Texas Christmas Recollections Day Five

Is it over yet?  We've been every where man. College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Bastrop.  Today we got to go see Hubby's Dad and R at their new Texas Ranch (ok, mini-ranch, but there are cows!).  It was a really nice relaxing afternoon and it was awesome that we got to see them.  We had a great lunch, but left before dinner was ready. She was making a French Market Soup and it smelled go good.  I tried looking up a recipe, but none of them seemed to match hers.  Maybe we can get her to share?

Today officially starts Texas New Years! and I'm happy to report that I found my special houseslipper socks, it might just be a great New Year!

Texas Christmas Recollections Day Three & Four

JD's wife's daughter's husband.  That's how people are described in Caldwell.  It's not enough to say JD Smith, because there could possibly be 3 JD Smiths in a town of 3,000 people.  For example, I'm Nada's oldest daughter's husband's daughter.  Hubby is Reube's oldest daughter's oldest son.  It's important that you go back at least three generations, lineage is very important to everyone knowing exactly who and what you're all about. It's kinda cute.  I'm back from a road trip with the family.  We went to San Antonio and we had a lot of time to talk about who all we've seen since we've been here, so all conversations about people have to include a genealogy.

San Antonio;  It's my favorite city in Texas.  Here's some highlights from our trip down.

Of course, the Alamo.

The Original Mexican Restaurant on the Riverwalk (daytime).

The Original Mexican Restaurant on the Riverwalk (nighttime).

My most favorite place in San Antonio is Mi Tierra's.  Think Mexican Gone Wild then times 10, then add a few Hail Mary's and perpetual Christmas and you're starting to understand this place.

Here's my dad.  He's an Aggie.

Lizzy approves of this meal.

Remember what I said about Christmas- Did you imagine this?

There are actually Mariachi's in the bar.

Texas Christmas Recollections Day Two

 James Brown died.  Merry Christmas. Can you believe that's the line my dad blurted out during Christmas present time this morning?  Then he preceded to walk around the living room, in his Christmas pajamas singing, "I feel good," hip wiggle, "I knew that I would now."  Very inappropriate, right! 

Excess should be the word of the day, so far it's been full of it and it does feel good (da da la da da).  Here's some snapshots:

In other news, we think LoLo has a slight Orange Soda addiction.  I'll let you figure out which one she is! LOL.

Sock update.  I've ruled out my Aunt B as being the sock culprit. 

Texas Christmas Recollections Day One

Church bells.  Lawn mowers.  Shoes on wood floors.  Waking up in Caldwell is always the same.  The Lutheran Church is two down from my house and the church bells sound every hour.  When it's Christmas time, there's usually a Silent Night chime and then the "DONG!" "DONG!" "DONG!"  On our first morning back, there were 11 dongs before we got up.  I guess that happens when you don't get in until 2 AM.  Denver weather backed everything up.

Mr. Perry is our neighbor.  He loves his riding lawn mower.  So, most mornings you can hear him and since my bedroom window faces his house, I get it in full effect.  I don't mind.  I like the sound of lawn mowers.  It sounds like progress.  You know that when you're finished mowing that you can see what you've done.  You don't have to run any reports to chart your progress, there's no specific measurable matrix you have to fit into.  The yard is either mowed or it isn't.  Simple huh?

My parents house, which was my grandparents home and the one my Mom grew up in is really old.  I think it's almost old enough for Willard Scott to wish it a happy birthday and it comes with all the moaning groaning you'd expect from a house that old.

Dad wakes up early. Which can be good, when he's got a project.  When he doesn't have a project, then it's bad news for everyone.  This morning it was breakfast and inappropriate jokes.  His first one started, "Hey"  (that's how all his jokes begin), "Hey, have you heard of the new sexual position for married couples?"

Finally, I've got a bit of a situation cooking up here.  You see, my parents keep the house freezing!  I'm serious, I can see the thermostat from here and it says, 68! So, not that that's ridiculous, but I, knowing how cold they keep the house, brought socks specifically designed for cold weather and walking on wood floors.  They're the kind with rubber traction on the bottom and they have little slots for each of your toes.  You know the ones right.  So, now I'm forced to wear borrowed flip flops and freeze my little tootsies off :(