This Monday evening we were celebrating our Sister-in-law, Mandy who had a milestone birthday in late February. We were able to assure Many that this decade she is entering is a good one.
Lana and I ordered the lamb. Everyone’s choices were delicious.
We sang and enjoyed dessert!
Strawberries Romanov for me and Lana. All the desserts were enjoyed.
It was a great treat to enjoy this celebratory meal while we were in Texas.
We give this restaurant high marks for hospitality and quality.
The plan for our Monday in Texas was to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. Steve dropped us off close to Exchange Avenue where the cattle drive would take place at 11:30 A.M. While he looked for a parking spot we moseyed over to find our spot in the crowds waiting to see the cattle drive. This happens twice a day.
The crowds dispersed and we poked into a few shops to see the western ware.
Everything a tourist might need to take home for a souvenir.
We started looking for a likely spot for our lunch rendezvous with our brother Leonard. He was driving out after a couple of meetings to enjoy lunch with us.
We made reservations at Hotel Drover’s 97 West Kitchen and Bar.
We had time to walk and do a little more shopping before Leonard met up with us at the restaurant.
We enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and had great service.
Full and satisfied with plans to eat again at dinnertime we made our way to our cars and headed back into Dallas and Flower Mound.
If you have never been we recommend the Historic Stockyards at Forth Worth for a visit. I’m glad we were able to visit on a cool day that started misty and improved for our visit.
After meeting up at Watermark church in Dallas for the 11:15 church service we gathered at Leonard and Mandy’s for lunch. We enjoyed chicken fajitas with all the trimmings. We had some good conversation around the table with a good recap of the sermon.
My brother Leonard and his dear wife, Mandy.
Our hostess and host and chauffeur for our days in Dallas, Lana and Steve.
Our niece, Hope. (Leonard and Mandy’s daughter)
Our nephew, Andrew. (Leonard and Mandy’s son)
We finished off the day with a stop at Half-Price Books. It was the largest Half-Price bookstore we had ever been in but we were in Texas after all, where everything is bigger!
More from Texas coming soon.
While we were traveling we had Spring weather back in our corner of the world and our grands were happy to get the bicycles out of storage.
Is Spring coming early in your corner?
Dinner at the Rusty Moose in Airway Heights on our way to the Spokane airport.
Our flight to Dallas left the Spokane airport at 5:30 am. Since we live about 2 hours from the airport we decided it would be wise to spend the night at a hotel at the airport on Friday. That worked out well. We were able to walk to the airport on Saturday morning in good time to check in and go through security. Our brother-in-law and sister picked us up at Dallas-Fort Worth airport when we arrived before noon.
This was our first time to see Steve and Lana’s new home. It is beautiful and comfortable. Lana prepared Cottage Pie for dinner and soon a few of Steve’s family members arrived along with our brother Leonard’s family. It was a nice relaxed evening getting caught up with everyone.
On Sunday morning we met up at Leonard and Mandy’s church for the 11:15 service and then enjoyed lunch at their home. Yummy fajitas with all the fixins hit the spot.
We had a good discussion about the sermon around the table.
Our sister Lana and her husband, Steve.
Our brother Leonard and wife, Mandy.
And here are our niece and nephew.
The day ended with a good rain storm.
Tomorrow we are planning a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Hope your March is starting well.
Today we are traveling by air to another state for a visit with loved ones. Here are some clues as to who we will be visiting and the state they live in. I think you’ll be able to guess with these clues. All these photos are flashbacks taken many years ago and a couple years ago.
We are going to be in one of the states above from the second row of quilt squares.
We will be visiting two households.
The kids in these photos are now teens. The adults are all in new decades of their lives.
Any guesses? We’ll see y’all on the other side of our trip and hopefully we’ll have lots of blog fodder to share.
On Valentine’s day we had a surprise delivery of flowers from Josh and Laura. It was unexpected. We were thankful for the thoughtful gift. Addy and JJ came over in the afternoon for a movie and dinner while their folks enjoyed some time on their own. We watched Milo and Otis and then enjoyed tacos for dinner. JJ made guacamole out of the one avocado we had on hand. Ice Cream Cones for dessert and then we had some story time and just got started watching Davy Crockett and their folks came to pick them up.
Earlier in the day these photos were texted to the family.
Sending love across the miles!
Before Valentine’s day Katie and Laura met up for nail day getting ready with just the right color for Valentine’s day.
We are grateful for technology that allows us to see and enjoy what our loved ones are doing miles away and closer to home!
We had a nice dump of snow on Sunday. We couldn’t see our mountains and hills on the way to church.
After church the Grands had fun in the snow.
Don’t shake those limbs!
A targeted snow shower.
My Monday and Tuesday will be full of activity from morning to night as our church is having a Going Away plus 10 Year celebration for our Youth Pastor’s Family. I’m overseeing the food preparations for that event. My computer/blog time will be scarce over the next couple of days.
Happy President’s Day if you live in the states and if you live in Canada, Happy Family Day.
Hope you are having a lovely Friday and Valentine’s Day. This is my catch-up post for this past week and the month of February so far with photos I’ve taken and photos that were sent to me. Trader Joe’s tulips were too pretty to pass up last Friday and after pulling my Valentine’s Day bin down I found the sparkly hearts to add to the bouquet.
When we were at Costco a couple trips ago the adidas warm-up sets were $10 and a set in size 6 made it into our cart. JJ is growing right on schedule into size 6!
Basketball is going on this winter and Baba finally made it to a practice.
My sister and her hubby flew into Seattle to surprise a close friend who was turning 50 and they had a bonus visit with our West side kids. Makes me happy to see them all together. They had a great time and sent us photos to prove it!
The first puzzles of 2025 got started and finished in the last couple of weeks.
JJ and I finished this glow in the dark puzzle during our Monday afternoon time. Later when it got dark we checked to see if it was glowing and it was. Woohoo!
This farm seasons quilt puzzle was a fun one to do. I finished it earlier this week.
A few close-ups showing the 4 seasons.
Addy and JJ went to a birthday party at Flying Squirrel in Spokane a couple weeks ago and we were sent these photos.
Tonight Addy and JJ are being dropped off at Gramps and Baba’s for dinner and a movie. Their parents are going to have some uninterrupted time together for a few hours.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. May love fill your hearts and minds and actions!
Joyce From This Side of the Pond is sharing the love with our new set of Wednesday Hodgepodge Questions.
1. Did you watch the Super Bowl? Did your team win? What’s your favorite game day snack for whatever sport is happening?
We did watch the game and were so surprised at the blow-out. The Eagles played a great game. I’m glad the Chiefs finally got some good plays in. We really didn’t have a favorite team. For game day snacks I like Charcuterie with meats and cheeses and veggies with dips like artichoke and a baguette cut up in thin rounds and nuts and I could go on and on.
2. What’s your ‘superpower’?
Detective work is one of my super powers and along with that comes spotting danger. Those powers made me a real good Playground teacher.
Another super power, because I love to do it, is planning a trip.
3. Will you do anything special on Valentine’s Day? If so do share. Any thoughts on/about this particular holiday?
I’m thinking I’d like to do a chocolate fondue again.
Some dipping suggestions: cookies, biscotti, cubes of cake, dried apricots, pineapple, fresh berries, sliced pears, orange slices, and marshmallows.
This recipe easily served 8 people with leftovers. If you are serving a smaller group half the recipe.
I enjoy hosting a little Valentine dinner and decorating in pink, white and red for a change.
Share a favorite verse or quote relating to love.
1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loves us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
4. Are you a fan of the rom-com genre? If so what’s one of your favorites?
Not a fan of this genre in movies or books. Give me a good murder mystery with a faithful loving relationship in the plot line and I’ll be happy.
If you’re not a movie go-er then what about a book you love that features a great love story?
Going back to murder mysteries the relationship between Gamache and Reine-Marie in the Inspector Gamache series of murder mysteries is a great love story. Their relationship is loving, faithful and an everyday kind of relationship, not far fetched but inspirational.
How about a favorite love song?
This song about God’s love in sending Christ to save us is a current favorite.
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On a more earthly note, from my high school days, I’ll go with Cherish by the Association. There were so many popular love songs in the 60’s.
I love good music sung by talented singers. Even if they sing something that isn’t necessarily classified a ‘love song’, it brings out the love in me. Andrea Bocelli can be singing anything and it sets a amazing mood. Nat King Cole is another singer who’s voice is ‘music to my ears’. Music is very key in my personal history. God has used it in powerful ways in my life.
5. Let’s get creative…write an acrostic using the word L-O-V-E.
Living in love
On the cusp of heaven
Visualizing with hope
Eternity
6. Insert your own random thought here.
My favorite Valentine’s! Photo from Valentine’s Day 2024.
After our wonderful tour with Jimmy on Monday September 23rd we were ready for lunch. We took the steps down Advocate’s Close and found the Devil’s Advocate.
Fish and Chips one more time before we left Scotland.
After our lunch we could face the stairs to go back up Advocate’s Close to the Royal Mile.
Our destination would be Holyrood Palace which is at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle.
Located on the Royal Mile, the Mercat Cross holds a prominent position within the Old Town. Its proximity to other historic sites, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh, places it at the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural and civic life.
The Mercat Cross holds significant cultural importance in Edinburgh’s history. It was not merely a market hub, but also the focal point of civic gatherings and proclamations. Its distinctive octagonal structure, adorned with a unicorn and the royal coat of arms, reflects the intersection of commerce and monarchy in medieval Edinburgh.
The John Knox House is on the Royal Mile.
John Knox’s House dates from the 15th century and has been largely unaltered since the 1550’s when the Mosman family, Goldsmiths to Mary Queen of Scots, remodeled the house. John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian Church, only lived here for a short period before his death in 1572.
The ground and first floors of the house are presented as a museum about John Knox, the evolution of the Protestant faith in Scotland, and the conflict between John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots. There are a few audio commentaries and lots of written information to read.
On the second floor of the house, you see a wood-paneled apartment that is preserved in the state that John Knox would have known. This is the most interesting part of the house.
We found the Secret Garden through an archway along the Royal Mile and had to take a photo of the Thistle
After the garden we finally were at the end of the Royal Mile at Holyrood Palace.
Holyrood Abbey was founded by David I, King of Scots in 1128, and Holyrood Palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 15th century. Queen Elizabeth II spent one week in residence at Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each summer, where she carried out a range of official engagements and ceremonies
This beautiful doorway was a perfect photo op and it became Josh and Laura’s Christmas card.
We bought some souvenirs in the shop at Holyrood.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Fountain
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The palace stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. Holyrood Palace is the setting for state ceremonies and official entertaining.
We walked back along different roads to Grassmarket and then up Victoria Street.
Looking down Victoria Street.
Since this is the last of my posts from Scotland I wanted to add Greyfriars Bobby in the Kirk. We saw this spot earlier in this day. Do you know the story behind Greyfriars Bobby or have you seen the old movie?
Our last full day in Scotland was another record breaking steps day. Goodnight to Monday September 23rd.
On Tuesday September 24th we had coffee and breakfast snacks at the Black Sheep before we checked out and called an uber to take us to the airport for our flights home.
We loved our time and what we experienced in Bonnie Scotland. Cheerio.
A while back this unwanted groundhog showed up on our property and we did not enjoy the thought of a colony moving in and making underground cities here. As cute as he is, he had to be eliminated.
It’s time for Wednesday Hodgepodge and we are starting with Groundhog Day! Thank you, Joyce.
1. What area of your life feels like you’re stuck in a Groundhog’s Day loop, doing the same thing over and over?
The only thing I can come up with is that once all our morning and afternoon activity is over we tend to sit down in front of the ‘box’ and go into relax mode. We don’t have any regular evening activities to attend these days. Winter darkness contributes to this. We’ve talked about instituting a reading hour or two instead of doing a lot of watching. We usually retire between 8pm and 9pm so it isn’t hours and hours of TV…but still.
Does it bother you or is that just how life is in this particular season?
Being in the winter of my life and retired this does not bother me. I do welcome any interruption to the regular evening mode and am ready to venture out when the calendar calls for it. I am happily active during the daylight hours. 🙂
2. Something that makes your heart skip a beat?
The Aurora light shows we had last year made my heart skip!
Holding our newborn children and grandchildren, a beautiful sunset or sunrise, an eagle soaring, any wildlife that suddenly appear in our back yard, our grandchildren’s hugs, a phone call from a loved one, a favorite worship song/hymn, hearing God’s Word expounded, a prompting of the Holy Spirit.
3. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve or are you more of a closed book? Elaborate.
I don’t think either of those describe me. I’m generally up front and direct and ready to tell the truth. I’m not an overly emotional person unless you attack my loved ones.
4. According to Prevention Magazine, these are 25 of the best foods for heart health-
wild salmon, sardines, liver, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, oatmeal, blueberries, coffee, red wine, green tea, soy milk, dark chocolate, raisins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, whole grains, apples, oranges, grapefruit, avocado, avocado oil, olive oil
Which five do you include in your diet most often?
Avocado, walnuts, almonds, oatmeal, coffee
Are there any foods on the list you simply cannot abide?
My body does not react well to green tea so I avoid it like the plague.
5. What was the last piece of furniture you bought?
The last piece of furniture we bought was a new desk for Greg.
Is there a piece of furniture you need/want to purchase this year?
NO
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Saturday was the annual Awana Grand Prix and our Grands vehicles did well, My 2 Cents, and Finger-ma-Bobber.
The Grand Prix helped us get out in the late afternoon and evening and change up our Ground Hog Day Loop, woohoo!
Here is a photo I love, taken on Monday and texted to our family group of our DIL and our Granddaughter. It’s still winter, y’all!
Happy February Hodgepodgers!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 