Fat girl cruising

Hey yall, how’s your week going so far? Its been good so far. Todd is out of town and I’ve been just laying low binge watching Grace andFrankie on Netflix.   Have you guys seen this series? Its so funny! I’m only on season 3 and there are 5 seasons so I’m midway through.  Its about 2 ladies who were married to their husbands for 40 years then turns out the husbands are in love with each other.  Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin really do a great job in their characters. I’m not sure how many seasons will continue but I hope to get caught up by end of week.

This Sunday, I leave to go on my cruise with my family.  I’m so bummed that Todd cant go but I’m also looking forward to spending time with my stepmom Deb. My grandmother ( Dads mom) Mimi bought EVERYONE this cruise. She has always loved going on cruises and she and Deb had not been on a cruise since Daddy passed 3 years ago. Mimi is 91 years old and honestly she’s not in the best health condition. This is a big deal for all of us to be together. A few of my cousins cant make it but most everyone is going including all their kids.   We set sail from Galveston, TX and our ports will be Roatan, Honduras, Playa Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.  We’re going on Royal Caribbean which is fun for me because I’ve only been on Carnival cruises.

Truth is I don’t have much “vacation money” set aside because of my Amsterdam trip. This cruise was sprung on the family in March with the dates set for June . I’m totally Ok with just getting off the boat and hanging out on beach for free. I really just want to sit on the sand and hear the ocean.   I do have to be very brutally honest at the risk of sounding like a spoiled brat.  I’ve never really been very close to this side of the family.  In fact, it wasn’t until my Dad had his double lung transplant 5 years ago, that Mimi started being kind to me.  My family is very judgey and into appearance 100%.  One of my aunts is also in the same mean girls club .  Both are very Unforgiving of me being Plus-sized.  My aunt actual told me one time when I was with my ex boyfriend that the reason why we were having some relationship issues is because “he’s probably disappointed in my weight gain and men don’t like that”.  Mimi told me a few years ago that “she just couldn’t get used to me being so heavy”.   SOOOOO, while I should be over the moon excited to go on a free cruise, my anxiety level has been over the moon stressed.  I’m going to start tonight picking out my outfits to pack and making sure they’re as flattering as possible.  I cant cancel now. I didn’t buy the insurance and its non-refundable. I want to go. I want to create new happy memories with this side of the family. I am happy I was included because they’ve had family cruises in the past that I wasn’t invited to.   Its just , I am the ONLY fat family member on this side.  THE ONLY ONE. Not even a chubby kid is in the family.  I know all of you know someone who when they see you- they will literally look at you from top to bottom taking everything in on what you’re wearing and how it looks on you. Well I have a few of those going on this trip.  I love my grandma and my aunts. I want to show them that i have a loving and forgiving heart. I want to have a friendship with Mimi. 

I PRAY it goes well and that I didn’t waste an entire weeks’ vacation to be criticized. I am going with open mind and open heart. I want to come back suntanned and loving memories to share with yall.  One thing is I do make friends easy so I may just have to go find a fun crowd and hang out with them. Haha!  Its sad that I want to ask yall to send me luck and prayers while im on vacation. 

I wish the Blogger app didn’t sink because I could post while on ship but it went away.  I’ll post when I get back. It’s a 10 day cruise so I return home on the 16^th.

On another subject, one of my favorite bands Blue October is coming to Dallas in October and I bought tickets for that this week! YAY!!!!

Take care and have a great week- I miss yall already!

Concerts, life, death and chaos

Hey yall, its been hectic lately and a few weeks since my last post. Its easier to just list the events and happenings of my last few weeks:

Todd is still recovering but returned back to work- his catheter was removed which made him much happier as you can imagine. He’s a stubborn goat but who am I to say anything because I am also a terrible patient!

Todd and I went to see Iron Maiden with 2 friends from church. It was so much fun and Todd did well hanging in there until the end.

The weekend after Todd’s surgery, some very dear friends of our Mark and Debbie, came over to our house and cooked us dinner. I cried . It was the best gesture someone could do. Hindsight, I should have asked for casseroles so that I wouldn’t have to go grocery shopping when Todd was asleep and then prepare dinner when I am totally frazzled.

My boss was in from out of state this week for work .Always added pressure when that happens.

My bestie  ( Kimi) had her 50th birthday and we had party a few weeks ago for her. We didn’t stay long because Todd loses his steam in the evenings but we stayed long enough and had a blast.
About the same time Todd was diagnosed with prostate cancer,his cousin Mark was diagnosed with lung cancer. Mark lives in Utah and his sister Kimberly lives 10 minutes up the road in the next town over from us. Their parents Karen and Larry, live in Houston. Mark has been on a cross country roadtrip with his son Eric and they were supposed to be at Kimberly’s tomorrow and we were going to have lunch with them on Monday.Sadly, Larry passed away last night. He has had some rough years previously with his health but he always seem to manage and pull out of the dire moments.Unfortunately, this means we wont be seeing Mark and that makes Todd sad and disappointed but completely understandable. Mark is a few years younger than Todd and they grew up close friends.

Yesterday , Mom called and said Nanny was back in hospital with congestive heart failure. Apparently,Nanny did not take a single pill from her list of medications in over a week.That’s not good! She is diabetic and has high blood pressure and many other ailments she takes medication for.So far, they have removed 5 liters of fluid off her heart.

Tomorrow, my uncle James is hosting his annual grand party for July 4th. He lives on the lake and there are fireworks, BBQ, and the whole shindig. Specifically, this year we are having a combined July 4th party and a surprise birthday party for Nanny. She will be 90 towards the end
of the month of July but cousins will be in from out of state and it’s a perfect
time to celebrate. The hospital feels that they should be able to get her stabilized and ready to go home tonight or tomorrow morning if all goes well.
For Mother’s Day, I wrote Nanny a letter telling her how much she meant to me and recounted some fun memories I have. My uncle is “stealing”the idea and asked all the family members to do the same and add pictures and we’re putting in a scrap book for her tomorrow. I had to come up with another letter for her and I based it around the food she makes and how there’s nothing else like hers. I was bawling silently at my desk as a I tried to put how much I love her to pen and paper knowing she was in hospital and I was scared to think of it being life or death serious.

My mom’s husband Randy was diagnosed with lung cancer 2weeks ago ( seriously I cant make this up). He went in this week to do biopsy and they went in from his back and punctured his lung in process.The day was much longer as expected but they sent him home with a chest tube and he got it removed today.

A close friend works for Brighton and they do a ginormous shoe drive and they send all to Haiti so she asked me to ask my coworkers forshoes. My backseat looked like Sanford and Son and had over 50 pairs of shoes to hand off to her this past Wednesday. Its always fun to help with a good cause.

The same week Todd had his surgery, my cousin Monya and her family –husband Scott and daughters Mari and Emma moved into a rent house less than a mile from me.I have really enjoyed them being so close. The girls love that I have a swimming pool and have already been over many times which I enjoy.
 Last night was a series of crazy events though. Todd was in Chicago on business meeting and Scott was working late shift at his job . Monya, the girls and I went and ate dinner at Red Robin and on way home the girls dropped me and Monya off at my house and they were going toswing by and pick up their swim suits and then circle around to join us. As Monya and I were sitting in the pool, she happens to look over at our piece of the fence that got damaged and fell during big storm a few months ago.The fence had pulled away again and there was large gap that my dog Lila can get through.We all jumped into action because Lila is a runner. She runs and runs and will not come back until you catch her.Mari picked her up, put her in the house and Monya and I jumped out of pool looking for a solution. I grabbed hammer and nails and she saw a 2x4piece of wood I had in the garage that I use for my junk shows.We hammered that into the middle of the 2pieces of fence that are separated and filled in the gap. It totally looks redneck but it got the job done! Lila isn’t getting out in that area. I literally am so grateful she noticed becauseI would have been besides myself if I let Lila out at 2:30 am ( seems to me the magic hour) and she got out- I would have never known until too late. So then once we got the fence stable, it was time for the all of them to head home. As they went to Mari’s car that was parked in my driveway next to me, they noticed that the tire was flat. Not just a little flat yall but like pancake flat.None of us knew how to change the tire. I happen to live across the street from a large Frisbee golf park so I sent the 2 girls to ask some guys if they could help us. Two nice young men agreed and they walked over, however none of us had a jack so they weren’t able to help us after all. Monya found a can of fix a flat and has an electric tire charger and it took a while but it got aired up enough for them to follow me to the closest tire repair store. We left it overnight and they had it fixed with a replaced used tire by 10 am today.  I mean the night was exhausting !!! Note to self- buy a jack, an electric charger and learn how to change tire.

I am looking forward to a 4-day weekend. We get Monday and Tuesday off so it will be nice to have a short week next week.I bought Willie Nelson tickets for myself and bestie Kimi for her birthday and the concert is this Sunday.So east Texas party tomorrow, Willie on Sunday-laziness the next 2 weeks.HA!

My life is seems to be nothing but chaos mixed with good and bad and really bad.I don’t know what to think of it. I’ve been asking God a lot about his plan for me.

Have a wonderful holiday and be safe yall!

Family gals and new places

Last night, we had a girls only family dinner. My aunt Tammy lives out of state in California and Idaho ( yes both). She is in town because we had my great aunts funeral this past Saturday. Aunt Edith was my grandma Mimi's older sister.  I suggested us all getting together one night this week so that we could hang out, have a glass of wine, and have fun outside of a funeral.  Last night was best for everyone so we met in Addison which is suburb of Dallas that was in between where we all live.

We had dinner at a great new place that i had never been to before. It was called Ida Claire's.
 On the website, its introduced as  Ida Claire- South of Ordinary... an intriguing, southern inspired destination for relaxing suppers, slow weekend brunching or a meeting hub for business lunches and happy hour.
Instead of happy hour  they have a Vinyl hour. They select a vinyl record and play it in its entirety from 3 to 6 with drink specials and appetizers only available then.  We had vinyl red  ( only 5$) which was their house blend and it was so good!  We asked our waiter to tell us what the label was called and he said Haze.  I'll be on the lookout for that!
The menu was very unique. Everything on it had its own twist of something different . They're most sold item is their homemade  fried chicken that is battered and fried at time of order. They also have chicken and waffles that came with egg sunny side up. Thats what scared me,  LOL- i hate runny eggs.  I had the shrimp and grits with the piquant sauce on the side and i never added it.  The grits were parmesan grits and they were wonderful!
This is just the Supper plate menu: I recommend you clicking on my link above and checking out their appetizers, drinks, and site items.  So good!
Wood Grilled Chicken
AFRICAN SPICED HALF CHICKEN,
COLLARD GREENS, GOLDEN
RAISINS, DELICATA SQUASH,
MASALA TOMATO SAUCE
• 18 •
Shrimp & Grits
TEXAS GULF PRAWNS,
BACON, PARMESAN GRITS,
SAUCE PIQUANT
• 19 •
Wood Grilled Snapper
CAST IRON SEARED OKRA,
CAMPARI TOMATOES, ALMONDS,
MINT, BASIL CHIMMICHURRI
• 19 •
WILD ISLES
SEA TROUT
MOROCCAN SPICED,
ROASTED BEETS, PICKLED
GRAPES, PRALINE PECANS,
FENNEL, LEMON YOGURT
• 22 •
Nashville Hot Fried
Chicken
SPICY CRISP HALF CHICKEN,
PIMENTO CHEESE TOAST, PICKLED
CUCUMBERS AND ONIONS
COOKED TO ORDER. FRESH TAKES TIME.
• 17 •
Pecan Smoked
Pork Chop
ASIAGO GREEN BEANS, FIGS,
BASIL, TASSO BUTTER
• 19 •
Chicken & Waffles
BACON LACED BELGIAN WAFFLE,
SUNNY SIDE UP EGGS, CRISPY
TENDERS, COFFEE MAPLE SYRUP,
BLACK PEPPER GRAVY
• 15 •
Wood Grilled Redfish
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER,
SPICED HAZELNUTS, GOLDEN
RAISINS, SAFFRON AIOLI
• 26 •
Braised Beef Short
Rib
GRILLED BROCCOLINI,
TOMATOES, OYSTER MUSHROOMS,
CORNBREAD CROUTONS


We ordered a slice of their pie of the day which was coconut creme and a slice of their Vice cake ( chocolate cake with bacon in the ganache icing).  All it was so good!!
The decorations were awesome. Yall know that i collect bird cages right? Well i was in Heaven because in one corner of the restuarant, they had at least a dozen of cool vintage birdcages hanging from the ceiling with lights in the them.  I'm already thinking of doing that at my house somewhere!
On the back patio is an airstream decorated so cool. You can actually dine in the car and of course it was always reserved. They had old vintage metal patio chairs outside.  On one of the walls inside they had old plates like hundreds of them hung.  I didnt get pics of everything.

Its always fun to try new places and especially when its good and yummy! I'll definitely be back.

It was nice to visit with my cousins that i really dont get to see very often unless its a funeral or family event.  We all said we would try to do better and get together more often. I hope so!! 

My Christmas 2016 and up until now

Hey everyone- Happy New Year!!

I’m finally just now posting about my Christmas.  I started to get pretty depressed as Christmas day approached.  Since I can remember, minus the few years here and there when I was out of state , Christmas Day was always always always spent with my Dad.  This was the first Christmas without him and it really was so very different for me. I was kind of lost. I know that seems so dramatic and I always had my husband by my side but when there is such a deep rooted tradition that I did for over 40 plus years, it was hard.

 The whole Christmas week was very busy and hectic which was good I guess.  We had lunch at our house on Christmas Eve day. Our son Collin who lives in Austin with his girlfriend Sydney drove up the night before and went to his mom’s house.  Our daughter Alison rode with them and they got to our house around 11:30. My in-laws came over too so they could see the kids.  We had a nice time though very brief . We rarely get to see Collin now that he lives out of town and he’s working full time.  After lunch, Todd had to leave for church because he was playing drums for the candlelight service and always has to go early to practice with group.  The family left and I then I headed to our church for the service.

Silly selfie with kids and parents

After our church service, we went to my Dad’s house and had dinner with my stepmom Deb.  She is very devout Catholic and her church dedicated 4 different masses in memory of Daddy and the Christmas midnight mass happened to be the last one.  I really do miss practicing Catholicism often especially around the holidays so I would have joined her anyway but it was special bonus for the dedication.  I like that her church actually starts Midnight Mass at 11 and then ends at midnight instead of starting at midnight like many do.   We got our double dose of Jesus that day for church with 2 different church services. I actually liked it and would do that again.  I was soooo tired though by the time we got home. I had got up super early that day for finishing touches of house cleaning for the family lunch.

The first service of the day was Candlelight at our church

Mass dedicated to my dad ( Mark Schmitz)

On Christmas morning, Todd and I slept in until 8am and we fixed breakfast and opened our gifts from one another.  I have another post regarding my Christmas present that I asked for.  We had to be at Todd’s parents house for lunch by noon and they live about 45 minutes away.  Their lunch was with Todd’s brother Kevin and his wife Paula and Kevins sons Zac and Seth, Todd’s cousin Kimberly and her husband Richard,  Us, and the in-laws so there were 10 of us.   We did our gift exchange with the family and had nice time visiting with one another.  I think we left their house around 4 and headed home.  I was SO tired from the nonstop day before and coming getting into bed around 1am, it was catching up with me.  I think we had leftovers and then put on our comfy pajamas and had a Bed In ( our version of Bed in is where we turn off the lights and lock the doors around the house and shut everything down , then just watch TV from our bedroom).  It was great!  We both fell asleep by 10.

Silly selfie with the fam

I took the week off for vacation between Christmas and New Years and it was great. I wish I could tell you that I met up with friends every day, shopped, cleaned house, took down Christmas, etc.   I didn’t do any of that. One day I did take Jack and Avery to the movies to see Sing. I’ve mentioned them a few times. I’m really good friends with their mom who works with me. They don’t have any family in Texas and they didn’t go home to Chicago this year.  They’re good boys and I love spending time with them.  Sing was super cute!  I did read a book- Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children.  I liked it but then I realized it’s a series of 3 books and I didn’t have the other 2.  I hate when I do that!  I slept in every day to at least 8 or 8:30.  I just kinda took it easy which I so rarely do.  It was nice!

Sing with Avery and Jack

For New Years Eve,  we were invited to some friends house who had a really fun ( brilliant) idea- the party started at 6pm and they changed all their clocks in the house to say 9pm.  So at our time at 9, we did a count down and toasted champagne like it was midnight.  Todd and I were back home in our jammies and in bed again by 10.  HAHA! We are some wild and crazy characters !  The following day on Sunday was spent at my Dads ranch again visiting with my stepmom’s family. My stepbrother and sister and the kiddos were in from California and I needed to spend time with them.  It was also Cowboys football time that we lost to the Giants. Poop! Then Monday came around and we had a corporate day off so that was good. I unfortunately had caught a bug (from one of the kiddos I suspect) and was super super sick all day and into the late evening.  Todd took down the Christmas tree and did what he could with decorations but i wasn’t able to help him much at all.   Then back to work on Tuesday. That was all pretty much my holiday in a nutshell.

NY Eve party with friends Debbie and Wendy( avery and jacks mom)

My nieces Ava and Paloma

Dad's dog Leroy did not mind being festive and wearing party hat

This week has been rough emotionally. This Thursday will be the one year anniversary of my sweet amazing Daddy taking his last breath.  I cant believe its already been a year. It honestly feels like it was a few months ago. I think I lived so long in the dark with my head in a hole last year that I lost track of time.  I will be  working from home that day so I don’t have to wear makeup because I suspect I’ll be crying the majority of the day.  This weekend Deb is hosting a Celebration of Life in Memory of Daddy. I’ve also been dreading that. I don’t know why.  It will be friends and family that loved my dad but I just am exhausted from crying and yet I still do.  A few of my close friends will be there so that will help.  Todd said to me the other night that we don’t have to go. But we do. I need to show my support to Deb. Maybe this is healing for her. I am his only daughter ( only kid born to him) and I feel like I need to be there.   So, please pray for my heart this week and weekend. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Have a great day yall!! 

Inching along

Wow- I totally didn’t expect to be gone for so long.  Mom left to go back home to Montana this past Saturday.  I really enjoyed having her for the last few weeks.  Her chronic illness Lupus really determines our days. There would be 2 or 3 days in a row each week where her biggest accomplishment would be getting out of bed and maybe dressed.  We had so many things we wanted to do but never did get to them.   I am so grateful for my job and my bosses who allowed me to work from home to keep her company and not be alone.  One week I had classes every day and I went into the office the first part of day but then would come home during lunch hour for rest of the day.  I am so blessed!  Just having Mom in the room or the next room when I was in office was comforting.   My baby brother Jeremy, my SIL Sarah and my nieces Maci and Brynna came down one weekend to spent time with Mom and the following weekend that came again minus Sarah. It was so awesome having my family all together. My grandmother Nanny also came to stay 4 nights with us so she could continue her visit with Mom and to see rest of the family. My cousin Jadona came over one night when everyone was there and we had a nice big family dinner. Mom did get to eat out at a few of her favorite spots before she left so all is good there too.  My heart was full and happy that weekend for sure. 

My last post I mentioned walking away from a house that we had contract on. The inspection showed too many big things that would be very costly and it didn’t work out.  Fast forward a few days later from losing that house, and Todd found a house he loved.  With the market as crazy as it is- we literally put contract on the house sight unseen from me.  Todd tried to facetime me but the screens kept switching sideways to upways (?) and I had to hang up. I told him it was like watching Blair Witch project and I was getting dizzy).  I got to see the house the day we had that house inspected and it’s a GO.  There are a few things on our priority list to be fixed but its basically move in ready and we are closing in just a few weeks.  Mom was with me when we got to see the house for the first time and I ‘m so happy she got to see it. Now she can visualize what I’m talking about when we’re in the house. Oh and we have a pool!! Yippee!!

Now it goes without saying that my stress level is off the charts right now! Todd is traveling every week now and has been gone for 3 nights almost every week.  We don’t have a single box packed. I did bring home some boxes though last night so that makes me happy.  Baby steps and deep breaths.  I have soooo much stuff to move that its overwhelming.  I tossed it back and forth on whether I should have a garage sale or not.  Trouble is closing is in a few weeks but we have Easter this weekend so I don’t see much packing being done.  I’d rather take time to pack and be ready then to use 2 days for a garage sale. I can always have a sale at new house.  I have donated tons of stuff on a weekly basis too so that helps.   But, if I had a garage sale that would be less to move and the money could go towards the boxes and moving company.  Ugh- so undecided!

So that’s what I’ve been up to.  Its very stressful to get all the upteen million documents to the mortgage company, prep for moving, include family visits in there, all while working full time job.  Going crazy for sure. I have had a few days of depression but I’m sure it was stemmed from the stress too. 

Have a wonderful Easter this weekend everyone.  Todd and I are dividing and conquering this holiday. He’s going to our church and then to his parents house where my inlaws and brother n law and sis nlaw will be. I am going to church at my aunts with my grandma Mimi and stepmom Deb, then having lunch at my cousins house.  Its important to spend time with my stepmom right now.  I haven’t seen her much this last month and this is a first of many holidays without Daddy.  Oh and did any of yall catch last Sunday’s TV special  The Passion that was written by Tyler Perry and in New Orleans?  Holy Cow was that so cool!! They basically told the story while using current rock and country songs.  Amazing!!

Miss yall and I promise I’ll be back one day and my hope once moved to go back to old self who blogged weekly.  

Knowing when to walk away

Happy Friday y'all!!!  I cant even tell you how happy I am for this week to be over.  It  has been a very stressful week for myself and Todd.  I don't think I mentioned that we have been actively looking to buy a home these last few months.  You guys, Dallas made the national news a month ago about the real estate boom for sellers.  Several large corporations are moving their headquarters to DFW area and have already started buying up homes. Toyota from California, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Pizza Hut are the ones I can think of right now that have moved to Texas. 
Homes are selling within hours.  Hours- folks!!  When we go see a house with our realtor, there are at least 4 to5 other realtors with their folks so you have close to 20 people looking at same house at same time.  We called one house to make appt and they said we were welcome to come see it but there was already 21 contracts turned in.  Its been very deflating.  We had contract on a house I loved 2 weeks ago but our contract wasn't accepted. Then we saw a house last Friday ( a week ago today) and fell in love. It was extra special because my Mom was with us and got to see the house too. We had contract to them that evening and our contract was accepted the following day. Earnest money was paid and the option fee paid to have the week for inspector.  Our inspection was scheduled for Tuesday and we met the inspector when he was done at the house. Long story short, it failed miserably. Way too many serious things that needed repaired and very costly.  My friend said it best when she said the seller put lipstick on a pig.  It had so many beautiful updates and renovations and to the first glimpse it looked great. Truth was he didn't do any of it right or up to code. There was structural damage, large plumbing problem, and electrical box was shot.  That was just to name a few but was the most costly.  Our inspector was amazing! So thorough and detailed and I am very appreciative of that.
Todd and I had a powwow and decided to go with our gut feeling and we walked away. I signed the contract last night stating that we our not buying the house.  I become very private when large things like buying a house are happening.  Todd was very excited and told his family and some friends. I then caught on to the excitement and told my family and friends.  I was so embarrassed to announce last night to everyone - Oops, spoke to soon and its not happening.  Lesson learned that we are not to say ONE SINGLE WORD until contract is signed and keys are in hand.
My stress level has been through the roof. I've had a migraine since Monday and my face is breaking out like a teenager.  I am not cut out for this.  Maybe its just too soon to be doing something so big while i'm on verge of literally having nervous breakdown.  Not to mention how much money we're out for inspection and the option fee that we don't get back.  I am relieved that we didn't get ourselves into a house that is a Money Pit though.

On the good news, I am working half day today and driving to East Texas to pick up both my grandma Nanny and Mom. They both will stay all week with us next week. My brother Jeremy and his wife and my nieces are driving in tonight from Oklahoma to stay the weekend and visit . I am excited to have a full house of family.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Halloween - my favorite day!

Hey y'all! I am a big dork and failed to take any pictures of my own decorations from my party.  I was just so busy decorating until the very end and then had to get ready before he guests came. My inlaws took some and I'm waiting for them to get back from out of town to forward them to me.  I have a very busy weekend ahead!

Tonight we are going to the Freakers Ball concert hosted by a radio station here in Dallas KEGL 97.1.  There are lots of bands playing and it starts at 5.  We will be missing the early bands because I don't get off work until 4:30 and with traffic in Friday rush hour in the rain, let's just say we will be late.  The bands I'm looking forward to are Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil, The Cult and Marilyn Manson. We are mostly going to see the Cult!!  I love them! 

Tomorrow morning we drop off the dogs for dog camp and then we head to San Antonio. Todd's family is visiting from California and Ohio . We're just staying the one night then coming home Sunday. 

Sunday night we have the Chris Cornell concert.  Can't wait to see that show! It's getting rave reviews as his solo act. He mentioned recently that since he's been doing his solo act this year, he's been able to write more material for the band Sound garden. I hope so! 

Whatcha got planned for this weekend? 

Stay safe and have fun! 

Happy happy Halloween!! 

Oh and I'll be a day late on the battle of the bands because as mentioned, I'll be driving back from San Antonio and won't have my laptop.  

Did anyone else watch this last night ? I saw that and the Addams Famili movies. I've watched Hocus Pocus 3 times but still haven't seen Practical magic. Nightmare before Christmas and Beetle Juice this year.  I am behind!

what's this ? from Nightmare before Christmas

 midnight margaritas from Practical Magic

 

Some randomness

So last week I got a crafty streak and spray painted some items that desperately needed a makeover.  I am so bad at taking Before pictures, you just have to believe from my After pics that it was an improvement.  I had 2 busts that were just grey and blah and now they are brighter.

The stand on wheels was really in bad shape with brown shelf and rusty legs.  I painted it silver to go in my kitchen. It holds my vintage bread box . 

When I went to Waco last Sunday, I passed this little guy cruising on the highway shoulder. He actually stopped at the antique shop and handed out some religious flyers. He was very committed and was a veteran. I didn't get picture with him on his cart because he already got off before I grabbed my phone. 

While browsing through the antique shop I came across this old birdcage. Y'all know my obsession with birdcages. Anyhoo.... This vintage cage on stand had price tag of 75$ but it was wrapped with black ducttape at the base, and inside the cage was an old dirtdobber nest and it had all this old plastic crap in it.  Now if you were asking 75 dollars for this, wouldn't you at least clean it out first and make it look presentable? I almost left a note saying so but I just shook my head and moved on.  Crazy! 

I had to take a picture of this pin. It's of an Asian woman but has scary Michael Jackson nose. 

I am pretty excited about my new hip purse I made for Sturgis.  It clips onto your belt loops and perfect when you ride.  I bought 2 purses at a thrift store- the one with fringe that will be the main part was 6$ and the 2nd purse was a small black one (2$) that I only bought for the clips.  I cut the strap off the beige one and cut the clips off the black one and asked my friend to sew the ends for me. I say I made it because it was my creation and I did all the cutting and had everything pinned- I just didn't do the sewing. Props to my friend though who doesn't question , she just sews where I ask.  The whole thing cost 8$ and I have a smaller one that I bought from Harley store that was 50$ ( on sale). It barely holds more than my license and lipgloss which is why I needed a slightly bigger one for my trip. 

Haha! I only have the before picture and not the after but you get the idea. 

My stepsister and 2 nieces are in town right now visiting and they came in for dads party. I went to visit after work on Monday and spent some time with them. We took Ava (18mos) for a walk and she went straight to the fence where some horses were. One of them was so sweet and very curious about Ava. My niece Paloma was with my stepmom down at the barn getting ready to ride. She got brand new boots that day that are black and silver zebra striped. So cute! 

Tomorrow is my precious grandma (Nanny)'s birthday and she will be 87. Y'all I love her so much! I'm sending her some flowers today to be delivered tomorrow. 

 Todd's friends sister passed away last week and tomorrow is her memorial.  One of my coworkers lost his wife last week and hers was this past Monday.  On Facebook , there has been a lot of sadness and loss these last 2 weeks. 

I pray that next week is more happier. 

That's all I got today folks. What a strange post I know. Thanks for hanging in there. Have a wonderful and Blessed day!!