The Blurry Days of August

I'm certain I blinked, and August vanished. Here is a run-down of how the days went by in a blur for me.

As I often do, I made memories with my grand niece on her memaw's couch one evening after work. She melts my heart, and is growing as fast as the days are going by. How I wish our precious babies could stay small, and innocent, and carefree.

Big Sister invited me to share dinner at Black Sheep Bistro one evening...her treat. I'd never been, but oh, my! What a treat it was!

Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with Soy Garlic Spinach

Chocolate something-or-other. So smooth and creamy beneath the crunch.
I can't wait for a return visit!

And again....Big Sister invited me to join her and hubby and granddaughter for a Sunday lunch. It was a wonderful time. Have you ever seen such cuteness?

I ordered some new shoes. Yay. Yes, I can still wear high heels. As I told someone recently, it's in my DNA, and they'll probably bury me in mine.

The twin and I often drive to church together. We have a habit of stopping at Cracker Barrel for a bite of dinner and a whole lot of chatting before church. Nothing better than good food and the twin!

Three of the males in our family have birthdays in August, so to celebrate, we gathered at Minute Maid Park and cheered the Houston Astros on to a great victory! Here I am, smiling in the parking lot with my beautiful niece Anna. I love her so much and am amazed at how strong she is.

And finally, tomorrow (the 31st), I will have been divorced 14 years. It seems impossible at times. This picture of me, slumped in a chair, looking less than cheerful, while my belongings are being moved into storage—until I can get steady on my feet—makes me a little teary-eyed. Not because of the challenging times that followed, understand, but because of how far I've come.

As I write, God's blessings and gifts astound me, and the smile on my face is real. Life isn't perfect, of course—and I can't know what a day might bring—but the future looks bright, and I'm happy to be me. 

And now...on to September!

The Days of October

October is birthday month for my twin sister and me. Dayle was with her hubby, vacationing in the mountains, so we blew out our candles apart this year. She said it was the first time in 10 years, and I guess I'll let her be the expert there. I thank God for my twin, and I hope her wishes come true.

Birthday evening, my daughter took me out to dinner at my new favorite place: Tommy Bahama's on Market Street. The food was divine. My granddaughter, Audrey Emeline (pronounced: Emma Line) was also divine. Other than posing for these pictures, she mainly slept and looked adorable.

As the weather turned a bit cooler, I dangled a few fall leaves in my kitchen window and stretched a garland behind the sink. Nothing fancy, but it gives me that "fall feeling" every time I walk in. Love how the leaves move constantly.
Although I'm trying to maintain my own life in some measure, most weekends find me hovering over my grandchild. I realize these infancy days will pass so quickly, and I hate missing any of them. This particular weekend, I spent the night with my daughter and watched little one the next morning while Leslie cheered a friend on in a mud run. Me and the grandchild shared lots of smiles and kisses.

Another weekend with the grand one. We played peep-eye and rocked and sang. She is cutting five teeth all at once, so she drools like mad. We went through three bibs in no time.

Family gathered to celebrate my birthday last night at Spring Creek BBQ. Wombmate was still gone (sigh), and her daughter wasn't able to join us, but it was a wonderful time with people I love. To me, nothing is better than family and good food in the same room.

Well, today is the last weekend in October, and what a gorgeous day it is outside. My grandgirl is asleep on my bed, and chicken gumbo is on the menu for tonight. My daughter starts a new job next Monday. Her child care plans fell apart, so please help me pray for the perfect person to care for Miss Audrey. I know God loves her more than we do, and I believe he will provide.

Till next time, my friends, seize the day.