#7 on the list

In today's (Sunday) Houston Chronicle - Parade Magazine - "ROAD TRIPS on 1 Tank of Gas (or Less)....Houston to Montgomery, TX. (56 miles).  Just four square miles, this quaint town is pedestrian-friendly and history-proud.  Said to be the birthplace of the Lone Star flag, it's full of antique stores and restored 19th-century homes.  Gourmets will enjoy visiting the area's cluster of wineries....." so there you have it....come for a visit and stay awhile....You'll enjoy it....

My middle of the week - weekend....:-)

A middle-of-the-week weekend started on Tuesday and I returned home on Friday.  Our Health 2 U group from the hospital took a 4 day bus trip from Montgomery to Marksville, LA. and Biloxi, MS.  Wwe primarily went for the gaming and fellowship and of course, food.  50 seniors (50+ yrs of fun) were gung ho for the adventure.  Our driver Joel brought a really big new and plush bus for the ride and we were very comfy.  The hotel/casino's were state of the art and the gaming, at least for me, was pretty decent.  My bo-honkius (sp?) but you know what I mean, was a little tired by the time we returned home last night at 6:00 p.m.  Most memorable tasty dish I had was an appetizer of fried green tomatoes (lightly fried) with a crawfish -crab meat sauce over them.  Really wanted to lick the plate clean and so did my buddy Debbie.  She also took pics of me taking pics of her.  reverse mirror kinda deal.  Anyway, a great time was had by all and I'm looking forward to my next ventures in July.  Really best thing, we had lots of rain on the road and I found it had rained while I was gone...Memo to self, stay away more for Montgomery to receive more rain.  Sounds good to me.  p.s. the breakfast parfait was strawberries, yogurt and granola.  that was pretty tasty also....:-)

Tomorrow.....

be ready to get all that you can from the day - June 21 - the longest day of the year.  and the beginning of summer....What, I thought summer was already here.  Temps in Montgomery running triple digits and still no rain.  Some anticipated beginning tomorrow.  Certainly hope so.  That's the best I can do for today because it's volunteer day and I need to hurry off.  Just wanted everyone to take advantage of all the daylight of tomorrow.  Take care and stay liquid.  :-)

so, I'm watching Nightline and

they are featuring 2 young sisters in Los Angeles that are "shop haulers".  They started their link several years ago and it has taken off like crazy.  Primarily, they go out shopping and they show all of their purchases with really cute giggles and pleasure.  So, not to be undone, I thought I would show off my super duper special purchase from my trip to Los Angeles a few weeks ago.  It was in Larchmont area, a $15 store and there was a basket of rings.  Several years ago I purchased a pair of red earrings, which I wear only on occasion.  Lo and behold, I found this great (huge) ring for $1.99.  Yup, $1.99.  I've worn it quite a bit recently and have had tons of comments.  What a deal!  So, since I do like to shop - I'll start showing off some of my mid-life crisis purchases.  hehehehe!  Have a great weekend.  109 degrees here, at least in Mz Beauty when I left my doctors appointment today.  WHEW!   

Did you know?

Some summer fun stuff  to impress friends - Eleven-year-old Frank Epperson accidentally left a mixture of powdered soda mix and water on his back porch one winter night in 1905.  The next morning, Frank found the stuff frozen, with the stirring stick standing straight up in the jar.  He pulled it out, and had the first "Epperson icicle" - or "Epsicle".  He later renamed it "Popsicle," since he'd made it with soda pop.  It was patented in 1923, eighteen years later.  In 1989 he sold the company to the Joe Lowe Co in New York.  To date it still remains not only the best summer treat but one can make their own adult version.  As long as it freezes, you can make your own treats. Still the most favorite - cherry popsicles.........Today's summertime thought about dreams from Charles Fisher in Newsweek magazine "If there were dreams to sell, What would you buy?" ....Enjoy! and stay cool.....and dream on......:-)

Stars & Stripes forever - fyi

 Flag Day 2011 - fyi - The Second Continental Congress adopted the U.S. flag June 14, 1777, with 13 stripes alternating red and white and 13 white stars in a blue field, representing "a new constellation."  In 1818, a congressional act said a star would be added for each new state on the July 4 after its admission.  In 1912, President William H. Taft's executive order said the stars should be six horizontal rows of eight each with a point of each star to be upward.  In 1959, President Dwight E. Eisenhower issued two orders changing the arrangement of the stars when Alaska and Hawaii were granted statehood.  Hawaii's star was added July 4 1960.  It's a beautiful, beautiful flag, worthy of our respect, honor and love.  It represents all that is good about our country - and this year particularly we should stand behind Old Glory and pledge again to be "one nation under God".  Salute!

15,000 miles

Upon return from visiting my son's country property last weekend, the maintenance light came on.  I made an appointment with my service manager Kevin and took Mz. Beauty in for her check-up.  One and one half hours later we were headed for home.  I believe in preventive care, for my household appliances, my vehicle and ME!  My belief that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". 

Blog # 500

Happy Blog Anniversary to me - First Blog was October 23, 2008 - It all started as part of my therapy for using the computer and using my mind....I was finally home from the assorted rehabs and hospitals, therapy and surviving the April 23, 2008 accident. Since then, I've traveled lots of roads and byways,made contact with many friends, spent precious time with my children and grandchildren and hopefully have improved my writing skills, thought process and typing skills. It's nice to reach a goal of good accomplishments. And 500 is definitely an accomplishment for me. To all of you who read my blog rather religiously, or just tune in every once in a while during your busy days and lives, I appreciate your comments and your friendship. An appropriate thought for the 500th blog from Michel De Montaigne, Essays "The great and glorious masterpiece of man is to know how to live to purpose."

Big doings in Shiner, TX.

Visiting my son Jonathan at his ranch this weekend, we just finished having a Shiner Beer and enjoying some cheese and crackers when the hostess mentioned that the Shiner High School had won the State Championship (Girl's) for baseball. At 9:00 p.m. there was going to be a big to do down main street. Naturally I didn't want to miss anything so we waited to see the firetruck with all of the girls on it. Unfortunately the pics didn't turn out very clear but you get the idea. Had a great time visiting and this morning before I left, there were six deer at the pond drinking. Speaking of the pond, there were the biggest catfish (and meanest looking) I have ever seen. Very competitive for the food Jon was feeding them. The weather was hot but the cool down in the eve and early a.m., was pleasant and we had a really great time. Looking forward to next visit. Sunday's thought "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8.32...a random choice from my Dictionary of Quotations....

Hurricane Season

June 1, 2011 - starts today.

It's been 3 years since IKE hit our area - and 10 years since Tropical Storm Allison ravaged the Houston area.

All the weather guys & gals - Gene, Frank, Mario, Casey, Anthony, Tim, etc, etc, etc. have said "be prepared for the unexpected"....

A few hints from my own experiences - my first Hurricane was in 1962 with Hurricane Carla. Some of you were not even born yet.

Shopping list to be prepared

1) Flashlights

2) Batteries

3) Bottled Water

4) Manual can opener

5) Cell phone charger

6) Short wave radio

7) Plastic garbage bags

8) If applicable, boards to protect windows

9) Names and telephone numbers of relatives - given to a neighbor just in case.

10) Handi-wipes, personal wipes, whatever to have handy for sponge baths.

11) Canned goods that can be eaten cold (Tuna, Vienna sausages, SPAM)

no kidding, whatever can be eaten without being refrigerated and/or heated.

12) Duct tape

13- any whatever else you can think that you really won't/don't need (you would be surprised what you come up when you really need something.

With all of the very unusual weather, 2 hot, 2 cold, 2 wet, not wet enough, muggy, humid, wind.....snow in Colorado....who knows....

Best be prepared - remember, don't doubt Mother Nature. She has a mind of her own!!!!