This and That

A little This And That from last week --

One of my sisters by choice and I celebrated National Margarita Day 
with a Margarita at one of our favorite local spots 
 along with some chips and dip.

Are you following the Great American Read at PBS?
There is a list of 100 favorite books there and THE MARTIAN
is one of them. 
I hadn't read any Sci-Fi in awhile and since it was on the PBS list,
I decided to try it and I'm very glad I did.
There was just enough science to not overwhelm
and humor to break the tension.
Take your vitamins before reading -- it's a ride! 
No, I haven't seen the movie.

The peaches are very good at the local grocery store.
I was surprised they've been this good for this long.
I normally buy peaches at the farmer's market.
This year, I've bought more at the grocery 
and that meant more peach smoothies!

My beautiful Summer Mug designed by Susan Branch.
They are expensive, but so pretty and a great size.

The blue jay on the bird bath had just completed his bath.
The jay on the left was begging to be fed.
A parent's work is never done!
(Wonder where I put the tiny towels?)

A butterfly visit to Musashi's Garden and the lantana.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Mosaic Monday

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Crush

For several years,

Susannah Conway has had what she calls August Break.

It's a break from the usual blogging routine.

My buddy, Meri at Meri's Musings is participating this year
and reminded me that this IS a fun way to have a break.
You can get as carried away with the prompts as you want ...
or not.

The prompt for today is CRUSH.

That led me immediately to the Houston Astros
and Orange Crush (also an drink).

I found all the images on line except for this one.

Yep, that's me in my Astros Orange Crush World Series T-shirt

with the World Series Trophy and 

the College World Series Trophy from 2003 won by the Rice Owls.

That's my August Break for the day! 

Who Gets The Credit?

A few things that made me smile this week.

Lunch across the street at Eclair Paris.
This is their club sandwich with chicken ... wonderful herb sliced chicken.
The book (Bearly Departed) is the first book in new cozy series,
 A Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series by Meg Macy.
I love teddy bears and really enjoyed the book.
Like all good cozy books, it is set in a small, idyllic town
and has wonderful places to shop, quirky characters, dogs and cats!

This dragon-lady will never have enough dragons.
This one was made by a favorite artist of mine who I also consider friend,
Kate Tracton.

It was much easier to grow succulents in New Mexico.
But look, my first successful succulent bloom in the tropics!

Speaking of blooms,
a volunteer that came up in the garden.
Not sure which bird or squirrel gets the credit for bringing in the seeds.

I found this sign on Birch Lane
and really did laugh out loud.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a big smile.

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It's All About Trader Joes!

It's been a This and That week.

First, the plumber made a visit.

Then the AC guy made a two day visit.

Hopefully, I'll be cool in the 100+ weather.

My yard/pond guy (the wonderful Cody) tried to fix my
irrigation system and has to get a part.
He has hooked things up so I can water. 
Good thing.
It's going to be a scorcher this week.

Early this morning I headed out to Trader Joes.

Their flowers are always so pretty.

"My" TJs gets their flower shipment in on Sunday.

Too many pretty flowers to pick from.

I picked up two orchids and some zinnias.

I love zinnias. 
They remind me of my Granny.
She always had a flower bed full of zinnias.

I planted zinnias last year and hoped they would reseed.
They didn't.
I won't make that mistake next year!

I also picked up banana bread from TJs.
When I got to the checkout I said,
"I didn't know you carried banana bread."
Checker told me it is a new item.
It's good, too.
Beats heating up the kitchen in the hot summer.

I didn't set out to write a post all about Trader Joes
but sure looks like I did!

Wishing YOU well and much joy.

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I Had A Plan

This is what the 4th of July looked like at my house.

After hurricane Harvey last year,

I think it's safe to say the whole city has/had PTSD.

The last I heard, no homes were flooded,

just a lot of high blood pressure!

It has continued to rain off and on.
Today the sun is shining and I had a plan.

After feeding the kitties and the fish, 
getting my morning walk done,
and all the morning ablutions (love that word).

I walked over to Eclair Paris to have breakfast.
I had Eggs Benedict as usual.
I took my Mindful Magazine with me to read
and laughed out loud several times while reading an article on meditation.
(Been there and done that!) 

I came home with two sinfully delicious desserts.

I saved them both.

Until...

I decided to try this one.
This is the owners new favorite.
Orange with a surprise!
I ate the top -- could taste the orange...
then the cream layer ... more orange
and got to...

Surprise!

I reached the strawberry custard layer.

Wow! 

I can see and taste why it is her new favorite.









But, I guess I'm old fashioned.
I still like the lemon tart the best.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Mosaic Monday

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