Here and There

Hubby and I started the day sleeping! I was actually quite pleased to sleep in ‘til 9:00 this morning. That’s pretty much unlike me these days but the rest was great.

Hubby had to tend to a few things at work this afternoon and thought it would be a great idea to have lunch together before he went in.

We decided on our favorite Mongolian restaurant


It’s a place where you pile as much meat, veggies and seasonings into one bowl and turn it over to the chef to cook before your eyes.

I started with a pile of spinach (no meat for me) on the bottom and built up layers of carrots, sprouts, peppers, onions, water chestnuts, zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, a few noodles and topped it off with soy, garlic, teriyaki and dragon (flaming HOT) sauce.


The chef took the bowl of goodies and did his thing


Then I gave it a nice hefty dash of chopped peanuts = Total deliciousness


The utensils of our choice – some foods just don’t seem right eating without the proper sticks


This is the part where I can’t fit another bite into my tummy, I give.


Had a mellow afternoon

The top of the evening commenced with a dinner date at Chili’s

Chili’s was right on the way to our favorite electronics store. It’s a place I believe we could frequent at least once a week. The electronics store that is.


While hubby shops, I love looking above the shelves, way above the shelves. That mural in the background reels me in no matter how often we visit.


Cool glow


And stumbled on a couple things for myself

Woo Hoo, My first book for Dummies ever! Hope I learn something.


And another book


A photography class is something I would love to take but the schedule at the nearby campus only offers evening classes. I’m frowning on that as I much prefer spending the evenings with my dearest. Perhaps I’ll find a day class one of these days. In the meantime, I’ll see what these books have to say.

I’m ready to start in on the Dummy book. Wish me luck!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wha??? It appears I’m having difficulty keeping up with my blog these days. So let’s take a step back to Thanksgiving as Christmas will be here soon.

Hubby and I have celebrated Thanksgiving the last 5 years by making reservations and cutting back on the mess as it’s just the two of us. It has proved to be such a great experience and by now it feels like Thanksgiving. It’s a big treat for me and hubby would have it no other way.

This year we celebrated at The Del Coronado Hotel


What a beautiful place


Almost castle like


My dearest and me in “The Crown Room”


We got down to business with a yummy slice of turkey


And didn’t hesitate to jump right in to the fixin’s ~ lots of good stuff under those lids, let me tell ya.


Everything so beautifully displayed


There was a section of nothing but salads.


I didn’t get too cozy with the salad on Thanksgiving. Don’t get me wrong, I like/love salad but tried saving all the space for the stuffing, turkey, deserts and the like…

More food along the line of appetizers


I wanted to try clams in the worst way but I didn’t even go for them. If it’s not a food I relate to on Thanksgiving, I don’t touch it. The meal was amazing and the food was all cooked to perfection. This is definitely a place I would eat Thanksgiving dinner over and over again.

Can’t believe I didn’t get some shots of the deserts. All I know is that the pecan AND pumpkin pies were delightful!

A little pumpkin décor


in the midst of Christmas decorations


Our dinner music was lovely


Up close


After dinner ~ looking through little shop windows in the hotel


Pretty flakes strung up in the windows


The wood detail inside made a statement, we even met the gentleman whose company fabricated the wood for the hotel.


We truly enjoyed every facet of our day. And this makes another Thanksgiving dinner we won’t forget.

My Hubby

My dearest down to earth hubby can put my mind at ease and calm my anxious jitters with just one look.


For some reason I have these anxious jitters compared to that of a child bouncing off the walls. Although I’m not outwardly bouncing off the walls, inside I can hardly contain myself. The wheels seem to be constantly turning with all the things that need to be done.

But there’s my sweet darlin’ right by my side easing my anxious thoughts and putting them to rest. He’s tackled all the utilities at the new house + phone + post office. We’re still in shock that we may not have internet for up to the first four weeks, hopefully less. It’s a small town, we’ll roll with it.

So today my darlin’ suggested he treat me to a BBQ place in the area where some of the guys from work rave about. My mind drifted into BBQ mode where ribs took center stage with coleslaw right along side.

And that’s exactly what I ordered


When it comes to ribs I always compare them to the place I like the best (in TX). These guys were not the best but were right up there. They were tender fall off the bone good and the sauce was excellent. Hubby suffered as his brisket did not even come close to what he had in mind. He enjoyed his sides and dessert and pretty much left the meat on his plate. Unfortunately he’s not a rib kind a guy, otherwise I would have shared with him.

I quite liked the ambiance at the restaurant. All the tables were covered in paper with crayons for fun. The walls were adorned with drawings from customers and the music was country at its best. It was a fun new experience for us.


Hubby spied the Dessert, Peanut butter Landslide Pie


Anything peanut butter and I’m all ears.

We split the pie, the perfect solution at the end of our meal.


Thanks my darlin’ for calming my jitters and assuring me that all is well and that we are right on schedule.

Hubby Designing A Built-in

Hubby has been working hard on designing the built-in’s surrounding the fireplace.

This is his design in our last home.


This time, he’s designing it for the TV over the fireplace.

Here he is at the beginning stages with the electrician and the gentleman that’s building the wall unit.


Expressing the need for wiring for his TV and all the components


As well as wiring for our little lamps on the shelves as well.


Hubby and the electrician working it out


Then the gentlemen put their heads together with the electrical and design plan – they concur.


I was busy last week narrowing my decisions on appliances and fixtures and various other items. I did end up changing my mind on the kitchen counters finding something I liked a little better.

I keep questioning my choices as there are several things where I’ve changed my mind. However, things are coming together as it’s crunch time. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.

We’ve had an amazing weekend together and have pretty much taken a vacation from house stuff and just spent our time together. We had a nice double date with friends Friday evening and hubby took me out last evening and again today for Sunday dinner.

Here is one of the desserts I had this weekend. Peanut butter chocolate pie to be exact


I’m up a total of 3 pounds within the last few weeks and I can see why.

So, the goal this week is to take off what I’ve gained so that we can have another date next weekend.

I’m hoping to really get back in the groove to get the rest off but have yet to find the right path. I plan to embrace the journey soon.

A Meeting Of the Minds

It was a meeting of the minds at the house this afternoon.

Yesterday the builder called and asked if we could make it up to the house today to meet with the electrician. So we met with the electrician on hubby’s lunch break.

Notice the roof? It’s really coming along!


The boys got right down to business


Expressing the need for various wiring throughout the house


It looks as though they are communicating just peachy


The electrician gets right down to business – This guy is quite a character, he said “It was so cold today that I decided not to shave my head”


Hubby points out special areas for wiring


And communicating that we need two of something


But the electrician looks a bit confused, I’m sure he got it all figured out but just in case…he got each of our cell numbers + home number in the event he runs into a snag.


We’re amazed with the amount of work they’re getting done. The builder hired on 6 new guys so that we can get in sooner than later. (Cheers!!!)

My nails were in need of a little attention so I had them done today.


Since we didn’t have time to squeeze in a lunch date Hubby treated me for a nice dinner out this evening.

We’re due to have a fairly big day tomorrow as we have to narrow several big items down so that the builder can place the orders Monday. It should be fun.

Wishing you a blessed weekend.

Running Behind on My Blog but Staying Ahead of Schedule

I’ve tried to sit down and blog a couple times this week but time with hubby was winning and that = me being a bit behind I’d say. It’s been an extremely busy week of running errands and meeting with the builder. It was a hands on week with house stuff and Friday was my day off to get stuff done around the house. So far we’ve picked out kitchen cabinets and counters, bathroom cabinets and counters, flooring for the house (wood flooring is winning in the kitchen, thank you Linda), and pretty much all the appliances are picked out. It’s been fun!

We’re trying to stay ahead of schedule so that the builder doesn’t have to wait on us for anything. Hopefully we’ll be moving in sooner than later.

One of the days I was up to the house I noted these pretty little wild flowers/weeds down at my feet.


They were too pretty to pass by


We’ve had a relaxing weekend filled with wonderful hubby and wifey alone time. Hubby took me out for a nice dinner last evening and out for Sunday lunch today. I’m relaxed to the point I’m ready for a little Sunday afternoon siesta. We’ll see if sleep wins. I’m looking forward to another exciting week filled with more house stuff to do.

Oh right…the excitement of the week…I learned I need bifocals. Well that’s something I already knew as I’ve been reaching for the magnifying glass. On a sad note my current frames aren’t “big” enough for trifocals and I couldn’t find a pair of frames I like as well as what I have. That’s what the gal told me but I’m going to get a second opinion as I would love to keep using my frames. So, until I get it all figured out or find something to replace my frames, I’ll keep reaching for the magnifying glass.

An Afternoon With Hubby

This week is flying by so fast that the days seem to be running into each other and here it is Friday already.

Hubby and I had a late afternoon meeting at the house yesterday. This shot is from the back of the home.


In the family room – The ceiling will be open to the second floor.


Up through the trusses in the family room. The roof is going up quick and the shingles were just delivered.


The balcony underway.


A pic of the paddle boat next door – I like the calm summer feel.


Allow me to fill you in on a little secret…


In all of the years we’ve been together (nearly 12, going on 10 years of marriage) today was a first. Hubby and I split ways at the movies, we’ve never done that before. He’s my Terminator expert and I’m…well not so much a Terminator enthusiast as I don’t like anything remotely scary. So he enjoyed the Terminator on opening day while I shopped.

I went to Home Goods and TJ Maxx just to do a little browsing. I found canisters that caused me to swoon and if they had been the right shade of green or even brown I would have had a hard time leaving them on the shelf.


Aw, this made me think of hubby across the way enjoying his show.


Loved the multi color plates and they inspired me to mix it up whenever I can get back into my pottery studio.


Here’s an inspirational metal piece. I like the idea of adding mustard and yellow hues with the green and brown into the kitchen.


I got so excited when I saw this pear!


That I pulled out my trusty fabric color swatches to see if he was the right color.


It was a no go.

I fancied this box and tried to think of a spot where it could go.


It was love at first site with this pear table.


Especially The top


By the time I finished looking over all the pretties it was time to head over to the movies to pick up my dearest.

I only had to wait a few minutes while happy thoughts swam through my head from all the fun I had.


Soon hubby came from the theater with a smile and excitement from his show.


As he got into the car he said “I told you – I’ll be back”

And that ends our amazing day.

It’s going to be a full weekend with the builder and shopping for more stuff for the house.

Hope you’re enjoying your Friday and I wish you a wonderful weekend!

Go With The Flow

It’s one of those go with the flow weekends. Hubby announced (yesterday) that he wanted to go to the movies and see…


You guessed it, Star Trek. So we checked out the schedule and launched our vehicle in the movie vicinity about an hour and a half early. We stopped for dinner before we hit the theater and we shared a nice little appetizer, had our meal and split a desert. Then we were ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

While out shopping and running errands with hubby (yesterday afternoon) he got me all fixed up with a little lap desk and mouse. Welcome to my little office.


He knew my desire to have something for my laptop to rest on and I’ve also wanted a mouse for quite a while. I’ve already gotten so much enjoyment with my new toys in this short amount of time

I just finished giving myself a little pedicure this afternoon in place of my Sunday afternoon nap.


I found the little flower gizmos while shopping last week and wanted to give them a try. Now I’m ready for some open toed shoes.

We’re getting anxious to see the Survivor finale tonight – Should be a great show!

Hope you’re enjoying your weekend.

Lots Going On Here

Where oh where do I begin? There is so much is going on with our home these days and we are right in the middle of making lots of decisions. I visited with the kitchen cabinet place last week and then hubby went back with me Saturday. The good news is that we have our cabinets all picked out.

I set out today to pick out my kitchen appliances as that’s important for the cabinet place to have all the measurements of appliances so everything fits just so. I think I pretty much have all my kitchen appliances picked out.

I made a little stop at the property while I was in that area and this is what I drove up on.


Here’s a better view of what the builder is working on. The frames are being lifted up, up and away. Can you imagine the time it would take if they had to cart these things up the stairs?


Another view


Here we are going up the road to the back of the little lake out back


This is the view from across the way


And here we drove up the winding path for a birds eye view


As I was leaving the property I noted that I would be passing by hubby’s work around noon so I gave hubby a little jingle to see if he was up for lunch. His words “it would have been a shame if I had missed your call”. He was all about seeing me for lunch so we went downtown for a nice little sit-down and I got to share all the exciting news of the day.

After lunch as we were walking hand in hand towards the car, he pulled me into a little shop that I don’t ever remember being in. The gal behind the counter asked if there was anything she could help us with and hubby replied “my wife likes fudge”. Oh my word, he’s such a dear as he knows what I like indeed.

He made sure I checked it all out to be sure I got just what I wanted.

Does this look amazing or what?


And how about this for a nice treat?


Or these gems


I shoulda got him this little sack of Hunkey Dorey.


In the end I settled on a little square of chocolate fudge and oh what a nice little treat.


The cutest little candy store with my most amazing handsome Hubby making a nice little purchase for me. He made my day meeting me for lunch on short notice.


Home Progress

Progress, yes progress is a good thing! Our home is finally in queue to resume building after our long cold winter. Since the builder wasn’t able to get the footer and basement poured before our first winter freeze, the lot sat untouched. Finally we are going to start seeing changes in the weeks and months to come.

The mason poured the footer yesterday and they have hopes to have the foundation poured this afternoon or sometime this week.

Hubby and I had another meeting with the builder this afternoon and things seem to be clicking off really well. We met down at the lot with the mason and builder and here’s the way she looks today.


We have hopes for this project to be finished by summer so hold on and join the ride as I plan to post the progress here.

Hubby took me to one of our favorite places for lunch and I stole this little picture of him.


I enjoy these times with him so much and working together with him on our home is such a joy.

Adieu

Just poppin’ in to say I may not be around for a few days. Hubby’s taking me with him to Boston in a bit, he’ll be on business and I’m going along because I was invited and I couldn’t turn down his invitation. Being with him is where I always want to be when possible. I’ve already got something up my sleeve for tomorrow and looking forward to our little trip together. Hubby already has plans for a dinner date in Boston this evening, can’t wait.

Happy Monday!

Enjoying Time With Hubby

Bobby and I made our way home from Boston late Thursday evening. As we were heading west I could tell by the dense layer of haze that we wouldn’t have a sunset to speak of. But the night sky had a nice surprise in store for us as it came alive with so much color. It was like a very bright blanket that quilted the sky with swirls of blues and magical bursts of red. It truly was amazing as we drove into the sunset.


Friday morning was the best as Bobby didn’t have anything pressing at work so we slept in without the alarm. We got up and around visiting over a cup of coffee and breakfast and Bobby didn’t leave the house ‘til 11:30am. It’s been such a wonderful week with Bobby and today we’re just chillin’ with a little heat on. We don’t have anything pressing and we’re just letting the day unfold together.

Putting Faces With Names

I love it when I can put a face to a name. Bobby always talks about the guys at work and I always get to know them before I meet them. I’ve already met quite a few of the team and last night I was able to meet several more.

Bobby’s group had visitors from Maryland in yesterday and a dinner was planned last evening at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. Bobby made it a point to tell the guys he was bringing his wife but like so many times, I was the only wife to show up. I always tell Bobby that I don’t have to go but he always insists saying “if my wife’s not invited, I’m not invited” and he has said that (to me) from day 1. I had such a great time visiting with these guys as I felt like I already knew them.

He guarantees that he will never leave home without me if he can possibly help it so next week he’s taking me to Boston on his business trip. It’s gonna be a road trip since it’s not that far to drive.

We’re really enjoying this stage in life with the (Bobby’s) kids in college and the freedom to do these things at the drop of a hat.

We’re In This Together

It was nine years ago yesterday that Bobby and I said “I Do”. And I’m so blessed to have him right here by my side always and forever. Here’s one of our mottos early on coined by my dearest ~ “We’re In This Together”. Here’s the story of how those words came to life. It happened the night that I was sick for the first time. I had some sort of head cold and was all stopped up. Couldn’t breath and continued to cough and make all sorts of wheezing noises when I asked Bobby “Honey, how about I go sleep in the spare bedroom so that you can get some sleep”? His arm that was already wrapped around me grew tighter and he replied “We’re in this together”. There was no way he wanted me any other place than right there beside him. That phrase has stuck with us through these years as there is no other place I’d rather be than right here next to the man that continues to show his love and affection daily. And no matter what happens, we know “We’re In This Together”.

A Fun Filled Saturday With Hubby

We had so much fun with our friends this past weekend. They had us over for a BB-Q and fellowship. We started off with a nice spinach salad with almonds and craisins and a wonderful homemade blue cheese dressing. They made steak shish kabobs with corn on the cob and key lime pie for dessert. It was such a yummy meal and the visit with them was so nice.

They got out the wii and played the wii fit for the most part and we both fell head over heals with that. We’ve been looking to pick up the wii fit but the stores are always sold out when we look. I think we’ll have to make a more concentrated effort or wait ‘til they are readily available. I plan to call the store right down the road from us to see when their shipments come in. Hopefully we can score one soon.

Since we were spending Saturday evening with friends, Bobby still wanted to take me on a date so we went out for a nice lunch Saturday afternoon and then he took me to the movies. We saw Bat Man! We liked it but some things really disapointed us and I would not advise this movie for children. I’ll leave it at that as I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t seen it that plans to see it. But I will say we had such a wonderful date.