A day for laundry

I've seen pictures of this turtle, but had an actual sighting
last Sunday. He just walks down the sidewalk with his owner.

Next week Dr. Mc will enter her third trimester of pregnancy. Of course she is experiencing swollen ankles and feet, which is one of the disadvantages of being pregnant during the hot and humid summer months in Houston. Hang in there, kiddo.

I'm happy to report that Rose likes her accommodations in the casita much better than the kennel. Last night she got on the bed with me and put her little head on the pillow. I'm not sure either of us moved all night.

Today I'm creating not much. I need to wash my sheets, clean out the car, and do a little grocery shopping. The skies are clear and the windows are open. It feels like a great day.

A short ride home for Rose

Rose is happy to be home!

I slept so well last night! I opened the windows in the master bedroom, turned on the ceiling fan, and was out like a light.

About 1 p.m. today I got a call that Rose had her bath and cut, and was ready for me. I immediately jumped in the car and hit the road. She jumped in the backseat in front of the air vent for the short ride home and slept all the way. Once in the house, she checked out her food bowl and then jumped on the bed for her afternoon nap. My pajamas were on the bed from last night and she is laying on them. It's good to have the little girl home.

Today I'm creating an online form and then reading birthing books. So much has changed since I had my babies. I need to get up to speed.

A trip back to the high desert

I think this is a purple bottle bush. It wasn't blooming
when I left the casita last week. Look at it now!

I wasn't sure I was going to make it from HOU to ABQ today. As soon as I checked in at Hobby Airport, it started pouring rain. My only hope, which turned out to be reality, was that the storm would be over in the hour before my flight left.

The plane left on time, but climbing to cruising altitude was extremely rocky. The plane was rocking left and right and making all sorts of crackling noises. There were also a couple of times when the plane seemed to fall and my stomach climbed to my throat. Once we got above the clouds the rocking and rolling stopped. Plus, the landing in ABQ today was probably the least bumpy ever. Because the Sunport is surrounded by mountains, landings there can be bumpy and scary!

Today I'm creating time for a sales meeting before getting on a plane back to the high desert. Now that I'm here, I also need to work on a flier to send for design. It's very weird to be at the casita without Rose. She gets a wash and fluff tomorrow morning before I get her. I'm excited to see the sweet girl!

Last day in H-town

My grandparents with Daddy/Poppy in the mid-1940s.
Daddy would have been 85 today.

Have you heard about the woman who has a 3,000+ closet? I think she lives in The Woodlands. I'm sorry that more than one $1 million in jewelry was stolen, including a locket with her deceased son's hair. Who doesn't set the alarm before going out with all those values in the house? Maybe the woman should put some mirrors in her closet or look in the ones she has. What's up with women getting so much Botox and fillers that their faces look plastic? I can't believe these women (and men) think they look attractive. Let me get old and wrinkled before I look plastic!

I had lunch with friend and former officemate Kelly today. I'm so happy for her! She and her longtime beau Cliff are planning their wedding for October. Apparently there is a business opportunity for a designer who caters to mature brides. When I married Mr. B almost 20 years and didn't feel a bridal gown was appropriate, I had a dress made. Kelly is running into the same problem as I had.

Today I'm creating the finishing touches on two magazine articles in-between meetings. One meeting down and two to go. I also need to gather up what I'm taking back to Santa Fe with me tomorrow. I've enjoyed my visit, but am ready to head back to the high desert. I know Rose has been missing me!

A short post before a nap

Vivienne Anne Russell.

Yesterday was a long day, especially the part that involved standing up on a concrete floor for six hours.  Mr. B was kind enough to rub my feet with oil before I passed out … not from alcohol, but from heat and stress. The rest of my visit to Houston should be calmer.

I really slept well last night, but morning came too soon! I'm sure I could have slept longer.

Today I'm creating time for brunch with the marvelous McCarley sisters and my three amazing Akin nieces. We are all so busy and my nieces live so far outside the loop, so we don't get together that often. An added guest was my five-week old great niece, Vivienne. What a sweet baby girl!

Thanks to AURA, the Titan goddess of the breeze

Gael Stack, 5'x6' oil on canvas,circa 1974-5.

The long anticipated first Saturday of August, a.k.a. White Linen Night in the Heights, is here! Literally months of planning and budgeting all come together at 5 p.m. tonight when I'll enter a dusty old building in a white linen dress. The good news is that the temperature will only be in the mid-80s AND the humidity will be low. With a larger budget this year I'm not having to do most of the work myself as I did last year. I just have to be at the venue an hour early so the buffet and bars can be set up.

The pic-of-the-day is of a painting by nationally and internationally known artist Gael Stack. Mr. B and I bought the painting 10 years ago from Pennzoil's collection of Texas artist. It hung in my office, then went though a cleaning and restoration before going to Mr. B's office and finally coming home to our Houston living room on Friday. Welcome!

Today I'm creating an afternoon with some pampering. First I'm having a mani/pedi then I'm hoping for an undo. This is the first time I'm going to Blow Dry Bar. No haircutting is involved, just a hairdo. I'm keeping an open mind that the stylist can get my shoulder-length hair off the back of my neck.

On Aug. 1, Houston gets a cool front

Dinner with Mr. B and the McZams last night.

I made it to Houston yesterday. Before leaving I boarded Rose at a kennel. As I was driving away she was at the end of her leash trying to get to me. Seeing her and knowing that she was afraid she is being abandoned was heartbreaking. I cried most of the way from SFe to ABQ.

When I got to Houston there were several packages here. I've been buying baby clothes and having them delivered to HOU. I forget how tiny babies are when they are born. Last night Mr. B and I had dinner with Dr. Mc and #1 son-in-law Nick. Tex-Mex food. Yum! I brought half my dinner home and ate it for dinner tonight. Double yum!

Today I'm creating an e-mail blast before lunch with four former co-workers. It's always good to catch up with gal pals.