Sunday, September 30, 2012

September 30, 2012

Melinda, Katie, and Dr. Mc at Katie's wedding.
Somewhere I have a photo similar to this when
the three of them were inducted into the National
Honor Society in high school.
Katie and Andrew were married last night in a lovely  ceremony and then the party began. The wedding and reception took place in Mercury Hall in Austin. Great venue with an old building and wonderful grounds. Katie was a beautiful bride in an elegantly understated dress. It was perfect for her! Andrew's brother married them and there were funny and touching readings by family members.

After the wedding everyone went outside for dinner under a tent, and then it was back inside the building for desserts and dancing. The Suffers (#1 son-in-law Nick's band) played for two hours without a break. Everyone was on the dance floor rockin'. Kam's voice was in fine form!

Today I'm creating packing time and then a trip back to Houston. Even though it rained most of yesterday, it has been a fun time in the Hill Country. To Katie and Andrew: Love each other and celebrate life!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

September 29, 2012

Great fries with my club sandwich for lunch.
We attended a terrific party last night for Katie and Andrew. It was in a very slick place called Malverde, which is upstairs from La Condesa. The address is 2nd Street, but they are actually on Guadalupe. From the second bar area of Malverde we could see the city lights from the open balcony. I actually remembered to take my iPhone, but it was too dark to take photos. I drank several cosmos before the younger crowd headed out around 10:30 p.m. to other bars, and Mr. and I headed for the hotel. Nick was dressed in some of his new clothes. In fact, he and Mr. B were dressed just the same (navy blazer, gray slacks and brown shoes). Both looked very dapper! The third part of the Kendall and Katie trio – Melinda – is in town for the wedding. These three women have been friends since they were 11 years old. And even though they are now spread across the country (Kendall in Houston, Katie in Chicago, and Melinda in Brooklyn), they are still best friends.

We haven't done a thing today except stay in our room because it was raining most of the day. Mr. B went downstairs and got us lunch. Look at the size of the meal. I think we could have shared one instead of getting two. I got an text from Caren who sent a photo of her daughter with the t-shirt quilt I made. Very nice.

Today I'm creating a day of relaxation before going out tonight to celebrate the wedding of Katie and Andrew. I hope that they have a long and wonderful life together.

Friday, September 28, 2012

September 28, 2012

It's Friday afternoon, and Mr. B and I have made the drive to Austin for Katie Lou Phillips wedding to Andrew Jaco. (The partying begins tonight and the wedding is tomorrow night.)  We have checked in to the Double Tree and have a courtyard facing room. Today's picture shows the view out of our balcony. As you can see, the sky is quite gray. In fact, it's supposed to rain tonight and all day tomorrow. Poor Katie has planned an outdoor ceremony. I'm not sure of her backup plan.

This is also the weekend of the Pecan Street Festival in Austin. My friend and former teacher Ann Rush is so excited because she is a participant in the festival. I'm afraid it will be rained out tomorrow, but Sunday should be nice. It's a smaller festival that Bayou City Art Festival in Houston, plus it's more of an arts & crafts fair instead of a fine art festival. Still, I'm very proud of her for participating!

Today I'm creating time for a nap in the car while Mr. B does all the driving. He was listening to Killing Lincoln read by Bill O'Reilly. Six discs set. During our three-hour drive we only got through the first two discs. I guess I know what we'll be listening to on the way back to Houston. But now, it's happy hour at the Double Tree ... got to go!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

September 27, 2012

Friend Debbie Wetmore created the top
mosaic in Smither Park in Houston. I'm looking
forward to seeing at the new artwork there.
Oh my goodness. It's 8:20 a.m. and I've already completed a conference call. Now, should I go back to sleep or get up and at it?

The girls were at the doggie salon yesterday. They came home with beautifully cropped hair and bows in their ears. Roz still has all of her bows and her bandana in place, but Rose is removed her bandana and one of her ear bows. They don't like going to the salon, but they are really going to hate today's outing to the vet. When I made the vet appointment earlier this week, the receptionist reminded me to bring their poop, but it was OK if I forgot because they could "get some" in the office. Ewwww to both ideas. I'm not hauling poop anywhere and the girls will think the extraction process is undignified!

Today I'm creating Christmas aprons. In the 10 minutes it has taken me to write this blog, I've also decided that there's no need to get productive so early in the morning. In fact, early morning isn't my most creative time!


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

September 26, 2012

Front of t-shirt quilt. I'll finish quilting it tonight.
Do we think it's excessive that I spend four to six hours a day on volunteer work? For sure!  I'm finished with today's volunteer work, but tomorrow morning I have an 8 a.m. conference call that involves Bayou City Art Festival. The good thing is that the call will be finished by 8:30 a.m. I'll still be in my pajamas and can go back to sleep.

I did take time this afternoon to get a mani/pedi with Dr. Mc, which was very delightful. Pink finger nails and gold toe nails. Very cute. This weekend is Katie Lou's wedding to Andrew in Austin, so we're beginning the pampering. I'm looking forward to being on a mini vacation with Mr. B.

Today I'm creating the finished t-shirt quilt. The backing is attached and I'm about half through with the machine quilting. Oh happy day!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

September 25, 2012

Could I find a
smaller photo?
It was a very productive meeting last night with the Women of Wine auction committee. Lots of good ideas discussed and lots of contacts for the committee members to make today. Go ladies!

After the auction committee meeting, Dancing with the Stars was on. I had my three favorite competitors from last night, although the judges didn't agree with me in their scoring. Shawn Johnson was fabulous! Apolo Anton Ohno was fabulous! Emmitt Smith was fabulous. I don't know which one of the three I liked more, but the judges gave Emmitt the highest score. Dr. Mc was watching with me, and we agreed that Apolo and Emmitt have superfine bottoms. As far as we are concerned, Bristol Palin (although better than her first time) and Pamela Anderson (as bad as last time) should be the first to go. I wish tonight was a double elimination.

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. I'm meeting a friend after work today for some girl talk. Of course we'll be having a class or two of vino. And I picked the location with a television in the bar area so I can watch the results of DWTS.

Monday, September 24, 2012

September 24, 2012

My favorite dress from the 2012 Emmys.
I loved watching the Emmys last night, especially all the fashions. I have my favorites, and so do the so called "experts." Tonight, after a meeting with my auction committee and watching the first episode of Dancing with the Stars All Stars, I'm going to watch the entertainment shows with their fashion reviews. One thing for sure, I liked all the bright colors. Burgundy. Yellow. Blue. Green. Very colorful.

I had a noon meeting about collateral for the Women of Wine auction. I thought everything was good,  but now there are revisions. It certainly helps when everyone gets in a room together to discuss what needs to get done. So much better than emails flying back and forth.

Today I'm creating revisions to auction materials for Women of Wine. I got a note today that the fabric for the back of the t-shirt quilt I'm creating will arrive tomorrow. YES! I hope to finish the quilt on Wednesday so I can move on to sewing aprons.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

September 23, 2012

Funny cartoon. Reminds me of something
Rose would do to Roz, if Rose had hands.
So far it's a quiet day at the Pettit house, although I have a meeting regarding the shower I'm planning with for my goddaughter in about an hour. Planning a shower with people you don't know is challenging. Fortunately I'm the head hostesses so I have some say about what happens.

Last night Mr. B and I went to a party at a couple's house. They were celebrating the completion of their new deck. Some people will use any excuse for a party! It was a fun event with lots of good snacks, as well as people from the 'hood as well as the advertising world.

Today I'm creating more time for sewing. Besides the t-shirt quilt, I need to make two aprons, finish two pillows and make another one. AND, I'm part of a trunk show on Oct. 7, for which I need to make items. Busy times ahead until the Pettits head to the high dessert for an extended Thanksgiving.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

September 22, 2012

Sewing today.

It's ghe first day of fall. You might even say we're turning over a new leaf. Get it?
The autumnal equinox ushers in the change from summer to fall in many parts or the world, but here in Houston, it's just another hot and humid day. There's no chill in the air. Nobody in Houston is thinking about firewood, mittens and/or apple cider. I see photos from my adopted city in the high desert. The leaves are changing, the days are cooler, and the nights are cold! We donated Pettita Casita to a fundraising event and the couple who purchased it are at the house now. Oh how I wish it was me and Mr. B!
Today I'm creating aprons. I'm waiting on the fabric for the back of the t-shirt quilt to arrive, so I'll work on something else today.

Friday, September 21, 2012

September 21, 2012

Thanks, Mr. B, for a delicious dinner tonight
at Shade. My scallops were terrific.
I was at dinner tonight with Mr. B when I realized I hadn't written my blog today. Several lame excuses for this occurrence. First, I slept late (no surprise). Next, I spent the afternoon looking for fabric with anchors. The t-shirt quilt I'm building is for a young woman who was in the social sorority Delta Gamma. I looked online yesterday for colors and iconic symbols for the sorority. I have the colors right, but I need to get fabric for anchors for the backing. I found several versions online. Surely I can find the fabric in Houston. I went to several fabric stores today ... but found no fabric with just anchors. Lame excuses for not posting earlier.

Tomorrow I'm moving the sewing center from the "garagemahal" to the dining room. The air conditioner has funked out upstairs above the garage (the "garagemahal"), so I have to move what I need into the house. I have so much sewing to do in the next two weeks! Get organized and get it done!

Today I'm creating a direct-mail postcard. Sounds good!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

September 20, 2012

All the rain has brought cooler weather. Love it!
I need to stop watching so much daytime television. I could be more productive if I wasn't parked in front of the television. It's my procrastination excuse: Oh, I'll get up and do <whatever> just as soon as this program is over. Then I'll start watching something else. Then I'll tell myself it's too late to start whatever I was going do. And the cycle continues.

So am I really procrastinating or just lazy and bored? I have to be bored because daytime television is the worst! Lazy? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I usually have my laptop in front of me. As I'm watching television, I'll answer emails, organize a project, look at Facebook, write or edit something, research on the web, etc. The problem is that I read and hear about a purpose-driven life, and am convinced that I'm not living up to my potential when I sit around not being more productive. Or am I actually being productive, but feel like I'm not because I don't get dressed and go to an office?

Today I'm creating the finished top to the quilt I'm sewing. In fact, it's time to put away the computer and sew!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

September 19, 2012

Small picture
of #1 son-in-law
Nick (center)
enjoying the
Riedel glass class.
I couldn't sleep last night. I took Advil after lunch, which made me fall asleep late in the afternoon. My nap was too long!

I don't know what to do about my foot. To refresh your memory, I stepped off a curb on Monday night and re-injured my left foot. My ankle is bruised and swollen, and the left side of my foot is incredibly tender. I can't put much weight on my foot and have been using my crutches to get around since Monday night. For some reason, I don't want to go back to my orthopedist. What is a girl to do? Suck it up and call the doctor?

Today I'm creating a bio and then working on the t-shirt quilt. And I'm determined not to have a nap this afternoon so I'll sleep well tonight.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

September 18, 2012

Great nephews Michael (center), age 3 and Bryan (right),
age 8. Gabe, age 5, decided not to be in the photo. I'm not
sure why my face is so red.
Last night's Women of Wine Riedel Glass Class 2.0 was very fun, educational and well attended. Unfortunately, as we were leaving The Houstonian, I stepped off the curb and re-injured my left foot and ankle. I can't see my orthopedist today because he isn't in the office. Mr. B wanted to know if the doctor played golf on Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays. Isn't he funny. I think the doctor does surgeries on Tuesday (that's the day mine was on).

After the WOW event, we went to my nephew's new home. Beautiful! And huge! We had a glass of champagne, chatted for an hour with my nephew and his wife, and visited with my great nephews. Two of the boys sat with me for a photo. On the way home, I told Mr. B that the boys must think I'm really old! I know that as a child, I thought my great aunts and uncles were ancient. One great aunt's mouth clicked when she talked. My mom told me that she wore false teeth that slipped when she talked. I was always fascinated by my great aunt's teeth after that. I kept expecting her teeth to fall out.

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. I didn't go to the sales meeting, but I did call in and listen on the phone. It is just too painful to walk right now. What have I done?

Monday, September 17, 2012

September 17, 2012

Tonight!
What's on my mind today? First, the Women of Wine Riedel Class Glass 2.0 is on my mind. We're having this at the Houstonian Hotel and Spa tonight. Dr. Mc and I went to the event last year and had a blast. This year we get to take Mr. B and #1 son-in-law Nick with us. It will be very fun. I'm pleased that I was able to get media coverage for the event. The publicity got more attendees, some new to Women of Wine. It should be a terrific event!

Tomorrow I'm moving on to the next Women of Wine event – our annual fundraising event on October 22. I'm the auction chair. Getting donations isn't always easy. I've encouraged the Board of Directors as well as the committee to each acquire five items. It would make the acquisition process easier. Come on ladies!

Today I'm creating more t-shirt squares for the quilt I'm making. I wish I was further along on the quilt so today I'm also creating a schedule of what I need to accomplish to have it ready by the end of the month. The next six weeks are going to be very busy so I should make a calendar through the end of October. And remember to schedule time to breathe!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

September 16, 2012

I'm thinking about decorating for Halloween. It has been
a long time since I did that.
Today I'm creating a day of fun. First Mr. B and I went to the Houston Fine Art Fair. It was nice to see the artwork from all over the world, but there wasn't anything that we couldn't live without. Next I got a mani/pedi. Always fun. Then we went to the Dickinson's for dinner and bridge. A very fun day!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

September 15, 2012

I have nothing to report today. It rained (again) this afternoon. I slept most of the day. Now I won't be able to sleep tonight.
Roz was my napping companion today.

Last night we went to see #1 son-in-law Nick's band play at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. I enjoy seeing bands play under the huge dinosaur. The Suffers were great, but we didn't stay long. I was planning to get home early, get to bed around 10 p.m., and get up this morning so I could get some things done. We all know how that worked. NOT!

Today I'm creating nothing. It's an off day, but tomorrow I have another chance to be creative!

Friday, September 14, 2012

September 14, 2012

Looking forward to DWTS!
It's frightening what is happening in the Middle East. For the first time in more than 30 years a U.S. Ambassador was killed in a violent attack. Now an attack in Afghanistan. Today, two Marines were killed and several others were wounded. Street battles in Tunsia. Yemen. Sudan. Lebanon. Cairo. Libya. Rage and violence over an anti-Muslim movie. Probably none of the people who have been killed or hurt in the recent attacks were anti-Muslim. It's a very sad situation.

On a happier note, I'm so ready for Dancing with the Stars to begin next week. My life will be complete!

Today I'm creating plans to make some Halloween aprons. I went to the fabric store today and several pieces of Halloween fabric jumped out at me. Now, all I need is time!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

September 13, 2012

We were out last night buying #1 son-in-law Nick suits, shirts and ties. Merry Christmas, Nick. He is tall and slim, so he looks great in everything he puts on. Oh, to have such a problem!
Fun with Dick and Jane ... I mean Kendall and Nick.

We're supposed to go tonight to Discovery Green and listen to The Suffers (Nick's band) play, but don't know about the rain. That's the only problem with planning an outdoor event in Houston. 

Today I'm creating two direct-mail postcards. I'm really not in a creative mood, so this may take longer than usual. Remember the lyrics from the old Carpenters' song?

Talkin' to myself and feelin' oldSometimes I'd like to quit, nothin' ever seems to fitHangin' around, nothin' to do but frownRainy days and Mondays always get me down.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

September 12, 2012

Thanks for Melissa for sending me this story.


THE BOTTLE OF WINE

For all of us who are married, were married, wish
you were married, or wish you weren't married, this
is something to smile about the next time you see a
bottle of wine:

Sally was driving home from one of her business
trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly
Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.

As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped
the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like
a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into
the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make
a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old
woman just sat silently, looking intently at
everything she saw, studying every little detail,
until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to
Sally.

'What in bag?' asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's
a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.'

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or
two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder,
she said: 'Good trade.'
 Today I'm creating phase one of a t-shirt quilt.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

September 11, 2012

I was reminded today that my first holiday show this year
is on October 7. Hum ... I guess I should start getting to work!
I put our flag outside today. I wore red, white and blue today. I've thought about what I was doing 11 years ago today. It was a reflective day.

Then, on the news this afternoon, there was a report about Egyptian rioters attempted to invade the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, tearing down the American flag and burning it. At least 2,000 people stood at the foot of the walls surrounding the embassy as about 20 of the rioters scaled the walls. Rioters also drew anti-American graffiti on the wall and demanded that the United States end its presence in Egypt. U.S. soldiers prevented the rioters from entering the Embassy compound. Witnesses said that Egyptian police at the scene did litttle to stop the rioters' advance to the Embassy walls, which are usually cordoned off. So, 11 years later, the U.S. doesn't have any better relationships with the Middle East than it had 11 years ago. Or 20 years ago. It's a shame!

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. It was hard getting up this morning and being in the office by 10 a.m. That's crazy.

Monday, September 10, 2012

September 10, 2012

My co-pilot and navigator during the drive to Houston
was asleep (at the wheel) and snoring.
I was officially released from the doctor today. How could he tell my ankle was OK? I had to put my right hand on the counter, raise my right foot off the ground, put my left hand in his hand, and stand on the toes of my left foot. I was able to do it without wobbling too much, so he released me. Works for me!

I've been back in Houston for two days and the temperature has been 90+ every day. But that doesn't stop Houston retailers. I've seen Halloween decorations in every store window and when I went to Kroger today, they had huge stacks of fire wood and carving pumpkins. Can you imagine carving a pumpkin and letting it sit outside in Houston for seven weeks? I'm crunching my nose just thinking about the rotten smell!

Today I'm creating the agenda for my Women of Wine auction committee meeting tonight. So much work to do. So little time.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

September 9, 2012

Already missing the outdoor space in Santa Fe.
I missed writing my blog two days in a row. That has never happened before, but I had a good excuse: I was driving from Santa Fe to Houston. On Friday, the girls and I left Santa Fe about 2 p.m. (Mountain Time). We stopped in Amarillo around 6 p.m. (Central Time) for gas and potty breaks. It was so cold and windy that I got a shawl out of my suitcase. It was only in the mid-60s, but for some reason it is always windy in Amarillo, which makes it feel colder. Back in the car and on the road, it rained on and off for three hours. Around 10 p.m. we got to Vernon, Tx, where we spent the night in a Holiday Inn Express suite (it was the only room available). The girls and I got cozy in the king-size bed – with the thermostat turned down and lots of pillows – for some late night television. I had put a bottle of white wine in the cooler before I left Santa Fe, and it was a really good night cap.

We left the hotel around 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. I was so pleased with myself that I made the interchanges around Ft. Worth. There are many freeway changes and I don't find them well marked. I've missed the signs several times and headed to Dallas, Shreveport and Abilene, but this time I made it. We stopped in Decatur for gas, potty breaks and lunch. The super large Diet Coke got to me and I had to stop outside of Huntsville for another potty break. While I was out of the car, Rose got into my lunch bag and eat the pickles I discarded. There's nothing smellier than a dog with pickle breath. Continuing on our adventure home, we pulled into the Houston driveway around 4:30 p.m. My two-day drive was rewarded with Mexican food and margaritas with Mr. B and friends!

Today I'm creating catch-up time. I slept late this morning before getting on my computer and finding 196 emails. I've answered the important emails, set meetings for the coming week, read the Sunday newspaper, watched part of the Houston Texans' game, and written my blog. Now, it's time for the women's championship of the U.S. Open and a nap.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

September 6, 2012

I've enjoyed the dark color of the flowers in this pot.
They're such a great contrast to the clay pot and
the lime green watering can. 
It's hard to believe that it's my last day in Santa Fe. From the day I left last summer until the day I arrived this summer seemed like a lifetime, but the time I'm here goes by so quickly. How can that be? The next few months are busy and will go by fast, so it won't be long until Mr. B and I are back in Santa Fe for Thanksgiving.

Yesterday I was in a super deep-cleaning mood. I moved almost every piece of furniture in the casita to clean behind, above and below. I removed the rugs, took them outside, and beat them within an inch of their lives. I cleaned out and straightened the pantry in the kitchen. I took everything out of the bedroom closet where we store our stuff and reorganized it. I swept and mopped the floors. It's fortunate for my back that I'm cleaning the master bedroom today, and there's no way to move any furniture in there because it's all too heavy.

Today I'm creating time for lunch with Richard Anderson before I wash all the linens and pack. Rose may also get a bath! I won't be on a schedule tomorrow when I drive halfway back to Houston. Books on tape, Maroon Five and Adele will keep me company while the dogs sleep.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

September 5, 2012

Spring cleaning continues with the help of
Rose (see her posing beside the cabinet).
It's one of those rare cloudy days in the desert. A cool front is supposed to be coming in, but first some rain. The girls are both curled up next to me for their morning nap. They think the overcast skies make for good sleeping weather.

Everyone is talking about Michelle Obama's nail polish color last night when she spoke at the DNC. Remember that you saw non-traditional nail polish colors on my fingers first! I was looking at my collection of nail polish and I'll definitely be searching for some new fall colors. The bright colors of summer (turquoise, orange, yellow and lime green) worked well, but will need to be retired.

Today I'm creating the final review of a website, and then I'm continuing to deep clean and winterize the casita. I don't know if my ankle is tender today because of the forthcoming rain or because I cleaned half the casita yesterday, but right now it feels good to have my foot elevated.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

September 4, 2012

These fun birdhouses at the outdoor market
yesterday were so cute, but I resisted.
It's my last week in the casita before heading home to Houston. My to-do list for winterizing the house is growing. Mr. B and I probably won't be back here until November, but four sets of other guests will be here in the meantime. I have dust and clean every inch of the casita and make sure the blankets are ready. It's sad to me that this week the garden will be beautiful and full of color, but when we come back in November it will be brown. There may even be snow on the ground. And who knows where my three hummingbirds will be. Oh, the circle of life! Or is it the cycle of life?

Earlier today I was outside working on my computer and left the door open. Rose will sit on the porch with me for hours and look around, sleep and/or enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, Roz will follow her nose wherever it leads her. Today I found her at the end of the road and her face was a mess. I brought her in the house to wash her face, at which time she started barking, growling and biting at the wash rag and my hand. I was laughing at her, but she was really mad. Now she's hiding and sulking somewhere. But at least her face is clean.

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. Work goes on even when I'm on vacation.

Monday, September 3, 2012

September 3, 2012

I started out this afternoon looking for a small outdoor table to place on the new front patio at the casita. I began at Pier One, then went to Target, Lowe's, and finally Home Depot before I finally found one. None of the first three places I went had any outdoor furniture in stock, but Home Depot had probably a dozen Martha Stewart tables on sale for 50% off. Love it. Of course, there is some assembly required, but how difficult could it be? Now all I need are the two vintage outdoor chairs I ordered online. 

Looking down San Francisco. Shops on the
right and street festival on the left.
After touring the stores along Cerrillos I went downtown to catch the last afternoon at the arts & crafts show on The Plaza. Since I was at an outdoor festival, I treated myself to a chicken burrito from one of the food booths. It was delicious! The chicken was juicy and tender, and since I had the vendor hold the hot sauce, I was able to taste what I was eating.

Today I'm creating a tote bag. I haven't sewn a thing this summer but am somewhat inspired after touring the arts & crafts fair on The Plaza. A woman had beautiful bags made from vintage kimonos and obis. I don't have any Japanese fabric with me, but I have have a couple of fun vintage pieces.


Sunday, September 2, 2012

September 2, 2012

Hummingbird alert. See him/her on the tallest branch?
Late yesterday, while sitting outside, I finally got a picture of one of the three hummingbirds who live in the Pettita Casita garden. Look at the tallest branch in the picture and you'll see the little guy (I know, I need a better camera than my i-Phone). I say "guy" not because I've checked out his equipment, but because of his coloring.

Of the three hummingbirds in the garden, one is very colorful and two are just plain gray. I think the colorful one is the male because I've always heard and read that the most decorative birds and animals are males. This colorful hummingbird is also very aggressive with the other two. He chases them out of the plants and across the yard while making this squeaky noise. Fortunately, they all return to finish the job the little bumble bees started.

Today I'm creating time to watch the U.S. Open Tennis Championship. I've been watching Andy Roddick. Such a great player and this is his last game. It's strange to think that his career in tennis is over at age 30! I'm also going to create time to go into town for some gelato or yogurt. I talked to Sweetness on the telephone last night and she is now working at Sweet Cup in Montrose, in addition to still working one day a week at Sundance Theatre downtown. Ever since we hung up the phone I've been craving a frozen treat. Yum!

Saturday, September 1, 2012

September 1, 2012

Photo #1 – picture of Santa Fe afternoon office.
Although I had visions of attending the Fiesta on The Plaza today, I haven't left the casita all day. In fact, I haven't had a shower or done that much towards dressing, except to brush my teeth and kind of comb my hair.

I had a Women of Wine Board meeting at 9 a.m. (Mountain Time) so the girls and I were up early for a Saturday morning to eat breakfast and get in position for the conference call. I assumed my position in my afternoon office (photo #1) with a diet coke, computer, paper and pen. I should have put a pillow in my chair because my buttock was extremely sore after the 1 hour and 24 minute conference call.
Photo #2 – picture of Santa Fe morning office.

Today I'm creating follow up emails after the Women of Wine conference call this morning. I created these emails in my usual morning office (photo #2). It's unfortunate that the group scheduled our two money-making events in subsequent months, but we elected a new Board member this morning who is a public relations expert. She should be a terrific help with all the communications that I currently prepare for the group! Especially since I'm not a public relations expert, but instead a creative marketing genius. ("I developed the title of 'creative marketing genius' many years ago and awarded it to the most deserving person I know," commented Ms. Pettit.)