Happy Valentine's Day

My Valentine is out of town, so I will be celebrating with a wonderful group of ladies and eating

 and giving

Happy Valentines Day!

2411 RHOB

When cleaning out your inbox you never know what you will find that brings back fond memories.  This exact scene could have happened any day of the week while I was working on Capitol Hill.  Sniff, Sniff, Tear.  I was not the typical policy guru or CNN addict that you usually find upon entering in the halls of Congress. 

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 5:  Staff Elizabeth Leasure comforts "Nigel" a male jack russell owned by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) (NP) who brings his dogs to the office everyday.  Nigel has to sniff anyone new entering the office and has made an excellent greeter to visitors.  Whitfield, like several other lawmakers and staffers on the hill bring their dogs to the office every day which lightens up what can be an intense environment on the Hill.  (no id on man coming through door).  (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post)

 It never made The Post but makes me smile!

First Floor: House Tour

Just a glimpse in to the first floor of the condo, townhouse, apartment, whatever you want to call it. It fits all descriptions.  I spared you the half bath and entry hall. These were taken on New Year's Eve right before the guests arrived, so party mode is in full swing.

Gally Kitchen

 

Dining room table and china cabinet that I inherited from my paternal grandmother, Mama B or "B".  I drove to Kentucky for Christmas for the sole purpose of hauling these pieces back with me.  Her table cloths and napkins are still in the drawers.

China cabinet / bar area

Family room featuring a new area rug, curtains and slipcover for the couch. 

 

Austin:Go Gorilla Run 5K

 I got up early on a Saturday to cheer on primates.  It was totally worth it, creativity, fitness and humor all before 10am, plus a workout on my own.

Go Gorilla Run 5k

 

 I missed the start so I had to run to catch up with the pack band of gorilla's.

 Luckily they were not moving very fast.  

Feeding the animals was allowed.

 BA-NAN-NA

 Out of the 750 gorillas, this trio was my favorite.  Gorilla parents with a banana baby.

  "Keep Austin Weird"

D-A-Y-T-R-I-P

This should have been posted last week BUT due to life, it is a bit late.  Enjoy! 

Saturday we channeled our inner Chet Garner for a little day trip of our own.  It could not of gotten any better except for the lack of trail mix on our hike.  The game plan was always to go hike at  Enchanted Rock and then swing by Fredricksburg for dinner.  I particularly was in need of FRESH AIR and EXERCISE.  Even if this FRESH AIR and EXERCISE were accompanied by misty rain at times.  I had been feeling claustrophobic from being inside working and entertaining at home. So it was time for a mini adventure.  

Mini adventures should always start with this.  

Starbucks gift cards were popular with our families this Christmas season and we greatly appreciate the treat!  It is only an hour and half to our destination but somehow it took us double that to reach.  Cooper's BBQ in Llano, TX was calling Dude's name so shortly after Starbucks we found ourselves eating half a pound of brisket and half a link of jalapeno sausage.

It was delicious.  Like moved to the number one spot on my great BBQ list delicious.
Quick fact about Llano, TX is it known as the Deer Capital of Texas.  There were a slew of hunters partaking in Cooper's BBQ with us.  I felt a little out of place in my bright pink shirt, running tights, and equally as bright blue vest.  Two quick facts about TX BBQ venues 1. beans are free 2. you will be eating at picnic tables.

So after brisket, sausage, beans, coleslaw and sweet tea we waddled out of Cooper's to the car and finally made it to our destination Enchanted Rock.

Enchanted Rock State Nature Area is a pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the surrounding countryside. It is one of the largest batholiths, or exposed underground rock formations, in the US. Tonkawa Indians named it, believing ghost fires flickered at the top and that a Spanish conquistador had cast a spell on it.  When Dude was in scouts his troop would come here to camp.  This is also where he got his first concussion.

The Eagle Scout getting the game plan together.  We hiked to the summit of the dome, then around on various trails.

 Hydrate.

pink wet granite.

couldn't resist.

We ended the day with dinner and a sweet treat in Fredricksburg, TX and spent time meandering in and out of all the shops on Main Street.  

Added bonus to the day, we made it back to Austin in time to watch Miss America be crowned, and then Pure Country!  Congrats Miss Nebraska, I still can't believe you are seventeen and hello George Strait in wranglers.

Hot N Cold

This week I have not been myself, I feel like this song by Katy Perry:

'Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in then you're out
You're up then you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up

Hopefully the holiday weekend will be refreshing and I will be motivated to write about fun things like:
 1. The pillow project that my Mom and tackled over Christmas
 2. Derby Pie recipe and more edge brownies
 3. Downstairs Decorating COMPLETE
 
For Now, I will leave with you with this hymn.  I told you I was all over the place!  Katy Perry to a simple hymn that I sang growing up.

In His Time
In his time, in his time
He makes all things beautiful in his time
Lord, Please show me everyday
as you're teaching me your way
and I'll do just what you say
in your time.

Monday Night TV

2011 is kicking off to a great start and is just getting better.  I can not think of any other way to spend Monday night than on my couch watching Brad Womack's return to The Bachelor and Nikki Heat appearing on Castle!

A visit to his bar Molotov might be in my future.

New Episode!

Happy New Year!