet painting of a little girl's pink dress. It reminds me of the lovely McCarley sisters when they were little. Awwww.

Today I'm creating a pair of earrings and a necklace. There wasn't time for much crafting or napping today. Maybe tomorrow.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

April 11, 2013

The McCarley sisters take NYC in 2006.
I hear it's Sibling Day. I looked to see if I had a photo of my older brother and me in my photo files, but no such luck. Therefore I'm posting a photo of my favorite siblings: The lovely McCarley sisters. I've posted this photo before. It was taken in NYC (dah!) when we were there in 2006. Love them both more than they can imagine.

We had a terrible rain storm last night. It was raining when I left my cousin Susan's house in Seabrook around 6:30 p.m. yesterday. It rained on me all the way home. The temperature was also dropping. It drizzled steadily until 10 p.m. when it started thundering and raining really hard. About midnight the lights went out. It was several hours later before the electricity came back on. Today it's sunny and cool outside, but cold in the house. 

Today I'm creating meeting time to learn about my new responsibilities as communications chair for the Houston Heights Association (HHA). Unlike most neighborhood organizations, HHA is very active. I'm hoping to give it a common, professional voice.


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

April 10, 2013

Snow fell in Santa Fe today. Crazy spring weather.
I spent a great afternoon with two of my cousins today. Leigh, who is a year younger than me, has been battling cancer and the side effects of her treatment for almost two years. She's a strong, brave woman! I wasn't sure what to expect today, but she was in great spirits and getting around very well. Leigh has been staying with her sister, Susan, who is three years younger than me. Susan lives in Seabrook. What? I drove and drove and drove, and was beginning to think I would never get there. But once I arrived with lunch, we immediately started reminiscing. Three hours had passed before I looked up. Then it was too late to drive across town so we kept talking for another three hours.

It's funny how one of the cousins would know a story that the other two didn't. Or how two would know the same story and ask the third, "Where were you?" Of course, some of the stories that our grandmother and mothers told us are questionable. Did it really happen that way or was the story embellished when told throughout the years. Since everyone on Daddy's side of the family has passed away, I don't have many with which to share crazy stories. It was fun to yack it up today with my cousins.

Today I'm creating an early bedtime. Dr. Mc took Sweetness to get her recent injuries reviewed. Because Sweetness doesn't have health insurance, her big sister took her to Ben Taub Hospital. They arrived at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and didn't leave until 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. That's a total of 18 hours sitting and waiting. I was checking up on both of them until they left the hospital. Then I couldn't get to sleep for more than an hour. Needless to say, I'm tired tonight. But back to Sweetness, her hand is improving, but her knee is still too swollen for any affirmative results.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

April 9, 2013

One of Mr. B's best buds. We love Cranium! 
In case anyone was wondering, I haven't lost the gift of gab. I got a call this afternoon from the public relations firm for Bayou City Art Festival (BCAF). They had gotten a call from the Houston Press, which had earlier this year named BCAF as one of the top ten festivals in Houston. After the article ran earlier this year, the Houston Press got some negative comments that BCAF should include more Houston artists, since it was named the Bayou City Art Festival. I was asked to call the reporter back and speak on behalf of BCAF.

This was a strange position for me to be in since I'm normally the one coaching clients on what to say when they are interviewed. The public relations firm sent me some talking points and I developed a couple more (based on the mission of BCAF) before I called the reporter back. We spoke for about 10 minutes and I stuck to my talking points, which is very important in what's called a "crisis communication" situation. The reporter was extremely nice and promised to send me the article so I could fact check it for her. But about five minutes after I got off the phone with the reporter, she sent an email to the BCAF public relations firm stating that the article was being canceled. Due to my telephone conversation with the reporter, the Houston Press decided that there wasn't a story to report. Yes (I exclaim in writing with a big smile on my face)! I've still got it.

Today I'm creating plans for upcoming events for my Tuesday client. I love my work!

Monday, April 8, 2013

April 8, 2013

Mr favorite G-man!
I had some family errands to run this morning, but spent the afternoon going to some of my local haunts to see if there was anything I couldn't live without. Fun time!

That's all I've got.

Today I'm creating a short blog.



Sunday, April 7, 2013

April 7, 2013

Friend Debbie from Friday night dinner + auction.
Another home tour over. It was a beautiful weekend although I'm always exhausted at the end of home tour. Thursday I was on my feet most of the afternoon setting up for the auction. I thought I would be able to rest up on Friday, but that didn't happen. I was back setting up auction items in the morning and then had lots of little errands during the afternoon. Then Friday night was the private home tour and dinner plus auction. More time on my feet. Saturday I was at Karen and Bob's home (standing) for most of six hours. I was back again this morning, but got to leave at 3 p.m. I only thought my feet were tired yesterday. Tonight they are stumps.

I got sunburned yesterday on my left side and today, although I thought I was staying in the shade, I sunburned my right side. At least my redness is somewhat even. When I was younger I would tan. Unfortunately, now I just burn and peel.

Today I'm creating time to tour the homes with Mr. B. He saw all the homes on Friday night during the private tour while I was at Karen and Bob's home, but was kind enough to show me his favorites. Right now I wish I had someone to massage my feet. Rub lotion on my shoulders. Fan me. And a margarita would be nice.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

April 6, 2013

Friends Katy and John from the party last night.
My feet were tired last night when I got home from the Houston Heights Association's dinner and auction, but after standing up from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. today during the home tour, my dogs are barking! Actually, they have moved passed barking to hollering.

When I got home this afternoon, I realized that my left side (arm, neck, face and the top of my foot) are sunburned. I didn't think about putting sunscreen on. I was standing in the shade, but I guess it doesn't matter. You'd think I would have learned that lesson by now!

Today I'm creating stories about the tour home where I am the head docent. I'm notorious for making up stories if someone asks me a question for which I don't have an answer. It's so much more fun to make up a story instead of simply says, "I don't know."

Friday, April 5, 2013

April 5, 2013

Fully stocked wine pull ready for its close-up.
It's the big day! I was at the venue this morning putting the final touches on the wine pull. Yesterday's pic-of-the-day was the raw case and today's pic-of-the-day is the wine pull fully stocked with 36 bottles of wine.

Friend Bill sent me an email today about a home tour that is taking place in Santa Fe and Taos the last weekend in April. As luck would have it, I'll be there. Lucky me! I always like to see how other organizations organize home tours, so seeing one in the Land of Enchantment will be informative. I've been know to adapt what I like from other home tours to the Houston Heights Association's Home Tour.

Today I'm creating an afternoon of pampering (mani, pedi and hair cut). Then tonight should be a fun party with my handsome date, Mr. B. No update on sweetness yet, but I'm on my way in just a few minutes to check on her.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

April 4, 2013

The wine pull pre-painting. The neck of the bootle goes
through the big hole and rests on the small whole. The
bottom of the bottle sits on the big hole.
It was a long afternoon working on the auction for the Houston Heights Association, but we got it done. Check out the pic-of-the-day which is a wine pull that Mr. B, Dr. Mc and #1 son-in-law Nick made. After Mr. B put a coat of paint on it, he and I took it to the party venue. The auction volunteers went crazy! They were so impressed. For anyone who doesn't know about wine pulls, people donate bottles to put in the case. A number is placed on the bottom of each bottle in the case. There is also a bag with corks that have numbers on them. The guest buys a wine pull ticket, reaches in the bag and pulls out a cork, and takes the bottle of wine from the case that matches the number s/he pulled. It's really fun. The tickets to pull a cork from the bag costs $25 and all the wine is worth $30 or more. Wine pulls always sell out so it's a quick $900 for the organization (36 bottles x $25 per ticket = $900). The key is to get all the wine donated!

We also got some promising news today about Sweetness' injuries. Dr. Mc has a good friend, Courtney, who works for the Harris County Hospital District. Courtney said Sweetness can apply for financial aid and get a card so it will only cost her $7 to go to a doctor. Granted, she will probably have to wait a long time in the waiting room, but she can take a book. This is a great option for people who aren't eligible for company-sponsored insurance and can't afford individual insurance. OK. I won't write anything else about our country's poor excuse for a healthcare system.

Today I'm creating fabric drapes for the side on the wine pull. I had some fabric with grapes all over it that I used to made panels. I also made a little bag to hold the numbered corks out of the same fabric. Cute. Cute. Cute.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

April 3, 2013

Another auction donation.
You never know what's going to happen, which brings me to the end of my day yesterday. I finished my meeting last night and got home around 8 p.m. Just as soon as I settled in for a quiet evening, the telephone rings. It's Dr. Mc. She tells me that Sweetness has been in an accident and is being taken by a friend to the emergency center on Washington Ave. In a second I'm in the car on my way to get Dr. Mc and head to the emergency center. Sweetness is 24 years old and didn't finish college, so she works at jobs that don't give her enough hours to qualify her for insurance. (Don't get me started on that debacle in our healthcare system!) Anyway, Sweetness couldn't be seen until the emergency center received a $350 deposit, which I paid. After several hours, the diagnosis is that she broke a knuckle on her right hand (luckily she is left handed) AND potentially chipped a bone in her left knee. A cast is put on her right hand/arm, and a brace is put on her left leg that will keep her knee immobilized until I can take her for an MRI. I am devastated! I know Sweetness will recover from her injuries. I'm happy that her injuries are nothing major. But I have no idea much everything is going to cost when someone is uninsured. Needless to say, my quiet evening turned into a sleepless night.

I had errand after errand today and I was pretty much in a daze. One of my last errands was dropping off a donation for the Houston Heights Association's auction at Joan's house. The minute Joan opened the door and saw my face, she asked if I was OK. I sat down in her living room and told her the story. Joan, who was married to a doctor and ran his office for many years, made me feel much better. She told me about some options that I didn't know were available. I left Joan's house feeling much better (thank you, Joan!). I then went to spend some time with Sweetness and check on her. She was mainly sleeping from the pain medication, but it felt good just to sit next to her and listen to her breathing.

Today I'm creating tin earrings and a bracelet (a donation to a breast cancer fundraiser), and I'm also sewing an apron (my final donation to the Houston Heights Association's auction). I'm glad to say that I finished both. The pic-of-the-day is the apron.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

April 2, 2013

A burlap pillow I made for an auction donation.
I went shopping for fancy shoes with a reasonable heel today. I don't think the shoe designers I like make reasonable heels. Yes, I am 60 years old and yes, I had two foot surgeries last year, but I don't want to wear grandma shoes to a nice event. I put two pairs of shoes on hold and will go back to look at them tomorrow.

This afternoon I met with one of the shop owners who sells my tin jewelry. Once again she bought most of everything that I had. LOVE that! We also set a date for the trunk show she is going to have for me. Saturday, June 1. Very cool!

Today I'm creating tin bracelets. I pushed away the sewing machine
so I could make more bracelets before I met with Kristal. She's such a hoot! I enjoy hearing her tell me about buying trends.

Monday, April 1, 2013

April 1, 2013

Auction donation for Friday night.
I finished four of my five sewing projects today. Of course, I've just taken two Tylenol PM tablets because my back is aching. But everything turned out well. The pic-of-the-day is one of the two lumbar pillows I made from old t-shirts. In the Houston Heights we all have front porches. I can see this pillow and its companion resting in rocking chairs on someone's front porch. I also have my second t-shirt quilt that I pieced together from old Houston Heights t-shirts. The top is complete so I just need to put a backing on the quilt. That's a project for another day (or two).

Tomorrow I'm taking my tin jewelry to one of the shops that sells for me. My appointment isn't until 4 p.m., so I hope I can put more bracelets together. I've cut out the tin, but put the pieces aside while I've been sewing.

Today I'm creating pillows. I had to take time out from sewing tonight to watch Dancing with the Stars. Kelly Pickler is just too darn cute! She's my favorite to win this year. I hope she has enough of a fan base to carry her to the end.