With a high today – today being February 10 – of a 88 degrees it was definitely a day to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
These pictures were taken in November and I’m always aware that, although we get cold snaps, we also get to enjoy many days that are weather-perfected. No matter what time of year it is, the sinking sun and shadows never bother the grandkids, especially when grandpa gets the ultra-fun toys out and plays with them.
I had the television on for most of the day watching the inauguration. Just like I have for so many previous transfers of the power for our nation’s highest office.
I did it because I am an American and whether I agree or disagree with the politics or the person I respect the office of the President of the United States.
I hope I can always appreciate the fact that I live in a country where, not only do I have the right to vote, but even when the political climate is divided and contentious the key players put their big girl and boy pants on and behave in a gracious manner.
That was evident in both Michelle Obama and Melania Trump this morning. There was bound to be tension yet they behaved beautifully. Graceful and poised each woman was a credit to our country.
Well-done ladies. Well done.
I take no credit for this picture. I pulled it off the internet. Credit goes to AFP/Getty Images.
It’s exhausting when you have to spend half the night trying to rouse someone – anyone -to get up and pay attention to you.
When morning comes this poor overworked kitty finally gives up and hunkers down for a nice and much-needed nap.
Jesus said to him,“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me John 14:6
My faith is more than just Sunday Mass. It’s keeping sacred every single day the realization of how Jesus suffered and died for me.
Along with remembering and rejoicing in His triumphant victory over that death.
These pictures were taken in the Panhandle of Texas in a town called Groom. The Stations of the Cross are depicted in life like bronze sculptures with a 190 foot tall cross which can be see from 20 miles away.
Without fail my Christmas tree invokes a sense of peace and relaxation. During this busy and hectic time of year I relish a quiet morning – or evening – spent gazing upon the colored lights and ornaments filled with memories. Today, the rain outside, the animals and the fireplace were an added bonus.
We received an unexpected gift this morning – a smoked ham.
The smoke smell is quite pungent.
I think I’ve gotten smoked ham up my nose – it’s all I can smell. The flavor is yuuuum-oh, though. Totally delish!
It’s not this time of year without the madness of the Black Friday frenzy. And, while I have, in past years, jumped on the bandwagon in search of savings, this year I had no desire to join the crowds.
However, I did feel the need to get outside and make the most of the sunshine and mild temperatures. With such good weather my daughter and I made a plan to visit dinosaurs and explore trails at The Heard Museum in McKinney, Texas.
Arriving earlier than the rest of the family I was able to get in two miles before we met up. I enjoyed the solitude in nature as I encountered fewer and fewer people the farther out I went.
The water, the turtles and our version of autumn
When they arrived I met them on the dinosaur trail, and as I came up behind the kids I was met with the wonderfully familiar sound of “NAAANNAA” as they caught sight of me.
Dinosaurs – oh my! Let’s take a a selfie.
As we wandered along we came across a trail that none of us had been on in a while and decided to follow it. Five year old Kolbe was convinced that this was the trail with the giant white sycamore and really wanted to find the tree. Despite the rain a few days ago everything had been relatively dry so we thought, “okay!”
It may have been a little muddy in a few spots.
We were thoroughly enjoying our hike when we came across areas that had obviously been flooded. Seeing a bridge which had been washed away from who-knows-where along with all of the piled up branches, trees and debris we commented on the damage.
See the bridge?
Walking a bit further we suddenly found the spot where the bridge had been. And, it was where we needed to cross. 
We wondered, “Should we turn around and retrace our steps or see if we can get across?”
Now let me set this scene for you. We were a party of seven. One Nana – that’s me, one daddy, one pregnant mommy, two school-age kids and two young-un’s.
The littlest ones
What the heck – it was time to be adventurous. If we fell in the water or slipped in the mud it wouldn’t be too bad. After all, it was 62 degrees with sunshine and no wind!
It’s an adventure payoff! We all got across and no one fell in!
Time for another selfie. Or two!
AND – we found the giant sycamore! More than 160 years old!
As we came to the end of the trail we realized we had been hiking a closed trail. Due to damage from flooding. Oops.
I don’t know what happened to the sign at the start of the trail, but our ‘adventures’ made a good day truly memorable.
A couple of years ago I was playing around and took a ‘scale’ picture of my small granddaughter against a big tree. At 4.5 months of age she was too young to sit by herself so my husband held her up while I backed away some distance. Then with a “ready, set, go!” he ran out of the shot, I click,click, clicked and then he ran back in and grabbed her before she could fall over.
Teamwork!
Little baby. Big Tree.
Overall, she really wasn’t too thrilled with her modeling gig. But, she’s a happy baby and quickly forgave us as soon as we catered to her every whim. 🙂
And, just because I can….here’s her adorable face today.
I woke up to the news this morning that our dentist had passed away overnight.
He took care of my family for 25 years.
25 years.
He did the orthodontics for all four of my children, has taken care of abscessed teeth, fractured roots, root canals and crowns. But, never once did I feel like he tried to get me to ‘fix’ anything that wasn’t a necessity. He was a good and decent man who lived for God, his family, his friends, his staff and his Texas Aggies.
He was an amazing dentist with a quick wit and a goofy sense of humor. His office style was laid-back, and there was an ease among the staff that evoked a sense of happy. His employees were all long-term, which says a lot about the type of boss he was. He could tease and joke and yet, be serious and empathetic when needed.
Being a huge Texas Aggie fan everything in his office – and even his car – was maroon. My boys, who loved his easy-going manner and totally non-threatening threats about wreaking pain during ortho appointments, would dare to wear burnt orange just to get a reaction from him. (Rival University of Texas colors are burnt orange and white). He would always comply and they traded many good-natured barbs over the way they were dressed.
I still feel stunned. I am going to miss this relationship so much.
I believe in God and know that His plan is always good and right and perfect. I also know that he understands why so many of us are grieving tonight. My heart is saddened for my own loss but, it breaks even more for his beautiful wife, children and granddaughter. I will lift them up in prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless You Dr. B.
And, rest in peace.
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’
My Crazy Graced Life 