May 7, 2011

By the time I woke up this morning (10 a.m.), Mr. B had been to breakfast with his buddy Keith, washed both cars, filled up the Explorer, and ... something else I can't remember right now. Let's see. What have I done this morning? I ate a breakfast bar, drank a Diet Coke ... and ... I guess that's it. I'm movin' kind of slow at the junction! (Anyone else remember Uncle Joe from Petticoat Junction?)

This is First Saturday in the Houston Heights and there's lots of stuff happening on 19th Street. I'd like to ride my bike down there, but first I need to get a bicycle lock. When Evan returned my bike a week ago, she didn't return the lock. What good is a bike without a lock? Maybe I'll ask the "energizer bunny" to hop out and get me a bicycle lock. Oh Mr. B ... dear ...

Today I'm creating cupcakes for Mother's Day brunch. Kendall and Nick (not sure about Evan) are cooking for everyone at Nick's grandmother's condo tomorrow. I used to take a picture with the girls on Mother's Day, but then Kendall went to grad school in Denver and Evan went to UNT in Denton. Note to self: Take camera to brunch tomorrow!

May 6, 2011

So fun to see all the photos of moms on Facebook. It's amazing how so many people look like their moms, but I'm not one of those people. Mr. B didn't even recognize my mom in the pictures I've posted of her.

Delicious Mexican food made with fresh ingredients
at Bocados - 1312 West Alabama.

Speaking of Mr. B, he and I had a muy bien cena anoche a Bocados (I hope the English translation is "very good dinner last night at Bocados" and not "I ate rusty nails at Bocados"). From the eateries website, "The word 'Bocados' is derived from the Spanish language meaning tidbits, morsels, little bites or mouthful. We pride ourselves in preparing each dish with only the freshest ingredients daily. We want everyone to feel as though they are at home when dining with us, only the food is from our kitchen." They also serve "skinny ritas," although I'm not sure what that means calorie wise. Never mind. Chips, queso and margaritas were calorie free yesterday. I should have had some queso! Since the temperature was cool outside last night, the big doors at Bocados were open, so we not only had fresh food, but also fresh air. Me gusto.


Today I'm creating another afternoon of shopping. It's day four of my search for a blouse to wear next weekend. Some of you may be wondering why I don't make my own blouse, since I sew. Good question! I haven't sewn clothing since the girls were little, and I'm not sure this is the time to try to resurrect those sewing skills.

May 5, 2011

Feliz Cinco de Mayo.

Glamour shot of Mother (third from the left)
and some of her girlfriends.

I saw a posting on my FB Wall asking everyone to change his/her profile picture to a photo of his/her mom in honor of Mother's Day. The one posted as my FB profile picture was taken when Mother was 26 years old (thanks Mr. B for scanning). I don't look anything like Mother, who had dark hair and brown eyes. The photo of Mother I'm posting today on my blog was taken in 1945 or 1946, when she was a senior in high school. (Mother is third from the left.) I've always liked this photo of Mother and her girlfriends. She said they just decided to get dressed up and have a picture made for no special occasion. Very glam!

Today I'm creating some low-cal Mexican food for dinner in honor of Cinco de Mayo. But if my housemate wants to take me out to dinner and margaritas instead, my arm can be twisted (hint,  hint). Ole.

May 4, 2011

What's going on world?

Roz, who normally spends her days hidden under the bed,
made an appearance this morning to offer fashion advice.

Late yesterday I spent a couple of hours shopping for something to wear to an upcoming event. I had a semi good, but ultimately bad experience. It was a good feeling to be down from my former size, but a bad feeling that sometimes the items in the next size down were too tight. I left the Galleria empty handed. When I got home I pulled out some evening pants and a jacket I own. They fit fairly OK in the body, but the sleeves on the jacket were very long and so was the length of the pants. Am I losing weight or shrinking in height?

Today I'm creating an appointment with a tailor to see what can be done with my evening pants and jacket. I wish I could ditch the jacket and find a silk blouse to wear with the pants, but I'm becoming my mother who would never wear sleeveless tops because she didn't like her upper arms. Somebody shoot me!

May 3, 2011

Yesterday I listened to a portion of Oprah's show. Her guests were President and Mrs. Obama. Since the show was pre-recorded last week there was no discussion about bin Linden. I'm not really sure what they were talking and laughing about because all I could think about was how many millions of dollars it must have cost the American taxpayers for President and Mrs. Obama (and their entourage) to fly Chicago for personal reasons. During a time when the U.S. economy is in the tank, wouldn’t it be more appropriate for Oprah to interview the Obamas at the White House? The last time I checked, the costs to produce Lady O's shows were paid by private advertising and not by a nation of people who are heavy in debt and overtaxed!

I do remember Mrs. Obama saying that what she admires most about her husband is his ability to keep his "eye on the prize” and stay focused on the concerns of the American people. The President readily nodded in agreement. Really? If the President was as concerned about the economy as most Americans, he wouldn't be taking a joy ride to the Winding City simply to appear on a talk show. As Mr. B constantly reminds me: ALL politicians lie and you can’t trust them. Funny, that’s the same thing he says about teenagers.

Today I'm creating a newsletter (it's Tuesday and I'll be in my client's office). Since Mr. B will be tied up with the Offshore Technology Conference until after dinner, I'm also creating a meal for myself of something he doesn't like and then watching the results show for Dancing with the Stars. Fun!

May 2, 2011

As a Christian, I'm conflicted about the killing of Osama Bin Laden. On the one hand, I'm glad such an evil person is gone. On the other hand, rejoicing a brutal slaying doesn't seem the Christian thing to do, even if Bin Laden was an evil man. Another reason for my mixed feelings may be that sadly, even though Bin Laden is dead, it doesn't bring back the people who tragically died on Sept. 11, 2001, stop the suffering of those who lost friends and family during the tragedy, or end the threat of terrorism.


There are two interesting points that come to mind about Bin Laden's death. It was announced on May 1, 1945, that Hitler — another evil man — was dead. Also, I heard Bin Laden was shot above the eye after he refused to surrender, which makes me reflect on the Biblical writing about retaliation: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand (Ex. 21:23, 24).


Today I'm creating revisions to a draft I've been working on and making an apron or two out of old floral pillowcases. 

May 1, 2011

My royal wedding hat, complete with netted
veiling, was an homage to my love of shoes, the
great State of Texas, white roses, low-heat
glue guns, and all things silly!

Here it is, the unofficial photo of me in — ta da — royal wedding headgear.  As soon as this blog is posted, I know the phone will start ringing and the calls from Phillip Treacy in London will be nonstop. His "facinators" have nothing on my themed bonnet. Still waiting on the official photo of my hat to be downloaded from Mitzie's camera so – hold onto your hats – there's more excitement to come.

Mr. B and I went to a fabulous home concert last night. The highly entertaining Sarah Hickman performed. Guitarist. Singer/songwriter. Comedian. She's too fun! Her performance was benefiting Houston Achievement Place.

Then we went to a multi-layered celebration at some friends' home. They were celebrating his 60th birthday, their first wedding anniversary and the spectacular remodeling of their home. I spent more than an hour sitting pool side talking with girlfriends and wishing there was a refreshing "cement pond" in the Pettit backyard. Ended the evening walking down the street with a sparkler in each hand, humming "Hail Britannia." Oh those nutty Brits and their catchy tunes!

Today I'm creating a turkey and cheese sandwich before setting out on a bike ride. Daughter #2 Evan returned my bike, which she had for more than two months. I wonder when she'll be returning the bike lock?