Shine on!

WEEKEND..it's no spring break, but I'll take it!

My hubby returned home late last night from a 2-day baseball tournament, glad he's home safe and sound. He installed the new outdoor light fixtures this morning and they look awesome! (think he's trying to get a jump on the "to do"  list to free up some time during his Spring Break). My apologies for the photos...the wind is blowing about 40 mph here today and between the gusts and intense sunlight, it was difficult getting a good shot. Sure wish I had taken "before" and "after" photos, but missed my window of opportunity.

Think we'll head to a local nursery  later today for landscaping ideas...

we have some serious work to do!

Enjoy your weekend and those of you lucky enough to have a spring break...

have fun, stay safe. ")

This `n That...

My latest find may seem a bit strange for a non-smoker, but I just thought it was so COOL! For those of you that know little about pipes (myself included), this is a vintage Ropp Deluxe Pipe made in France. It's made from Birch and Cherrywood, bark and all. Oh the stories this pipe could tell, if only it could speak.

I purchased effect drapes for our spare room a couple weeks ago. I say "effect" because they're not intended to be functional...just add visual interest. I was not happy with them initially...gathered on the rod, they were too short. I knew I could fix the length but wasn't sure I liked them enough to bother. I eyeballed them for several days trying to decide if they were keepers when it suddenly hit me, use clip rings. So off I went in search of rings in the proper size and color (no small feat I might add). I like this effect MUCH better! I've also acquired several new framed art prints, the cutest little rooster pitcher and new outdoor sconces and hanging pendant for the front of my house. I'm hoping my hubby will have an opportunity to install the lights this weekend or next week while he's on Spring Break. Additional photos and updates to follow.

Spring just seems to send me into "new project" mode...any new projects in the works with you?

Lovely Reminder...

Lord help me...I've dashed home for lunch and it's an absolutely GORGEOUS day and I don't want to go back to work, but duty calls (sigh!). To go along with this beautiful day, here's a link to a short video with a lovely "life" reminder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=choOYBFZBVA

Turn up your speakers, enjoy the musical accompaniment and the noteworthy message.

Week 1, March `11 (whew!!!)...

Wow, if the budding flora wasn't enough to point to the arrival of Spring , the hectic pace of Week 1, March 2011 is a sure indicator. My husbands high school baseball team played at Whataburger Field last Tuesday. It was a bit chilly, but a wonderful night to be at the ballpark. The remainder of the week involved work, weekly choir practice, and a quick trip to Houston to spend some time with our son and his girlfriend.  Of course baseball was involved with the Houston trip as well...we caught a couple games of the College Classic at Minute Maid on Saturday. After the game, we headed to our son's house, began unloading our luggage where I learned my hubby had forgotten to pick-up my cosmetics bag...LOVELY!!! Let me just extend my apologies to the people of Houston that crossed my path on Sunday...it wasn't pretty!!  :))))

I did pick up a few little home decor "happy's" during the week...I'll include those in another post. I'm off today and may venture out to see if there's anything wonderful out there calling my name.

Enjoy your day!

Minute Maid

Flour Bluff Hornets - Whataburger Field

Sparky...pre-game

Finds and fixins'...

Happy Saturday!
Ever notice how mandatory "wake ups" are challenging, but on days off you can bounce right out of bed at the crack of dawn?...funny how that works.

There were no treasures for me to be had this week from my weekly second-hand store excursion. I did find this tiered stand and monogrammed cocktail shaker at a local discount store. The tiered stand matches  metalware I already had, so I was excited about that. I picked up the cocktail shaker my last visit to the store but when I saw the length of the checkout lines, I opted to leave it behind. When I spotted it again this visit, I figured I was meant to take it home.

And last, but probably my favorite find, this cool mail holder (very Pottery Barnish without the PB price tag).

I managed to pack up my Valentine decorations and pull-out a few St. Patty's items last weekend...crazy to think March is almost here, but I'm all for spring!  :))

Have a great weekend y'all!

Texas Bluebonnets and....

G'day y'all!
(how's that for a diverse greeting?...threw the "G'day" in especially for the Aussie viewers).

I'm normally headed to work this time of day, but took the day off to help my in-law's (my father-in-law is having cataract surgery)...thought I'd compose a quick post before heading out the door.

Spring fever's in full swing here in South Texas. The trees are beginning to bud, the temperatures are more like what we're used to, and we're beginning to see the first glimpse of those wildflowers Texas is so famous for. A favorite spring time photo op is to plop down in a field of bluebonnets...this photo from  Texas Hill Country is a good reminder to tread carefully as creatures besides humans plop in the flowers ...YIKES!

Wishing you all a blessed "snake free" day!

Play ball!

Baseball has been a part of my life from the moment I said, "I do". My husband is a high school coach (football and baseball) and pretty much lives and breathes sports 24-7. I don't care how much he denies it, I know baseball is his true love ;). You'd think I'd be pretty knowledgeable of the games, given all the years I've been a spectator, but not so much. My simple little mind operates under the illusion I have the upper hand by not fully engaging and embracing game strategies...silly ol me!  Although I don't attend my hubby's sporting events with the same frequency as when our  daughter and son were in school, I still enjoy an occasional game at the ballpark. Our son (Korey) interned with the Houston Astros last year and was offered a "game day" job with the Grounds Crew...he'll return again this year. One of my favorite Minute Maid photos of Korey is below...he's the guy in the back with the "Texas-sized" wallet. Now that the high school baseball season is underway and the Astros soon to follow, let me just say...."play ball!".

Should I be worried?

Ever have one of those days when you do things that are, well, "out there"? I've had a day and a half of doing goofy things. I can't blame it on my kids, they've been out of the house for several years now...can't blame it on the family pet - we don't have one. No getting around it, I have to take ownership for my own absent mindedness, and it hurts!