July 25, 2012

Summer Lovin'...

In my opinion one of the best things about the summer are the vegetables it produces and I must say cucumbers are one of my favorites.  They are cool and light and refreshing.  Oh my, that makes me think about a fabulous cocktail I had while in Vegas but I digress.  I'll save that story for another day.

Anyway, if you love cucumbers like I love cucumbers you must try this fabulous snack I found on Pinterest.  It is super quick, super easy and super good.  In fact; now that I think about it, it is just as yummy as that aforementioned cocktail minus the gin!



Simply slice a baby cucumber (I actually used an English cucumber because I prefer the seedless variety) in to thin slices.

Add lemon juice (I used the juice of half a lemon for one English cucumber) to taste.

Drizzle with olive oil to lightly coat.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and chile powder to taste.

Toss well and enjoy!

July 22, 2012

"You're Off To Great Places"...

In the past few months my nephew turned 18 and graduated from high school.  

I still remember his graduation from kindergarten like it was last week.  

He's 18?  

How on earth did this happen?  

We often hear cliches concerning time and how quickly it can pass but honestly nothing could prepare me for the realization that my "Little Dude" is suddenly 18 years old and heading off to college.  

As an infant he introduced me to a depth of love I never knew existed.  

As a toddler he brought uncompromised joy.  

As an adolescent he brought about adventure and sweetness to my life and opened my eyes to the world as a young boy sees it.

As a teenager he has been my pride and joy.  Yes, my pride and joy - even on those days when he was testing the limits of his teenage years.

In celebration of his birthday and graduation The Señor and I took him to what many consider to be the greatest city in the world - New York.  We did all the touristy things and some not-quiet-so-touristy things.  We took in some baseball, saw a show, took a carriage ride, ate, ate and ate some more.  Yes, we had some fun!   











His years as an adult are on the horizon.  There is a great big world out there and I hope he will take advantage of his opportunities and take in as much of it as possible.  

I anxiously look forward to what lies ahead for him.  

I want for him all that is good and healthy and successful.  Realistically I know it won't always be that way.  

So, I pray.

Prayers for wise decisions.  

Prayers that he will realize the importance of an education - and get one!

Prayers that he will steer clear of harm's way. 

Prayers that he will never forget the value of self.

Or the value of family.

Or the value of prayer.

So "Little Dude", in the words of the very wise Dr Suess I say to you -

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

July 6, 2012

A Weekend In Paradise...

This past December my parents celebrated a monumental occasion - the 50th anniversary of their marriage. Fifty years of marriage is almost unheard of these days and I am proud to say my parents worked together through the good, the bad and the ugly that come along in life and are still standing strong.

To celebrate this event my brother, sister-in-law, The Señor and I loaded-up Moma and Daddy and flew to northern California for a few days in paradise.  While there we stayed with our dear friends the Brocks and the Comstocks (who are the ultimate hosts), gazed upon majestic sights, ate amazing food, drank amazing wine, learned the art of Petanque and made memories to last a life time.

To quote my dear friend Bob Brock, "Friends are your wealth in life".  This weekend reminded me that we are very wealthy indeed.


Moma and Daddy - Bella Vineyards...

The whole gang (minus Sandy) Bob, Cathy, Linda, Bob, Reece, Sandra, Bob, Kim & The Señor...

The whole gang (minus Cathy) Bob, Sandy, Linda, Bob, Reece, Sandra, Bob, Kim & The Señor...

A grape row marker from the gorgeous Bella Vineyard...

My brother and The Señor toasting a beautiful day...

The Señor and I enjoying an amazing morning on the Comstock's deck...

My sweet parents...

My sister--in-law and brother enjoying a beautiful day in the wine country...

Ou family at the entrance to Comstock Vineyards...

Daddy enjoying a day on Dry Creek.  Can it get any better than this?

The beautiful hills of grapevines...

Breathtaking views...

LOVE this deck...

Wine tasting at Mauritson Wines.  Fabulous wines - and people...

Daddy and I enjoying the creek...

Moma playing fetch with Bailey and Lucy...

July 5, 2012

Cheaper Than Therapy...

Those hazy, lazy days of summer are upon us and, as for me, I've been laying low.

I've recovered from my bout with optic neuritis but as a result of that flare-up my doc decided it was time for a change in therapy. Bye-bye Avonex. Hello Rebif.

Life with Avonex was really pretty simple. A single injection given once a week by The Señor. It rarely hurt.

Rebif on the other hand seems to be a whole 'nutha animal. Three injections per week given by the Señor if he is available and by moi if he is traveling. Oh, and this stuff hurts-like-the-dickens every single time. After a little research I learned that the hurts-like-the-dickens part is just part of life with Rebif and that I can expect it from now on.

Subjecting myself to extreme pain three times a week is not/nor has ever been on my bucket list. For the record, I don't see me learning to like it. With that said, I am thankful to have access to the drug & thankful that it has proven to be very effective. I also know there are others who experience much worst pain on a daily basis every day of their life. I know I am very blessed.

However, those things said, I still don't have to like it.

So, dear reader, thanks for "listening" to my little pity party. I actually feel much better putting these thoughts in to words.

Writing...it's so much cheaper than therapy.

April 8, 2012

Coming Out Of The Fog...

I have to admit that my rather twisted sense of humor comes in handy during times of stress. I can usually come up with some smart$%$ thought or comment to help take the edge off what is otherwise a difficult moment. With that said, here's a couple of rather off centered humorous moments from the past few weeks.

My Mom, Nella and I are in search of a Party City.

Nella: Driving in DFW traffic without a clue where she is going.

Me: Riding in the passenger seat attempting to provide Nella with directions. I say, I think you turn right in to this parking lot. There should be a Lowe's and a Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Mom: There's a Lowes.

Nella: I don't see a Bed, Bath and Beyond or a Party City.

Me: You girls do realize this is the closest you'll probably ever come to "the blind leading the blind"?

The three of us break out in to hysterical laughter.

Then there's the day when after starring at the computer screen, the TV, the iPhone and even my own face in the mirror only to see a blob of colors with basically no meaning or lines of definition and all I could think of was the old movie Dazed and Confused and hunky Matthew McConaughey's character Wooderson; all laid back and cool, as he said "all right, all right, all right". I was "dazed and confused" but it was definitely not "all right".

I'm truly coming out of a fog. A fog known by those with Multiple Sclerosis as Optic Neuritis. And yes, the term "dazed and confused" has taken on a whole new meaning since I've had it.

Definition: Optic Neuritis - inflammation of the optic nerve which may cause a complete or total loss of vision. In some cases it is permanent.

I was very lucky as I did not lose total vision in either eye. After five steroid infusions and three weeks of "fog" the vision in my right eye is basically back to normal. The vision in my left eye is on its way. All I need is a little time and patience. Some days everything seems almost normal. Some days it is not. The doctor says this is to be expected. Time is the only cure.

I read a Pinterest item a while back that asked something along the line of what if God took away tomorrow everything that you didn't thank Him for today. This episode has really made me stop and think about that. I have always taken my senses for granted. I had honestly never given an ounce of thought to what a blessing they are. Let me tell you, they are priceless.

While "in the fog" I couldn't help but think about what life would be like if the fog were to never lift. I never once believed that it wouldn't but, being human, there were times it entered my mind. The idea terrified me. Although the Senór assured me it wasn't shallow I felt guilty worrying over what I thought were shallow things. I couldn't use the computer - I couldn't play Words With Friends - I couldn't drive - I couldn't read - I couldn't watch TV. I tried to be strong but, I'll just admit it, there were a few pity parties.

I am so thankful to the good Lord for my improvement and for the medical care that is available to me.

I am thankful for the Senór who has the patience of Job and never ceases to amaze me with his kindness, understanding and compassion.

I am thankful for my family and friends who support me with their love and understanding in both the good and the bad times.

I am thankful that once again I am able to clearly see each of them and the beauty of this earth that is God's creation.

I am thankful that I have been reminded of my blessings and to be thankful for each and every one of them every time I go to God in prayer.

March 1, 2012

Taking A Bite...

Tomorrow morning I'm heading to NYC with some of my very favorite girls. The stories should be epic as the trip involves a group of twenty-somethings, a bachorlette party and a couple of middle-aged women (yes, I'm included in that couple!).

We'll wine and dine and take in some shows.

We'll enjoy a carriage ride through Central Park.

We'll shop and eat hot dogs on the street.

We'll toast and dance and celebrate.

There will be people watching and pictures taken.

There will be memories made to last a life time.

February 29, 2012

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Round 2...

In my continuing quest to become a proficient user of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax I present to you project number two...


This stool is done in Annie Sloan Napoleonic Blue with Dark Wax. This was my first time to use the dark wax and I love the depth it gives to the finish.


Isn't that pretty?


Here sit my two little stools together. I don't think they turned out too bad for a beginner.


I love those yellow tulips with the Napoleonic Blue. Such a happy contrast!


Spring is definitely in the air!


Now, what shall I paint next?!