Where Does the Time Go?
Mon, Nov 23 2009 10:49
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In a big, metaphorical sock drawer in the sky, I suppose. I can hardly remember anything that happened this week, except that it rained and messed up my phase one yard. I don't yet have the underground drainage put in. Bass-ackwards, for sure, as it should have been done before we put anything on top of the ground. We are looking into a remedy for that as soon as possible.
On the bird poop front, though I haven't seen any live creatures on the house this week, I have seen evidence of something aviary landing on the sky deck and leaving prizes over the main deck. Little splats of evidence.
As I write this my cat Girly Man is enjoying a romp outside. He got a good dose of freedom when he escaped at the house warming party, and ever since, he tries even harder to get out. My clawless, needy cat, out in the wilderness. Having the time of his life.
Our little town had a very nice multi-church Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening. Our choir combined with the local Catholic one, bringing our total number to about 18. Pastors and singers from all across town took turns at the pulpit, and our Pastor Billy gave a lovely homily about all the reasons we have to be thankful. Quintiscential Glen Rose.
Tracy and I are looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit with all my folks in Louisiana. I can smell from turkey and dressing from here!
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Fall in Bloom
Sun, Nov 15 2009 07:18
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It's hard to think I am so close to the Metroplex when I look out over the valley. The fall colors are in full bloom- just like a "real" fall somewhere in the Northeast. Soon we'll fade to the grays and browns of winter, which is always a nice rest on the eyes, but always seems a few weeks too long. Imagine how well I would tolerate living up north!
Not much to report this week. I have been on the road. Two trips for work, a dental appointment in Plano, extended choir practice for Christmas specials, city planning committee meeting...so needless to say, I didn't accomplish much on the hill. I did manage to get most of the art studio organized. Just as I can't cook in a dirty kitchen, it is hard for me to create in a disorganized art studio. Which is weird to say, since I have never actually HAD an art studio.
The deer have just made themselves at home in front of the house. On Saturday I watched a group of three hang out there for a couple of hours. They must know it is a safe haven from hunters. Of course I am writing this in full view of a deer skull hanging on my wall. I bought is last year at my church's fund raiser auction, which I am told is proof that I live deep in the heart of Texas. YeeHaw.
Buid House...Check! Have ParTAY.....Check!
Sun, Nov 8 2009 09:27
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And we are whooped! Seems like special days should go by a lot slower than prep days. Saturday flew by, and all the preparation and planning paid off. We had a great time, and although I was busy for the first several hours with hostess duties, I had a blast at the housewarming parTAY. So many people told me the barbecue was the best they had ever had. It was really good. And as with all good parTAYS, we had way too much food- both from us and that people brought.
The weather was beautiful, cool morning, nice breezes, with low clouds giving in to mostly sun. But we were blessed with a spectacular mackerel sky sunset that stopped us all in our tracks. Several of my "city" friends came down, and I was very pleased that Glenn, Mike and Jodie came over from Louisiana. It was the first time Glenn had ever seen his design come to fruition. It had to be a cool experience for him, seeing the (nearly) final product.
All of Tracy's siblings were here, plus an aunt, uncle and cousins. That was nice to see.
We ended the party hanging out around the campfire, sitting on big rocks in a circle all around the fire. Clay Burr brought his guitar down and I got to sing with him once again. All in all a very nice time. Followed by some really deep sleep.
Phase One of the front yard area was completed within hours of the party. It sure made a difference. Hopefully no one will think the house is vacant anymore. Now I am ready to get Phase Two started. Patience, patience, patience.
Until next week, peace from the hill.
Home Fires Burning!
Mon, Nov 2 2009 10:34
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Aaaahhhh Fall. My favorite season. Crisp cool air, migrating birds, frisky animals, and cozy fires in the fireplace. Finally! It cooled down this week and we lighted our first fire in the fireplace. It actually put out warmth for several hours, even when just the coals were left.
It was so nice. Even the animals seemed to relax in it's glow. Speaking of animals, there has been a steady stream of deer visiting in the mornings. This week I spotted an eight point buck. He was a big and beautiful creature.
Although since then I have noticed Sweet Pea's (cat) paws smell suspiciously like ashes....ever curious, she is.
The rain has finally taken a break, but the ground remains quite damp. In the mornings, there is a layer of fog and clouds tucked into the low points of the valley. So beautiful. God's cleverness and imagination keep me in constant awe.
Plans for the housewarming parTAY are in full swing. Tracy and I have been working like crazy clearing brush, dead trees, weeds. And I am getting "phase 1" of the front xeroscaping, done, plus the driveway sidewalk. A couple of weeks ago a man and his grandson pulled in my drive and were surprised that anyone lived here! I told him I could certainly understand why he thought that. The front yard makes the house look almost like a project abandoned in midstream. Not after this week!
Also getting gutters put in this week. Something I have needed for several months. I don't want to provide the creek beds at the bottom of the hill with any more paid for dirt.
We should have perfect fall weather this weekend. I can hardly wait to sit and relax around a campfire, watch the stars on the deck and celebrate with my friends and family who have let me follow my crazy dream and even went so far as to support me. The good times just keep coming.
