Everything is Bigger in Texas!

Hugh and I made our departure from Colorado Tuesday afternoon. Following a quick hour and a half flight, we landed at DFW and were met by Queen B and the Rodeo Princess for the start of our week-long visit. 

We drove into Fort Worth for an incredible dinner at Texas de Brazil, where Queen B and I were introduced to the concept of traditional Brazilian steakhouse dining, which, involves having grilled meats served to you at your table, generally cut from the rotisserie rod on which they were cooked.

It was a  kick!

The variety of meat was stunning. There were numerous cuts and flavors of beef, of course (Texas!), as well as two or three varieties of both pork and chicken, lamb, and sausage. To say we left stuffed would be a vast understatement. 

And, while I didn’t partake; there was a cheesecake dessert that was big enough for the rest of the family. It was a great introduction to the girl’s new life and, a good way to kick off our visit. 

Up next: Texas, Day One!

Father's Day 2021

As is always the case; I was on call yesterday, which meant that I was not free to join Hugh and the Man-Cub on a four-wheel adventure in the mountains outside of Pixler. It's ok; I don't think they missed me shrieking in fear each time they drove too close to the edge of a cliff or splashed through a body of water with nary a though to how deep it might actually be, and, frankly; I was content to sleep in (especially considering the fact that I was on my feet in the heat all day Saturday, running a golf tournament as a fundraiser for Not So New Job).

I did, however, join my men later in the evening, for dinner and a quick jaunt up to the park, where they threw a few lines into the pond while I walked around, hoping for a Blue Heron sighting (spotted one from a very far distance, but that was it). 

Casting a fishing line looks a lot like throwing an object to the Boomer Dog, so he gamely attempted to retrieve said lines. He was, of course, unsuccessful, but, not for lack of trying.

We finally called it a day just as the sun was setting behind the park, and, in spectacular fashion I might add.

Hugh deemed it a perfect way to spend Father's Day, despite the fact that he was missing half of his offspring. It's all good though; we fly to Dallas tomorrow to spend the rest of the week with Queen B, so he'll still get his daughter fix.

Can't ask for much better than that.

It's Hot, Y'all

Holy Hannah, it's been hot around here. How hot?

Hot enough to theoretically turn my car into a very large portable air fryer. I was seriously consider throwing some chicken tenders on the dashboard to test that theory when I stumbled upon this window shade at the local Marshalls.

There was no way I was passing up the opportunity to have Michael, Dwight, and Jim hanging out in my car while I was at work all day! I've had it for only a few days and it has already generated quite a few laughs from my staff and our community partners.

I haven't completely abandoned the chicken tender thing, though; I think the Dunder Mifflin crew would approve, wholeheartedly.

Where Them Girls At...

How is it that today is Tuesday and I am only now getting around to posting about my weekend? I'll tell you how: adulting.

Zero stars. Do not recommend.

Anyhoodle, here I am finally getting around to writing about the awesome time that I spent with my Girls!

We kicked the weekend off with a good old-fashioned sleepover at my house. When last I wrote, Jules was going to be absent, but, I can happily report that she made the two hour drive to my house after work, just to drink wine and whiskey on the porch before turning right back around and driving two hours back to work the following morning. That, right there, is dedication. Or, major FOMO, not that I could possibly judge her for that.

Anyway, we were a complete group for our very own Porch Night, which Hugh was kind enough to capture on film (or, in a digital format, thankyouverymuch advancements in technology).

The following morning, well after Jules had departed for what had to have been an exhausting drive, the rest of us arose for morning mimosas and chit-chat while Phoebe logged into work, virtually.

Again, Adulting: Zero stars. Do not recommend.

Once she had logged in enough time to appease the employment gods, we hit the road for Neighboring City, where we spent some time eating lunch and window shopping before checking into our super-cute bungalow rental.

Not long after, Jules arrived, tired, but ready to party. And, by party, I mean laugh ourselves silly over old jokes, wine, and mixed drinks. We also managed to make hamburgers for dinner, despite the bungalow not providing a grill (isn't that odd? We found it odd).

We stayed up way later than is normal for any of us at this advanced stage of life (except for Jules, who finally gave into exhaustion and passed out cold on the couch beside me). The following morning, we rose for breakfast at my favorite small cafe in the downtown area of Neighboring City. We caused quite the commotion on our matching shirts...

...but only because people were jealous, I'm sure.

Then, we ordered drinks all around (orange juice mimosas, pomegranate mimosas, and Bloody Marys)...

... and food that was absolutely to die for, which may have contributed to the weird episode of dizziness that I had moments after eating my last bite. Still, I'd take a bout of dizziness for another plate of these dreamy Eggs Benedict, any day.

After breakfast, which was really more brunch, given the time of day we actually made it to the restaurant; we got cleaned up and headed to the nearby wine country for a few hours at the winery where Queen B did her college internship.

I introduced The Girls to the magic that is the Maison la Belle Vie charcuterie board, which pretty much filled our bellies for the rest of the day, minus the part where we went back to the bungalow to gorge on snacks (healthy eating was not on the weekend's agenda).

We finished out the night with another marathon gab session before falling into bed. The next day, we sadly said our goodbyes, but, not before agreeing that our next Girls Trip will be to either Nashville or a beach on the Gulf Shores. We'll probably have to flip a coin.

Wherever we go, whatever we do; nothing is as soul-soothing as time spent together. And my soul desperately needed this past weekend.

Until next time, my friends!

Do You Hear the Crickets Chirping?

I have been most lax about posting here and I have no valid excuse, save for the fact that my life is really quite dull. Granted, my life has always been quite dull and that has not stopped me from writing here in the past, so...yeah, no excuse.

I suppose I could delve a bit into what's been going on around here, including my on-going efforts at self-care, which, recently included a pedicure. Ooooh, ahhhh!

I have also perfected my meat-designing skills by finally nailing a Pinterest-worthy salami rose. This was not as hard as one would think, thanks to the tutorials available on Tik Tok, however, I take my achievements where I can get them

When I'm not lounging about in a pedicure chair or bending meat to my will, I have been patronizing the gym in Petticoat Junction. This past weekend, I had the place practically to myself, which is just the way I like it, considering the fact that, as I am jogging on the treadmill, my left leg has a tendency to cramp up on me, resulting in a steady stream of obscenities the likes of which would definitely offend an audience.

Speaking of jogging, I added an oldie-but-goodie to the playlist; you cannot go wrong with 80's metal, my friends.

I also finally, finally caught one of the herons in the water at the park. Sadly, her efforts were for naught; she managed to catch not a single fish during her hunt, but, still; my mission was a success.

Today, I am wrapping up as many loose ends at work as I can before taking tomorrow afternoon through Monday morning off. Why the extended weekend, you ask? Because The Girls are coming!!!

That's right, Girl's Weekend 2021 commences tomorrow, just as soon as Reese, Phoebe, and Tee arrive for the night, during which we will be noshing on a charcuterie on the porch (I didn't perfect those meat roses for nothing!). Friday morning, we are off to Neighboring City, where we will check into a VRBO to await the arrival of Jules, later in the afternoon.

The weekend is meant to be filled with laughter, music, wine tasting, good food, more laughter, (more than likely) a few tears, and a constant stream of good conversation. You cannot possibly know each other for over thirty years without having all the dirt, but, no doubt some new tea will be spilled as well.

I'm here for it!

This also means that I will have actual content for a post in the very near future. My life may be dull but my girlfriends certainly are not.

Memorial Day Weekend, Day Two

I am still adjusting to the whole "empty nest" portion of the program over here, and, holidays have been the biggest adjustment. In years past, Memorial Day weekend would have been spent on the boat or in the motorhome, always surrounded by friends and family. These days, I am lucky if I get a few folks over for a meal.

Happily, last night, I got to cook for the Man-Cub, his girlfriend, Hugh, and Mikey. I made a taco feast that included a spicy cabbage mixture that Hugh always loves when we go to Mexican restaurants; it was my first stab at it and the recipe was definitely a keeper. I'll have to post it here sometime.

In addition to the beef tacos that I made, the Cub grilled up some shrimp for shrimp tacos, which he, Hugh, and Mikey devoured. The Cub's girlfriend is a seafood hater like me, which is another reason to love her.

Both before and after dinner, we sat on the porch and chatted. The boys played catch in the yard, which is something that hasn't happened in my yard in a while, so, that made my day. They played keep-away from Boomer, who was both irritated and invested at the same time; it was hilarious.

After dinner, we chatted in the kitchen while we made a team effort at clean-up. It was so nice to spend an evening in such great company.

Today, I am headed over to the hardware store to run payroll and make deposits. Hugh is installing some cabinets for customers, but, we are hopeful that the install will go quickly and we will be able to do something fun this afternoon. Time will tell.

But, all in all, it's been a pretty great weekend so far.